Please use THIS link to access our Nature Connection Calendar.  We have had to adjust our schedule after February's Snow Days.  Please reach out if you have questions or need clarification (kathy@bromptonschool.org).  

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 their 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.

Outdoor Classrooms at BCS

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.

BCS Nature Connection:  A Culture of Service

Living out the Connections:  Students Mentoring Students at BCS

In the short and simple video above, one of our BCS graduates beautifully demonstrates what Nature Connection looks like in action, leading a meaningful experience with a group of much younger students. Rather than following a script or a pre-designed lesson, he simply shares what he knows—and what he feels—about the creatures he loves.

Passing along a love for nature is not only about the knowledge shared, but about the curiosity that is sparked. His words resonate with the younger students, who listen intently, soaking in every sentence. His enthusiasm is contagious, and through this unplanned, authentic moment, the students are immersed in the essence of true Nature Connection.

At the heart of this experience is something even more profound. This kind of sharing isn’t just about teaching facts—it’s about transmitting an attitude. It’s about cultivating respect for the Earth and nurturing a relationship with the natural world that reaches beyond intellectual understanding. This is where real Nature Connection takes root: when passion is passed from one person to another, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the bond we all share with the planet.

This video also highlights a key element of our Nature Program—the importance of stepping out of the way. Our Nature Connection Program Leaders understand that some of the most meaningful lessons are not ones we actively teach. Sometimes, the forest itself holds the lesson. By creating space for students to learn from the environment and from one another, we foster connections that extend beyond academic learning and into lived experience.

At its core, this is the true end goal of Nature Connection: building a community where knowledge, care, and curiosity flow freely, and where every experience—planned or spontaneous—becomes an opportunity to grow, reflect, and connect more deeply with the world around us.

As we continue to guide students on their journeys with nature, moments like this remind us of the quiet power of love, respect, and the wisdom of allowing nature to be the teacher.

While we’re proud of the goals we've achieved at BCS,  it’s important to recognize that our success is rooted in the generosity of our families, teachers, staff, and community partners.  Many individuals have given their time, resources, skills, and ideas—often quietly, without seeking recognition or thanks.  It is with deep appreciation that we honor the culture of service generated by our tireless volunteers.  Their selflessness is not only the foundation of our growth, but a powerful model for the values we hope to instill in our children.

If you would like to join the team of helpers who contribute to the success of our Nature Connection Program, please contact BCS at and we will find a great fit for you, whether you have ten minutes or are looking for a regular commitment.  

Would you like more information on Nature Connection at Brompton Community  School?

Contact Kathy Simulcik at kathy@bromptonschool.org.  I'd love to talk to you about our program!