What is the Sage Creek Prairie School?

These past few years have been tough on all of us...there has been too much stress, too much reliance on technology, and too few chances to celebrate being together, safely, in the outdoors.  For adults, this has been difficult...but for our young people?  This has been such a challenging time.  We now need to reconnect with our outdoor spaces more than ever.  At Sage Creek, this is our mission; to provide opportunities to play and learn outside.  Our programming takes this into account; we provide nature-based free play for our littles, curriculum-matched skills and opportunities for our older children, and opportunites to learn new skills while recconecting to nature for our adults.  There is something here for everyone!

"Forest schools" were developed in Europe where children are allowed to go outdoors on a regular basis to experience nature. Focussing on the main idea of all sessions being "child led", children are allowed to experience the outdoors through curiousity, experimentation, and risky play.  This type of programming allows children to develop their creativity and resilience while igniting a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

While the "need to play" concept exists for smaller children, there is an increasing amount of evidence that our older teenagers need to play as well, and they aren't developing this skill in their mainstream education.  Our programming allows teens the freedom to be creative and spontaneous while exploring nature, allowing for a much deeper connection with the outdoors.  

And adults?  We need to play too!  The ability to relax and be present while in nature is sometimes forgotten in our daily rushing. Join us for adult sessions featuring new outdoor skills and community building while increasing our food independence.

1.  What is a "nature school"?

Nature schools are places where a great deal of learning occurs, but not in desks! Our programming takes place out in nature as we learn about nature. This type of learning doesn't have a curriculum....it is child or adult led, and where the wind takes us, that's what we learn about!  

2.  What are the positive effects of the outdoors on children?  Adults?  

Children who go outside on a regular basis have increased resilience, ability to regulate behavior, better motor skills, and an increased ability to focus. Little people are active, and need to move, play, get dirty, and learn about things that are important to them. Adults need outside time as well, as a chance to recharge, become grounded, and learn new fun skills in a supportive environment.  

3.  How many children can attend at one time?  

It depends on the age and activity....very small children (3-4) will have smaller groups, while older teenagers and adults can have larger groups. Activities that involve increased risk, such as tool use or bushcraft, will have a decreased number of participants.   

4.  Do you go out in cold or wet weather?  

We always go outside...it may be for shorter times, and we may have to change what we wear, but yes, out we go! If the weather is dangerous, such as a storm or strong wind/wind chill, we may shorten or cancel our session (please see our cancellation policy on our registration form).  We have a brand new community tent shelter coming, and we can't wait to use it this season!

5.  Isn't being outdoors risky and dangerous?

In short, no....not with good planning and scaffolded appropriate activities. In fact, by allowing children to experience age/skill appropriate risky play, we hope to teach them how to manage their own risk.  With our strong policies of risk management, we hope to never experience an emergency.  However, minor medical emergencies will be dealt with onsite, while major emergencies will activate our EMS (we are two minutes away from our local hospital).  We do expect our participants to follow instructions and have respect for our other participants and the land itself. 

6.  What do we bring to a session?

Everyone will always get a "gear list" at the beginning of the session outlining what special gear will be required. Most often this involves closed toe shoes, a water bottle, a hat, a jacket, etc.  We always have extra water bottles and snacks if you forget!

7.  Where do we go to the bathroom during a session?

We are big fans of the "tree wee", but we now have a composting toilet station in our "beyond classroom" that's easily accessible and for everyone to use.

8.  Are sessions ever cancelled?

Yes. If the weather is not safe (extreme heat/cold/wind/storm/high levels of smoke), we will cancel a session or shorten it.  While we do intend to go outside every session, we still feel very strongly that it must be both safe and enjoyable for our participants.  If sessions can be rescheduled, that may be an option, but sometimes it may not be feasible to do so.

9.  What training and skills do the instructors have?  

Our instructors have a variety of skills to lead a variety of programming that range from education and biology degrees to plant identification, bushcraft, first aid and forest school certification.  We each bring our own unique sets of talents to our sessions that allow us to make use of teachable moments and provide guidance and support where needed.

10.  How will I know if I will like this? Or my children will?

That's easy.... the sparkle in their eyes and the dirt on their face, the discussions at the supper table, the feeling of well-being after a session, and the freedom and excitement about learning a new skill will be wonderful indicators. We can't wait for you to join us to find out!