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Imagine a place where children’s laughter echoes through the trees, where their curiosity leads them on adventures through fields and forests, and where learning happens not just in the classroom, but everywhere they go. This is the heart of a nature-based education – a place where children thrive, growing in ways that touch their minds, bodies, and spirits, while preparing them for whatever path they would like to take in life.

At Mangrove School of Sarasota, we believe that education should be as natural as the world around us. In this first post of our series, we want to share with you why we’ve chosen this path, and why it might be just what your child needs to grow and flourish.

A World Beyond Four Walls
Traditional classrooms are often confined to four walls, with learning restricted to textbooks and screens, often very overstimulating with cluttered walls and harsh fluorescence lighting. When learning outdoors, the world itself becomes the classroom. Here, children learn by doing – for example, by digging in the soil, observing the changing seasons, and exploring the intricate patterns of leaves and flowers. This hands-on approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all academic areas. When learning is engaging in this way, there is more joy and eagerness to take on more challenging tasks, because the process itself is rewarding, rather than simply bringing a lesson to completion and moving onto the next task.

When children interact with nature, they experience learning in its most dynamic and tangible form. They’re not just reading about life cycles; they’re witnessing them in real-time as they plant seeds and watch them grow. They’re not just studying ecosystems; they’re exploring them firsthand, discovering the connections between plants, animals, and their environment. These experiences are not only educational but deeply memorable, creating a foundation of knowledge and wonder that stays with them for life.

Fostering Creativity and Imagination
In a world dominated by screens, it’s easy for creativity to take a backseat, but nature has a way of sparking the imagination in ways that no app or video game can. Here children are encouraged to play, to create, and to let their imaginations run wild. Whether they’re building forts out of palm fronds, crafting art from natural materials, or simply daydreaming under a tree, nature provides endless opportunities for creative expression.

Research shows that time spent in nature can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. According to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, children who play in natural settings are more likely to invent their own games, use their imagination, and engage in cooperative play. These are essential skills that contribute to a child’s overall development, preparing them not just for school, but for life.

Nurturing Emotional Well-being
Childhood can be full of pressures, from academic expectations to social challenges. Nature offers a sanctuary from these stresses, providing a peaceful, calming environment where children can be themselves. We place a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, as we know that children learn best when they feel safe, happy, and connected to the world around them.

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. The natural world has a soothing effect, helping children feel grounded and at ease. It also fosters a sense of wonder and awe, reminding them of the beauty and magic in the world—a feeling that can be all too rare in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society.

Building Resilience and Independence
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to navigate the world with confidence and resilience. Nature provides countless opportunities for children to develop these traits. Whether they’re climbing a tree, crossing a stream, or navigating a forest trail, they’re constantly testing their limits, learning to take calculated risks, and discovering their own strength and capabilities.

At the Mangrove School, we encourage children to explore, to take on challenges, and to learn from their experiences. We believe that through these adventures, children not only build physical skills but also develop the resilience and independence they’ll need to thrive in all areas of life.

A Community of Care
Finally, a nature-based education isn’t just about what children learn; it’s about the community they become a part of. We foster a close-knit, supportive community where children, parents, and educators work together to create a nurturing environment. We believe in the importance of strong relationships, and we know that when children feel connected to those around them, they’re more likely to succeed and feel a sense of belonging.

We invite you to join us on this journey – to give your child the gift of a nature-based education, where they can grow, learn, and thrive in a setting that celebrates the joys of childhood. Together we can create a brighter, more meaningful future for our children – one where they’re not just prepared for the next grade, but for the world.

Come check us out – schedule a call today to learn more about our programming! https://info.mangrovesarasota.com/schedule-call

Reference:
Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books, 2005.

In lieu of a Winter Assembly this year, here is a heartfelt offering with the warmest wishes from our students, in their natural element!

Videoography by Allen Clements, Music by Jon Stevens.

Now more than ever, families may need assistance to support their choice for the education that best suits their child. Luckily, here in Florida there are many options for scholarships for students of school age.

In 2001, the Florida Legislature created the income-based Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program to assure that lower-income children have more learning options. In May 2019, nearly 20 years later, the Family Empowerment Scholarship was created by the Florida Legislature to further help lower-income children.

