I wanted to enroll my son in the Outdoor School because of his high interest in the natural world and enthusiasm for exploring. He learns best when he feels connected to the subject and I like to say that he has a “talent for dirt,” so I want to encourage him to immerse himself in the world, get wet and/or dirty, touch plants and animals, look at the effects of humans on the environment and feed his desire to be a naturalist. He comes home gloriously dirty and very, very happy! — Rachael, mother of 7 year-old boy

Moon Beams & Stardust (Parent & Baby)

Ages:  Caregivers and 0 – 4 year olds

Children and caregivers will be introduced to natural environments, with an emphasis on sensory awareness through guided explorations of the trails, plants and wildlife surrounding Eaton Canyon. Developmental skills such as eye-hand coordination, balance, tactile exploration, and sense of smell, hearing and taste will be engaged. Classes will consist of craft activities, nature-based storytelling, snack (prepared by the instructors), and a nature walk. The class will consider enrolled children’s abilities and focus on adult interests and relationship-building. Walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a hat are recommended.

Hop and Jessica have also taught me about relating to our environment and the community as well. During the class we sometimes take a leaf off a bush or a tree to smell and collect in the nature journal. Hop said we can also say thank you to the Black Sage bush as we take a sample. He said Black Sage was considered a sacred plant to the native Americans. He also teaches parents and children about composting, which in my opinion is the most sensible way to discard food waste. I hope one day, I will be able to set up a compost system in our house as well. Jessica is inspiring with her ingenuitive recipes using herbs from her garden and homemade flours of different kinds of grains, such as buckwheat and Taff. The snack time, prepared by Jessica and Hop is the highlight of the day for me and my girl.

BOBCATS & RABBITS

AGES: 7 – 12 years

This class will strengthen and support the development of healthy will and purposeful work through a relationship with mother earth and community. The child and family who will benefit from this class likely already have some desire to explore hiking trails, learn about ethical outdoor habits, fire-making, stalking and tracking, drawing, sitting still for stories, writing, following directions and are curious about edible and medicinal plants and learning some Spanish. Students will make a field journal at the start of every session. Please note: This is a drop-off class, however, caregivers are welcome to stay.

COMPOST & HONEY (AKA LAND STEWARDSHIP)

AGES:  5 – 6 years

This class will be focused and taught from three local micro farms, PANTHER RIDGE FARM, Seven Generations Mountainside Land for Learning and Aunt Maggie’s Farm. Children will follow the cycles of life and seasons of growing by planting, tending, and harvesting farm crops and learning the basics of animal husbandry. They will collect seeds, make and tend compost, learn about bees and eat their honey and build garden structures. In addition the children will deepen their relationship to the local land by hiking and foraging into the surrounding foothills. The class will include seasonal crafts and relevant story telling. Please note: This is a drop-off class, however, caregivers are welcome to stay.

THE MOUNTAIN KEEPERS

My son’s imagination was fired by the opportunity to do some wilderness tracking, and now all of his imaginary play includes following trail signs, finding animal scat, observing habitats and laying his own trails for me to track. But, more than that, he feels really connected to the group of adults and kids in Mountain Keepers. He says, “I made a lot of friends, and Poppa Hop really loves me.” — Rachael, mother of 7-year-old boy

Ages:   6 – 12 years (Children age 6 must be accompanied by a caregiver)

Hands-on, learn-by-doing experience for families interested in learning how to restore, protect, steward and enjoy the San Gabriel Mountains and all life connected to it, from the upper watershed to the Pacific Ocean. Families will hear from guest speakers about local
efforts to improve the local ecology and children will become U.S. Forest Service Jr. Rangers in the process. This is geared toward the family, including small children, and everyone is welcome. Drop-off is ok for 7 – 12 year olds. Children age 6 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a hat are recommended.

Don’t see the program you’re looking for? Contact info@pantherridgefarm.org and write to us what you’d like to see. We love creating new programs!