BIG TREES
Big Trees Fall session registration opens Saturday September 12th at 10am, and closes Sunday September 13th at 8 pm. Registration for this session will be a lottery system, so every registration received during this window will be entered into the lottery and any registrations that come through after this window will only be considered if there are remaining open spots in the class.
What to expect from Big Trees:
1 outdoor class per week during 7-week sessions – Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
A different nature location per class!
Early Explorers:
18 months to 30 months of age (siblings under 18 months can join but must be carried)
Fridays 9:30-11am
1 Teacher (Teacher Holly), 10 children and 10 adults
Explorers:
2-7 years old (siblings under 2 can join but must be carried)
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30-11:30am or Friday 11:30am to 1:30pm
1 Teacher (Teacher Holly or Teacher Rita), 12 children and 12 adults
Tuition:
Early Explorers: $220/session
Explorers: $290/session
Locations for the first 6 classes will be 20-35 minutes drive from the CCNS campus. The final week's class will be a special location up to 45 minutes away.
A day in our outdoor classroom:
Learning about the natural environment during guided nature hikes (Early Explorers covers less distance than Explorers sessions)
A musical circle time with stories and snacks
Nature-based arts and crafts
Unstructured play allowing kids to interact meaningfully with their peers and surroundings
Balancing, climbing, jumping, running and a variety of gross motor skills activities
Problem-solving and critical thinking through exploration and observation
Children’s literature inspired by nature and the outdoors
Children learn to open their senses as they venture out on weekly guided nature walks throughout local nature preserves, city, and county parks.
Topics and locations will vary from week to week, but are specifically designed for children ages 18 months to 7 years old.
All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times. Classes are held rain or shine, so weather-appropriate attire is strongly encouraged.
Big Trees families are an extended part of the CCNS community and receive the following additional community benefits:
Parent Education Speaker Nights
Past topics have included: setting boundaries, child nutrition, kindergarten readiness, positive parenting, importance of play
Family Events
Big Trees Families are invited to join in CCNS Family Events (ex. Trunk or Treat, Messy Art Day, Spring Carnival, and more!)
2026-2027 Session Schedule
WINTER SESSION
Runs January 15 - March 13, 2027
Registration Opens: December 12, 2026
New Parent Meeting: January 9, 2027
FALL SESSION
Runs October 6 - November 20, 2026
Registration Opens: September 12, 2026
New Parent Meeting: September 26, 2026
Tuition
Early Explorers (18-30 months old): $220/session
Explorers (2-7 years old): $290/session