​Snails & Turkey Tails is a friendly, welcoming, and compassionate nature enrichment program where young children build meaningful relationships with the earth, with others, and with themselves. Grounded in the belief that children thrive through freedom, play, and unhurried exploration, we offer a world far from the pressures of overstimulation and rigid structure. Children can be found riding their bikes on the trails, building forts, climbing trees, engaging in supported risk-taking activities, creating nature inspired art, and SO MUCH MORE!

 

The earliest years—roughly 18 months to 5 years old—are a profound period of growth, and nature uniquely supports every stage of this development. Natural environments strengthen sensory integration, language development, and early problem-solving skills as children touch, climb, listen, observe, and move freely through the world. Open-ended outdoor play encourages motor development, balance, and coordination, while also nurturing emotional regulation by providing calming sensory input and spaciousness. Socially, nature invites cooperation, imaginative play, and gentle risk-taking—experiences that build confidence, resilience, and empathy. Most importantly, time outdoors honors the pace young children need, allowing them to explore with their whole bodies and whole hearts.

 

Here, learning takes place among forests, open skies, and muddy trails—natural spaces that soothe the nervous system, awaken curiosity, and provide a safe environment for children to learn at their own rhythm. Our program is inspired by the philosophies of Forest School, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia. Our camps follow an emergent curriculum, based on the children's interests - always rooted in nature. One week we may learn about local plants and flowers and study seeds, another week we might learn about birds and nests, while yet another week we may learn about trail safety and study basic first aid. Our classes combine sensory exploration, nature education and community. Themes are seasonal and always changing. Our students are curious, adventurous and value independence!

 

Being outdoors fosters a deep connection with life in all its forms—plants, animals, seasons, and shifting weather. Children grow to care for the world not because they’re told to, but because they’ve come to love it. This early bond with nature lays the foundation for a lifelong sense of stewardship, wonder, and peace.

 

In a fast-paced, noisy world, Snails & Turkey Tails offers something rare and deeply needed: a quiet, compassionate space where children are free to be themselves—curious, wild, sensitive, joyful—and where learning unfolds naturally, with love at its heart.

 

Located at scenic natural sites such as, Lake Lagunitas and China Camp State Park, our classes and camps are a nurturing haven for young children. We believe the best classroom has no walls. Surrounded by trees and trails, children are invited to explore, discover, and grow. We honor each child's innate curiosity and joy, nurturing resilience, creativity, and empathy through hands-on experiences in nature.

 

With love and compassion at the center of all we do, we gently guide children into community, helping them grow a deep sense of belonging—to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.

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In an effort to make our program accessible to all of the community, we offer a sliding scale tuition for all of our classes and camps. Our priority is to get young children outside, connecting with nature!