We are an outdoor nature program located in Payson and East Valley, Arizona that supports play, exploration, and supported risk-taking to develop confidence and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences. We believe being outdoors, having fun and connected to nature promotes overall happiness and emotional and physical well-being.

We have experienced outdoor leaders who guide children in nature to learn about plant and animal science, survival skills, and take part in numerous recreational activities in the Tonto and Sitgreaves National Forests, and East Valley locations. Our goal is to help foster resilience, independence, and creativity by helping kids learn useful outdoor skills, by allowing children the freedom to explore and investigate, and by supporting one another through engaging projects and team-building games, all while nurturing a love and respect for nature and one another.

Some Nature School Facts.....

Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior, helping us to reduce anxiety and stress, while increasing our attention capacity, creativity, and our ability to connect with other people.

“People have been discussing their profound experiences in nature for the last several 100 years—from Thoreau to John Muir to many other writers,” says researcher David Strayer, of the University of Utah. “Now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we are interacting with nature.”

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