Now in our second year, Regina Mater is offering a Catholic ecology and outdoor enrichment class for PK3-8 at our Maryhill location, 5424 Gregg Ln, from 10am-12pm on Fridays. High Schoolers are welcome to join as volunteer leaders. The program is included for Tues/Thurs students, or ala carte for homeschoolers.
Our goal is to make Maryhill an outdoor learning lab for timeless theological principles and environmental stewardship through engaging children in nature study, permaculture and restorative land practices. We also believe in the “power of the poetic”- making and doing out in nature - which St. John Henry Newman attributes to the genius of St. Benedict.
Topics will include:
Botany
Agriculture
Outdoor skills
Nature journaling
Catholic feasts relating to cycles of nature and agriculture
Heavy chores for big kids like trail grooming, field grooming, ditch composting, fence construction, carpentry, and more…
Time for free play in our mud kitchen, sandbox, fort area, and football field…
…all within a prayerful Catholic family atmosphere inspired by St. Benedict and Sacred Scripture.
Classes will break into multi-age pods with opportunities for older students to be leaders in the group. Adult volunteers, EIM certified, will ensure safety and promote attentive behavior. We ask that parents of PK3-K stay on campus for safety (parents can arrange co-chaperoning). Children with special needs that may impact their safety and wellbeing in a high adventure environment are welcome with parent partnership. Our goal is for everyone to have a rewarding experience.
Like other “forest school” concepts, classes will be rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather only (note that due to the extreme drought and heat we will be meeting for hikes and farm visits until mid October). There are 14 scheduled classes for fall and spring. Families are invited to attend the Christmas nativity play and party.
Tuition rates
1 Student = $20 registration (once per year) + $150 per semester, paid up front. After 3 students, additional siblings are free. Registration is open in fall and spring. Families can join at any time for prorated fee. Tuition is due regardless of attendance.
Refunds are available until the first class date, minus $20 processing. Withdrawal after the first class date will result in cancellation of future payments.
Materials & Dress Code
Students must be modestly dressed (no spaghetti straps, short shorts, or inappropriate t-shirts) with attention to protecting arms, legs, and feet. Hats strongly recommended. Closed toe shoes are a must. Closed-toe sandals are ok, but definitely run the risk of getting poked by thorns. (We are in the process in eradicating mesquite and greenbriar from the property.) Parents are responsible for applying sunscreen. Regina Mater maintains a basic first aid kit. The property has no running water or electricity. A port-a-potty is on site.
The material list will be finalized in late August - most likely watercolors and a journal for most students. We ask for families to supply extra shovels, rakes, etc. for projects during the year. We also have many donation needs, large and small (from a Polaris 4x4 and riding mower to magnifying glasses), to outfit the program for the coming years. In addition, we are actively seeking community volunteers interested in permaculture design and prairie restoration.
Questions? Email office -at- reginamater.us.