Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide children from diverse backgrounds with a holistic, joyful, child-centered learning experience in nature, that fosters social and emotional skills, as well as independence and responsibility.
Use of Funding
Scholarships & Subsidized Cost - We serve families of all income levels, and expand access to quality, outdoor programming. Multiple scholarships are provided for each session of Elements Nature Program. A subsidized option in our sliding scale cost also helps us to remove income as a barrier to quality education.
What families are saying about Elements…
“The Elements Learning Collaborative is a literal breath of fresh air for our family. We are so grateful for the community, friendship, and opportunity it has built for our daughter. While our family is part of a traditional public school setting, we also want our daughter to have access to outdoor play, nature learning, and children she might not otherwise get to meet, because those things reflect our values. We know it takes a village to raise a child, and we're grateful the Elements program is part of ours.”
Erin, Summer Elements participant
“I love the concept of explorative learning and that being outside in nature is a main part of the curriculum.”
- Maureen, ENP participant
“My child looks at plants and berries everywhere that we go now!”
-Summer Elements participant
“My daughter has spent time at Elements Nature camp the past two summers. Elements not only met, but far exceeded my expectations. Rachel and Cristy are both equally amazing with the kids. Though there is most definitely thoughtful planning on the part of the teachers, the kids are still very much able to delve deeper into their own interests. The things that my daughter learned are carried with her throughout the year. Her experience, her teachers, and her friends have become a very important part of her life, and we are very thankful to Rachel and Cristy for offering this wonderful program.”
-Rachel, Summer Elements participant
“I loved that the kids were outside all day, completely infatuated with nature! My boys came out dirty and tired. It was awesome. They still talk about all the stuff they learned.”
- Summer Elements participant
“This was my son’s first experience away from home/ mom and dad, and I couldn’t have designed a better program for him. From the very moment we arrived Rachel and Cristy made him feel welcome and included. He came home eager to share what he learned and wanting to use his new skills in patience and sharing. This program drastically exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful to have discovered it!”
- Danielle, Summer Elements & Family Day participant
“My children all show more confidence in new or different social situations. I am also happy to watch them problem-solve during and at separate times that I feel can be traced back to what they are learning on family days.”
- Rebekah, Family Day participant
“My daughter is having so much fun at Elements! She loves sharing the things she has learning at school with her family; especially the facts and songs about worms! Ruby is learning some valuable lessons about social interactions and how to resolve conflicts with her peers. The teachers are amazing, kind, compassionate, and so wonderful at working with children, meeting them at their level and helping them succeed. I love the focus on nature and how elements fosters an appreciation for the natural world around us.”
- Anna, ENP participant