Homeschool Programs Archives - Flying Deer Nature Center

Swallowtail Adventures

For gender-diverse youth ages 13–16

10:00 am–4:00 pm each Saturday, plus a weekend overnight and a potluck for families

Fall 2025–Spring 2026 Schedule: Contact us for dates.

Tuition: $850 for the year

This monthly Saturday program, with an overnight campout in May, provides a safe and fun space for trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer youth to explore the natural world, gain wilderness skills, and build community with one another. Within this caring container, young people can learn, play, take on healthy challenges, step into their leadership, and just be themselves!

Time in nature enhances resilience, well-being, and self-esteem, while learning survival and awareness skills helps kids and teens to cultivate awareness and emotional regulation. As young people connect with nature, they strengthen their connection with their own inner knowing and with those around them, and feel more at home in themselves and on the planet.

Our curriculum will incorporate:

Sensory awareness activities
Games and storytelling
Outdoor living skills and crafts
Friction fire making
Shelter building
Tracking our wild neighbors
Sit spots—a mindfulness exercise in nature

The series will include a family potluck in the spring to expand the circle of connection.

Swallowtail Instructors

Raei Bridges | they/them

Raei was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in California and always sought out ways to deepen their connection to nature. As a child, Raei could be found playing in the mud, climbing trees, and observing insects. Raei leads backcountry trips for BIPOC individuals through their grassroots organization, the Rusty Anvil, which creates safe and noncompetitive space for people of color to reconnect to the natural world and build a deeper outdoor community. Raei is a certified SOLO Wilderness First Responder and Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide, and a trained Wild Mt. Rite Of Passage Guide.

Rowan Quinn K Davis | they/them

Rowan Quinn (Hawk Moth) grew up constantly running around outside with no shoes, and this spirit still lives inside of them. Their love of nature and exploration came from hours of climbing trees, playing in the mud, and going on family camping and rock climbing trips. Rowan studied at Hampshire College, examining the intersections of education, architecture and design, dance, circus arts, and community. Outside of Flying Deer, Rowan has most recently worked for the Hampshire College Early Learning Center, Greenagers, and Jacob’s Pillow.

Wild Ways Teen Program in East Chatham, NY

For ages 11–17.

Mondays, 9:00 am–3:00 pm (with an overnight in spring!)

Location: 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY. Get directions.

Fall Session 2025: 12 weeks (September 15–December 15; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session 2026: 4 weeks (January 12–February 2)
Spring Session 2026: 12 weeks (March 2–May 18)

Full-Year Tuition: $1,900 — payment plan available
Fall Only: $825 — payment plan available

We’ll craft around the campfire, build skills and competency in the outdoors, and learn and grow as a group as we:

Push beyond our edge with challenging adventures
Sink our teeth into primitive technology projects
Hone our senses with awareness practices that are useful in the woods and in the human landscape
Build naturalist and outdoor skills
Create time for sharing the ups and downs of life
Take one big hike in the fall semester, and do an overnight campout in the spring.

Curriculum areas are integrated into the rhythm and focus of our days. We study history by learning about the past and present-day ways that people related to the land, and science through expanding our knowledge of local flora and fauna, ecology, seasons, survival strategies and adaptations, and ethnobotany. Games, hikes, team-building exercises, balance and coordination, and sensory integration contribute to the development of fitness and body-awareness skills. Through journaling, storytelling, and communication, we practice using words and language.

Read our cancellation policy.

FOREST Homeschool Program in east chatham

For ages 7–13.

Offered two days a week—register for one or both days, for the fall only or the full year

Wednesdays, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Thursdays, 9:00–3:00 pm

Location: 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY. Get directions.

Fall Session 2025: 12 weeks (September 17 & 18–December 10 & 11; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session 2026: 4 weeks (January 14 & 15–February 4 & 5)
Spring Session 2026: 12 weeks (March 4 & 5–May 20 & 21)

Full-Year Tuition: $1,854 for one day; $3,520 for both days — payment plan available: $250 deposit + monthly installments
Fall Only: $825 for one day; $1,565 for both days — payment plan available: $200 deposit + monthly installments

FOREST (Friends Outdoors Relishing Earth Skills Together) is an outdoor education adventure exploring curriculum areas such as Naturalist Identification, Survival and Primitive Craft Skills, Wildlife Tracking, Awareness Exercises, Community Building, and much more!

