- WHO ARE WE? -
We started as a group of homeschool families in Utah that meet weekly in Salt Lake County to deliberately combat Nature Deficit Disorder.
Thanks to the popularity of our program, Nature Kids Connect has expanded into multiple locations throughout the valley and into Utah valley.
Our various groups include adventurers of all ages, from newborn babies to grown-ups, who gather weekly rain or shine during the school year to explore the great outdoors and to learn about our place in the natural world.
The Utah Valley branch of Nature Kids Connect is known as the Owls. NKC Owl families will gather Fridays. Time and Location will be disclosed once you've registered. This is not a drop off program–families participate all together.
**We will only accept families that have at least one child who is 8 years-old. If your child will not be 8 years-old by 9/8/23, please join us in future years. Thank you!
- WHAT TO EXPECT -
A routine day at Nature Kids Connect will usually look like this (schedule subject to change based on group needs):
FIRST HOUR
PURPOSEFUL PLAY
Gathering Games
SIT SPOT
Independent Time to observe nature and nature journal.
SECOND HOUR
LUNCH & STORYTIME
Children and adults have an opportunity to reconnect through sharing what they observed during nature time.
GROUP LEARNING
We will break into age level groups to develop skills and learn about Mother Earth. We will focus on plant, animal, and insect knowledge; and outdoor skills such as knots, cordage, knife safety and carving, orienteering, and fire building.
THIRD HOUR
UNSTRUCTURED FREE TIME
Free exploration time.
- MEET THE LEADERS -
TORI CHRISTENSEN
I love learning about the world around me and love all things outdoors. I chose to homeschool my children because I thought it would be fun to learn alongside them and because I wanted them outdoors. I took up the hobby of weeding, I mean gardening, when my kids were little so I would have something to do while they played outside. I love all things plants and all the things you can do with plants (grow, eat, preserve, dye, etc). I have been camping and hiking since I was a baby and love doing it with my kids. I have 4 kids 2-12 with one on the way. I was a Free Forest School leader for a number of years until 2020 and my growing children changed that. I am excited to restart a dedicated group that meets my growing children's needs.
DENA ROSS
I have 4 older 20 somethings, and an 11 and 9 year old. I started homeschooling when my 11 year old started school. I’ve had a love for the outdoors ever since I was a young child living in Cedar City, Utah. I lived away for 25 years in Illinois, and missed the mountains immensely, and was happy to return in 2019. I love the feeling I get in nature. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, camping, and love to learn about the plants, animals, and things surrounding us. I love a good adventure. I have been a member of the Salt Lake group for a number of years and am excited to start a group down here. I also assist part time in a Waldorf classroom at Honeycomb Cottage School.
MELISSA HUNTZINGER
I love to explore. It is a core belief of mine that nature heals. I grew up rock climbing and mountain unicycling. In my pre-children days I loved backpacking. Right now I have 4 kids ages 2-11 that make backpacking a little difficult. We still love to explore as a family, enjoying hiking and camping. In the last few years I have really enjoyed learning about wild edibles and foraging. I am so excited to be working with the young explorers on Fridays. I believe the magic of childhood is best nurtured in nature and am happy to see it unfold for you and your family.
- CORE ROUTINES -
Our group philosophy is based on the ideas taught in Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown.
At the heart of our program are the 13 Core Routines, which are learning habits that help us learn nature's ways. We use the Core Routines to help us expand our edges.
Edges are invisible boundaries of comfort zones, awareness, knowledge, and experience. As a group, we strive to find our edges and use curiosity as a tool to gently guide us into the unknown.
A condensed version of the book is also available: Coyote’s Pocket Guide to Connecting Kids with Nature.
- JOIN US FOR 2024 - 2025 -
Tuition for the whole year is $100 per family for the whole year + $40/child supply fee. We want to make nature education for everyone.
Please reach out if you need assistance with the fee.
- CONTACT THE OWL LEADERS -
HAVE A QUESTION ?
Email the Owls at: NKC.Owls@gmail.com