Natural Nests

Natural Nests ๐ŸŒณ Creator of Backyard Classroom: in area
๐Ÿ” Newbie
๐Ÿคฑ of 3 littles

Come on out to the first field trip of the year at Backyard Classroom! This outdoor classroom/suburban homestead is a pl...
06/02/2026

Come on out to the first field trip of the year at Backyard Classroom! This outdoor classroom/suburban homestead is a place where the entire family can explore, create, and learn about how to live more sustainably and naturally, and while on a budget. Limited tickets available! ๐ŸŽŸ Register: https://omella.com/048bb

WHAT TO EXPECT
๐ŸŒฟ Dive into foraging and learn how to start today in common areas (no need to trek through the woods)

โ˜• Make and enjoy kid-friendly samples of our foraged goodies

๐ŸŽจ Create beautiful art using natural materials - adults are invited to create alongside their children

๐Ÿ” Get a crash course on backyard chickens and how to actually get started

โ™ป๏ธ Discover how EVERYTHING in nature has a purpose (yesโ€ฆ even chicken p**p ๐Ÿ’ฉ!)

๐ŸŒŽ Learn simple ways you can help the ecosystem in your very own yard or neighborhood

๐Ÿ“– Enjoy Snack & Storytime (families should bring plenty of water and a healthy snack or packed lunch)

๐Ÿ“„ Take home resources to reinforce and continue your lessons at home

Think of this field trip as part nature class, part homestead workshop, part foraging lesson, part art studioโ€”all rolled into one! Families will head home with new skills, new creations, and a fresh love for the amazing world just outside our doors to help foster exploration in your backyard or local park. Fresh handmade goods will also be available for purchase such as organic sourdough baked goods, plants, seeds collected from the homestead, and more!

If you attended in Fall 2026, the line-up of activities and lessons will be quite different and we'll also have more time for Q&A and free play in the amazing outdoor classroom which includes:

๐ŸŒณ Huge trampoline
๐ŸŒณ Zipline
๐ŸŒณ A big and little climbing dome
๐ŸŒณ Ninja playground
๐ŸŒณ Swings
๐ŸŒณ Large mud kitchen
๐ŸŒณ A big and little seesaw
๐ŸŒณ Family-friendly ax/star throwing
๐ŸŒณ Rock wall
๐ŸŒณ Slide
๐ŸŒณ Bikes and outdoor toys
๐ŸŒณ Gardens
๐ŸŒณ Chickens

This is your chance to slow down, connect with nature, and make unforgettable memories together ๐ŸŒฟ in the great outdoors.

05/12/2026

A snapshot at what we've been up to this spring ๐ŸŒท. Homeschooling is a lot of work but a lot of people forget to mention the fun we have too!

โœ”๏ธ Hikes and playground visits every 1-2 weeks
โœ”๏ธ Homeschool Social Studies Showcase & our start with project based learning
โœ”๏ธ Martial arts 3-4x a week
โœ”๏ธ Kickball class/intro
โœ”๏ธ Learning how to skate, skate meetups, skate parks
โœ”๏ธ Gardening: weeding, mulching, planting, watering
โœ”๏ธ Arts and crafts
โœ”๏ธ Playing outside for hours nearly everyday and taking the challenge
โœ”๏ธ Family dinners cooked from scratch every single night

"Children learn from anything and everything they see. They learn wherever they are, not just in special learning places."

- John Holt

If you want to see how children learn outside of the classroom, follow along on my journey homeschooling three kids all birthed within 5 years. No curriculums. No curated content or unrealistic aesthetic. Real life as a homeschooling crunchy mama who is finding a way to make it all work on a budget. And if you're in the area join us in real life! Link in bio for my locals only email list where I send out monthly homeschool focused meetups, hikes, enrichment classes, and more!

The Spring Season of Backyard Classroom is officially FULL! Thank you ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ to all of my returning and new families, referr...
05/08/2026

The Spring Season of Backyard Classroom is officially FULL! Thank you ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ to all of my returning and new families, referrals, and anyone who shared or liked a post. This homeschooling, homemaking, mamapreneur truly appreciates it!

๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒณ ๐ŸŒป The Summer Season of Backyard Classroom's Classes and Day Camp still has spots though! The info is below or simply sign up for the newsletter and get it straight to your inbox along with info on our FREE meetups and hikes throughout .

SUMMER CLASSES - Caregiver attends with child, Ages 2โ€“9
๐ŸŒปSIGN UP: https://bit.ly/BCsummer26signup
๐ŸŒป LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/BCsummer26

SUMMER CAMP - Drop-off program (or stay and work remotely &/or help out), Ages 4โ€“11
๐ŸŒž SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/BCsummer26signup
๐ŸŒž LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/BCcamp26

๐ŸŽฏ THE BACKYARD CLASSROOM MISSION ๐ŸŽฏ
Backyard Classroom nurtures curiosity, creativity, and connection through outdoor learning. By looking closer and digging deeper, children discover that even ordinary places hold wonder. Through exploration, creativity, movement, and play, they build friendships, confidence, and a lifelong love of learningโ€”finding lifeโ€™s greatest lessons right where they are.

