Afterschool in Nature at Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary is a program serving youth 4th through 8th grade, hosted on our 600-acre nature reserve in Orange.
Afterschool in Nature’s mission is to provide the space and place for all children to grow and flourish by interacting with the land base they are a part of. Through a program of student-led nature-based activities, we aim to empower our youth in actively gaining a greater sense of healthy belonging and kinship to their natural environment and community.
Our Afterschool in Nature curriculum intimately follows the cycle of the seasons, wildlife, and local flora. Youth will explore this ancient rhythm by splashing in mountain streams, helping to grow delicious and healthy foods in the meadow gardens, studying wildlife along the forest trails, and experiencing quality time outdoors through a variety of different activities. In the process, they will learn not only about the natural communities that surround them, but also about themselves, their peers, and the world at large.
Our program accepts families from all financial levels, regardless of ability to pay tuition, and provides transportation from school and to home to ensure access for all youth. Many of our enrolled families qualify for free lunch, and are not able to afford outdoor gear for their youth to be able to fully participate in nature-based activities.
With the winter rapidly approaching, we are reaching out to the community to invite donations of gently-loved items *in good condition* to be used in our program.
- Rain jackets
- Backpacks
- Snow gear including snow jackets, snow pants, and snowshoes
- Insulated tumblers for hot tea
- Art and craft supplies
- Storage containers from small to large
- Coat rack
- Outdoor canopy with arched roof
- Lumber for building projects
- Roof rakes, snow shovels
- Door mats, carpet, rugs
- Seed starting gear
- Garden tools including hand clippers, garden forks, and gloves
