Daily lessons under the sky

Rooted in nature, growing through discovery

Wilderness Workshop

The Wilderness Workshop is our outdoor learning program, held in The Discovery Garden. Here, Toddler 3 through Pre-K classes venture out daily to explore the natural world through hands-on lessons that connect directly to Wisconsin’s Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS). Each visit offers children the chance to investigate, create, and learn in a living classroom where nature itself is the teacher.

Through these experiences, children develop:

• Scientific Thinking 🔍 – Observing plants, insects, and animals while asking and answering questions.
• Problem-Solving & Curiosity 💡 – Experimenting with natural materials and exploring how the world works.
• Physical Development 🌱 – Building balance, coordination, and strength through outdoor play and exploration.
• Social-Emotional Growth 💞 – Collaborating with peers, practicing patience, and developing respect for nature.
• Environmental Stewardship 🌍 – Learning to care for plants, insects, and animals while understanding their role in our ecosystem.

The Wilderness Workshop allows children to connect their classroom learning to the outdoors, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Outdoor Classroom

An outdoor classroom is a dedicated learning space that extends education beyond four walls and into the natural world. In this environment, children explore, play, and learn surrounded by plants, soil, water, and wildlife. Just like indoor classrooms, outdoor classrooms are intentionally designed—but instead of desks and whiteboards, the materials are logs, leaves, sunlight, and fresh air.