Child-centered education
in a nature-immersive setting
Shop our Fall Pretzel Sale through 10.26.26
Connection to Nature
Students connect with nature, learning valuable lessons about our collective eco-footprint and embracing the responsibility of respectful custodianship.
Child-Led Learning
The learning at JNS happens through times of unstructured play, a variety of expression experiences, and small or large group conversations.
Innovative Education
Academic content is integrated seamlessly through practices of social/emotional development, problem-solving, critical thinking, self-regulation, & communicating ideas.
Confident, expressive lifelong learners
Journey Nature School is a special learning space that aims for its children to become confident, expressive, and lifelong learners. We emphasize social justice and caring for the environment in a natural setting.
Programs Overview
Journey Nature School offers programs for families with children from 18 months
to 12 years in Logan County, OH
Nature School Quarterly Enrollment
Journey Nature School (JNS) is a quarterly (Spring & Fall) outdoor educational program geared toward preschoolers and homeschoolers ages 3-7.
Multi-Age Summer Camps
Multiple weeks of full & half-day summer camp choices in Bellefontaine, Ohio for 3-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds in mixed age groups!
Young Adventurers Series'
Calling all families with toddler friends 18 months to 4 years of age! For 2 hours on Friday mornings over the course of 6 weeks, join us in facilitated learning experiences for parents and children!
Free Forest School Saturdays
On the 2nd Saturday of each month, March - October join us at Myeerah Nature Preserve for an all ages & FREE hour and a half of a sample of JNS philosophies in action!
PARENT TESTIMONALS
Matthew M. (Alumni Parent)
“We love the freedom and space our children have been given to be themselves. They have been challenged to be in the difficult elements of nature, and this is something we believe they will take with them for the rest of their lives. The ability to enjoy outside… is huge for us. We appreciate the constant encouragement for our children to take an exploratory approach to learning and relationships.”
Erica R. (Alumni Parent)
“I’m so glad that my community has such a wonderful education program for my child. We love journey nature school!”
Katie Z. (Alumni Parent)
“JNS has opened our minds, eyes and hearts to a way of educating our children we didn’t know was possible. Because of JNS, we have been able to provide education for our children that aligns with how we want them to learn. Not only does [our child] get to lead his education with his own curiosities, we also as a family get to grow in how we educate at home as well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common inquiries about our programs!
How much of the day will the children be in the outdoor classroom?
Depending on the season, children will be outside ~99% of every day in all kinds of weather: rain, snow, and sunshine. Children will be provided safe spaces or cancellations will occur during extreme weather.
For Young Adventurers Series, the families will be outside 100% of the experience as it is only 2 hours.
What happens in challenging weather?
We appreciate that changing weather helps children develop resiliency. We find that when children are dressed comfortably for the weather, they enjoy rain, snow, and mud just as much as sunshine.
Journey Nature School follows Bellefontaine City Schools for all weather delays and cancellations.
In the event of extreme weather (high winds, thunderstorms, tornados, snowstorms, below-freezing temperatures, etc.), there is the chance that JNS Staff will make the call to move activities to designated indoor spaces or for an early dismissal.
What should my child wear?
Journey Nature School prioritizes learning through outdoor play experiences. It is essential to dress for the weather each day in attendance. Ask your child(ren) about their desired movements in the clothing they will be wearing. Can they climb, run, jump, bend and crawl?
We recommend the gear list from the Outdoor School Shop to aid in choosing these items.
Families are also provided recommended gear/clothing for all seasons in the JNS Guidebook upon enrollment.
Can we leave gear or clothes on-site?
Yes! Children are welcome to leave clothes in designated gear bins and within the Gear Shed.
Any soiled clothes will be sent home on the same day. Please keep a water proof bag in your child's backpack for these instances.
For young adventurers programs, it is recommended that gear goes home each week.
Is this program right for our family?
We recommend completing the Family Self Reflection Interview to help you to best assess if this program is a good fit for your family’s lifestyle.
If you have any questions about the program or how it can complement your family’s learning goals, please contact us!
Young Adventurers Series require parent attendance, while Quarterly Programs and Summer Camps are drop-off programs.
For JNS Families of young children, we will consider your child’s first three weeks of enrollment a trial period. As your child enters the program for the first time, it will be a way to see if your chosen enrollment option fits your child best. At the end of this three week window, we will reach out for a conversation to discuss what is working well and any potential growth areas.
This meeting also opens up the conversation for adjusting the enrollment frequency, which would change by the sixth week of the quarter.
How does JNS support homeschooling families?
JNS is a secular homeschool supplement or homeschool co-op option for students in Logan County and surrounding areas that promotes child-led learning through a connection to nature. The shared environment offers homeschoolers a community of like-minded families, scheduling flexibility, and personalized learning that is supported by qualified, caring adults.
Children enrolled gain confidence through the classroom experience—not only in listening to educators and guests and answering questions but in public speaking and class presentation opportunities that children don’t get at home.
Geared towards early education, JNS educators provide homeschool families with a solid base of educational discovery that parents and families can build upon as they grow more confident as educators themselves.
Additionally, we provide families with personalized guidance and help navigating Ohio homeschooling law.
How does JNS encourage family engagement?
JNS views families as partners who play a critical role in their child's and program's success. We encourage parents to be active participants in their children's JNS experience by volunteering. This could include being a guest speaker, work/repair projects, planning committees, snack donations, or material support.
Additionally, JNS offers families opportunities for exploration and community-building outside of the on-site options. In the past, these have included bowling nights, field trips, and group meals.
