Nature School - China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901
Welcome to Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School
At Snails & Turkey Tails, we believe childhood is meant to be lived outdoors. Nature School is a small, relationship-based learning community where children spend their days exploring forests, beaches, meadows, and shorelines through play, curiosity, and meaningful connection.
Rather than following a predetermined curriculum, we follow the questions and ideas that emerge from the children and the seasons. A tidepool, an acorn, a bird's nest, or a winding trail can become the beginning of weeks of investigation, storytelling, scientific discovery, artistic expression, and imaginative play.
Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and the rhythms of the natural world, we believe children learn best when they are trusted with time, given meaningful responsibilities, and invited to wonder. Days unfold slowly, allowing children to build friendships, solve problems together, take supported risks, care for the places we visit, and develop confidence through real experiences.
Nature School is not about rushing from one activity to the next. It is about climbing fallen logs, following animal tracks, creating with natural materials, preparing simple snacks together, building shelters, observing seasonal changes, sketching discoveries, and returning to familiar places week after week until they become part of each child's story.
With a small group, caring teachers, and long stretches of uninterrupted time outdoors, children develop resilience, independence, creativity, and a deep sense of belonging—to each other and to the natural world.
We believe that when children are given the freedom to explore, the time to wonder, and a community that truly sees them, learning happens naturally.
What Children Experience
- Exploring at the beach, the meadow, and the campground
- Following seasonal discoveries and children's questions
- Nature-based art and creative expression
- Tool use and skill building
- Building, collecting, and creating with natural materials
- Storytelling, songs, and imaginative play
- Scientific observation and documentation
- Climbing, balancing, gentle hiking, and supported risk-taking
- Caring for our outdoor classroom and one another
Our Approach
Child-led inquiry
We believe children are capable researchers, creators, and problem-solvers. Teachers observe, listen, and create invitations that extend children's thinking.
The outdoors as our classroom
Nature provides endless opportunities for investigation, creativity, and connection.
Learning through relationships
A small community allows children to develop confidence, independence, and meaningful friendships.
The hundred languages
Children communicate their ideas through drawing, building, movement, storytelling, collecting, designing, and exploring.
A Typical Day
10:00 — Arrival & Gathering
Children settle in, connect with friends, and explore invitations waiting in the outdoor classroom.
10:30 — Nature Exploration
Hikes, observations, seasonal investigations, and open-ended play.
12:00 — Lunch & Community Time
Children enjoy lunch together and share stories, discoveries, and conversations.
12:30 — Atelier & Creation
Art, building, tool work, storytelling, or continued project work.
1:45 — Reflection & Closing Circle
Children gather to share observations and prepare for home.
2:00 — Pick Up
Why a Small Outdoor Program?
In a small setting, children have the time and space to form strong relationships, follow their curiosity, and develop confidence at their own pace. We believe meaningful learning happens through connection, not rushing from activity to activity.
Enrollment
Nature School is offered as a semester-based program, allowing children the consistency and connection needed to build relationships, develop confidence, and engage in meaningful long-term investigations.
Schedule
Mondays & Wednesdays
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Fall and Spring semester enrollment
Tuition includes:
- Two outdoor learning days each week
- All art materials, natural materials, and project supplies
- Thoughtfully prepared invitations for exploration and discovery
- Seasonal investigations and nature-based experiences
- Small-group learning with an experienced educator and assistant teacher
- Ongoing observation and documentation of children's learning
Registration Process
Families interested in joining Nature School are invited to complete an inquiry form. Enrollment is confirmed once registration paperwork is completed and tuition arrangements are made.
Mid-Year Enrollment
Mid-year enrollment may be available if space allows. Families joining after the semester begins are welcomed into the community thoughtfully, with consideration given to group dynamics and each child's transition.
Is Nature School Right for Your Child?
Nature School is designed for children who are curious, creative, and eager to explore the world around them. It is a good fit for families who value childhood as a time for discovery, connection, and hands-on learning.
Nature School may be the right fit for your child if they:
- Love being outdoors and are excited to explore nature in all seasons
- Enjoy open-ended play, imagination, and creating their own ideas
- Are curious about how things work and ask lots of questions
- Benefit from a slower pace with time to investigate, wonder, and revisit ideas
- Enjoy getting messy, using their hands, and working with natural materials
- Are developing independence and confidence in a small group setting
- Thrive with teachers who observe, listen, and support their individual interests
Nature School may feel different from a traditional preschool experience. We spend all of our time outdoors, follow the rhythms of the seasons, and allow children's questions and discoveries to guide our days. There are no worksheets, prescribed crafts, or busy schedules filled with adult-directed activities. Instead, children have time to build relationships, take supported risks, solve problems, and develop a deep connection with the natural world.
Children do not need to be experienced hikers, artists, or outdoor enthusiasts to join us. We welcome children with a wide range of personalities and abilities and meet each child where they are—with patience, encouragement, and respect.
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.