Nature Based Classes

Eagle Rock reservation
Essex County, NJ

Balance Screen Time with Green Time
⚖️ = 💻+ 🌳

Learn. Create. Explore. 
Building community through outdoor play!

Join an outdoor class your kids can’t stop talking about!

Eagle Rock Reservation
Monday & Wednesdays

9am-12pm (3-6yo) drop off
10am-12pm (2-7yo) Parent/Child
10am-2pm* (5-12yo) drop off
4pm-530pm (4-10yo) drop off

*9am & 3pm extended day available

Your child will Learn, Create, and Explore while experiencing the benefits of nature.

We are an inclusive & neuro-affirming environment for every child.

Payment Plans & Scholarships available.

What to expect….

In our multi-age program, children learn at their own pace and in ways that fit their stage of development. We adjust to each child’s abilities rather than their age, which helps them build confidence and truly master the skills they’re ready for.

Nature Exploration & Discovery
– Children follow their curiosity, uncovering animal tracks, insects, plants, and seasonal changes with hands-on learning.

  1. Shelter Building & Survival Skills – In addition to learning survival skills and how to build a weather proof shelter - Kids work together to create forts and shelters using natural materials, learning resilience and teamwork.

  2. Tool Use – Guided, safe use of real tools like whittling and mallets to craft objects, boosting confidence and fine motor skills.

  3. Nature-Inspired Art & Creativity – Painting with mud, weaving with grasses, making leaf prints, and turning natural treasures into creative works.

  4. Fire Building & Safety – Learning fire safety, how to build a small fire, history of fire making.

  5. Orienteering & Navigation – Using maps, compasses, and landmarks to explore the woods and develop problem-solving and spatial awareness.

  6. Mindfulness & Nature Connection – Quiet reflection, sensory games, and sit spots to deepen awareness and emotional regulation in nature.

Hello from Our Founder, Claudine…

Nature holds the key to unlocking your child's cognitive superpowers!

Through outdoor experiences, their memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility will soar, enhancing their learning abilities and intellectual growth.

“Claudine Mossberg, is our next 2023 Bloomfield Woman to Watch.” - Township of Bloomfield.
Read More Here

What parents are saying…

Nature School

This all-weather enrichment program is 100% outdoors!  Our emergent curriculum philosophy will have your kids engaged and learning with nature.

With our child focused rhythm, each session is designed to be interactive. All classes are tailored to focus on the specific needs and development of the group and will blossom skills in problem-solving, creativity, and confidence.

Nature School

Monday / Wednesday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
also available:
9:00 am early drop off
3:00 pm late pick up

After School Wednesday
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

No School Nature School Day Camp
Sept 22, 23, 24, Oct 2
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join the VIP list for updates on pop-up classes, events, and summer camp!

Outdoor Creators


The Outdoor Creators curriculum is an art-based program that incorporates what nature gives us. These 2-hour sessions follow the rhythm of the kids and are a great opportunity for you to switch off and connect with nature and the other moms.  

Outdoor Creators

Monday / Wednesday
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
caregiver/child


Join the VIP list for updates on pop-up classes, events, and summer camp!

Teen/Tween
Hiking Club

This club will give time for tweens/teens to connect with each other and with nature. 

Each monthly adventure will include education on hiking safety, while following the rhythm and needs of the group.

*We also offer teen internships in our classes. Please email us if your teen is interested.

Join the club list to be notified of the next hike!

JOIN OUR VIP LIST!

We are actively adding new classes every season! If the options above don’t work for you, join the waitlist below to be the first to know when we offer something new!

💕 See you in the forest! 🌳

⬇️ REGISTRATION ⬇️

Outdoor Play Connection is committed to accessibility. If this cost is prohibitive for you, please apply for a scholar ship below.