If you have kids 9 and under in the DMV area, join the Backyard Classroom Crew on outdoor adventures, many of which are ...
05/07/2026

If you have kids 9 and under in the DMV area, join the Backyard Classroom Crew on outdoor adventures, many of which are free! Join my email list for updates on the happenings. This month we...

๐ŸŒท๐Ÿฆ‹๐ŸŒธ Start our caterpillar/butterfly lessons with LIVE caterpillars which will metamorphisize into butterflies which we'll release in my outdoor classroom/suburban homestead later this month.

๐Ÿฅพ๐Ÿข๐Ÿšถ Hike through Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary with fellow homeschoolers with the aim to see turtles, otters, birds, and more! This is a little kid-friendly hike with lunch/snack half way through.

๐Ÿ›น๐Ÿšด๐Ÿ›ด Skate, bike, scoot, mingle, and play at the playground at Tantallon North Neighborhood Park which has a paved loop. Last month kids brought kites and I'm bringing my parachute for 90s nostalgia and fun!

๐ŸŒป๐ŸŒž๐ŸŒณ Last chance for the early bird discount of Backyard Classroom Summer Classes & Half Day Summer Camp: bit.ly/BCsummer26signup

Link up with fellow and get outside with us! Find your people, let the kids be wild and free, and get some much needed sunshine ๐ŸŒž.

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿ‘‰ SIGN UP at https://mailchi.mp/db3fb836d2e6/backyardclassroomcrew

I don't think I've ever sent than two emails in a month so don't worry about your inbox being flooded!

Summer Registration is LIVE - Classes AND Camp at Backyard Classroom! This summer is especially meaningful because itโ€™s ...
04/10/2026

Summer Registration is LIVE - Classes AND Camp at Backyard Classroom! This summer is especially meaningful because itโ€™s my fourth season running Backyard Classroom, and Iโ€™m thrilled to finally introduce something many of you have asked forโ€ฆthe very first Backyard Classroom Summer Camp ๐ŸŽ‰! This will be in addition to my weekly classes so you can sign up for classes, camp, or both!

Below are the two ways your kids can join us for this summer:

๐ŸŒป๐ŸŒป๐ŸŒป Backyard Classroom Weekly Classes (Ages 2โ€“9)
Caregiver attends with child

๐ŸŒป WHEN: Mondays, 11:00 AM โ€“ 1:15 PM, June 15 โ€“ August 17

๐ŸŒป WHAT: Each week kids ages 2โ€“9 take part in hands-on activities focused on our planet and the local ecosystem with a splash of other subjects such as history, social studies, language arts, and more. By intermingling micro lessons with art, experiments, making, nature exploration, movement, and group games, children better retain information while building curiosity, confidence, and friendships.

๐ŸŒปSIGN UP: https://bit.ly/BCsummer26signup
____________________________________________________
โ˜€๏ธ NEW: Backyard Classroom Half-Day Summer Camp (Ages 4โ€“9)
Drop-off program

โ˜€๏ธ WHEN: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM โ€“ 1:30 PM

โ˜€๏ธ WHAT: Our summer camp is like an expanded version of our classes for ages 4-9 with a mix of educational lessons, play based activities to reinforce the lesson, and free play in our fun outdoor classroom to foster friendships. There are trampolines, a ninja playground, swings, a slide, two climbing domes, a large mud kitchen, zipline, playhouse, outdoor toys, and lots more! At camp there will be time for more involved projects such as plant-based fabric dying, process art, gardening and homesteading projects, foraging, and nature focused invitations to play.

โ˜€๏ธ SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/BCsummer26signup

Kids are meant to be outside - exploring, asking questions, getting their hands dirty, and discovering the world togethe...
03/15/2026

Kids are meant to be outside - exploring, asking questions, getting their hands dirty, and discovering the world together ๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿง’๐Ÿป. This spring, give your child the chance to learn about nature and science alongside other curious kids at Backyard Classroom at the Croweโ€™s Nest! Our outdoor classes are all about exploration, creativity, and connection as children observe the changing season, investigate the natural world, and play together in a beautiful and fun outdoor classroom ๐ŸŒž.

๐ŸŒท Spring 2026 Season: March 23 โ€“ June 8
๐ŸŒท Mondays: 11:00 AM โ€“ 1:15 PM

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง 25% off siblings and siblings under 2 join free.

