SHOHOLA, PA — Starting in September, local students will don backpacks, sharpen their pencils and head to school buildings and child care centers for the school year. Bluestone Nature School students will start their days preparing for a different experience. Rain suits, boots, tea mugs, and “get muddy” clothes are staples for Bluestone students, and upon arriving for their school day, they head directly to the woods. 

Bluestone Nature School opens in September for its pilot school year on the grounds of Twin Cedar Senior Living. It is Pike County’s first nature-based school.

Serving students aged 18 months to five years, Bluestone offers a unique learning environment: 16 acres of woods and wetlands behind Twin Cedar. 

This partnership between Bluestone Nature School and Twin Cedar Senior Living aims to bring nature connection to all generations in Shohola. 

The movement of outdoor learning continues to grow in the United States, with nature preschools and forest kindergartens in almost every state. While each program brings a unique experience in a specific natural setting, they all have one thing in common: they value a child’s right to learn and play outdoors. 

Like many other nature-based programs, Bluestone Nature School will operate 90 to 100 percent outdoors throughout the school year. Students will spend their days exploring the Twin Cedar grounds, following their curiosity, and deepening their personal connection to nature. 

Seasonal changes in nature and child interest will drive the curriculum, while Bluestone teachers’ strong knowledge of child development will help children thrive. 

The students would benefit from the school’s partnership with Twin Cedar through monthly “Grandfriend days” and seasonal celebrations for students and Twin Cedar residents. 

Founding director Emily Woodmansee brings years of experience directing and teaching in nature-based settings to the Bluestone community. “As a parent and teacher, I want my child and students to burst with enthusiasm for learning. A true love for learning blossoms when you’re exploring science concepts while tapping a maple tree for sap, using charcoal from the morning’s fire to practice mark-making, or simply reading your favorite book at your sit spot under our Grandmother maple tree,” she said. “Nature is the best classroom, and Bluestone Nature School is excited to foster a community rooted in a love of the outdoors.”

This community does not stop with Bluestone families; the hope is that Twin Cedar residents will become interwoven in the school community and grow their own love of nature. “Our residents are so excited to see the young children interacting with nature and participating in activities with them. This intergenerational programming is going to bring such a spark to our days here,” said Megan Roche, Twin Cedar administrator. 

Twin Cedar Senior Living is a personal care home. It offers long term care, respite stays and an adult day program. 

Learn more about Bluestone Nature School at amongtheferns.com or email Emily Woodmansee at director@bluestonenatureschool.com.

Learn more about Twin Cedar by calling 570/296-7471, or by visiting www.TwinCedarspch.com.

Story contributed by Bluestone Nature School.