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NATURE BUGS is a weekly, mixed-age outdoor class designed for families with children ages 2–7. Rooted in curiosity and connection, this program encourages child-led play, meaningful exploration, and joyful learning in nature.
NATURE BUGS is a weekly, mixed-age outdoor class designed for families with children ages 2–7. Rooted in curiosity and connection, this program encourages child-led play, meaningful exploration, and joyful learning in nature.
Each week, families gather to hike, explore, and learn together through a nature-themed topic. Classes include a blend of storytime, movement, hands-on activities, and nature journaling, inviting children to engage with the natural world in creative, age-appropriate ways.
Each week, families gather to hike, explore, and learn together through a nature-themed topic. Classes include a blend of storytime, movement, hands-on activities, and nature journaling, inviting children to engage with the natural world in creative, age-appropriate ways.
This program fosters a sense of familiarity and community among participating families. Together, we build rhythms rooted in wonder, collaboration, and outdoor discovery, rain or shine.
This program fosters a sense of familiarity and community among participating families. Together, we build rhythms rooted in wonder, collaboration, and outdoor discovery, rain or shine.
At Wild Explorers, we believe the best kind of learning happens outside, and together.
This is NOT a drop-off class.
Grown-ups and kids get to explore side by side! Led by Ms. Jo, each class invites families to follow their curiosity, take healthy risks, play freely, and discover the magic of nature at their own pace.
Throughout our 12-week session, we'll rotate between four thoughtfully chosen locations across the North Austin area. These spots are selected based on class themes, seasonal changes, and weather conditions, allowing us to experience a variety of local parks and trails in a meaningful way.
CLASS LOCATIONS:
A complete schedule, including all class locations, will be shared with enrolled families before the session begins. For the safety and privacy of our community, we do not publicly share class locations with anyone outside of the program.
To make the most of our shared experience, families should be prepared to travel to a variety of locations around North Austin and Cedar Park. A spirit of flexibility and commitment to attending each week help us create a connected, consistent learning environment for all.
HIKING & TRAIL NOTES
Each class begins with a group hike to our basecamp location. Hikes are generally short, about 1/2 mile out & 1/2 back, though exact distances may vary depending on the trail and class activity.
Trail conditions range from flat and easy, to rocky and uneven. We do not assume that all trails are stroller-friendly, so please plan accordingly. Good walking shoes and a willingness to navigate natural terrain are essential.
We prioritize child-led hiking, allowing plenty of time for observation, exploration, and discovery along the way. These walks are an important part of our learning, building physical endurance, awareness of our surroundings, risk assessment skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Some of our locations offer access to creeks or streams, and water play is a valuable part of our experience. Children should come prepared to get dirty, and occasionally wet. Water shoes and a change of clothes will always be encouraged to bring.
SAMPLE CLASS SCHEDULE
10:00am Gather & Safety Reminders
10:05am Hike to Basecamp
10:15am Group Explore
10:30am Story time & Snack
10:45am Activity & Movement
11:00am Group Explore
11:20am Nature Journaling
11:40am Bug Keepers Time (clean up)
11:50am Hike Back
*Families are welcome to enjoy their lunch/snacks at anytime throughout the class.
WHAT TO BRING
All materials needed for our weekly activities will be provided by the program. Families do not need to bring any extra supplies beyond their personal backpack, and optional personal supply pouch.
We encourage each child to bring their own personal supply pouch to class. This supports a sense of ownership, builds responsibility, and allows children to use materials that are familiar and comfortable for them. That said, we we always have a shared set of community supplies on hand.
Bringing a personal supply pouch is entirely optional, but if your child would like to bring their own, we suggest including the following:
Suggested Personal Supply Pouch:
-Pencil
-Crayons, Colored Pencils
-Washable Markers
-Scissors
-Glue Stick/Liquid
-Scotch Tape
-Small Watercolor Palette & Brush
Personal Backpack Essentials
-Drinking water
-Lunch/snack
-Packable blanket to sit on
-Kids change of clothes
-Optional: sunscreen, bug spray, first aid
READY TO JOIN THE NATURE BUGS?
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