Students are welcome to attend on both days or choose either Wednesdays and Thursdays. Enrollment is either for the full year (12-week fall semester, 4-week winter semester, and 12-week spring semester) at a discounted tuition, or per semester as space allows.

Students get the chance to run off into the woods and get an outdoor education in the following:

Shelter building
Safe and effective knife, saw and hatchet use
Fire building
Outdoor cooking
Crafting with natural materials
Naturalist knowledge of local flora and fauna and ethnobotany
Games and challenging adventures
Teamwork and life skills.

Our curriculum blends with the seasons. In the Fall, we learn about the trees and use their leaves to build warm shelters, harvest the acorns to make our own flour, and note the changes in animal behavior as they prepare for the winter. The first snows draw us deeper into the forest as we follow animal tracks. In the depth of Winter, we embrace the deep cold and learn to become comfortable with it. We venture out to track animals and build snow shelters, then return to our cozy camp to brew warm tea, cook delicious food, and recount our stories. The Spring has us watching the emergence of plants and eating wild edibles, catching salamanders and frogs, noting the new birds as they return from their wintering grounds, and wading into swollen streams after the first warm rains.

Read about our daily Homeschool Program activities on our In the Woods blog!

Read our cancellation policy.

COBBLERS Homeschool Program IN SHEFFIELD, MA

For ages 7–13.

Fridays, 9:00 am–3:00 pm

Location: Bartholomew’s Cobble, 105 Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA

Fall Session 2025: 12 weeks (September 19–December 12; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session 2026: 4 weeks (January 16–February 6)
Spring Session 2026: 12 weeks (March 6–May 22)

Full-Year Tuition: $1,935 — payment plan available: $250 deposit + monthly installments
Fall Tuition: $900 — payment plan available: $200 deposit + monthly installments

Through storytelling and immersive experiences, we explore curriculum areas such as Naturalist Identification, Survival and Primitive Craft Skills, Wildlife Tracking, Awareness Exercises, Community Building, and much more. Students get the chance to run off into the woods and get an outdoor education in the following:

Shelter building
Safe and effective knife, saw and hatchet use
Fire building
Outdoor cooking
Crafting with natural materials
Naturalist knowledge of local flora and fauna and ethnobotany
Games and challenging adventures
Teamwork and life skills.

In the depth of Winter, we embrace the deep cold and learn to become comfortable with it. We venture out to track animals and build snow shelters, then return to our cozy camp to brew warm tea, cook delicious food, and recount our stories.

The Spring has us watching the emergence of plants and eating wild edibles, catching salamanders and frogs, noting the new birds as they return from their wintering grounds, and wading into swollen streams after the first warm rains.

This program takes place at Bartholomew’s Cobble, which takes its name from the twin rocky knolls created by geological upheavals when the Taconic and Berkshire ranges were formed. This National Historical Landmark supports 800 species of plants in forest, open fields, and freshwater marshes.

Read about our daily Homeschool Program activities on our In the Woods blog!

Read our cancellation policy.

Awakening Wild: Nature Immersion for Adults

Registration coming soon for Fall 2025!

A 9-month program with meetings one Saturday each month (9:00 am–3:00 pm), September through June, plus a campout in May!

Program dates, Fall 2025–Spring 2026:
September 27
October 25
November 8
December 20
January 10
February 14
March 28
April 25
May 30–31

Location: 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY. Get directions.

Tuition: $1,200. Payment plan available at checkout: $250 initial deposit + monthly installments. We also offer financial assistance.

This program takes place at the same time as Saturday Explorers, so parents and kids can both attend nature programming once a month!

Led by longtime Flying Deer directors Julie Kunz and Raven Ross Kelso, Awakening Wild is a nine-month adventure in wilderness living skills, community building, and nature awareness.

The experience includes focused work time on projects and crafts; group time filled with laughter, stories, and song; and slowing to nature’s gentle place. This balance calibrates mind, heart, and body, and returns us to our lives refreshed and inspired.

What’s Included?

Each day offers a special focus in wilderness living skills as we put our hands to work to create useful survival crafts, prepare wild foods, construct shelters, and more. The program incorporates established curriculum with participants’ emerging interests and natural phenomena. You will also have the opportunity to make a commitment to deepen your journey through monthly focus areas and activities outside of program time.

Who Is the Program For?

