We are excited to introduce Crystal as the new Program Director at Life Cycles Nature School! Her enthusiasm for revitalizing our wonderful nature school is contagious, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board.
The Spring Program will run on Wednesdays, from May 21-July 23, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM*. While additional programs may be offered later, we’ve chosen to start small.
*Registered families are welcome to stay until 2:00 PM on program days, but our facilities will close at 1:00 PM.
LCNS Programs are held in our beautiful off-grid learning space in Vicksburg, MI near E TU Ave and S Sprinkle.
Family registration for the Spring Program is $145, which covers one child (ages 5-12).
Please contact us here if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Family Registration for our 10-week Spring Program is $145, which includes one child participant aged 5-12. Additional siblings aged 5-12 are $10 each, while additional siblings aged 2-4 are $5 each.
With the exception of instructors, LCNS is 100% volunteer-run and has volunteer tasks for registering families. Additional volunteer opportunities are available, please contact us here for details.
Absolutely! Our programs are designed for ages 5-12 with an attending adult. Siblings aged 2-4 are welcome in our Twigs & Tails program, while babies and toddlers under 2 are always welcome to explore!
There is a 1-week trial period during the first week of each program in which you may opt out of continued participation while eligible for a refund. Please see our Refund Policy listed in the Information Guide found here for qualification information. Any refund requests after the trial period will be submitted before our Board of Directors.
All LCNS programs take place entirely outside. Dressing for the weather is most important. At a minimum, we require our participants to bring a water bottle, lunch/snack, picnic blanket, and sturdy outdoor shoes. We also recommend bringing a backpack with exploration equipment such as a magnifying glass, compass, and nature pocket guide. Our learning space is stroller and wagon-friendly. These lists, along with other helpful supply ideas are available in our Information Guide found here.
LCNS programs meet once per week, on Wednesdays, from 10 am to 1 pm. A typical day at LCNS would consist of a short lesson/discussion followed by an activity, craft, or game, and then free exploration until the end of our day. During free exploration, we may have Garden Club or a special guest. Find out more in our Information Guide found here.
Our goal at LCNS is to have the ability to accommodate all who wish to join. If you have any concerns about the accessibility of our location or require special accommodations, please feel free to contact us here.
OMG YES!! Most parents of children with learning differences have noticed a positive difference at LCNS. Let's face it, sometimes kids need space or time away, and that is totally okay! LCNS provides a flexible learning structure (which we've noticed all kids benefit from at one time or another) giving each child the opportunity to simply be in nature and go at their preferred pace.
KINDNESS LCNS believes in the values of inclusivity, honoring the uniqueness of each individual, and embracing diverse backgrounds, values, and points of view to build a strong, inclusive community. We expect all our participants and their attending adult to be kind, respectful, and welcoming to everyone involved in LCNS programs, regardless of race, color, beliefs, ideals, gender, or any other identities or affiliations.
Allow your child to explore! We believe that you as a parent know your child best and the level of support they may need to thrive at LCNS. A list of volunteer tasks is available at registration. Tasks include opening, closing, or activity assistance. Find out more in our Information Guide found here.
We are so glad you asked! LCNS is a volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit organization led by people passionate about our mission. We are always seeking more passionate folks to help LCNS grow and prosper. Onsite and offsite volunteer opportunities are available. We are also building connections with our local organizations and businesses for sponsorships. If you're interested in learning more contact us here.
Please feel free to download our Information Guide for additional information. You are also always welcome to drop us a message.
Learn more about our programs and guidelines here.
Enroll in an LCNS program and join us on our next adventure!
Join a Scout-trained Outdoor Skills Trainer for classes in life-long skill education including navigation, knife safety, wild medicine, wilderness first aid, shelter building, and more.
An informal “forest school” made up of unschooling (and homeschooling) families in the Kalamazoo area. Typically meets on Thursdays at 1:30 pm in Kalamazoo County.
Whether it’s an annual event like Maple Sugar Festival, a special exhibit at the Visitor Center, or a hike with the Preschool Explorers, there’s something for everyone at KNC.