Fall 2024 Programs

Seeds, Sprouts & Stems

Making Connections For: Moms-to-be up to age 3 Participants in this program will partake in interactive morning circle time (loosely structured for little wanderers:) followed by a guided nature walk for multiple sensory experiences. Caregivers stay on the premises and engage with their child and other grownups to build a community of like-minded nature-loving families.

*older children welcome with or without sibling

Making Connections For: ages 4-12+

Participants in this program will partake in experiential learning opportunities with guided lessons and exploration. Caregivers stay on the premises and are involved as much or as little as each family chooses.

*younger children welcome with or without sibling

Buds, Leaves, Flowers & Trees

For registration information please email naturalconnectionsct@gmail.com

Programs occur in southern New Milford, CT every other week for 6 week sessions, with the option to register for both programs and meet weekly for 12 weeks. Programs begin at 10:00 AM and run for 90 minutes-2 hours.

Thursday Offerings: Fully mixed age (both BLF&T and SS&S together)

9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5

Friday Offerings: (choose both for 12 weeks of programming)

BLF&T 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6

SS&S 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/13

Pricing: (*Prices are per family* discounts offered to First Responder and Single Parent Families, email for more info.)

Registering AFTER July 31st

Seeds, Sprouts & Stems bi-weekly program $175

Buds, Leaves, Flowers & Trees bi-weekly program $175

Choose both for 12 straight weeks of class, discounted rate of $325

*Payments are nonrefundable. Makeup days for any facilitator-canceled programs due to unsafe weather will take place the third week of December. 

Things to consider if you are unsure whether to register for both programs; if you are happy with a bi-weekly commitment, or if you are traveling to New Milford from farther away, this option is great for you! If you’re looking to ink consistent weekly plans on your calendar, registering for both is a great opportunity to see how mixed-age learning benefits both the younger and older children! While the alternating weeks will keep their main focus on the age group mentioned, there is ample opportunity for all ages to learn and explore in nature during both programs. The seasoned explorers tend to be leaders for the younger ones, giving them confidence and a sense of responsibility, and it helps the younger children to experience the lessons naturally illuminated by their older peers. I’ve observed great self-confidence and positivity in children who play and explore alongside one another in a mixed-age group.

Goals & Benefits

The goal of these classes, aside from cultivating a love of the great outdoors, is to help children build social emotional resiliency, social skills, group bonding, emotional regulation and self confidence through a mix of organized collaborative learning and unstructured exploration and play. These are far from a “sit and listen” type of class; families can feel free to participate in whatever way works best for them to get the most benefit of our time together. Caregivers should plan to learn and play alongside their child while experiencing all the benefits nature has to offer. 

What about Nature Mondays?!

If you’re not new here, you are familiar with our Nature Monday Meetups…and wondering if they will still occur! And the answer is YES! While I put my heart and soul into the new offerings, I may not be able to attend each and every Monday, but I will still plan them and post them in the group (CT Homeschool Nature Meetups & Field Trips)

If you are new here, let me explain; Natural Connections has evolved from a tried and true nature meetup for homeschooling families. Almost three years ago, I created a Facebook group to connect with other nature-loving homeschooling families in the area. We began meeting outdoors every other Monday to explore various preserves, parks and open spaces. From long days at the lake, to freezing days in the forest, we have climbed trees, dug ditches, harvested ice, jumped in rivers, walked in creeks and over logs, collected rocks and sticks, caught salamanders and frogs, identified mushrooms and herbs, picnicked and explored so many cool places and met so many cool people. This is where the connections started happening and what has urged me to create something more. But my roots remain with the little group that grew to 20+ families showing up at a few meetups, and the 300+ member Facebook group. So while I may not be able to attend each Monday meetup, my kids and I will be there when we can and hope those interested still meet without us!