Sprouts Nature School
Children’s Outdoor Education in Madison, WI
Winter Camp 2024-2025
Registration Now Open
Winter Camp is full day programming over Winter Break, 9am-3pm with extended hours available. Sprouts Nature School programs are outdoor, nature-based and child-centered with an emphasis on social emotional learning.
After School Programs
After School Programs are offered Monday through Thursday. Mondays are at Lake Wingra, Tuesdays at Hoyt Park, Wednesdays at Marlborough Park with an emphasis on gardening, and Thursdays at Lake Farm County Park.
HomeSchool Programs
Homeschool Programs are offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am-2pm. Mondays are at Wingra Park and Wednesdays at Marlborough Park in September/October and Lake Farm County Park in November/December.
Activities
Clubs and camps include a variety of nature-based, experiential activities. The goal is child-centered, flexible and creative learning based on practical skill building, connection to nature and being in the present moment. For kids ages 4 to 12 years old.
Cooking
Knowing how to prepare food is an essential and often overlooked skill. Alternating between sweet and savory options, we will use local, organic, fresh, whole foods. Once the garden starts providing produce we will utilize that as much as possible. We will be cooking outdoors using both fire and camping stoves.
Gardening
Gardening is both a useful and meaningful activity. It has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood, focus and concentration. Direct connection to the food we eat develops awareness of interactions between humans and the environment. We will be gardening in a plot at Marlborough Gardens.
Exploration
This topic covers a broad range of activities, from hiking, to bug catching, pond dipping to shelter building. Exploration is a way to get a bit outside our comfort zone and get curious about the natural world.
Nature Art
Using natural materials such as pressed flowers and leaves, clay, wax, and plant dyes develops a deeper appreciation for nature and fosters creativity and mindfulness.
About Ilsa
Environmental Educator
Ilsa (she/her) is a caring and passionate educator with a love for environmental education, experiential and social emotional learning.
Ilsa’s interest in gardening, cooking and nature-based learning began early on in her education, during her time at holistic, progressive schools in New Zealand.
Ilsa brings her lifelong love of the outdoors and passion for healthy living and practical skills to her program in fun and endlessly creative ways for the kids.
Educational Background
UW-Madison Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and Geography 2019
UW-Extension Master Gardeners program 2024
Justified Anger: Black History For A New Day course 2023
Foundations in Gardening through UW-Madison Extension 2023
Relevant Experience:
Wingra School: After School Programming, Environmental Ed Teacher 2022-2024
MSCR: Outdoor Instructor 2023-2024
Outdoors We Learn: Outdoor Instructor Cooking and Gardening Camp and Club in 2023
Blue Moon Community Farm Organic Farmer in 2022
Aldo Leopold Nature Center Environmental Educator 2021-2022
Rooted Garden Educator and Farmer in 2021
Americorps, through the nonprofit Global Green: Development Associate 2020-2021
Americorps partnered with the National Park Service: Restoration in the Redwood National Park in 2020
Brooklyn Wildlife Area: Restoration in 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
do you offer carpooling or bridge care?
If you are interested in carpooling with other parents let me know and I can help coordinate. I can offer bridge care to a maximum of 4 kids (if one child is able to be in the front seat, if not then 3). Reach out if this is something you might need.
are start times flexible?
Yes. We will have a ‘soft start’ with introductory activity at the beginning of clubs and camps. Soft start is a 30 minute window after the listed start time of choice time/free play unless otherwise noted. Please let me know if you need to arrive early.
what if i can't pick up my child until after the end time?
Reach out and I’ll see what I can do to meet your scheduling needs.
what is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a program before the start date for any reason, you’ll recieve full credit for a future program.
For refunds to original payment, 80% will be refunded if it’s over a week before the start of the program. Within 1 week it will be 50%.
If programming has begun, a prorated Sprouts credit will be given if a family needs to cancel the rest of the program for any reason.
If Sprouts programming makes the call to cancel due to illness or inclement weather: a make up date will be offered or a Sprouts credit will be given.
will you have a first aid kit?
I will keep first aid with me at all times. I am First Aid and CPR trained and certified. Please let me know if your child has any particular allergies.
what does my child need to bring?
Water bottle
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Hat
I always recommend bringing a rain jacket and waterproof/mud proof shoes. An extra change of clothes is recommended just in case. I will keep extra clothing on hand in case of emergencies.
ARE SNACKS PROVIDED?
After school clubs will always have a snack provided. Camps will also include an afternoon snack. Please bring a morning snack and lunch for full day camps. Please note any dietary restrictions or preferences when you register.
what if the weather is bad?
If it’s raining and there is a shelter at the park we will still have our session. If there is thunder and lighting we will wait 30 minutes in the shelter and if the storm continues we will move to the closest public library. There will also be the option to pick up early. If the ‘real feel’ temperature is under 20 degrees or above 95 degrees we will typically reschedule, but families will be involved in the process.
why the broad age range?
Sprouts programs are open to kids from ages 5 through 12. I have found that when kids of a variety of ages work together there is collaboration, mentorship and growth. Activities such as cooking and gardening are well suited for kids of all ages. Once someone masters a skill, then helps another learn, it helps develop teamwork, confidence and cooperation.
Want to Learn More?
I am happy to chat over the phone to answer any questions or give more detail. My programming is also flexible! Reach out if you have any special requests in regards to timing, location or activities.
