Nature and Farm Learning Center

Located in Yaphank on a 7-acre private farm, Nature Explorers Learning Center is a one-of-a-kind Learning Center for homeschooling families!  

We strongly believe that children learn best when they explore, research, and have plenty of hands-on experiences along with being out in nature. Learning the responsibility and skills of being on a farm will result in transferable skills that last a lifetime.

Our Philosophy:

We all see what is happening in our world. Our modern society has led many away from being outdoors and engaged in nature. It is well documented that today’s children are playing outside far less than their parents and grandparents did. Whether it is the lack of safe spaces, the lure of technology/devices and what we call the “race to nowhere” in education, today’s children are experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Most of us instinctively recognize the various ways that being outside in a natural environment can enrich our lives. We aim to connect participants with nature and help guide each child towards becoming independent, balanced, resilient, confident, and happy. Within this framework we will give the students ownership over their journey to allow them to follow their interests and develop and learn at their own pace. 

“Must we always teach our children with books?

Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above.

Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth.

They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of real education.”

-David Polis

Examples of activities:

· Nature Journaling/Sit Spot (writing, sketching, observations)

· Map Making

· Nature Art- crafts, sketching, painting outside

· Nature Poetry

· Farm Jobs

· Animal Tracking

· Nature Hikes- safety, etiquette, cardinal directions, dangers etc.

· Bird Watching & Animal Notebooking

· Plant/Tree Notebooking

· Basic Carpentry (woodworking/whittling)

· Survival Skills

· Gardening Skills

· Weather Patterns and knowledge

· Caring for Farm Animals

· Fire Safety

· Outdoor Cooking

· Teamwork (accountability, responsibility, respect, etc.)

· And much, much more  

Email us at NatureExplorersLI@gmail.com or text Julie (516)639-8042 or Glenn (631)495-9348 to learn more and to enroll your child