๐ŸŒธ SIGN UP: bit.ly/BCspring26signup
๐ŸŒธ MORE INFO: bit.ly/BCspring26info

Each week kids ages 2โ€“9 take part in hands-on activities focused on our planet and the local ecosystem with a splash of other subjects such as history, social studies, language arts, and more. By intermingling micro lessons with art, experiments, making, nature exploration, movement, and group games, children better retain information while building curiosity, confidence, and friendships. Class finishes up with the loved 'Snack and Storytime' which features themed living books and often sparks vibrant discussions and questions.

Families also receive simple follow-up activity ideas and resources each week, so kids can keep exploring and learning at home which is perfect for homeschool families. Backyard Classroom integrates a mix of and educational styles.

Still want to know more? Check out the Backyard Classroom Highlight on IG: https://www.instagram.com/naturalnests

Get your little ones outdoors while you connect with fellow parents while the children play and explore. We all need a little more sunshine in our lives ๐ŸŒž!

If you're over winter and ready for spring, fear not! ๐ŸŒท Spring is right around the corner and Backyard Classroom at the ...
03/03/2026

If you're over winter and ready for spring, fear not! ๐ŸŒท Spring is right around the corner and Backyard Classroom at the Croweโ€™s Nest is gearing up for our fourth spring season filled with outdoor exploration ๐ŸŒณ, science ๐Ÿ”Ž, art ๐ŸŽจ, and joyful connection in nature ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ! The flower bulbs will be popping up, the trees will be turning green again, and the sun will be higher in the sky shining on our faces, so join us in this beauty at the outdoor classroom!

If your child loved their time with us โ€” or you've been meaning to join โ€” nowโ€™s the time! The Spring 2026 Season starts March 23rd and runs through June 8th - every Monday from 11 AM - 1:15 PM. But the early bird discount ends soon and gets you a free class, so don't delay!

โŒ›โŒ›โŒ› Early Bird Discount ends March 8th!
Save 25% on siblings, and siblings under 2 join for free!

๐ŸŒธ SIGN UP AT: bit.ly/BCspring26signup

๐ŸŒธ MORE INFO: bit.ly/BCspring26info

Backyard Classroom is designed for kids ages 2โ€“9, and focuses on learning about our planet and the local ecosystem with fun play-based activities incorporating science, art, geography, history, social studies, language arts, and more. Children learn through micro-lessons, art, games, movement, exploration, and the social experience of the class. You can continue each week's lesson theme at home with free resources and easy activity ideas I send for reinforcement - perfect for homeschoolers!

Feeling cooped up with your little ones? Get outside and build resiliency in your children and with yourself! Register f...
02/22/2026

Feeling cooped up with your little ones? Get outside and build resiliency in your children and with yourself! Register for the last half of the winter season of Backyard Classroom - an all outdoors nature based class for kids 2-9 years old in Fort Washington, MD. Learn about the local ecosystem with fun activities incorporating science, art, history, social studies, & beyond! Friendships are formed during free play and by creating together.

Bundle up, step outside, and let winter work its magic.
โ„๏ธ SIGN UP: https://bit.ly/BCwinter26
โ„๏ธ MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/BCwinter26info
โ„๏ธ PRORATED DISCOUNT: If you'd like to sign up for the remainder of the classes this winter (Feb 23rd - March 16th), the total is just $79! Pay at bit.ly/BCwinter26payment. Registration includes supplemental resources to accompany each class and the theme that week and invites to our winter group hikes and meetups too!

Tag a friend who may be interested! Let's encourage one another to get outside and challenge ourselves while getting healthier with fresh air and much needed vitamin D ๐ŸŒž.

Pictures from earlier this season - Winter 2026!

02/11/2026

This is how I get my kids more involved in holiday events like a while also keeping things natural and affordable. Everything is and ๐Ÿ’•.

๐Ÿ’“ Dexterity: Cutting out paper hearts and pasting onto bags
๐Ÿ’“ Handwriting/Spelling: Writing classmates names on bags
๐Ÿ’“ Art: Decorating the bags and their Valentine's
๐Ÿ’“ Organizing: Ensuring each bag gets one of each item
๐Ÿ’“ Reading: Handing the bags out to the appropriate classmate

Sometimes parents can get involved in making things picture perfect and the kids don't learn much from that. Let them write messily and draw stick figures because practice makes perfect.

01/18/2026

Join us for a special class on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Mon Jan 19th) all about & โœŒ๏ธโ˜ฎ๏ธ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ. These classes are geared for children 9 and under and integrate science and nature into the lessons with activities, crafts, games and free play intermingled. If you're off of school or work and can't normally attend , this is your opportunity to join us in the great outdoors and celebrate an American Hero - Martin Luther King Jr.

SIGN UP at bit.ly/BCwinter26

Drop in just for the & class or the rest of the winter season (prorated discount applies, just PM me!)

Address

Fort Washington, MD
20744

Website

https://www.instagram.com/naturalnests, https://mailchi.mp/db3

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