What is your curriculum?

Our curriculum is emergent, inspired by nature, and guided by the evolving curiosities of our students. We prioritize creating an environment where children feel safe, connected, respected, and supported in their play, inquiries, and explorations.

Our days are centered around hikes, explorations, storytelling, cantos, and art making, offering abundant opportunities for social-emotional growth. Teachers model positive social behaviors, guide children through restorative conflict resolution, and support them in assessing and balancing risks. As guides, teachers also help mitigate hazards that children cannot manage. Children are encouraged to join teacher-led or student-initiated activities but are equally free to pursue their own interests.

How do you ensure the group stays together and safe?

The safety and well-being of the children are our top priorities. We teach safety practices as a group, exploring the area around base camp, using tools, and learning essential safety language. We have carefully designed safety policies that our teachers follow. Children are taught specific calls, sounds, and signals to alert them to potential hazards. All of our teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness First Aid.

What do you do when it rains? What about when it’s really hot? 

We embrace Alfred Wainwright’s philosophy that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” On rainy days, children arrive dressed in warm, layered clothing and rain gear, ready to enjoy the rain. We jump in puddles, sail leaf boats, and play outdoors—rain or shine!

During the summer heat, we cool off by visiting water sources, playing water games, and relaxing in the shade.

School is canceled in cases of lightning, thunderstorms, imminent flooding, or when the AQI reaches 150 or higher, following guidance from the Pasadena and Los Angeles Health Departments. We may also end school early or cancel due to extreme heat.

Is potty training required? Where do children use the bathroom?

Potty training is not a requirement for attending our preschool program. Children can come in diapers or at any stage of the potty training process. Families provide their preferred diapers and wipes. We collaborate with families to support the potty training techniques they use at home while children are at school. Our potty is a camping toilet discreetly placed in a pop-up tent, exclusively for our students. We provide toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap and water for clean-up. Adults and teachers use the park bathrooms.

What should my child bring each day?

Each child is required to bring a labeled, sturdy small backpack daily, containing the following labeled items:

• Covered, insulated water bottle: The bottle should be easy for your child to carry and operate independently, and it must not leak when inverted. Please ensure it is filled at the start of each day.

• Snacks: Please pack a separate bag for morning snacks.

• Sealed lunchbox: The lunchbox should be small enough to fit in the backpack, as we do not have refrigeration or reheating capabilities. Be mindful of hot and cold weather when packing lunch; insulated zipper bags work best. From Monday to Wednesday, we ask that you pack a sack lunch to help reduce backpack weight.

• Extra clothes and shoes: Provide seasonally appropriate clothing and shoes. On rainy days, please send your child in their rain suit.

• Hiking shoes: Proper footwear helps prevent accidents.

• Socks

• Underwear: If your child is potty trained.

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper cream: If applicable.

• Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen before school.

• Seasonal hat: A suitable hat for the weather.

• Muslin blanket: For nap time.

Children are responsible for carrying their own backpacks. The wagon we use is designated solely for transporting materials needed for the day's activities. Please keep in mind that we have limited capacity to assist with backpacks when preparing your child's items.