Both scholarships are based on financial need, and income qualification is based on the last 30 days. If you have had a drop in income due to the pandemic, you are encouraged to apply. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) allows families to choose between financial assistance toward private school tuition and fees, OR with transportation costs to attend a public school other than the one the student is assigned to attend. The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) may only be used towards private school tuition and fees. You can apply at http://www.stepupforstudents.org

Florida Tax Credit Eligibility Criteria:

Age Eligibility:

• Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 on or before Sept. 1.
• Students entering first grade must be 6 on or before Sept.1.

Income Eligibility:

• If a member of the household receives SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or FDPIR, the student may qualify.
• If the household income qualifies for free or reduce-priced lunch, the student may qualify.
• If the household income is at/or below the income chart found in the chart below titled “Eligibility Chart”, the student may qualify.
• Additional FES criteria:
• The student is eligible to enroll in kindergarten or has spent the prior school year in attendance at a Florida public school. Prior attendance means the student was enrolled in and attended a Florida public school during both the October and February student counts.
• Both FTC and FES applicants only need to income qualify 1 time, rather than re-qualify each year.

You can find the elgibility chart here. Remember, only documentation for the last 30 days is required to qualify. If your income has lowered due to the pandemic, you are encouraged to apply now to secure funds for the upcoming school year, and year thereafter.

In addition to income based scholarships, there are scholarships for unique abilites as well.

The Gardiner Scholarship program helps parents individualize the educational plans for their children with certain special needs was named the Gardiner Scholarship in January of 2016. The name honors Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner, who led the legislative effort to create the program, and his family. 

A different kind of scholarship: The Gardiner Scholarship is different than other state scholarships in that it allows parents to personalize the education of their children with unique abilities by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers. These include schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology – even a college savings account.

This scholarship is for Florida students 3 years old through 12th grade or age 22, whichever comes first, with one of the following disabilities: Autism spectrum disorder, Muscular dystrophy, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Spina bifida, Williams syndrome, Intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment), rare diseases as defined by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, (such as PANDAS), anaphylaxis, deaf, visually impaired, dual sensory impaired, traumatic brain injured, hospital or homebound as defined by the rules of the State Board of Education and evidenced by reports from local school districts, or three, four or five year-olds who are deemed high-risk due to developmental delays.

You can apply at http://www.stepupforstudents.org

Also for special abilities there is the McKay Scholarship. The McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program, originally created in 1999, provides scholarships for eligible students with disabilities to attend an eligible public or private school of their choice. Students with disabilities include K-12 students who are documented as having an intellectual disability; a speech or language impairment; a hearing impairment, including deafness; a visual impairment, including blindness; a dual sensory impairment; an orthopedic impairment, an other health impairment, an emotional or behavioral disability; a specific learning disability, including, but not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or developmental aphasia; a traumatic brain injury; a developmental delay; or autism spectrum disorder.

Any parent of a public school student with a disability who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan may receive a McKay Scholarship if the student meets the following requirements:

• The student has spent the prior school year in attendance at a Florida public school (the student was enrolled and reported by a Florida school district for funding during the preceding October and February FTE surveys in Pre-K through grade 12), or
• The student received services under the Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) program during the previous school year and has a current IEP developed by the local school board in accordance with State Board Rule or a 504 accommodation plan

Mangrove School of Sarasota is proud to participate in all of these programs; every child should have the opportunity to have the education that is the best fit for them. Now accepting students for 2020-21, preschool through high school.

What a tremendous display of generosity of the past 24 hours! Thanks to the Community Foundation of Sarasota for hosting and facilitating, and to The Patterson Foundation for MATCHING all donations, $25-$100!

The outcome? Over $18 million raised, by 58,947 people, for 687 non-profit organizations in the Sarasota area! In 24 hours!

This year, as we face unprecedented circumstances, with many businesses temporarily closed to the public, these funds mean more than ever. It means these organizations can continue to operate, people can keep their jobs, and the most vulnerable in our society have the services they need.

These acts of kindness also give people hope. Hope that they will rise again and be able to provide for the community now and in the future. We would like to thank not only our donors but ALL donors; you are the proof that together we can all grow and thrive!

To our supporters we would like to offer a deep, heartfelt thank you! We are small and creating a very different kind of education; your donation directly supports our mission of nurturing children through nature, service, and meaningful curriculum. Through this mission, our students become connected to themselves, each other, and their community. They learn who they are and gain a deep appreciation for their own unique gifts and contributions. To us, this is essential. If our students have love for themselves and security in who they are, they can face any obstacles in the future. Thanks to you, we can continue to support our teachers, families and community.

