Homeschool Recreation Program
for youth ages 10-13
The transition from childhood into adolescence is a critical developmental shift.
As our children enter this new chapter, we strive to meet their unique needs by providing a supportive, enriching environment where they can thrive. Our program fosters independence, critical thinking, and self-awareness, while nurturing their natural curiosity and desire for exploration. We will also focus on group dynamics and tending our collective hearth through working with differences, relational literacy, and stewardship of the land that holds us; caring for ourselves, each other, and the earth.
Our twice weekly drop-off recreational program for homeschooled children ages 10 to 13 meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 3pm. We will follow natural and seasonal rhythms through fireside storytelling, playing games, crafting with natural materials, tending the wild/ecological restoration, sensory exploration, campfire cooking, nature awareness activities, naturalist knowledge, wilderness immersion, writing, creative arts, music, movement, meditation.
Meet Michaela
Michaela has a degree in Elementary & Special Education and has studied and trained in Washington State at the Wilderness Awareness School and Rite of Passage Journeys from 2010 to 2012. It was at these two places that Michaela deepened her own learning and understanding of nature-based education and leading rites of passage/coming of age expeditions for youth and teens. Since then, she has worked with many environmental education and nature connection schools across the country, most recently with Wild Earth Wilderness School co-developing and leading programs for youth, teens, and adults.
Michaela focuses on the relational and connective aspects of working with people in and amongst the natural world. She runs a small business called ReStory Kinship Programs and lives in High Falls with her husband and two children. She is passionate about raising children, her own and others, that become protectors, caretakers and lovers of the earth.
Individualized Projects & Mentorship
To support the growing independence of middle schoolers, we provide opportunities for individualized projects and mentorship.
Children can delve into personal interests, guided by mentors who offer support and expertise. This approach helps children develop a deeper understanding of their passions and fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. Throughout the session, children will work collaboratively and independently on a session long creative project that will culminate in a presentation to the community during our solstice celebration.
Each day begins with gratitude and check-ins, setting a positive tone and fostering a sense of community. Children then embark on a hike to the forest, engage in storytelling, participate in games, and enjoy hands-on activities such as foraging and cooking. The day closes with a talking circle, emphasizing respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and reverence.
Mixed-Age Community
We believe in the value of a mixed-age community, where younger and older children can learn from and support each other.
Although there are several periods throughout the day where children are separated within smaller age-based groupings, there are also ample opportunities for our older children to engage with the youngest children in our community. This environment promotes empathy, leadership, and collaboration, enriching the experience for all.
Our Intentions & Values
Our anchoring intention is to nurture our relationship to self, our relationships with others, and our relationship to the Earth.
Respect
We hope to instill in each child respect for oneself and one’s community. We nurture each child’s instinctive appreciation of the natural world. Lessons of love and respect are in how we treat each other, how we treat ourselves, and how we treat our environment. We set and respect boundaries and honor each other’s autonomy and personhood.
Diversity
We value diversity in all its forms and we welcome families from all different backgrounds. Our goal is to help our children to know that they are cared for and deserving of love. They were born perfect, whole and complete.
Peace
Roots and Wings Village is built on a foundation of peace and as a community we strive to practice nonviolence. We use nonviolent communication and peaceful conflict resolution. As guests at Shanti Mandir, Temple of Peace, we abide by vegetarian-only diets while on the property (no meat or eggs, please).
Courage
We will practice courage by showing up authentically and letting ourselves be seen. We will learn how to be vulnerable ourselves and to honor vulnerability in others. We will practice self-compassion and embrace our own imperfections. We will face fear and grief together, allowing ourselves to feel pain. We will share our stories of struggle and strength. We are all lifelong learners and embrace a growth mindset.
Belonging
We believe we are all worthy of love, belonging, and joy. We will allow others to see us and strive truly, deeply see one another. As a community, we practice inclusion, consent, and anti-racism. We long to create meaningful connections and forge lasting bonds of friendship.
Gratitude
Together we will practice gratitude. We recognize that we will all make mistakes and we will work to make amends. We will choose to feel joy and be filled with the knowledge that we are enough.
Join Us
Interested to learn more about our program or ready to apply?
Email rootsandwingsvillage@gmail.com for more information