Summer Program 2026
Wild and Free
A gathering space for families who value nature-led play, community connection, and outdoor exploration. Join us for our Summer Open Days!
Program Details
What: Unstructured forest play, creek/pond time, and simple nature activities.
Who: Families with kids (ages 1–12+). Guardians stay and play!
Where: Lumberton, MS (RSVP for address)
When: 9 AM – 1 PM (Thursdays May 21, June 11, June 25, July 23)
Cost: Free / Donation-based.
RSVP Required
Nature-Based Learning
Through each season, students connect with the rhythms of the seasons and develop a deep appreciation for the environment. We encourage storytelling, arts and crafts, and local cultural history 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.
Our Vision
Many parents strive to give their children the life they never had. Jordan Bantuelle, lead 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 in New Orleans. Even 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.
All You Need Institute Partnership
Caregivers and children may enjoy time on the land before and after their child’s forest school class thanks to partnership with our sister organization, All You Need Institute.
Wifi, picnic tables, and other day-use accommodations are available from 8am-sundown. Visit the https://allyouneedinstitute.com/ to learn about day-use and overnight accommodations available.
The Forest School at Burrow Nature Center evolved out of the All You Need Institute program, which began operating in 2021 as part of the LLC campground and event venue. As the interest grew among the local community, volunteer board members joined the effort of transitioning the forest school to be a program of the nonprofit Burrow Nature Center. This allows us to raise funding for the programs through both grant applications and campaigns to raise charitable contributions from our supporters.
Thank you for your interest!