With love and gratitude,

Erin.

Uncertain times have the potential to bring many new challenges and issues, as well as innovative solutions and ingenuity! Our Mangrove Garden Collective was born from a need to empower families to grow their own food, find hope in precarious circumstances, and bring our community together in spirit when we need to keep our distance. We hope you will join in this movement. Together, we grow.

In our Early Childhood, we use puppetry as our main storytelling tool.  This can be finger puppets, marionettes, or small dolls moving about to  give life to the story the teacher is telling. As children see in pictures, this draws the child in, allowing them to fully engage their imagination and creativity.  Teachers choose stories that can supprt the child’s inner development and the puppets moving about slowly and purposefully can have a healing and calming effect on the child, thus these are designed to nourish both their minds and hearts. This puppet play was created as a gift for young children in our community and beyond. We hope you enjoy it – happy spring!

In difficult times such as these it is not easy to feel the goodness in life. In an external crisis, our urge is often to listen and see the news and to share our feelings with other adults. As a consequence, it is easy for the children around us to be exposed to things that they cannot understand, to become fearful about situations they will never see and cannot change, even if we think that the media or adult conversations are not attended to by the children. Even pre-verbal children can sense the distress in our inner being.

But nothing brings stamina for life and daily well to our children more directly and strongly than surrounding them and immersing them into an atmosphere of goodness and joy. For us as adults, the message they seek from us is this :” I am happy to be alive, I am interested in the world around me and I want to find a place for myself within it.” Children are born with an openness to meet what their lives will bring.

For the child just beginning life, there is one single mantra that needs to guide those early steps and years: the world is good. No other belief will carry him forward through the tumbles and stumbles, through the mysteries of his encounters with confidence and eagerness. Without this overarching rainbow of trust in life around and above them, children shrink back into themselves, lose the shine in their eyes, forgo the impulse to experiment, to see things as the adults around them never have.

The world is good- and therefore I enter into it, explore it, wonder, stop and look, touch, encounter, meet what comes to me with interest and growing confidence.

FEAR paralyzes children – it reverses children’s natural gesture of trust, openness, and interest in the world. To develop in any way, children need to be able to enter easily into life around them. They need to feel welcome, and above all, safe.

There are times when circumstances beyond our control create uncertainty or worse for our families. At the same time, however, our children are just beginning their lives. We owe to them their birthright: the world is good and I am grateful and happy to be in it.It is a safe place for me to grow in. And later, much later, I will be able to take on its pain and burdens. But give me time, peace, and space in which to discover the goodness in life for myself. Protect me from the challenges of adulthood until I am ready.

How can we do this for them?

We can protect them from information that they can not comprehend or digest, and give them the strength building elements of rhythm, form in daily life, predictability, that reassure them of the goodness and security of each day. Young children are not able to interpret the large world and it’s sphere of difficulties. They cannot digest it and then it goes inside of them to then be expressed in ways of anxiety. nervousness, fear, withdrawal, sleepness nights, or aggressive behaviors.

How do we as adults find our own paths to believing in the goodness of the world?

Take a walk, find your way into nature, hold deep in memory the most recent good thing we have encountered. Begin and end your day with gratitude for the good in our lives – however challenging this may feel at moments. Find reminders like the wonder and miracles of the  universe. Look up at the stars in heaven; find a poem and put it on your refrigerator; pick a small bouquet of wildflowers or recall a human relationship that has helped you along your way.

And see it, step by tiny step, you can rediscover, in difficult times, that the world is truly good!!

By the amazing Susan Weber of Sophia’s Hearth Family Center. Reposted with permission of Sophia’s Hearth. https://www.sophiashearthteachers.org/

In many schools, children learn by a rote method. While it is clear that there has to be some repetition of the material that children are to learn, repetition and practice can be a physical and full-body experience. 

For example, the 2nd Grade is learning the multiplication tables. To learn something like the tables you would think there is only one way to do it. Most schools would repeat them orally, write them a lot and work with them in such a way that the children would be repeating them over and over. What if there was another way? 

