“Nature reveals to us a beautiful part of ourselves we could not find anywhere else.” - Kristen Butler

Explore Nature

Featured:

Growing Spirit: Growing Spirit is an immersive nature program run by Willis Tant. Willis has opened her land on Johns Island and made it a welcome place for all to enjoy, bringing access to both water and nature to all who seek it. Here children are encouraged to explore nature while learning to respect all Mother Nature does for us. Children also have the opportunity to learn archery, kayaking, gardening, botany, swimming, and free play in the woods and spring fed pond. To see what Growing Spirit is all about send them a friend request on Facebook and join in on the fun!

Homeschool nature learning opportunities

Outdoor Homeschoolers of the Lowcountry - Group that meets in nature around the Lowcountry twice a week. Visit their Facebook page here. Secular and forest school inspired. (free)

Wild & Free groups (Summerville, Eutawville/Holly Hill, Charleston, Bonneau) - to find out more about Wild & Free groups check out the main website here. Click on your city for a direct link to their facebook group page. These groups are secular. (free)

Gigglewoods - Forest school located in Summerville for ages 18 months to 8 years.

Crosswinds Farm - located in Holly Hill. Crosswinds Farm offers homeschool Fridays at 11 am on their farm with tons to do and play.

Free Range Learning at Parah Place - located in Ridgeville. Student-led exploration and instructor-led class time on a variety of History/S.T.E.A.M. related subjects. 25 acres with lots of animals, two ponds, kayaks, trails, a playground, and more! They offer Friday Farm School where children get to learn in an unschool/unit study vibe. This is a christian based program.

Nurturing Wonders - located in Cane Bay. This is a outdoor-based early childhood education program. They are a one room school house for ages 3-12 years old with multiple days/times offered.

Huck Finn School - located in Awendaw. This school offers homeschool classes teaching woodworking, archery, and forging on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Charleston County Parks - multiple locations. They offer many learning opportunities for all ages. Specifically for homeschoolers they have Homeschool in the Parks, these are offered once or twice a month. Classes typically cost $7-10.

Growing Minds Educational Farm - Located in Mt. Pleasant. They offer a variety of classes and opportunities to learn about life on the farm from homeschool classes to mommy and me classes and even goat playdates.

Katie’s Krops - located in Summerville. Not only does Katie’s Krops offer amazing volunteer opportunities, even for kids, they also have an outdoor classroom with a variety of classes available. (free/low cost)

Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network - LMMN comes to you for group field trips. Their field trips include a 45 minute presentation, an in class activity, and reflection.

Marine Science Education Program by DNR - Field trips offered at multiple locations for ages K-12.

SCDNR - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers educational field trips, classes, and programs for kids. They also offer various volunteer opportunities through their SCORE program.

All Thing Acre Petting Zoo - located in Summerville. All Thing Acre Petting Zoo offers farm animal petting and an educational information. Visits are by appointment only to maintain small groups for learning.

High Tide Kayaking - locations vary. Offering homeschool high school kayaking classes that meet every other Tuesday from 10:00-1:00. Kayaking, conservation, marsh restoration, wilderness first aid and outdoor etiquette, leadership, teamwork, and more.

Ashley River Park - located in Summerville. Dorchester County Park offers a variety of classes for kids of all ages. These classes are low cost or free. Pre-registration is required.

Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center - located in Awendaw. The center offers hiking trails, a fishing pond, and a red wolf exhibit and viewing area. They also have educational classes available at no cost for elementary and middle schoolers. The center is open Wednesday - Saturday but be sure to call ahead (843) 928-3368. (free)

College of Charleston Observatory - located in downtown Charleston. While this is not open to the public all the time they do post events throughout the year. (free)

Coastal Expeditions - located in Mt. Pleasant. Coastal Expeditions offers fall and spring homeschool programs. The programs are 10-weeks long. Age groups meet on different days.

Science Adventures Everywhere - located in Mt. Pleasant. Meets for 14 week sessions, Aug-Nov, on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Ages 5-10.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center - located in Ravenel. Caw Caw offers various classes for all ages through CCPRC. Programs include Junior Naturalist for ages 8-12 and Wee Wild Ones for ages 1.5-7. These classes are low cost and always a great time.

Dorchester County Parks - located at Ashley River Park. Dorchecter County Parks offers a variety of nature based classes for all ages. Classes are low cost. Check out passes from your local library.

Places to visit: