Nature Connection Program Goals

The goal of our Nature Connection Program is to facilitate a meaningful connection with the natural world and to encourage students, staff, and community to live out our connection, modeling a mindset of respect and reciprocity.

Through immersive experiences, we seek to use the outdoor environment as a vehicle to Awaken Sensory Awareness, Cultivate Knowledge of Place, and Restore the Bond between People and the rest of Nature.

We understand that shifting perspectives and building relationships takes time and growth looks differently for everyone. Please follow along as we learn, grow, and live out our responsibility.

Program Structure

Intentional Nature Programming: What's it all about?

Differentiated Experiences: We understand that each student has a unique relationship with nature. Differentiation ensures that every student’s experience grows progressively, offering personalized opportunities that align with their diverse interests and needs.
Routinely Scheduled Experiences: Consistent outdoor education is essential for building strong, lasting routines. While spontaneous nature activities will still take place, we now have set times for nature-based learning, led by our Nature Connection Program Leaders, which students and teachers can rely on.
Frequent Engagement: To build a lasting connection with nature, intentional experiences are key and they need to happen often. Our schedule includes weekly outdoor learning experiences led by our dedicated Nature Connection team, along with additional outdoor time thoughtfully integrated by each grade-level teacher.

What does Nature Connection look like for Middle School students?

Eighth Grade

Tuesday (1:45-2:45), Nature Connection practice and/or Eco Schools work with Ms. Kathy
Thursday(12:45-1:45), Nature Journaling with Ms. Leland
Friday, All day- Nature Intensive Program with Ms. Kathy/ Ms. Mimi. Students were selected to participate in this optional, advanced studies Nature program through an application process.

Seventh Grade

Wednesdays (1:45-2:45) Nature Connection practice and/ or Eco Schools work
Friday, All day- Nature Intensive Program with Ms. Kathy/ Ms. Mimi. Students were selected to participate in this optional, advanced studies Nature program through an application process.

Sixth Grade

Tuesday (12:45-1:45), Nature Connection practice and Eco Schools Work with Ms. Kathy
Wednesday (12:45-2:45) Nature Connection with Master Naturalist, Ms. Mimi/ Ms. Kathy
Thursday (1:45-2:45), Nature Journaling with Ms. Leland

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND NATURE CONNECTION

Originally, we had planned to roll our Elementary School into the Nature Connection Program during Year Two—but we just couldn’t wait! These students are ready now to dive into nature experiences and learn what it means to care for the Earth, starting with the place where they live and go to school.

For that reason, we’ve begun weaving a few structured Nature Connection classes into the Elementary School week. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue growing this program as our resources expand next year.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Students connect Science Curriculum directly with Nature Connection studies, traveling off campus four times a year to practice Nature Connection skills at Mott's Run Reservoir with naturalists Mimi Dempsey and Callie.
K-3 Students connect science exploration with nature activities and meet with Nature Connection Educators on Mondays in small groups. Generally Speaking, Ms. Karen and Ms. Kathy invite half of each class out into the woods

Outdoor Classrooms

What is an Outdoor Classroom?

In addition to Nature Connection experiences, our students often spend time outdoors for core classwork in one of our many Outdoor learning spaces. Outdoor classrooms are much like any other. Field studies, reading, and writing are all easily accommodated in a woodland setting. Seating is simple, flexible, and portable. Small groups are quickly assembled and rearranged with plenty of space for everyone. Above all, students are relaxed outdoors and the quiet of the forest is something that just can't be replicated. It's good medicine for kiddos (and teachers) who operate on sensory overload.

Beautiful Spaces Encourage Engagement

Brompton is a beautiful place to learn! Our students benefit profoundly from the opportunity to learn outdoors, on our wooded campus. In addition to regularly scheduled classes with a Nature Connection Specialist, our core classroom teachers intentionally schedule plenty of time for students to learn Science, Language Arts, and History outside, every week.

Hands on Science

Place Based Learning

What's it Like to Learn Outdoors?

There is nothing quite like watching the early morning sun spill through the trees as students settle into their work—quiet, focused, and at ease. Though our classes are only a short walk from the main campus, it feels like they've crossed into another world—a quieter, calmer space where deep thinking comes more easily. In the woods, distractions fall away, curiosity sharpens, creativity flows, and learning becomes a natural extension of being present.

Outdoor Learning Isn't New to BCS

Our students have enjoyed the benefits of outdoor learning since Brompton’s very first year!

So what’s new? We’re expanding our commitment by creating dedicated Outdoor Learning spaces designed to support a wide range of grades and activities. Our campus consists of over twenty, mostly wooded, acres uniquely situated beside the Battlefield Parkland. At Brompton, our teachers know how fortunate we are to partner with the forest on a daily basis. We hold to an age-old truth: Nature is the best co-teacher.

Outdoor Classrooms are not just a place for learning; it’s a space for active care, where we engage our senses and nurture relationships with the living world around us. We encourage students to form a meaningful bond with Nature—one rooted in respect, reciprocity, and curiosity. As poet Mary Oliver reminds us, “Attention without feeling is only a report.” Here in our Outdoor Classrooms, we aim for more than reports—we aim for connection.

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