merry reviews+interviews: Nearby Nature

​Summer is approaching. And while GoMomGo has tried to make you aware of all the events, farms, and activities to enjoy with your family, it’s also nice to send the kids away for a bit of those long summer days.
 
May I recommend Nearby Nature?

​The Nearby Nature program is currently based at Alton Baker Park, where they are also the park hosts. The program has existed for 24 years. They provide all sorts of classes, events and camps for the city.
 
My son and I went to visit and get a feel for their summer day camps. This is the part of the Learnscape, which encompasses fruit trees, herbs, native plants, and vegetables. 

​Throughout the area are five special gathering places, such as Hazelnut Hollow and The Nest, which serve as home base for the different age groups at camp. 

​Natural shade and tree stumps provide a space for an outdoor theater, a swelling garden provides snacks and learning discoveries, trees beg to be climbed and burrows of mud provide sensory play --mother nature style. 

​There is plenty of unstructured free play, sandbox time, storytelling, art with recyclables, toys of rocks and sticks, and creativity with nature. Children are invited to engage all of their senses as they explore all that Nearby Nature has to offer.

​There are day camps for children age 3-11. The preschoolers stay close to home base and go on a few short nature walks. The 4-5 year olds mosey out to the park, and kids age 6 & up venture out often for field trips, to climb trees, and to scale rock walls.
 
Each class has one paid adult instructor, one adult volunteer, and one teen volunteer. There are a max of 12 kids per camp. There is currently plenty of room in the preschool camps while the elementary age camps are filling up fast.

Nearby Nature also holds events and programs throughout the year. NatureQuest is coming up soon on June 25 from 10am-12pm. The whole family can attend for an outdoor play day in the Learnscape. Build fairy houses, stick forts, sandcastles, and more! Members FREE, non-members $5/family. Pre-register here or by calling 541-687-9699.

​Visit their calendar to read about all of Nearby Nature's offerings!