Entirely Outside
Developing social skills and a nature connection in early childhood is essential for lifelong well-being
Bishop Nature
School Program
Ages 3 and up or developmentally ready
Hours: 9-2
At BNS, we believe all kids deserve unconditional love and respect. All feelings are allowed. We set limits without shame or judgment. We teach behavior through modeling, not threats or bribes. We try to say yes as much as possible. We allow all types of play as long as it is not hurting feelings, bodies, or property. We want our kids to learn to be sovereign beings that deserve to be treated with (and treat each other) the utmost respect.
Summer Camps
Chat us to see the current dates
Our summer camps have a similar flow to our regular nature school days. We start with journaling, and nature based crafts and activities, then we have a tea party and share gratitude. Summer camps are fun filled days with lots of nature play and community building. It’s a great chance for kids who are in traditional school to reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves.
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Get Started?
Do you have questions, or are you ready to sign up?
Chat With Us.
(+1) 831 295 4330
Or fill out our contact form.
Our Daily Flow
We are outside every day! Our daily flow starts with learning a letter of the week. We trace it, make a list of words that contain its sound, and move while we say it! Then we offer a nature-inspired craft or activity such as cooking with fire, building shelter, learning animal tracks, foraging wild plants, wood working, sewing, and lots of unstructured nature play. Later, we all gather in a circle for morning tea and snacks, which we provide. We use this ritual to practice patience, manners, empathy and listening to each other, and gratitude. After tea time we take our lunches on a hike. Our days follow the seasons and also our students’ interests. We encourage family participation and community building.
Low Teacher to Student Ratio
1:3 or 4 teachers to students
We practice respectful parenting
non-judgmental communication
Our low teacher-to-student ratio ensures that each child receives the attention and safety they need. We encourage the students to engage in appropriate risk-taking to learn about risk analysis in a controlled context. Also, we are able to explore each child’s individual interests. We treat each child with the love and respect that we do our own.
Learning opportunities for both younger and older children
Our mixed-age group allows for learning opportunities for both younger and older children. The older kids can take on more mentor/leader/nurturer roles, and the younger kids develop more sophisticated social, language, and motor skills.
Frequently
Asked Questions
My kid isn’t 3 yet can they come?
If your child is not 3 yet they are welcome to come visit and see if they are developmentally ready to be a part of the group. Some 2 year olds love to do what other kids are doing and can follow basic instructions when asked, others need more time at home. All children must be out of diapers but obviously accidents happen and are normal.
What does your day look like?
We are outside every day! Our daily flow starts with learning a letter of the week. We trace it, make a list of words that contain its sound, and move while we say it! Then we offer a nature-inspired craft or activity such as cooking with fire, building shelter, learning animal tracks, foraging wild plants, wood working, sewing, and lots of unstructured nature play. Later, we all gather in a circle for morning tea and snacks, which we provide. We use this ritual to practice patience, manners, empathy and listening to each other, and gratitude. After tea time we take our lunches on a hike. Our days follow the seasons and also our students’ interests. We encourage family participation and community building.
What do we do in the winter time?
The winter is one of our favorite seasons at BNS. As long as kids are dressed appropriately we never get too cold. We make fires and shelters, and cuddle in blankets. The heat and the wind are the two most challenging elements here in the high desert. These are some of the amazing lessons that the kids get to learn are how to find comfort in uncomfortable conditions. When it is hot, we find shade and water and wind and grass. And of course, if the conditions are unsafe or miserable, we will cancel and reschedule.
Where is the bathroom?
Nature is our primary bathroom. The kids learn to pee on their own behind trees or bushes. If we are not near a bathroom, we carry a bucket potty so we do not have to leave poop in the desert.
How much does it cost?
We do not want cost to be a limiting factor for any family to attend BNS. Families who have the means pay $550 per month for 2 days per week, and $1000 per month for 4 days per week. For any family that cannot afford that price, we have a scholarship application that helps determine the right price for everyone.
To fill out the scholarship, please visit this link