Learners at Acton Academy spend one-full day
each week (Wednesday) in nature at our Outdoor Program.*
*This program is also available as an independent one-day per week program
IMPORTANCE OF NATURE
We believe that:
Nature is an essential part of childhood.
Not only is it good for their soul, but it's important for kids to take risks, build resilience, and gain confidence in their abilities. Nature provides a source of wonder and inspiration for kids and it's important to realize and respect that the world is bigger than they are.
There is overwhelming research that shows the benefits of nature, among them are:
Physical Benefits
Physical Exercise (improved fitness & lower BMI)
Boosted Immune System (increased expression of white blood cells)
Improved Vision; Lower Rates of Myopia 'Nearsightedness' (esp. in young children with developing eyes)
Increased Levels of Anti-Cancer Proteins
Lower Blood Pressure
Decreased Inflammation
Heightened Motor Control: Balance, Coordination, Agility
Fewer Accidents (i.e. falling)
More Adept in Assessing Risk
Emotional & Intellectual Benefits
Stress Relief: Decrease in Stress Hormone Cortisol
Fosters Moral Development
Improved Self-Awareness & Self-Identity
Increased Resiliency
Improved Critical Thinking Skills
Increased Concentration & Creativity
Improved Short-Term Memory
Increased Relevancy when Learning (esp Science)
Helps Children with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Helps with Sensitivity Issues
The Wilderness Explorers spend the entire day outdoors exploring and immersing themselves in nature. Barring extreme weather, we will learn about nature, eat, play, "water and fertilize" trees, and carry everything they need for the day in their backpacks - rain, snow, and sun.
Learners will complete challenges, hike, develop outdoor & survival skills, work together, build shelters, and become connected to our natural world and each other.
Our experienced outdoor Guides use observation and documentation to plan outdoor programs that encourage active exploration, inquiry, independence, kindness & character building, choice, critical thinking & problem solving, wonder, and discovery. Our days are loosely structured to allow space for the learners' curiosity and interest to lead.
Your child will explore as a group as well as have room to independently interact with our wonderful natural environment, alongside Guides who have a love for the outdoors that is highlighted by conservation and stewardship-minded practices.
Learners will be a mix of children from the community who are homeschooled, attend public school, attend Acton Academy, or attend another private school.
Location: Kennebunkport
Guides: Ms. Julie and Mr. Ryan (bios on our Home page)
Forest Kindergarten
Ages 4.5-7
WEDNESDAYS
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dayton, ME
Introduction to the Natural World
Our Forest Kindergarten program offers an introduction of the natural world to young learners. This may be the first experience for some children being in nature away from their parents and our experienced Guides have a deep respect for this.
Learn About Nature, Eat, and "Water & Fertilize Trees"
Our Guides have created a program that will both nature and challenge these young explorers. They will learn about nature, eat, play, "water and fertilize" trees, and carry everything they need for the day in their backpacks - rain, snow, and sun.
Loosely Structured Day - Love & Respect Nature
Our days are loosely structured to allow space for the learners' curiosity and interest to lead. They will learn to work together, hike, develop a love & respect for nature, and complete challenges.
Mix of Children
Learners will be a mix of children from the community who are home/homeschooled, attend public school, attend Acton Academy, or attend another private school.
Outdoor program price is included in Full-Time School Tuition.
One-day per week independent program price:
$2,950 - Full Year (about 30 Wednesdays)
Want to know more? Contact us at : [email protected]
Wilderness Explorers
Ages 8-16
WEDNESDAYS
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dayton, ME
Immersion in Nature
The Wilderness Explorers spend the entire day outdoors exploring and immersing themselves in nature. Barring extreme weather, we will learn about nature, eat, play, "water and fertilize" trees, and carry everything they need for the day in their backpacks - rain, snow, and sun.
Challenges, Hikes, Outdoor Skills
Learners will complete challenges, hike, develop outdoor & survival skills, work together, build shelters, and become connected to our natural world and each other.
Observation & Documentation - Wonder & Discovery
Our experienced outdoor Guides use observation and documentation to plan outdoor programs that encourage active exploration, inquiry, independence, kindness & character building, choice, critical thinking & problem solving, wonder, and discovery. Our days are loosely structured to allow space for the learners' curiosity and interest to lead.
Love for the Outdoors - Stewardship Minded Practices
Your child will explore as a group as well as have room to independently interact with our wonderful natural environment, alongside Guides who have a love for the outdoors that is highlighted by conservation and stewardship-minded practices.
Mix of Children
Learners will be a mix of children from the community who are homeschooled, attend public school, attend Acton Academy, or attend another private school.
Guided by Mr. Ryan and Mr. Dan
Location: Dayton, ME
Mr. Ryan
Ryan grew up in southern New Hampshire and enjoyed exploring the
White Mountains on skis and in hiking boots as a teenager....
