What is wildflower nature play?
The short answer:
Wildflower provides children with an opportunity to play freely in nature - like we used to in the good ol’ days! Our farm setting offers children the chance to use their imaginations, get dirty, and try new things. If your child would enjoy running with goats, climbing fences and trees, building forts, and eating sugar snaps fresh off the vine, then they are perfect Wildflower material!
The long answer:
With all of the expectations placed on our children these days, it’s easy to see that they are not getting enough time to just be kids. Studies show that the lack of free play, specifically in nature, is leading to an increase in negative behaviors and a decrease in school readiness. Children need to be able to play with no rules or expectation. They need to be free to make decisions, make mistakes, and take chances!
See below for examples of the benefits of child directed nature play…
Children learn about the world through using their senses as they explore and play
Sensory play helps to build nerve connections to the brain, which encourages the development of motor skills and complex learning tasks
Use of all sensory systems
Risk taking during play helps children learn the difference between good risk and bad risk
Through “risky play”, children develop skills such as self-confidence, resilience, executive function, problem solving, and learning about limits
Participation in risky play is actually shown to decrease the risk of injury
Opportunity to take risks in a safe setting
Allowing children to play without/limited adult interference helps to develop skills such as negotiating, conflict resolution, thinking outside the box, problem solving, and critical thinking
Peer interaction without adult interference
At Wildflower, our goal is to create well rounded children who, like wildflowers, can grow and thrive anywhere!
Camps
What does a camp day at Wildflower look like? With a child led approach, it is hard to say how each day will look. Having said that, the days typically include activities such as play time in the petting zoo, crafts, games, nature hikes, etc. Parents drop their child(ren) off and let the staff supervise while the kiddos have fun on the farm! The role of the staff is to supervise and keep the children safe. They will provide the children with the space, materials, and freedom to get creative while keeping directives and suggestions to a minimum. This approach allows for the children to learn skills like negotiating with peers, resolving conflict, and thinking outside the box. They will get dirty! Make sure to dress them accordingly.
Summer Camp
10:00am-12:00pm: $175 per week; $40 per day
Optional lunch hour add on: $15 per day (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Geared towards children ages 3-10
Snack included each day
Limit of 8 campers per week
Private Camp
1 hour in duration
$25 per child (2 child minimum)
Available year round*
Children of all ages can attend
*Private camps must be scheduled directly with office. Scheduling link cannot be used.2024 Summer Camp registration is now open!