About Wild Wonder:
A Homeschool Adventure
Born out of a love for nature education
Wild Wonder was born from a simple desire: a group of parents sought to extend the benefits of outdoor learning and community for their children beyond the preschool years.
Having seen our children thrive in local outdoor preschool programs, we recognized a need for continued, play-based nature programming for youth ages 5-12.
We collaborated with Hale Education, an organization that shared our vision for fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Together, we created a unique program designed to empower children's resilience and ignite their natural curiosity in the great outdoors.
Enrollment is open for the 2025-2026 school year.
Guided by Nature's Rhythm
At Wild Wonder, we believe the most profound lessons are often taught by the natural world itself.
The program embraces the ever-changing tapestry of the outdoors, allowing weather conditions to guide the flow of our days. This means the schedule is as dynamic as the seasons, ensuring each session feels fresh, relevant, and deeply connected to the environment around us.
Every session is a balanced blend of indoor and outdoor time. This allows us to adapt to whatever nature sends our way, ensuring comfort and safety while maximizing our opportunities for discovery.
Participants can expect each experience to be interactive, engaging, and thoughtfully tailored to be both age-appropriate and skill-level appropriate. We foster an environment where curiosity thrives, and children are encouraged to explore, question, and learn through hands-on engagement with the natural world.
Curriculum is student driven
Wild Wonder: A Homeschool Adventure is ideal for homeschool families choosing to honor the adaptive nature of children’s interests.
While we may have a topic for the day, students feel empowered to advocate for learning opportunities and deep dives into topics and activities.
Sample Curriculum Topics
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Forest Forensics
Everything leaves a mark on the woodlands: dead and decaying plant life; storm, wind, water, and fire damage; animals; people; and more.
What signs will tell us a forest story? (tracks, trails, buildings, roads, scat are all signs)
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Moswetuset – the Indigenous People of Hale
The Moswetuset (Massachuset) people lived here at Hale, before it WAS Hale. Learn about the families and the life they lived here. Hike to a rock shelter, and a stone quarry used as a source for stone tools.
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Animals in Winter
Where are the animals of Massachusetts during the winter? Discover how they prepare and cope with the cold, icy, and snowy conditions. Look for the foods of a winter forest. Explore a beaver habitat.
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Wilderness Survival
How to prepare for a walk in the woods. Be BEAR AWARE. Learn how to stay found. Build a structure to shelter you from rain, snow, and wind. Learn fire safety.
The Hale instructor will demonstrate all aspects of fire safety.
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Geology
Travel back to 15,000 years ago. Imagine how a glacier – a thick block of ice – shaped the ground we walk on.
Examine rocks and minerals and maybe find micro meteorites!
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Navigation: Maps & Compasses
Learn simple map reading and compass skills. Put your knowledge to the test as you follow a compass route.
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Reading Forested Landscape
Looking at the land can tell you about the history and present-day use of the forest. What does a stone wall tell us? Or a clearing? Maybe a Cedar tree?
Meet Our Educator,
Shirley Sutton
Shirley Sutton joined Hale in early 2013, bringing with her a profound passion for the natural world.
Though her journey at Hale began as a Naturalist and Ropes Course facilitator, her dedication to environmental education quickly expanded. When a pontoon boat provided a unique "Floating Classroom," Shirley became its operator and educator, sharing local nature topics from the water. Even after a lightning strike retired the boat, Shirley seamlessly transitioned her captivating lessons to dry land, continuing to inspire curiosity about the natural world.
Shirley's expertise is deeply rooted in decades of study and hands-on experience. She is trained as a Master Wildlife Conservationist by the state of Connecticut Wildlife Division, a role she has passionately volunteered for over twenty years.
Her extensive knowledge spans a diverse range of subjects, including:
Animal and human tracking
Bald Eagle behavior
The rich history and practices of Northeastern Woodland Indigenous peoples
The fascinating world of wild edibles and medicinals
The intricate dynamics of forest landscapes
Shirley's dedication has been recognized with significant accolades, including being awarded Facilitator of the Year by the Connecticut Challenge Course Professionals in 2012.
Shirley's unique blend of experience and passion makes her an invaluable guide for our Wild Wonder program where we foster a deep connection between children and the wonders of nature.
“To raise a nature-bonded child is to raise a rebel, a dreamer, an innovator… someone who will walk their own verdant, winding path.”
– Nicolette Sowder
A note about outdoor programming
Please note that programs are held rain or shine.
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, all participants should be prepared for the conditions. We recommend participants wear or bring layered clothing.
Temperatures change throughout the day and layers allow for highs and lows. Fabrics like polar fleece or wool are better than cotton in rain and a raincoat or waterproof layer is the best option. In summer, a hat or bandana for sun protection is recommended. Always come prepared with sturdy, closed-toe shoes that protect from rocks, roots and thorns. In winter, snow pants or rain pants over a thermal layer are recommended. Make sure to bring a warm hat and gloves.
It is always better to have more layers than you need!
Wild Wonder: A Homeschool Adventure is held at Hale and is organized by their incredible program coordinators.
We are grassroots organized by parents who saw a need and love the work Hale Education does.
For more information about Hale Education and their mission please visit their website.