FAQs

What exactly is a nature school?

Nature schools are early childhood programs that promote whole-child developmental growth through regular sessions in outdoor locations. Active free play is the cornerstone! The educational approach is “learner-led” and relies on outdoor play, exploration, and supported risk taking.

When and where do we meet?

Little Log Cabin Nature School is a twice-a-week drop off program. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We’re located in Berrien Springs, MI on Snow Road.

Who can apply?

We welcome ages 4 - 10! Before enrolling, children must be fully potty trained and able to get gear on and off independently. (*Exceptions can be made for 3.5 year olds, please inquire!)

How do I enroll?

Interested families should submit a Family Intake Form. From there, you’ll be invited to a tour. Once both your family forms are submitted and tour is completed, you’ll be invited to apply.

General

  • Yes! In fact, families must attend a tour before being able to formally apply. Tours occur on a rolling schedule and are arranged after the Family Intake Form is received.

    And yes! We offer full-family events that allow students, teachers and caregivers to come together. We build community with beach days, our Fun Run Fundraiser, Secondhand Garage Sale, and Family Bonfire.

    A full event calendar is available on our About page. And updates are always communicated to our email list.

  • For pre-k and kindergarten, yes! But for upper levels, no, as we’re only a twice-a-week program. Primarily, Little Log Cabin Nature School is a homeschool enrichment program.

  • Little Log Cabin Nature School has two terms, Fall and Spring. Fall runs September through November. Spring term begins mid March and runs through mid June.

  • Students enroll in one term (Fall, Spring) at time. Tuition is $1400 per term if attending two days per week, $700 if attending one day per week. A 10% discount is offered for enrolled siblings.

    Each season, returning students are invited to enroll in the next term before it opens to new students.

  • Elise Trattner and her family! Read a full note from Elise about how Little Log Cabin came to be, here.

Gear and Weather

  • Children should dress for a day of outdoor play! Clothes should be comfortable (for climbing, running, exploring!) and will likely get muddy and dirty. While we do our best to remove poison ivy from our play areas, we are in a wooded, semi-wild location. For that reason long pants, socks, and boots (or closed toed shoes) are required.

    We’re happy to recommend the right layers and gear for your child, so they’ll be comfortable and ready to play no matter the weather.

  • We gear up and get out!

    While this is regularly a concern of parents, it’s rarely one for children. Especially when they’re dressed right! The rain provides puddles and a fuller creek. The cold means a bonfire and a thermos of something warm! The snow is a gift and we’ll hit the sled hill!

  • In extreme cases, when it’s truly too cold or too rainy, we’ll move to the barn or the log cabin. Indoor pivots will be communicated via email.

Day-to-day

  • In addition to their outdoor layers, we ask that each child bring a backpack. Inside, pack a water bottle, waste-free lunch.

    Little Log Cabin Nature School will provide a nature journal, clipboard and pencil set - please bring those each day too!

  • We try to impart resourcefulness and respect for nature in all we do. Waste-free lunches are an extension of this!

    We recommend reusable containers and wrappers. The only bins available at our lunch spot are “compost” (a great lesson in food waste!) and “chicken treats” (NOEL Farms has a flock of about 30 onsite).

  • Yes! Mixed-age play has so many benefits! We stay together for the majority to the session, but will occasionally split into older/younger groups for the group activity part of the day (nature craft, farm chore, or “explore”).

Philosophy and Learning

  • There is so much to explore in this realm. We’ve assembled a list of our favorite books and resources. As many of our families use this program as “homeschool enrichment,” we’ve included recommendations for that arena as well.

    View the Little Log Cabin Reading and Resource List

  • Innocent. Curious. Capable. And always growing!

    This is how we see children. Our teachers, first and foremost, are there to create a safe environment. They support and nurture each of these in students. Encouraging and building upon their curiosity, stepping aside knowing that small hands are capable ones, and guiding and delighting in their growth and achievements.

    This extends beyond physical safety – to emotional. We emphasize patience, kindness, humility in teachers and students alike.

  • Our crafts, content and school cycle are completely informed by nature and the seasons!

    We forage for materials and practice zero-waste whenever possible. Our activities and crafts allow students to work with their hands, and explore a nature theme, (we introduce a new theme each week).