
Wildheart Wednesday After School Program
1st-3rd Grade

Our Wildheart Wednesday After School Program offers children the opportunity to connect with the wonders of the natural world on a weekly basis.

Children Will:
- Embark on a transformative journey, fostering a profound kinship with nature.
- Uncover the secrets of local flora, fauna, and Central Oregon’s diverse ecosystems, deepening their understanding and appreciation of nature.
- Engage in immersive outdoor experiences to actively connect with and explore the natural world.
- Cultivate essential interpersonal skills while forging new friendships with like-minded peers.
- Sharpen their focus and resilience through nature-based activities, preparing them to thrive in the face of challenges.
- Develop tools and strategies to navigate and overcome obstacles, fostering personal growth and well-being.
- Experience a nurturing environment that allows young minds to flourish and explore their full potential.
- Benefit from a holistic approach to well-being, promoting positive growth and a balanced lifestyle.


Program Description:
The Wildheart Wednesday After School Program is designed to be fun, easy-going, and the perfect mid-week energy boost for children. It invites them on a nature-filled journey that ignites their wild spirits and fosters connections with the natural world. Each session revolves around a unique theme, ensuring a diverse range of experiences through hands-on activities and games.
The program starts by cultivating a sense of togetherness through team-building exercises, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. It then delves into the secrets of plant potions, unlocking the wonders of nature and teaching children about the medicinal and magical properties of different plants. Children will have the opportunity to sharpen their detective skills through animal tracking, learning how to observe and interpret signs left by wildlife. Sensory awareness day heightens their senses, encouraging them to engage with their surroundings in a more immersive way. Exhilarating games of strategy, like “Capture the Flag,” provide a thrilling challenge that promotes critical thinking and decision-making while fostering friendly competition among the participants. Exploring the marvels of cattails and celebrating the cycle of seasons deepens their admiration for nature’s intricacies and instills a sense of wonder.
The program also offers ample opportunities for creative expression. Children can embody animals in skits, tapping into their imaginative side and gaining a deeper understanding of various species. Channeling their inner raptor allows them to practice keen observation and learn from the behaviors of birds of prey. Drawing imaginary forests and creating Earth mandalas celebrate the interconnectedness of all living things, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the natural world. As the program draws to a close, storytelling sessions and an end-of-term celebration mark the culmination of the children’s transformative journey. They will have embarked on an exploration of nature, formed meaningful connections with their peers, and discovered the wild hearts within themselves.
Please note that Wildheart Nature School does not provide transportation for this program. Caretakers are responsible for dropping off and picking up the participants.
Wildheart Wednesday Schedule:

Location:
Juniper Jungle Learning Farm
Fees:
Early Bird through August 1st, 2023: $557
Regular: $597
Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 – Wednesday, December 13th, 2023
Excluding November 22nd for Thanksgiving Break
Drop-Off Window: 1pm-1:15pm
Pick-Up Window: 5pm-5:15pm
Grades 1-3
Themes Include:
September 13th
“Community Building”
September 20th
“Plant Potions”
September 27th
“Tracking”
October 4th
“Sensory Awareness”
October 11th
“Capture the Flag”
October 18th
“Crazy ‘Bout Cattails”
October 25th
“Cycle of the Seasons Fall Celebration”
November 1st
“Animal Skits”
November 8th
“Eagle Eye”
November 15th
“Recipe for a Forest”
November 22nd
NO CLASS
November 29th
“Earth Mandalas”
December 6th
“Storytelling”
December 13th
“End of Term Celebration”

