Educational practices are increasingly reflecting the crucial connection between learning and nature. This is evident in the rise of outdoor and forest schools across the country, as well as the growth of Waldorf and Montessori schools that emphasize time spent outdoors. Many parents and educators are committed to repairing and nurturing our relationship with nature, starting with modeling love and respect for the natural world to our children.
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods (and our hero!), said, “Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered species: the child in nature.”
We feel this powerful statement in our bones, which is why we are so passionate about creating 100% merino wool layers to keep kids comfortable while they play. Children should be jumping in puddles, digging in the dirt, and building forts out of sticks—letting their imaginations run wild. While outdoor schools and alternative education models often prioritize nature play, more and more traditional schools are also incorporating outdoor learning to promote resilience, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Katie O’Mara, owner and founder of Trail Magik, wholeheartedly shares this sentiment. So much so that she created a child carrier specifically designed to help parents continue their outdoor adventures with their little ones in tow.
Above photo: Katie and her family at outdoor school.
Katie and her husband have three children—ages nine, seven, and five—who attend an outdoor school, a decision that has proven to be a perfect fit for their family.
“Before having children, my husband and I loved to backpack, bike, hike, fish, ski, and camp. We shared all the typical adventure and outdoor-loving hobbies. Thankfully, I had three healthy births, and we were able to enjoy the outdoors just hours after each child was born. Even if that meant simply sitting outside on the patio, enjoying the sun on our bodies, we were outside in nature soon after their births. I have two spring babies and one fall baby. All of them took their first camping trips around three months old. From then on, we never reduced the number of adventures we went on; we just adapted them to include our children. It has been the most sacred season of my husband’s and my lives,” Katie said.
Like many families, COVID-19 was the catalyst for significant changes for Katie and her family, specifically in their educational goals. Her children now attend a Waldorf-inspired outdoor school a couple of days a week, focusing on core subjects such as reading, writing, and math, while also learning cooking, handwork, survival skills, and deepening their connection to nature. At home, they supplement with science, social studies, entrepreneurship, and homemaking skills.
“During COVID, our nature-loving five-year-old son was about to enter kindergarten, and we decided to think outside the box when it came to education for our children. We knew public school would always be there if needed, but we wanted to educate our children in a way that would honor the priorities we share as a family unit. So we decided on a hybrid homeschool program for our family. Some days, it's rainy, and the kids are responsible for putting on their waterproof layers; some days are pretty cold or hot, so the kids get used to living and thriving in the environment that Mother Nature gives them that day,” Katie said.
Above photo: Katie's kids and their peers at outdoor school.
Their school day begins at 9 a.m., and the children sleep in until 7:30 a.m., getting about 11 hours of sleep each night. They start their day with breakfast together, followed by activities such as playing chess, other games, or reading. Afterward, they head to school. Each class consists of 16 students, with one to two teachers per grade. The school functions more like a co-op due to the considerable hands-on work required to run it. The days primarily focus on core subjects, with an emphasis on Waldorf skills, as previously mentioned.
“Our outdoor school has become not just a place of learning, but our community. We surf together, camp together, backpack together, the kids play sports together, make music together, spend Halloween together, and celebrate various holidays. We all appreciate a like-mindedness of healthy foods, little-to-zero technology (i.e., a collective rule of the school is no TV/technology Monday - Friday), nature-focused play, and more. We have collectively enforced this way of living within the community. Collectively, our focus is on raising children who are protected and allowed to be children for as long as they can... to keep the spirit and the magic of youth alive for as long as possible,” Katie said.
This deep sense of community and shared values extends beyond just the school day, influencing the way families live and learn together. Katie highlighted that the educational model they chose is one among many, and their approach works best for their family.
“I think it's important to note that the 60 families in our community come from different backgrounds, religions, races, and politics. What brings us together is the childhood we want to give our children and to protect their innocence. We believe our Waldorf-inspired outdoor school is the best way for us to do this. Families learn how to crochet, make elderberry syrup, fire tonic, and different health tinctures. It's an amazing place of learning that I have even received great wealth from,” Katie said.
Their outdoor school meets in all kinds of weather, fostering grit, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving skills. Every morning, Katie’s children dress for the elements—whether it's cold, heat, rain, or wind—teaching them to be prepared for anything nature throws their way. This daily habit helps them develop a sense of independence and resourcefulness that will serve them throughout their lives.
Above photo: A school group prepares for a snack.
In addition to the growth of outdoor schools, public schools are increasingly embracing outdoor learning to enhance students' mental and physical health while providing the many benefits of nature play. For example, the Children & Nature Network, co-founded by Richard Louv, continues to advocate for the profound benefits of outdoor education. Their research shows that time spent in nature can significantly improve children's physical health, academic performance, and mental well-being. As more educators recognize these advantages, outdoor learning is becoming a common feature in U.S. schools. The 2023 Annual Report highlights how educators are integrating nature-based education into their curriculum, not only to promote academic success but also to support children’s overall well-being. (Isn’t that amazing?!) This shift reflects a broader recognition of the positive impact outdoor experiences have on student engagement, creativity, and mental health. We enthusiastically applaud all parents and educators who prioritize outdoor learning and are raising mindful stewards of our beautiful planet.
Sources:
Children & Nature Network. (2023). 2023 annual report. Children & Nature Network. https://www.childrenandnature.org/2023-annual-report/
EdChoice. (2020, September 16). 2020 schooling in America series: Homeschooling experiences and views during the pandemic. EdChoice. https://www.edchoice.org/engage/2020-schooling-in-america-series-homeschooling-experiences-and-views-during-the-pandemic/