While designed for individuals looking to gain a deeper personal connection to nature, this course will also benefit those interested in bringing nature connection to their workplace, community groups, and families. Teachers, parents, mentors, guides, and youth leaders will find new inspiration and practices to integrate into their existing programming. It’s also a great supplement for those enrolled in related degree programs, such as early education and the life sciences.

A Look at the 9-Month Awakening Wild Journey

Nature Awareness

Deepening our connection with nature is the heart and soul of this program. Nature awareness practices help us deeply root into our natural surroundings and foster a sense of natural belonging as we:

Saturate our five senses in our natural surroundings
Listen for Bird Language—nature’s communication network
Regularly visit one place in our environment—your “sit spot”—to remember our true nature

Community Building

Like other social species in nature, human beings possess the power to work together toward a common goal. Discover the spirit of cooperation within a nurturing village atmosphere as we:

Give voice to authentic gratitude
Approach projects, tasks and challenges with effort and laughter
Share songs and storytelling around the fire
Explore a nature-inspired, roles-based system of collaboration

Wilderness Living Skills

Wilderness living skills comprise the primary curriculum of Awakening Wild. Wilderness living skills prepare the body and mind to embrace the forest as a home. We approach these skills in the spirit of excitement, fun, and collaborative work. Skill-building areas include:

Fire-Making: Kindling fire using ferro rods/flint and steel, making friction fire
Wild Edibles: Harvesting edible greens, roots, seeds, and fruits, identifying dangerous look-alike plant species
Wildlife Tracking: Learn the traits that distinguish each animal’s track and sign, discover just how far you can follow the trail of a single animal in the forest
Natural Basketry: Create a container using materials from the land

Overnight Campout in May

Set personal and group learning goals
Enjoy a weekend of primitive camping with your Awakening Wild village
Nurture a deep relationship with the earth you call home

Awakening Wild is a transformational journey that helps us see the world with fresh eyes. It offers an expanded awareness of nature, greater comfort in the out-of-doors, a deepened sense of belonging to community, and a refined sense of purpose in life.

The Awakening Wild experience is an adventure in discovery, and is open to people with all levels of experience in and knowledge of nature, of every background, age, orientation, race, and ethnicity. We each have a unique place in nature and unique gifts to share. We look forward to creating a world that is ready for these gifts!

“I joined this program as an outlet for connecting deeply with the natural world and the nature in humans. This we did, in spades. I came away with renewed connection and vision, as well as hard skills in making acorn flour, listening to what the birds are saying, and so much more. But the biggest gift of this program is a strong sense of sowing the seeds of a new culture—one that is based on the true nature of humans and our relationship to the world as conscious participants in the web of life.”
Sarah P., past participant

Saturday Explorers

9 Saturdays throughout the year, 9:00–3:00 pm each day
For ages 7–12

At Flying Deer, 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY

Fall 2025–Spring 2026:
September 27
October 25
November 8
December 20
January 10
February 14
March 28
April 25
May 30

Tuition: $660

***

At Bartholomew’s Cobble, 105 Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA:

Fall 2025–Spring 2026:
September 20
October 18
November 15
December 13
January 24
February 21
March 21
April 18
May 16

Tuition: $670

The East Chatham program takes place at the same time and place as Awakening Wild, our 9-month program for adults, so parents and kids can both attend nature programming one day a month!

Saturday Explorers meets one Saturday each month to learn, grow, play, and explore in nature!

Guided by experienced mentors, shifting seasons, the interests of the group, and the lessons and opportunities from the natural world, we’ll sing songs, tell stories, play games, hike, craft, and learn wilderness living skills and naturalist identification.

Through our engagement with each other and our environment, we’ll challenge our minds and bodies and build teamwork skills, resilience, awareness, responsibility, and community. All while learning, finding our place as part of nature, and having tons of fun!

Forest Kindergarten homeschool program at Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield, MA

For ages 4–6.

Fridays, 9:00 am–1:00 pm

Location: Bartholomew’s Cobble, 105 Weatogue Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA

Full-year registration only, including:
Fall Session: 12 weeks (September 19–December 12; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session: 4 weeks (January 16–February 6)
Spring Session: 12 weeks (March 6–May 22)

Tuition: Full-year registration only: $1,530 for the year. Payment plan available: $200 upon registration + monthly payments

Our Woolly Bears Forest Kindergarten Homeschool program offers children the opportunity to explore, play, and rest in the forest. Daily stories, games, activities, and open-ended play support our seasonal curriculum and provide crucial time to develop the social-emotional skills that are at the foundation of a young child’s learning journey. Mentors ensure that each child’s needs are met while nurturing more awe and wonder for the natural world. Children thrive while learning—naturally.