At our school, multiplication tables take on a new interest. We begin in 1st Grade by skip counting. 2,4,6, etc. for the 2 times table and 3,6,9,etc. for the 3 times table. This can be accomplished with bean bags and clapping games(1) Throwing the bean bag while reciting the products of the times tables helps a child integrate the knowledge not just in their minds but into their limbs. When it comes time to work with the multiplication tables in 2nd Grade they will have more complete knowledge of the material because they used their mind and their limbs integrating the material into their being. 

In 2nd Grade, the children move on to the concept of multiplication always taking into consideration how to present it in the most integrated way for mind, body, and spirit. One method is to draw a circle and mark 10 points around the circle evenly (0-9). Based on the product, you draw lines from each point around. (For example, 2 is 2 x 1, 4 is 2 x 2, etc) Below is an example, can you guess which times table it represents? From this, we get a geometric form that the children can see; as we go through each table different forms appear as if by magic! This adds another dimension to learning the multiplication tables, and also lays a foundation for geometry later. 

Multiplication tables are only one subject that can utilize a more physical method of learning. In first and second grade, where our main blocks are 4 processes of math and language arts, many aspects of these can also lend themselves to this. Addition and subtraction can be learned through games that involve number lines made of chalk outside. Each child can add and subtract numbers while standing on a number line and play with the qualities of numbers that are on the line. They can also create a hopscotch board using the answers to addition and subtraction problems and the children need to jump on the answer to the problem. Language arts and speech take a fun twist when combined with drama and acting out plays, cursive writing can be introduced first in clay, then written carefully in their books. 

Learning can be a full-body experience that brings in every aspect of a person to learn the concept. By making this active and fun, we stimulate the child’s will and foster a love of learning.

By Laura Barrett 1/2nd Grade Teacher

(1)Henning Anderson, Active Arithmetic, (Waldorf Publications, 2014), 95-101

What an incredible weekend of fellowship – working side by side we collectively brought such a profound message about the our school’s mission:

Honoring imagination as the heart of childhood, and something we deeply nurture in our students – of all ages.  Through this faire we can see not only the incredible commitment our teachers make to this principle through their artistic endeavors, but the fruits of the seeds planted in early childhood, in our older students who so impressively and skillfully create experiences for their younger peers.

Bringing awareness to the profound importance of our connections to our surroundings.  We hold this value so closely, therefore every aspect of the planning kept this in mind, and bringing in other organizations and businesses that share this with us was essential.  We are so grateful to have folks like the Longboat Turtle Watch and Mote Marine Aquarium to support our Faire and bring awareness of their particular passions, and to have the event transformed into a zero waste event by Sunshine Community Compost was such a thrill! The student Recycled Art Gallery was another element added this year, transforming 3 months of garbage into intricate and detailed art pieces.

We are incredibly grateful to the multitude of support and well wishes we received!  First, to our sponsors:

The Davis Family, Dragonfly Wellness, Veronica Fish and Oyster, The Shoemaker Family, The Blanton Family, TW Advertising, The Underhill Family, The Landers – Niedenfuer  Family, 221 BC Kombucha, India Artisans, and the Holton Family!

We are so grateful for your generosity and support as we envisioned bringing the biggest Mermaid Faire yet, to the community! A special thank you to 221 BC Kombucha for brewing a signature flavor for the event – Mermaid’s Tears – in honor of our most magical guests, who hold such love and care of our waterways.

We would also like to thank our donors: The Davis Family, Heather Underhill, The Mandell Family, The Lundquist Family, Korri Sheppard, The Furlano Family, Sawyer Leins, Lindsey Landers, The Coppola Family, Judith Lescano, Amanda Skuba,  Kerri Loafman, Laura and Jay Schoenfelder, Island Deodorant, The Toback family, and Peggy Jones.  We also had several anonoymous gifts.  For the first time every activity was sponsored and our wish list was completely fulfilled! Your generosity is so incredibly appreciated!

