Nature Immersion Summer Sessions
Summer sessions are an extension of the Wild Discovery Semester Program, and an opportunity for an immersive experience in a nature-based, self-directed learning environment.
Day Sessions
Outdoor, self-directed, nature immersion programming
By following our curiosity, exploring the land, and meeting the beings that live there, we’ll co-create and learn together. Each session shares related activities and daily flow. We play games upon arrival, then transition to morning circle to hear about daily projects, sing songs, and share naturalist knowledge about this ecosystem. Daily activities include swimming, crafts, fire tending, storytelling, and plenty of time to explore our surroundings. Naturalist skills, laughter, and adventures will make these exciting weeks for all ages.
Attending multiple weeks? Participants have the opportunity to select a skills based competency badge to work on or complete one they began during the Wild Discovery Semester Program.
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Building confidence, resiliency, and independence though nature immersion programming at Thistle Pond in Monroe
Interested in youth rites of passage?
We welcome inquiries about upcoming offerings, please reach out if you have questions.
Tuition
Available Payment Methods
Work Trade, Barter, and Sliding Scale
Cancellation Policy
When your enrollment is confirmed, please review the packing list.
The following policy will apply when canceling summer session enrollments that are paid in full at the time of registration:
- 100% of refund minus a $75 fee until 90 day(s) before the beginning of the activity
- 100% of credit minus a $75 fee until 30 day(s) before the beginning of the activity
- After 30 days before the program begins, prorated credit minus a $150 fee, based on the number of sessions remaining at the time of cancellation
Tax deductible donations made via Zeffy are non-refundable, the following policy will apply to registrations made via monthly auto-pay:
- 100% of credit minus a $75 fee until 30 day(s) before the beginning of the activity
- After 30 days before the program begins, prorated credit minus a $150 fee, based on the number of sessions remaining at the time of cancellation
The project based learning activities are amazing there is no traditional school that will teach him how to tan a deer hide or build a fire with just a flint and steel. He is not restricted to sitting at a desk and is allowed to explore his environment with guidance from his mentors.
The four years with White Ash Learning has helped my son learn to interact in (more) cooperative, creative and confident ways with children AND adults. So glad to see this collaborative, creative, confident, enthusiastic being emerging
Our grandson was able to make some really good friends and learn how to be social without having us around to cue him as to what to do.
White Ash provides an environment where my children can express themselves in a healthy and safe way.
We wanted to say a massive thank you for camp! The kids had such a wonderful time and learned a lot. They have been telling us things they learned about crows and fires, and we have observed an increased sense of confidence and independence in both kids.
Our children have experienced interactions with other children of all ages that would not have been possible for us outside of White Ash. They have learned healthy boundaries and the importance of communicating with their peers.
We love the Deer Isle summer camp, the kids love camping out and attending the program during the day. This past summer they really enjoyed bringing a pot and a bunch of ramen and cooking lunch over the fire for everyone in the program!
My sons have been enjoying the program immensely. I hope you continue to offer it!
I really can’t even measure how meaningful Clover’s experience has been with White Ash Learning! It’s super awesome. Keep being your wonderful selves. Clover is so happy.
Just a few of the benefits of a nature-based learning environment
• Whole child development
• Increased fine and gross motor skills
• Increased language and communication skills
• Integrative approach to incorporating academic subjects
• Self-directed: based on participant interests and observations
• Practice regulating one’s own behavior
• Increase competence in social interactions and collaborative skills
• Development of problem solving skills and independent thinking
• Curriculum is not pre-scripted but instead inspired through nature-based play and skill building
• Deepening relationship with the more than human world