Please note: This program is for children ages 4 to 6 who are potty-trained (no exceptions) and ready to comfortably spend a few hours away from their parents.

Why Choose Forest Kindergarten Homeschool?

Countless studies have shown how important free play is to the development of self-regulation, self-discipline, imagination, and much more. Pushing formal academic curriculum before children are developmentally ready can have detrimental effects on their future learning.
Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve health and well-being for both children and adults. It is linked to reduced symptoms of ADHD; reduced stress, anger, and aggression; increased physical activity; and improved relationship skills to name a few!
Connecting children to nature from a young age nurtures the next generation of earth stewards. When kids fall in love with the natural world, they want to protect it.
Allowing children to experience the natural world directly gives them opportunities for appropriate risk-taking, challenge, and problem-solving. As a result, they learn self-management and emotional regulation skills while enhancing their feelings of competency.

We’ve seen our son grow in confidence and independence this past year—growth that we attribute largely to this program. He is naturally reticent and cautious, and it’s been wonderful to see him take more chances and trust himself in new, unfamiliar situations.”
Dathalinn O.

Read our cancellation policy.

Learn more about what our Woolly Bears days are like on our Forest Kindergarten blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program

Is there financial assistance available?

Yes! Apply here.

What does a typical day look like?

Our day begins with a circle and games before we head to our campsite or forest home. From there we build, explore, create, play, and adventure close to home and throughout the Cobble. We return from our adventures for lunch and a story at our campsite and close our day with a reflection circle and songs.

What is the daily schedule?

9:00–9:15 am: Drop-off and games
9:15–10:00 am: Morning circle and snack
10:00–11:45 am: Exploration, free play, and nature activity
11:45 am–12:30 pm: Lunch and story
12:30–1:00 pm: Free play
1:00 pm: Pickup

What do you do on rainy days?

We do much the same thing that we do on sunny days, but we wear waterproof layers! Puddles are so much fun and rain brings out another side of the forest. We have sheltered areas and can keep a healthy fire going in all types of weather.

What do you do in the winter?

We wear warm layers and follow a similar rhythm to other times of year. We explore and play, enjoying getting to know the gifts of the forest throughout the seasons. Our forest home gets warm and cozy with its branch walls and canvas tarp overhead. We also have indoor spaces that we use occasionally for meals or activities.

Are there deer ticks on your site?

Berkshire County does have deer ticks. Download our tick information sheet.

What are the educator/child ratios in the forest?

We have 1 instructor for every 6 children. We also have volunteer counselors who spend the day with our group and assist the children and instructors in many ways.

How do I visit if I’m thinking about enrolling my child?

Email us and we’ll set up a visit for you and your child.

Is there before- or after-care?

We do not currently offer after-care at the Cobble.

How many days per week may my child attend your program?

Forest Kindergarten at the Cobble takes place on Fridays only. Our Forest Kindergarten in East Chatham is in session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Find out more.

What are the ages of the children in Forest Kindergarten?

The age range is from 4 to 6 years old. Children must be at least 4 and no older than 7 by the start of each session, and they must be toilet-trained.

What is involved with Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program beyond my child’s days in the woods?

We build community through family potlucks prior to the beginning of each session and celebrations at each session’s end. Other parent/family events may be scheduled as well. A weekly email goes out to all parents sharing pictures and stories of the day.

Additionally, once during each seasonal session (Fall, Winter, Spring) you will hear from your child’s instructors about the strengths and passions that are emerging during the program, through discussion and observational notes and pictures.

How can I get more information?

Email us at info@flyingdeernaturecenter.org.

Forest Kindergarten homeschool program, East Chatham, NY

For ages 4–6. Full-day program: 9:00 am–3:00 pm each day
Students enroll for the full year, which includes fall, winter, and spring sessions.

Choose from two options for Fall 2025–Spring 2026:
3-Day Program: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: $6,240 for the year (payment plan available: $500 deposit + monthly installments)
1-Day Program on Thursdays: $2,307 for the year (payment plan available: $300 deposit + monthly installments)

Location: 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY

Fall Session: 12 weeks (September 16–December 11; no program Thanksgiving week)
Winter Session: 4 weeks (January 13–February 5)
Spring Session: 12 weeks (March 3–May 21)

For all dates, please see our calendar.

