The Forest School at Burrow Nature Center
a play based, sensory experience to teach kids outdoor skills and get them in touch with nature
Fall 2026 Season Schedule is Here!
Monday Mornings
Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 // Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Dec 7, 14, 21 // Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
Saturday Mornings
Oct 17 , 2026 // Nov 14, 2026 // Dec 12, 2026 // Jan 16, 2027
Program Details
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Weekly Mondays & Monthly Saturdays
9:30am - 11:00amThe Spores program is for early learners to gain confidence in nature alongside their caregivers. Activities engage the five senses and discover the great outdoors. Each session includes a short discovery hike and story telling.
Pricing
Mondays, Full Season $10/session
Mondays, Half Season $12.50/session
Saturdays $15/session
To Register
Click Below! -
Sprouts Program
Children Ages 4-8+
Weekly Mondays & Monthly Saturdays
9:00am - 12:00pm
With their peers and forest school teachers, the Sprouts program participants build a strong connection to the great outdoors through hands-on games, challenges, and explorations like map-making, plant and tree ID, and shelter building.
To participate in this program, students must be potty trained and ready for independent learning.
Pricing
Mondays, Full Season $25/session
Mondays, Half Season $30/session
Saturdays $35/session
Nature-Based Learning
Through each season, students connect with the rhythms of the seasons and local cultural history to develop a deep appreciation for the environment we depend upon. We encourage storytelling, arts and crafts, and exploration to nurture creativity and self-expression. Our child-led learning approach empowers kids to follow their curiosity and take responsibility for their discoveries.
We also focus on emotional and cognitive development, helping children build strong relational skills and a practice of gratitude. By learning to steward natural resources, our students become responsible caretakers of the environment. Our Forest School creates lasting memories, new friendships, and instills a lifelong love for nature, preparing children to be confident, capable, and environmentally conscious individuals.
REGISTRATION
We look forward to getting to know your child, and continuing to grow with our returning students!
If you are registering multiple children, then each will need a separate registration. Use discount code SIBLING5 to receive 5% discount to register the 2nd (or 3rd!) child in your household.
Please don't hesitate to email hello@burrownature.org or call 601-980-1830 if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome kids who are neurodivergent, have disabilities or are on the fringe of our age ranges. Outdoor, sensory-rich environments are often wonderfully supportive for children with autism and sensory processing differences.
If your child falls slightly outside our age group guidelines, or if you would like to attend a session alongside your older child to make sure our program is the right fit, we are happy to accommodate you. Please reach out so we can discuss your child's specific needs and ensure a supportive experience.
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Absolutely! We are happy to talk through your schedule, your child's age group, and our session options to find the best fit for your family.
Email: Hello@BurrowNature.org
Phone / Text: (601) 980-1830
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Can’t make Monday mornings? Looking for programming for your 9–14 year old/home school group? We launch new cohorts based on parent demand!
Please take 60 seconds to tell us your preferred days, times, and child age groups. As soon as we have enough interest for a new group, you’ll be the first to know.
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Yes. Financial constraints should never stand between a child and nature.
Scholarships: If your family needs tuition support, please email us directly—we offer financial aid options.
Prorated Tuition: If you enroll after the semester has already started, we are happy to prorate your tuition for the remaining sessions (subject to space availability).
Just get in touch and let us know your situation and we will. do our best to make it work for your family.
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We play rain or shine! Splashing in puddles and exploring rainy woods is a core part of the Forest School experience. Please send your child with appropriate rain gear and a change of clothes if necessary.
Thunder & Lightning: In the event of thunder, we immediately seek shelter indoors or under covered structures and wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before returning outside.
Severe Weather Warnings (Tornadoes, High Winds, Extreme Temp): If conditions are unsafe, we will issue a cancellation or postponement notice via email and text by 7:30 AM on the morning of class.
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Please send your child with a lightweight backpack containing:
Water Bottle (labeled with name)
Snacks & Packed Lunch
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes (sneakers or waterproof rain boots)
Change of Clothes if necessary. In a plastic bag (including socks!)
Weather-Appropriate Outerwear (rain jacket, warm layers, or sun hat depending on the season)
Note: Please apply sunblock and bug spray if needed before sessions begin. We spend time in both shaded woods and open areas!
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For independent cohorts, you are welcome to drop off your child or stay on-site to relax and enjoy the property!
Work or Relax: Connect to our Wi-Fi at the picnic tables under the dining tent.
Explore the Grounds: Walk our nature trails, relax in a hammock, or hang by the pond (when not in use by classes).
Wildlife Challenge: Keep your eyes peeled! If you photograph a wild Black Pinesnake on the property, show our staff for a free session voucher! (Please observe all wildlife safely and from a respectful distance).
For camping options, visit the website of our site host, the All You Need Institute.
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Semester Withdrawals: Full refunds (minus a $25 processing fee) are available up to 14 days prior to the start of the semester. Withdrawals made within 14 days of the start date receive a 50% tuition credit toward a future term.
Missed Individual Days: Due to fixed staffing ratios and material costs, we cannot offer refunds or makeup days for individual absences (illness, travel, or personal scheduling conflicts).
Weather Cancellations: If BNC cancels a class due to severe weather and cannot schedule a makeup date, a pro-rated class credit will be applied to your account.
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For Ages 1–3 (Caregiver-Accompanied): Caregivers handle all diaper changes and potty breaks.
For Independent Groups (Ages 4+): Children must be independently potty-trained.
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Safety in nature is a learned skill! We teach children how to recognize and avoid natural risks including poison ivy and harmful insects. Staff maintain a stocked First Aid kit at all times, and carry emergency contact protocols and medical alerts for every child.
Meet Lila, Our New Lead Teacher!
We are thrilled to welcome Lila to the Burrow Nature Center family as our new Forest School Lead Teacher!
Lila joins BNC with 10+ years of experience in Waldorf education and outdoor movement leadership. A licensed MS K-12 educator, former Nursery Director and Pedagogical Director holding an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland, Lila excels at creating safe, sensory-rich forest experiences that help children build physical confidence, resilience, and curiosity in nature.
Our Vision
Many parents strive to give their children the life they never had. Jordan Bantuelle, Forest School teacher and Executive Director of Burrow Nature Center, is inspired to give his students the education he always yearned for as a child growing up. As early as third grade, Jordan remembers thinking, "There has got to be a better way of doing this." Perhaps you've asked similar questions: "Why can't learning be more relevant to life and the problems we face? Or more hands-on? More fun? Why are we stuck inside all day?"
As Toni Morrison wisely said, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." Jordan always envisioned more than just a book; he dreamed of an education center deeply connected to the natural world. In 2024, that dream fully materialized as the Burrow Nature Center, building on the conservation and education work begun by the All You Need Institute in 2017. When Jordan first saw this land—particularly the abundant gopher tortoise burrows and the extraordinary, lichen-covered sandhill—he knew this was the perfect place to bring his vision to life. He could not have done it without the dedicated support of a committed Board of Directors and innumerable volunteers and community members along the way.
