Afternoon Program at Sunbeam!
Sunbeam Nature School, 1002 Bodega Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952
About the Afternoon Program at Sunbeam
Sunbeam Afternoon is an afterschool program on a rural farm on the west side of Petaluma, CA. The program is open to the public.
Because of our proximity to Valley Vista Public Waldorf, we offer an optional pickup and walk-over from that campus for families who find it helpful.
WE OFFER SLIDING SCALE RATES FOR ELIGIBLE FAMILIES. Please email director Shawna Thompson [email protected] for details.
Daily Activities
We prioritize child-directed play and imagination. Our daily flow is based on kids’ choices and interests. We offer children a safe space to be themselves—to relax, play with friends, and move their bodies after the structure of the school day.
Children might climb the oak tree, play in the mud kitchen, cook from the garden, tend animals, or create with tinkering and visual art materials. Typically, afternoons unfold into running, climbing, imaginative play, and storytelling, which we fully support.
A Typical Afternoon
While no two afternoons look exactly the same, our time together generally follows a familiar rhythm:
- Arrivals, getting settled, and handwashing
- A brief circle to check in and create a sense of group
- Open play and project choices (animals included)
- Clean-up, handwashing, snack, and a story read aloud or conversation - sometimes a campfire
- Outdoor movement play
- Closing and 5:30 pm departures
This rhythm offers enough predictability to feel grounding, while leaving plenty of room for choice, imagination, and following the energy of the group.
How Children Engage
Children of different ages naturally show up differently in the afternoons, and the program is designed to hold that without forcing separation.
Younger children (ages 4–6) are often drawn to outdoor play, animal holding, garden tending, and emergent projects based on their interest. We offer a variety of materials and naturalist experiences that provide “just-right challenges,” as well as time and space for them to decompress and “just be” after their morning learning experiences.
Older children (ages 7–11) are invited to be industrious, observant, playful, and helpful. Using real tools and projects of their choosing, they may focus on tending the animals and building or making things—such as toys or structures for the animals, fun features for the farm, or personal creations they want to take home. Children learn skills and safety responsibilities for using real tools, and they practice iterative design processes like prototyping, revising, and refining. There may also be opportunities for older children to mentor younger ones.
The afternoon includes moments of quiet reflection as well. Children might sit under the oak tree, journaling, watercoloring, or simply listening quietly and taking in the day.
Safety Information
- Staff is First Aid Certified
- Employee Background Checks
- Carries Liability Insurance
This information is provided by the organization and has not been independently verified by Enrichment.kids.
Policies
I understand that camp/class fees are due at registration to hold my child's spot. Enrollment in Sunbeam camps and classes is complete when fees are paid. Camp and class fees are nonrefundable. Sunbeam may issue credits for a future camp or class, minus a $40 administrative fee. Requests for credit must be made in writing at least 48 hours in advance of the camp start date; please include explanation.
A one-time discount of 10% is available for multiple participants enrolled in the same session. To be eligible, you must register all participants at the same time. Choose your session above, select 2 or more from the Quantity dropdown, and add to cart.