“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” encouraged former India’s Prime Minister Nehru. No one is more ready to tackle the wonders of the world than children on summer vacation.
Since the beginning, Sequoia’s Treehouse has focused on nature, play, and community. Small class sizes and outdoor experiences teach children through interactive, hands on methods. Celebrating their first anniversary in October 2016, founder Sequoia Hartman is proud that “our success lies in our staff, our facility, our lower ratios, and the connection to nature in our programming, equipment, and philosophy.”
Starting June 20, the team is offering Outdoor Adventures Summer Camp for children ages 5-9. Running on a weekly schedule through September 2, the camp contains adventures indoors and out. Sessions are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with extended care after-hours until 6:00 p.m., if needed.
The camp promises “lots of time to explore the acres of wetlands right behind our property while building outdoor survival skills and taking part in activities such as wild edibles foraging, creating dishes and cooking over fire, building a fire, making shelter, learning how to purify water, and building navigation skills, among others. Children will be taught skills in basket weaving, making candles and soap, along with other outdoor and ancient crafts.”
“We will take weekly field trips to local parks and beaches for further exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s many natural resources, habitats, and beauty. Swimming will also be part of our weekly fun,” she says.
Hartman hopes this offering will showcase their “innovative, experiential nature based programming for all our children on an ongoing basis; to be inspired by and build a connection to nature and to increase self-esteem and personal dependence by learning outdoor survival skills.”
Though new to the region’s educational scene, Hartman and her staff have many years of childcare experience between them. They care deeply about our region and sponsor craft booths at such events as the Lacey Spring Fun Fair, South Bay Grange’s Strawberry Festival, the Hands On Children’s Museum, and Lacey Children’s Entertainment Series.
Ever grateful for her school’s growing success, Hartman offers up “a big thank you! I love being a part of the Olympia and Lacey communities. Our main philosophy is for our children and educators to explore and learn together” and the region has welcomed this mind-set with open arms. In less than one year they have reached full enrollment for their preschool and continue to grow.
Camp is $150 a week and $37.50 for weekly extended care. Enrollment forms, daily schedules, and other registration paperwork can be found online or stop by their 3318 33rd Lane NE location in Olympia. Email info@sequoiastreehouse.com with questions or call 360-742-3651. Enrollment will be capped at 20 children per week so sign up as soon as you know your dates.
Follow the school’s adventures on Facebook as well for photos, 5-star reviews, and a schedule of upcoming events.
In summary, Hartman references this quote by Loris Malaquzzi, “the wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.”
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