Puddle JumpersWelcome to our forest and folk program for children ages
4 to 8yrs. We offer an intimate, loving, creative, nature immersive class that meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9-1pm. We also offer spring break and summer camps -we just finished ours and had a fantastic time! Look for summer camps again in 2026. Our classes have a student:teacher ratio of 6:1. We are a small school that prides ourself on the wonderful village we have created, for all ages. Kids at this inquisitive stage of life will participate in rhythm that delights their senses, engages their curiosities, and nurtures their hearts. Children are immersed in the magic of the forest and garden, while learning to be good stewards to the land and each other. Soulcraft teachers support the children to develop important skills like taking turns, sharing thoughts and ideas with the group, and being kind and listening to each other. We do this by practicing circle time, playing games, telling stories, singing songs, and more. Children also get to practice hand eye coordination, manual dexterity, body proprioception, and risk-benefit assessment by using playing on logs and in creeks, and by using tools, supplies, and nature to create and craft. These things also greatly boost self esteem and the child's sense of independence. 
Most days will be spent outside, so having a change of clothes and good gear for the weather is important. Below is a lost of places we recommend getting rainsuits and snow suits. We also have a wonderful and rustic wood fired studio that we can use during intense weather. We love to practice being happy and finding joy even when the weather is uncomfortable or hard, but we understand this is a process and will go inside when the weather is seriously inclement. There are many fun crafts, stories, songs, and games we can do in the cozy studio too.
Sophia Flores Urbano and Andrea Oeding are the main facilitators, along with assistance from Monique Philpot. Check out our About page for more information about everyone! Our Program begins September 2, 2025. We follow MCCSC/IU schedule for breaks and holidays.
|
"When children play in natural spaces, they're far more likely to invent their own games than more structured settings- a key factor in becoming self-directed and inventive adults later in life." -Richard Louv
Although there is a class rhythm to give consistency and predictability, we also get to experience spontaneity with nature surprising us everyday with exciting discoveries. Children will observe and celebrate seasonal changes, learn to investigate, and begin a foundation of understanding the local ecology along with social and emotional skill development in a supportive environment. We choose crafts and activities that are seasonally relevant and age appropriate, allowing children to seep in a culture that celebrates the wonderous world around them while building confidence, hope, and joy.
Consistent blog posts will be available for families to gain more insight on the day’s events, and a way for teachers to document the group’s interests. Seasonal celebrations with kids from other Soulcraft programs, mentors, parents, and community members are available for continued culture building and bonding. 
|
"There's no such things as bad weather, only bad clothes. "
Here is a great list of places to get outdoor gear for this age group along with suggestions for thrifting and finding cheaper but very effective gear. You can look at the links to get ideas of what we are aiming for when searching for gear, or buy the gear online.
-Fall: puddle boots and raingear, including pants! umbrellas are generally not useful, but rainhats are! Puddle boots are cold and uninsulated, so if temps drop into the 40's multiple wool socks are great at keeping toes warm and dry.
-Winter: cotton, silk, fleece, or merino wool base layer (non itchy for against the skin) made up of a long sleeved shirt and tights, then a wool sweater, then a coat or snow suit. Wool sweaters or jackets with a raincoat are great, dry, and warm. It is very difficult for kids to go pee outside with snowsuits that are bibs on! They have to get completely undressed often to pull them down (girls). snow pants and snow coats are so much better, especially with tucked in base layers. Mittens are much warmer than gloves, and thick wool socks are a must.
The roomier a boot or shoe is the more warm it is. When toes get crunched and can't move they get cold. We like to buy at least one size larger than our summer shoes!
Rainsuits: Oaki has great one piece and bib/jacket rainsuits
Rain boots: Bogs has great insulated rain boots -great for Fall and Winter -size up for wearing winter wool socks!
Winter wool Base Layers and jackets: mama owl has fantastic wool clothing for kids; iksplor has great base layers, but you can also find them at llbean, mountain hardware, and many other places.
We also have great clothing swaps and you can find many of these things used.
-Fall: puddle boots and raingear, including pants! umbrellas are generally not useful, but rainhats are! Puddle boots are cold and uninsulated, so if temps drop into the 40's multiple wool socks are great at keeping toes warm and dry.
-Winter: cotton, silk, fleece, or merino wool base layer (non itchy for against the skin) made up of a long sleeved shirt and tights, then a wool sweater, then a coat or snow suit. Wool sweaters or jackets with a raincoat are great, dry, and warm. It is very difficult for kids to go pee outside with snowsuits that are bibs on! They have to get completely undressed often to pull them down (girls). snow pants and snow coats are so much better, especially with tucked in base layers. Mittens are much warmer than gloves, and thick wool socks are a must.
The roomier a boot or shoe is the more warm it is. When toes get crunched and can't move they get cold. We like to buy at least one size larger than our summer shoes!
Rainsuits: Oaki has great one piece and bib/jacket rainsuits
Rain boots: Bogs has great insulated rain boots -great for Fall and Winter -size up for wearing winter wool socks!
Winter wool Base Layers and jackets: mama owl has fantastic wool clothing for kids; iksplor has great base layers, but you can also find them at llbean, mountain hardware, and many other places.
We also have great clothing swaps and you can find many of these things used.