Wonder Wednesdays
Immersive Outdoor Enrichment Program
Designed for Curious Minds, Ages 7 - 12
Hands-On Learning · Yoga · Core Academics · Wellness · Self-Regulation · Creative Expression · Natural Discovery ·
Hands-On Learning · Yoga · Core Academics · Wellness · Self-Regulation · Creative Expression · Natural Discovery ·
Fall Semester: August 26 - December 23, 2026
Wednesdays, 10 am - 2 pm
Every Wednesday, the great outdoors becomes our classroom as students dive into hands-on learning that blends core academics with creative expression and holistic wellness. Our dynamic curriculum bridges the gap between traditional study and natural discovery, encouraging children to think critically, create boldly, and move mindfully.
We accept charter school funds for Pacific Coast Academy and Julian Charter School.
Fee, $1440 Semester ($80/class)
Where Academics Meet Nature
Nature-Based Math & Science
Students apply mathematical concepts and scientific inquiry to the real world - measuring terrains, mapping natural features, and collecting real environmental data.
Ecology & Conservation
Young ecologists study local ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and sustainability practices through hands-on observation and field experiments.
Art & Creativity
Earth-Inspired Art
Students explore their creativity using both traditional mediums and natural materials on personal and collaborative environmental projects.
Creative Writing & Journalism
Nature becomes the muse for journaling, poetry, and descriptive essays crafted under the open sky.
Holistic Wellness, Mindfulness & Movement
Yoga & Physical Expression
Yoga sessions build strength, balance, and body awareness while channeling energy in a healthy, grounded way.
Mindfulness & Reflection
Guided meditation, sensory-awareness walks, and quiet reflection help students manage stress, build emotional resilience, and connect deeply with themselves.
Our Nature-Based Classroom
Experienced Educators & Wilderness Mentors
Our teachers have decades of experience in elementary education and we maintain a 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio ensuring personalized mentorship, structured learning, and positive individual encouragement while maintaining safety during outdoor expeditions.
Outdoor Classroom
We embrace the natural world including seasonal changes - rain or shine - as learning opportunities. As a 100% outdoor program, we utilize covered pavilion spaces in the event of severe weather.
Are you ready to sign up?
Meet the Instructors
Betsy Cantrall is the founder of Happy Kids Movement and the lead instructor of Wonder Wednesdays, where she blends over twenty years of elementary teaching experience with her deep training in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. She is passionate about nurturing children through nature-inspired, organic learning processes that spark innate curiosity, build emotional resilience, and support whole-child well-being. With her gentle guidance and joyful approach, Betsy creates learning environments where students feel grounded, empowered, and excited to explore the world around them.
Mara Holland is an outdoor educator who invites children to connect with nature through exploration, curiosity, and play. She began her career in environmental education in 2002 where her love for guiding young learners in wild spaces first took root. Passionate about nurturing whole‑child well‑being, she weaves mindful movement, wellness practices, and nature-based learning into every lesson. She brings a joyful, grounded presence to Wonder Wednesdays, sharing her deep appreciation for the outdoors with every student she meets.
Erika Lee is a devoted educator, mindful communication guide, and steward of the natural world who believes children learn best through play, exploration, and connection with the Earth. Drawing inspiration from her son, Hawk, and their years in the homeschool and nature‑school community, she brings a grounded, heart-centered approach to her teaching. Erika blends her experience in compassionate care, emotional regulation, yoga, and sound healing to support whole-child well-being. With her gentle presence and deep reverence for nature, she creates nurturing spaces where children feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow along their unique life paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! We welcome families utilizing charter school funds. Currently we are approved vendors with Julian Charter School and Pacific Coast Academy. Please complete your registration with us first, and submit your Purchase Order (PO) to your school.
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Our basecamp operates at San Dieguito Park. Exact drop-off and pick-up instructions are communicated weekly in the Brightwheel app.
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Our day balances structured learning, exploration, collaboration, contemplation, and free play. We reserve the right to modify our typical Wonder Wednesday Flow to follow the rhythm of our students’ needs and optimize learning as it unfolds naturally.
9:45 Drop-Off & Free Play
10:00 Mini Scavenger Hunt
10:15 Circle of Power & Respect
10:30 Teambuilding/Movement Challenge
10:45 Mindful Eating Nutrition Break & Free Play
11:15 Migration 1: Science Exploration
11:45 Migration 2: Math Mystery
12:15 Migration 3: Writers/Artists’ Craft Mini-Lesson
12:45 Lunch & Free Play
1:15 Story Time
1:30 Reflection Time/Journal
1:45-2:00 Free Play/Pick-Up
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Families will be charged an after-school care fee of $25 per 15 minutes for any students not picked up by 2:15 pm.
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Explorers should arrive wearing weather-appropriate layers and closed-toe shoes. They need a well-fitting backpack containing:
A packed lunch
Two hearty snacks
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen
Rain jacket
Complete change of clothes (underwear, socks, shirt, pants/shorts)
Personal first-aid kit
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We operate "rain or shine," embracing the seasonal changes as a learning opportunity. In the event of severe weather we utilize covered pavilion spaces.
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We adhere to a wellness policy for the health of all of our friends at our nature school. We expect our teachers and students to be capable of 100% participation in our learning explorations and migrations while at Wonder Wednesdays.
If students are unable to fully participate because they are unwell, we will ask care-givers to take students home.
Clear Symptom Triggers - When to Stay Home
Fever: Temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting (2 or more times) or any instance of diarrhea within the last 24 hours
Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, persistent wheezing, or an uncontrollable, disruptive cough that interferes with learning
Communicable Disease: Rashes not yet diagnosed by a doctor or open sores that cannot be covered
Inability to Participate: The child is excessively tired, fussy, or their symptoms (like severe congestion) prevent them from meaningfully engaging in the program
Let’s take care of each other and ourselves.
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We cannot provide any refunds for missed classes. We will allow families to make-up one missed class on the first Friday of the month following the child’s absence provided a space is available and reserved in advance. Contact us to learn more.
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We maintain a strict 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio. This ensures personalized mentorship, strong peer connections, and a focus on physical safety during our outdoor expeditions.