Snails & Turkey Tails is a fully outdoor early childhood program. Through nature-based play, exploration, and hands-on learning, children develop confidence, creativity, social skills, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Our Nature Atelier is located near downtown San Anselmo and our summer camps meet at Lake Lagunitas in Fairfax and in San Rafael at China Camp State Park.

We believe childhood should be filled with wonder, adventure, and plenty of time outdoors. Our programs emphasize child-led exploration, meaningful relationships, mixed-age learning, supported risk-taking, and connection with nature. We keep our groups small so every child feels known and valued.

We spend the majority of our time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including rain and cold, except in cases of unsafe conditions such as severe storms, hazardous air quality, or extreme heat.

In the case of extreme weather, our nature school has access to a nearby indoor space.

We use a relationship-based approach centered on emotional regulation, clear boundaries, modeling, problem-solving, and respectful communication.

Yes. We believe young children learn best through play, movement, storytelling, sensory experiences, exploration, and meaningful connection with nature.

Time spent in nature supports healthy physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Outdoor play encourages creativity, problem-solving, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Absolutely. Play is how young children make sense of the world. Through play, children develop language, critical thinking, social skills, self-regulation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities while building strong neural connections that support future learning.

That's perfectly okay! Many children begin with little outdoor experience. Our programs provide gentle opportunities to build confidence, comfort, and connection with nature at each child's own pace.

Summer Camp Refund and Cancellation Policy

Family Cancellation Policy: As a small, nature-based program, we plan staffing, materials, permits, and site logistics well in advance based on enrollment. For this reason, we do not offer refunds. At our sole discretion, we may provide a credit on a case-by-case basis that may be applied toward another Snails & Turkey Tails camp, class, or program. Any credits issued must be redeemed within 12 months of the original program date. 

Program Cancellation by Snails & Turkey Tails: Snails & Turkey Tails reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify programs due to instructor illness or injury, emergencies, weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation, refunds will not be issued. A credit for the full value of the canceled program will be provided and may be used toward a future Snails & Turkey Tails program within 12 months.

Right to Refuse Service: Snails & Turkey Tails reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service or enrollment at its sole discretion.

By registering, you acknowledge and agree to these policies. Policies are subject to change.