Bluestone Summer in the Forest
Bluestone Nature Programs wants to bring back carefree, sun-soaked summers. We want sweaty, muddy, messy kids who are ready for an afternoon siesta because they spent the morning playing (and learning) outside. We want to give kids a chance to be a little bored, to challenge their imagination, and forge long-lasting relationships with each other and the natural world.
Want to know a little bit more about our programming philosophy? Learn more here. Now, read on below to see what we're offering this summer!
Is Bluestone right for your child?
We believe that every child has the right to learn, play, and grow in the great outdoors. If your family values time spent outside, recognizes that play is learning, and honors the importance of giving children the space and time to become kind, responsible, and empathic community members, then nature playschool is for you.
The following criteria are good indicators for a child’s readiness for this nature program:
Must be confidently walking
Must be able to signal their needs (even if non-verbal)
Able to follow a set of 2-3 simple instructions
Able to separate from primary caregiver
Able to feed self without the need for a bottle
Able to make it through the morning without needing a nap
Bluestone is for kids ages 20 months-6 years, and we can accommodate up to 10 kids per day. We welcome children still wearing diapers and working on toilet training*. We build in time throughout the day for diaper changes carried out in privacy by our lead Mentor.
*If this applies to your child, please let us know so we can discuss this sensitive topic and how to best support your little one.
To enroll your child, we require up-to-date immunizations, a health record, and other paperwork necessary to provide a safe environment for your child.
What does a day at Bluestone Nature Playschool look like?
Summer at Bluestone Nature Programs is as carefree as it comes. We provide the space, time, and permission for children to explore and use our knowledge of early childhood education and the natural environment to capture curiosity and wonder. While every day at Bluestone is different, we balance intentional activities and experiences with free, unstructured nature play to mindfully honor each child’s developmental needs.
With early learning standards in mind, our summertime focus is primarily learning through play and social-emotional growth. We engage all of our senses in play, meet local plans and animals, create nature crafts, and learn to become caring citizens of the Earth.
Our Daily Rhythm
As we follow the interest and needs of the children, each day will look different and time frames of this
rhythm may vary.
9-9:45 a.m.
Arrival with open-ended nature play, invitations for play, small group explorations
9:45-10 a.m.
Welcome circle gathering with gratitude practice and an intentional experience such as storytelling, artifact sharing, tool use, movement, etc.
10-11:30 a.m.
Exploration, child-led play, intentional provocations, hiking (includes time for snack, water, and restroom breaks)
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Closing circle with story of the day and good-bye song, transition to pick-up
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What are my options?
Summer 2025 options
SUMMER 2025 IS FULL! Email to get on the wait-list.
Bluestone offers summer programming four days each week, for six weeks this summer. Families can choose 1, 2, 3, or 4 day options based on scheduling needs. 2025 summer camp weeks are:
Week 1: June 23-26
Week 2: June 30-July 3
Week 3: July 14-17
Week 4: July 21-24
Week 5: August 4-7
Week 6: August 11-14
Our day runs from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.* We can accommodate up to 10 children each day. This allows us to maintain safety in our outdoor classroom and on trails.
Fees and Payments
Nature play and learning should never be cost prohibitive. We do our best to offer high quality, affordable programming and aim to offer scholarships and reparations options. Until we have scholarship funds available, please reach out if you need financial assistance to attend.
2025 fees
1 day per week: $45
2 days per week: $90
3 days per week: $135
4 days per week: $180
A $50 deposit is due upon enrollment to hold your child's space at Bluestone. All fees are non-refundable.
Half of the total fees for summer programming are due by April 1, 2025. The remainder of your balance is due by the first day your child attends camp.
Family Agreement
Nature based learning is unique and wonderful! As a 90-100% outdoor program, students may require specific gear to be successful. A gear guide and comprehensive family handbook will be provided to all families after registration.
As part of the registration process, all families must read and sign our Family Agreement. Please also take a moment to read our Cancellation Policy before registering.
We honor the diverse background and abilities of everyone in our learning community. We work closely with families to ensure that every child receives necessary accommodations to thrive. Please reach out if you have specific questions about our approach to inclusion please contact our Director, Emily Woodmansee.
Feel like a good fit?
If you want your child to play, explore, and lead their learning in nature, then Bluestone Nature Programs might be the perfect fit for you.
Open enrollment begins March 1, 2025.
SUMMER 2025 IS FULL! Email to get on the wait list.