Our volunteers were truly inspiring, taking on many tasks – this was everything from putting flyers out, mermaid hair styling, organizing, completing a shift (or two!), and even construction work!  A huge amount of care and time is required in order to pull this off and you all were incredible! Thank you so, so much – Amanda Marolda, The Lumley Family, Angelo Chiroli, Stephanie Lallo, Alissa Mandell, Brandy and Ben Gray, Megan Streitz and Family, Nancy Benitez, Miriam Cornell, Darcy Nelson, Josh Banks,  Judith Lescano, Martha Heid, Bryan Heid, Amanda Skuba, Leanne Goveia, Kia Duenas, Heather Underhill, Sarah Holton, Chris and Natalie Maute, Owen Maute, Akio Otomo, Christy Stanford, Keshara Alleyne, Tibi B,  Kerri Loafman, Madison Loafman, Jessica Odom, Tiffany Hillary, Jamie Kirchbaum, Nathan Kirchbaum, Tiffany Rains, Alicia Worthington, Lisiane Fidalgo, Cari Coggins, Laura and Addie Baumberger-Schoenfelder, Eric Lundquist, Cal Lundquist, Jay Kent and Crew,  Jennifer Suter, Bryan Suter, Kai Green, Chuck Green, Kevin Klein, Rita Radi, and Amanda DeMauro.  Of course behind all of these volunteers are also other support people – spouses, partners, friends who took on childcare so our volunteers  could make the time to do this! 

Special thank you to our students who, with their immense creativity, brought our faire to a whole new level!  The Recycled Art Gallery was compiled by the 5/6th grade, with artists spanning from nursery age and up!  The 5/6th grade also helped make our Faire flow smoothly completing many tasks the day before, and created our Faire map! Thank you to Mr Jon for guiding them so skillfully!

The Sunken Polynesian Ship Yard was completed by the 7/8th grade, designed to be an attraction for older students and adults, and they truly delivered, dreaming up even the smallest details to help create an authentic and memorable experience. They spent many hours transforming the room, and then hosting guests throughout the Faire!

To our teachers for the extra commitment and energy needed to fully bring the faire to fruition, thank you, thank you, thank you – Shivani, Birte, Laura, Shawn, Kalin, Geoff, Jon and Heather!

Last, but definitely not least, our dear mermaids, this year a record 16(!) were called to the Mangroves! Enchanting, charming and endearing, our mermaids bring a message of care, love and enthusiasm for human kind and our mama earth.  The mermaid sisterhood that has formed to visit us each year is a collective of feminine energy that brings magic, wisdom, and grace to our community.  Mama mermaids gently welcome children into the wonder of their world, under the sea, while their younger seashell sisters delight in awe of human kind, offering children the chance to shine.  Unseen mermen complete (incredibly) sturdy infrastructure upon which imaginations could be woven.  Together they are a genuine ecosystem of love, support, and connection that is felt so deeply by the children who visit them, bringing beauty to all they touch.   To our mermaids, you are the heart of this event, and we are eternally grateful for the extraordinary light you shine!

By Brooke Shannon

This post originally appeared on Wait Until 8^th and is re-published with permission. Wait Until 8th empowers parents to delay giving children smartphones until at least 8th grade. Currently the average age a child receives a smartphone is 10 years old despite the many distractions and dangers that comes with this technology. Join more than 23,000 parents by signing the pledge today.

The iPhone is at the top of most children’s wish list. Some kids refuse to put anything else on it declaring, “all I want for Christmas is an iPhone.”

Nostalgia is heavy for lists overflowing with requests for Barbies, Batman figures, Legos and Hot Wheels. When did our kids stop being kids and start asking for gadgets designed for adults? And how can we be the Christmas hero but hold the line on granting the smartphone wish?

Strategy one: Pitch alternative communication devices. 

There are more ways to get in touch than the latest iPhone. Consider one of these tech-wise options to keep the iPhone at bay.

Relay by Republic Wireless 

Relay is a screen-free, push-to-talk phone that works with 4G LTE and WiFi. It combines instant, nationwide communication with GPS tracking and geofencing. Parents control who can contact children and what features they use. The Relay device is available at Target and Amazon for a little under $50 per device normally and right now on sale for $24.99.

Gizmo Watch 

The Gizmo Watch provides two-way voice calling and messaging with up to 10 trusted contacts of your choice. Parents can check the location of the Gizmo Watch from their own smartphone and even set GPS boundaries and receive automated alerts when a child exceeds them. The waterproof watch also includes a fitness tracker and a to-do list to manage chores and homework. Prices vary. Check out Verizon Wireless and Best Buy to purchase.

The Jitterbug Flip

The Jitterbug is an old-school flip phone with no access to the internet. No apps can be downloaded either. The phone is durable with a long-lasting battery life. Kids can call, text and take pictures on it.

