Summer is approaching!
As a forest program for young children, we honor and celebrate the transition from one season to the next in many ways. Sometimes it is through observation by watching a Swallowtail flying in the breeze, singing songs and telling stories about the warmth of the sun as the days grow longer or crafting tea made from local plants. Natural settings afford the children direct experience with a world not made by humans, where we can feel ourselves as a part of a larger community of life.
Building community through connecting families in nature is at the heart of our program. And what better time to get your children outside then Summer!
Oak Heart is offering many Summer adventures and we want you to join us!
Last week we had our first Summer Session forest playgroup class and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. Each week we meet in the Crow Site at Briones Regional Park in Martinez for a morning of songs, stories, and lots of playing! At one point, I found two children following me as I was collecting sticks. I happened to look over to our gathering space and captured this moment; mamas connecting over stories of Summer plans and their children. Being in community is how we find connection with each other.
Throughout the year, we offer a seasonal 8-week forest playgroup class that meets once a week from 9am-11am. Find out more about our forest playgroup classes here. We would be delighted to connect with your family!
Summer Camp is approaching and we still have a few spots left!
Our Summer Camp session will be meeting in Kennedy Grove Regional Park in El Sobrante, a short drive from our nature classroom in Martinez. This park offers a different natural landscape being located at the base of the San Pablo Dam and surrounded by an abundance of fragrant Eucalyptus trees. Classes will meet once a week for 6-weeks, every Tuesday from 9-1pm. Imagine your child hiking, exploring seasonal crafts and art, learning about the flora and fauna of this local park and creating new friendships. For more details and to sign up, visit our Programs and Enrollment page.
Fall is a beautiful time of year in Briones….come play with us.
Classes are held at Briones Regional Park in Martinez on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-1pm. This session will meet twice a week for 8 weeks. Unfortunately, we will not be offering a 1-day week option for this session.
We can’t wait to share the magic of Oak Heart with you!
Until then we leave you with the words of Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods.
”We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know, and we cannot know what we do not see. And touch. And hear.”~ Richard Louv
With gratitude,
Andrea and Debi