Nurtured by Nature Outdoor Exploratory School
Private
Nurtured by Nature Outdoor Exploratory School is an all-outdoor mobile forest school for children ages 4 to 7, operating in natural areas around Arvada and Wheat Ridge. Its child-led, play-based approach draws on European Forest School, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia philosophies and environmental education. Summer runs as three two-week sessions plus a one-week session in mid-August, and families can book one, two or three sessions, consecutively or intermittently. Half days run 9:00am–12:00pm and full days 9:00am–3:00pm.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Nurtured by Nature Outdoor Exploratory School directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Amy WinkelmanMy son loved Nurtured by Nature Outdoor Exploratory School! He usually struggles with transitions and self regulation during traditional school or camp time but he looked forward to attending this outdoor school every day and would come home with so many stories about what he discovered in nature and learned about. Such a valuable experience and I highly recommend.
★★★★★Catherine LarsenWe feel incredibly lucky to have found this nature summer camp for our son. From the very first day, he absolutely loved it—no adjustment period needed! He comes home happy, tired, and full of stories from his outdoor adventures, which is exactly what we hoped for. Ms. Trish has been a wonderful instructor and caregiver. It’s clear she truly cares about the kids, and we’ve really appreciated how thoughtful and attentive she is, especially when it comes to safety. That peace of mind means the world to us. We specifically wanted a camp that emphasized time outdoors, knowing how healthy and joyful it is for our son to be outside. This camp is everything we hoped for and more—it’s designed for kids to thrive in nature. Our only complaint? Now we’re worried about the transition back to school, where outdoor time is so limited! We can’t recommend this camp enough.
★★★★★Nerina Guerrero5 stars isn't enough! Ms. Trish puts her heart and soul into this magical program. We feel so fortunate and grateful to have our son in this kind of school. He is ALWAYS excited and thrilled to go and spend all morning in nature and with Ms. Trish! These kind of programs are so needed for kids to thrive and learn at their own pace. This program is such a better fit for our child than regular kindergarten. He did not do well with full-time schedules, lack of movement and forced discipline. If you think this is some "woo woo" thing, it's not. Ms. Trish has experience and a solid grounding in educational theory and understands what will help children thrive. Highly recommended!!
★★★★★Kersten BishopWe started the first week in November and have loved it ever since!! My son's first day was a blizzard and though he was outside all day he came home and went right back outside. Ms. Trish is amazing. She is so sweet and kind. She really enjoys kids and being outside. They do art projects which I love that he still does that even outdoors. My son absolutely loves Ms. Trish and is always excited to go to school. We are so happy with our decision to leave our "normal" daycare and try this outdoor school for our youngest. He could not be happier and for that I am thankful!!
★★★★★Kara PeckWe had a wonderful experience with Nurtured by Nature! Our kiddo came home every day tired and happy, telling us about the cool things he had found in nature (frogs, crayfish, bugs galore!). The experience of being truly out in nature (not just at a park which is what we would usually do) and getting to explore was so special and helped our kiddo become more independent and learn so much. Trish is wonderful, kind and happy to work with families to make the experience a positive one. Highly recommend!