Our Forest Kindergarten Homeschool program offers children the opportunity to explore, play, and rest in the forest. Daily stories, games, activities, and open-ended play support our seasonal curriculum and provide crucial time to develop the social-emotional skills that are at the foundation of a young child’s learning journey. Mentors ensure that each child’s needs are met while nurturing more awe and wonder for the natural world. Children thrive while learning—naturally.

Please note: This program is for children ages 4 to 6 who are toilet trained and ready to comfortably spend a few hours away from their parents.

Why Choose Forest Kindergarten Homeschool?

Countless studies have shown how important free play is to the development of self-regulation, self-discipline, imagination, and much more. Pushing formal academic curriculum before children are developmentally ready can have detrimental effects on their future learning.
Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve health and well-being for both children and adults. It is linked to reduced symptoms of ADHD; reduced stress, anger, and aggression; increased physical activity; and improved relationship skills to name a few!
Connecting children to nature from a young age nurtures the next generation of earth stewards. When kids fall in love with the natural world, they want to protect it.
Allowing children to experience the natural world directly gives them opportunities for appropriate risk-taking, challenge, and problem-solving. As a result, they learn self-management and emotional regulation skills while enhancing their feelings of competency.

This program exceeded our expectations. We wanted our child to develop a relationship with nature, to gain wilderness knowledge and skills—which he did 100 times over. Very often, he shares a piece of this knowledge with us and says, “I learned that at Flying Deer.” The skill challenges, hikes, plant identification, group games, and so much more are serious play—so much fun and also formative learning experiences. As homeschoolers, we wanted—and found—the opportunity for our child to be part of a peer group, to gain experience being sensitive to others, negotiating, listening, and finding his voice in a group setting.
Sonia W.

Get a glimpse of our daily rhythm and adventures: Check out stories and pictures from our Forest Kindergarten blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program

Is there financial assistance available?

Yes! Apply here.

What does a typical day look like?

Our day begins with a circle and games before we head to our campsite or forest home. From there we build, explore, create, play, and adventure close to home and throughout the wetlands, stream, and forest. We return from our adventures for lunch and a story at our campsite and close our day with a reflection circle and songs.

What is the daily schedule?

8:45–9:00 am: Drop-off and games
9:15–10:00 am: Morning circle and snack
10:00–11:45 am: Exploration, free play, and nature activity
11:45 am–12:30 pm: Lunch and story
12:30–1:00 pm: Free play
2:45–3:00 pm: Pickup for Full-Day Program

What do you do on rainy days?

We do much the same thing that we do on sunny days, but we wear waterproof layers! Puddles are so much fun and rain brings out another side of the forest. We have a tarp over our forest home and can keep a healthy fire going in all types of weather.

What do you do in the winter?

We wear warm layers and follow a similar rhythm to other times of year. We explore and play, enjoying getting to know the gifts of the forest throughout the seasons. Our forest home gets warm and cozy with its branch walls and canvas tarp overhead. We also have a lovely indoor space that we use occasionally for meals or activities.

Are there deer ticks on your site?

Columbia County does have deer ticks. Download our tick information sheet.

What are the educator/child ratios in the forest?

We have 1 instructor for every 6 children. We also have volunteer counselors who spend the day with our group and assist the children and instructors in many ways.

How many days per week may my child attend your program?

We offer three options for attendance: Three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday); two days (Wednesday, Thursday), or Thursday only.

What are the ages of the children in Forest Kindergarten?

The age range is from 4 to 6 years old. Children must be at least 4 and no older than 7 by the start of each session, and they must be toilet-trained.

What is involved with Forest Kindergarten Homeschool Program beyond my child’s days in the woods?

How far is your site from my location?

We are located at 122 Daley Rd. in East Chatham, NY. Below are approximate travel time from some nearby cities and towns.

Hudson, NY: 25 minutes
Great Barrington, MA: 30 minutes
Lenox, MA: 30 minutes
Chatham, NY: 5 minutes
New Lebanon, NY: 15 minutes
Troy, NY: 35 minutes

How can I get more information?

Email us at info@flyingdeernaturecenter.org.