Light Phone 2

The Light Phone 2 is exactly what parents have been looking for in a phone for their kids.  With its chic design, it has a “cool factor” beyond any basic phone without all the garbage that comes with a sleek smartphone.   The Light Phone 2 will never have feeds, social media, advertisements, news or email. The phone simply includes calling, texting, music, an alarm clock, and a calendar.

The only bummer is that the next availability for pre-orders is March 15th, 2020, as they’ve sold out of their current batch of phones. Wrap up an IOU and promise your kids they will enjoy their Light Phone 2 around spring break.

Z1 Gabb Phone 

Gabb Wireless is new to town and they are on a mission to protect children, connect families and encourage life outside the screen. They’ve designed the Z1 Gabb phone without the internet or an app store. Kids can call, text and have access to a basic suite of essentials limited to a calculator, calendar and alarm. There are no games or social media. The phone does have a camera but kids can’t receive or send text messages with pictures in the message. Group text messages also are not allowed. The phone is $99 and the monthly service plan is 19.99.

Strategy 2: Ditch the gadgets and make the Christmas wish list device free

Are you convinced your child can make it another Christmas without any gadgets? Your best play here is to get creative and encourage some outside-the-box Christmas wishes.

Go for Experiences! 

The best gifts are often ones involving rich experiences. Thrill your crew with indoor skydiving from iFLY or challenge them with a Lockout Escape room adventure. Research what bands are coming to town in 2020, and take your teen and a friend to see their favorite group. Is your kid a foodie? Compile an assortment of gift cards to the hottest new restaurants or buy some gourmet cooking lessons to do together. See below for Sarasota specific recommendations

Bring on adventure! 

From white water rafting to skiing to rock climbing, most kids love a good adventure. Talk with your kid to see what would be fun to do together or with a group of friends as a Christmas gift. Push your kiddo outside of the comfort zone to try something new such a mountain biking, scuba diving or stand up paddle boarding.

Make their room special! 

From a yoga swing or a hanging chair to a cinema light box, there are lots of special gifts to update your child’s bedroom. Spruce up their space with a large knot pillow, bean bag, geo moon light sculpture ,diffuser or a cool pouf.

Encourage creativity! 

Musical instruments, building manipulatives, and even the dreaded slime kit can all bring creativity to our kids’ day. Consider these gifts to encourage creativity and keep screen time in check: ukulele, digital piano, electronic drum set, glow-in-the-dark magna tiles, magformers, magnetic building block construction set, Zendoodle’s detailed coloring book for older kids and the ultimate slime kit. Another great idea is a subscription to KiwiCo. They deliver monthly hands-on science and art projects for kids up to 16.

Get them moving!

We love gifts that keep our kids active. If you can swing a splurge, adding a Gaga Ball Pit to your backyard is a game changer for outside play. Other active items to wrap up under the tree include a skateboard, scooter or Pogo stick.

Game on! 

There are some terrific board games to play with the family or friends. Challenge young minds with Set or Jokers. If you have a video gamer in the house, check out the Monopoly Fornite Board Game (ages 13 & up). Mexican Train and CodeNames are both great crowd pleasers and fun to play in big groups.

Keep up with the trends!  

From Hydro Flasks to jade rollers to bubble tea, don’t forget the trendy must haves! Flashback to the 90s with a fanny pack  or combat boots to score points with your tween. Stuff their stockings with favorite brands such Glossier makeup, Under Armour or Starbucks.

Stay strong, parents! You can avoid the iPhone under the Christmas tree and instead give your kids another year filled with experience, creativity, adventure and play!

For those local to Sarasota, there are many incredible organizations that can provide nourishing experiences for your children or family: Prospect Riding Center provides hands-on”Whole Horse Education” for all ages in their recreational riding program, Suncoast Science Center provides students memberships and classes designed to foster exploration of incredible scientific tools and encourage tinkering. 

We are incredibly lucky to have such a rich network of non-profits in the area that promote nature and sustainability. Mote Marine Aquarium, The Children’s Garden, Crowley Museum and Nature Center, and Bishop Museum all offer family memberships to enjoy all year long!  

Give the gift of adventure at Tree Umph, Pirates of Cortez, or Mangrove tunnel kayak tours.

For our community specifically, we highly encourage gifts that help support your child’s nature exploration and experience!  Things like binoculars, camping gear, such as chairs, sleeping bags, or dinnerware, Florida specific nature guides are all supportive to your budding naturalist’s practices all year long!