1. Where is your child at school?
Our 4 year old daughter attends Jesus + Nature Outdoor Program located in downtown Atlanta, GA.
2. How does the school incorporate the outdoors into the program?
The program aims to spend the entire day outside. They try to incorporate seasonal awareness and outdoor literature into the program.
3. How much time is spent outdoors?
It’s only a half day program at her age, so it’s only a 4 hour class day, but I’d say on average they are outside 3.5 hours of the day. In the dead of winter they still spend 2 hours outside.
4. Has your child had an adjustment period to the outdoor approach?
Not at all, we have always been a family that plays and exercises outdoors almost daily. Having school outside hasn’t seem to be any different for her.
5. Would you characterize your family as “outdoorsy”?
Absolutely! It’s our whole personality! Halfway joking there. As a family, we do something outside pretty much everyday. With the kids, we camp regularly, ride bikes on paths, mountain bike, kayak, swim at the beach/river, lots of hiking, and lots of outdoor playgrounds.
6. How has outdoor school benefited your child in particular?
I think learning new things in a familiar place and in a way of play allows her to receive information easier. Playing outdoors also regulates her with her sleep schedule as well.
7. Did you pivot from traditional school to outdoor school? Maybe from one child to another, and if, yes, what was that decision process like?
We never had her in a traditional school, I used to think that’s what she would do, but the more I’ve been learning about all the benefits of outdoor school, I’ve become sold. All the sunlight exposure, the opportunities for creative play, and the connection to our natural world impacts her to take better care of our world.
8. Was it hard to find an outdoor school in your area? How did you approach your search? Did you utilize the free ODSS Outdoor School Directory to find your program?
We started with the ol’ google search and turns out - to be expected - there really aren’t many options of outdoor schools in the city, they are all on the outskirts. At the time of picking our school we were not aware of the directory you all offered! It’s such an awesome resource!
9. How have friends & family reacted to your choice to embrace outdoor education?
For the most part no one cares or is supportive of it.
10. Has it been difficult to find the right outerwear to keep your child happy, warm and engaged at outdoor school? How has ODSS been a resource for you in terms of gear?
It is challenging finding places that carry kids gear in person so the kids can try them on. I still can’t seem to find a place that offers in-store options. But ODSS has been so informative for me as a parent to know brands or different pros and cons of each piece of gear!
Shawn McHargue
Web: OutsideInAtlanta.com