Summer Sessions 2026

Fully outdoors. Deeply immersive. Rooted in real-life learning.

June–August | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM | Ages 5-12

Our Summer Sessions invite children to spend their mornings fully outdoors in nature. Building real skills, forming friendships, and settling into the rhythm of summer through hands-on, experience-based learning.

Sessions run as four day weeks, Monday through Thursday, allowing children to truly immerse and grow in nature over four consecutive days.

SUMMER SESSION INFO

Summer Schedule:

Monday-Thursday

9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Where are you located?:

Whitewater, WI

Who can join?:

Children 5-12 years old

What to Bring:

Backpack
Large nutritious/convenient snack (NUT-FREE)
Full water bottle that closes
Extra change of clothes
Sunscreen and bug spray (please apply prior to class)
Rain boots or close toed shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Towel for water play

Please be sure everything is labeled with your child's name.

Summer Session Pricing:

$270 per child/week. We do offer a 5% sibling discount. Payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Summer Session Weeks:

June 8-11: SOFS (School's Out For Summer) - Into the Wild

June 15-18: Elemental Adventures

June 22-25: Birds, Butterflies, + Honeybees...Oh My!

July 6-9: Wild Builders + Woodcrafting

July 13-16: Wild + Rooted: Wonders of the Plant World

July 20-23: From Garden to Table

July 27-30: Nature Art

August 10-13: Nature Ninja Games + Challenges

Summer Daily Rhythm:

Each day will follow a gentle, predictable rhythm that will balance a blend of "inhale" and "exhale" activities. This includes free play, immersive exploration, snack, group games, choice time/small groups, creative work, and more!

Each day will consist of different activities and no two days will ever be the exact same.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I register?

Scroll up to the top and click "REGISTER HERE!". Or you can read about each week and simply click "REGISTER HERE!" for that week. It will take you out to our booking site called Pembee.

Who are the instructors?

Courtney will be the primary facilitator and will be joined by other experienced adults from various backgrounds who are passionate about nature-based learning.

Does my child have to attend all four days?

When you register for the week, you are committing to all four days. If your child is unable to attend all four days, there will be no refunds or discounted rates.

What are the adult to child ratios?

We maintain a 1:7 ratio to ensure each child receives attention, support, and guidance during their experience. Our summer sessions are kept small and intentional.

What happens in bad weather?

We will be outdoors rain or shine! In the case of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme heat, or unsafe weather), we may need to modify activities, take extra breaks to cool down, or cancel the camp session for safety reasons. We will communicate any cancellations or delays as soon as possible.

What about the heat?

We do many things to ensure the children are comfortable including water play and cooling activities throughout the day. We take frequent water breaks and utilize cold wet towels if needed. We may spend more time in the shaded woods or yurt to get out of the sun. Sessions end before the hottest part of the day.

Can my child arrive early/stay late?

No. Classes are held 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Our program is not considered child care.

What if my child is sick/do you offer makeups?

If your child is sick, please do not bring them to the session! We do not offer refunds for missed days, but if space allows, we may be able to offer a makeup day during another week. Please reach out directly to hello@gatherandgrowwi.com to check for availability. We cannot guarantee a makeup spot.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Any cancellations made at least 14 days BEFORE the session start date will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee per week. The administrative fee applies to each canceled week.
No refunds for cancellations made less than 14 days before the start date.
We do not offer refunds for classes cancelled due to weather or sickness but we will do our best to offer a makeup class.

WEEKLY THEMES

Week 1:

SOFS (School’s Out For Summer) - Into the Wild

June 8-11

Summer begins by slowing down and settling into the land. Children will spend the week exploring the forest through hiking, hammocking, fort building, sensory noticing games, and nature journaling. With plenty of time for imaginative play, sit spots, and simple outdoor cooking, this week is all about building confidence, meeting new friends, and forming a deep connection to the land.

Week 2:

Elemental Adventures

June 15-18

This week is an invitation to experience the elements firsthand. Children will explore the earth, air, fire, and water through movement, experiments, and play. With a strong focus on safety and respect, children will learn how to build and tend a fire, observe how wind and water shape the land, and discover how the elements work together to support life in the natural world. Children will also learn how to make various foods over the open flame.

Week 3:

Birds + Butterflies + Honeybees… Oh My!

June 22-25

Children will tune in to the winged life of the land as they observe birds, butterflies, and honeybees in their natural habitats. Through quiet observation, movement, games, art, and storytelling, the children will learn how these creatures live and why they matter. A local beekeeper will join us to share hands-on learning about honeybees, beekeeping and the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem.

Week 4:

Wild Builders + Woodcrafting

July 6-9

This immersive week invites children to work with their hands and the materials of the forest. Children will gather, shape, and build using natural materials while learning basic woodcraft skills such whittling, hammering, sawing, and other simple tool use. They will have the opportunity to build some woodworking projects as well as forts in the forest. Children will develop focus, confidence and respect for the forest, tools, and those around them through hands-on work.

Week 5:

Wild + Rooted: Wonders of the Plant World

July 13-16

Children will be invited to slow down and form a relationship with the plants that grow all around us. With guidance from Daniela– a local herbalist and owner of Growing Up Rooted, the children will learn to identify wild plants, explore how herbs are used for healing, and create simple herbal infusions and nature-based remedies. Through hands-on exploration, storytelling, and time in the garden/woods, the children will discover the quiet magic and usefulness of the plant world.

Week 6:

From Garden to Table

July 20-23

Children will spend four days immersed in hands-on farm and garden experiences- planting, harvesting, collecting fresh eggs from the coop, and preparing fresh foods together. Through play, exploration, and shared meals the children will learn where food comes from, practice responsibility and teamwork, and build confidence as capable contributors. A beautiful blend of gardening, outdoor cooking, animal care, and outdoor play - rooted in connection to land, food and community.

Week 7:

Nature Art

July 27-30

Nature becomes our studio this week as children explore creativity inspired by the land. Children will use natural materials to create art through painting, building, weaving, and crafting, while also learning to notice colors, textures, shapes, and patterns in nature. With time for free creation and guided projects, this week will encourage self-expression, imagination, and seeing the beauty woven throughout the natural world.

Week 8:

Nature Ninja Games + Challenges

August 10-13

Our final week of camp is all about movement, play, and celebration in the woods. Children will explore the land through nature-based games, team challenges, and cooperative adventures that build confidence, problem-solving, and connection. With plenty of running, climbing, laughing and exploring, this week is a joyful send-off to summer and a chance to play freely together in the wild.