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BIRD BUDDY
AFTERNOON CLUB

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10

  • Jun 23, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jun 26, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jun 23, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jun 26, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ Hiking from Ferntop each morning, we will journey to the big creek to play and explore.  We will spend our time in the woods and in the water, and also have plenty of time to play on the natural playground. 
    Share
  • Jun 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 03, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jun 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 03, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 10 ~ The POWER OF LIGHT AND SHADOW will fuel and fill our days discovering how to identify and use them in our art to make our work come alive! Each day we will feature a famous artist and see how they used these powerful tools in their painting.
    Share
  • Jul 07, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 10, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jul 07, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 10, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 10 ~ Using baskets as a portable stage and a magical holder for props, children will make stories come to life as we move through our week in Ferntop’s inspiring natural setting. With storytelling at the heart, each day will be focused on different aspects of what makes a good story.
    Share
  • Jul 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 17, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jul 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 17, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ All creatures are worthy of a closer look, even the ones that scare us a little. Bug lovers-and those of us who are learning to love them, will creep into the world of insects that make their home at Ferntop through investigation, imagination and experiences.
    Share
  • Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ Hiking from Ferntop each morning, we will journey to the big creek to play and explore.  We will spend our time in the woods and in the water, and also have plenty of time to play on the natural playground. 
    Share
  • Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 9 - 14 ~ Creative Writing Launch Camp will explore how to get ideas, how to develop memorable characters, how to engineer a gripping plot, and how to tell stories in compelling ways that leave your readers wanting more.
    Share
  • May 03, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    May 03, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062, USA
    Equipping you to create an inspiring natural play space for children in your own backyard! This event is for adults only.
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  • Apr 11, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Apr 11, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Fairview, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062, USA
    One slot per family! Your child should attend with you.
    Share
  • Apr 10, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Apr 10, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Fairview, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062, USA
    Share
  • Apr 08, 2025, 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
    Apr 08, 2025, 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062
    Learn how to incorporate the natural world into the lives and education of the children close to your heart.
    Share
  • Mar 18, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
    Mar 18, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
    Fairview, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062, USA
    One slot per family! Your child should attend with you.
    Share
  • Mar 18, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Mar 18, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
    Fairview, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062, USA
    Share
  • Dec 02, 2024, 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM CST
    Dec 02, 2024, 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM CST
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN 37062
    Learn how to incorporate the natural world into the lives and education of the children close to your heart.
    Share
  • Jul 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jul 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 -8 ~ In July, the Ferntop garden is bursting at the seams with flowers, herbs, fruits and veggies. Our week will be spent playing, working and creating in our large play garden.
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  • Jul 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jul 22, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 9-14 ~ Join WonderRoots on a whirlwind outdoor tour of science (Latin for knowing) with Latin and Greek roots!
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  • Jul 15, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 18, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jul 15, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 18, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 -10 ~ Using baskets as a portable stage and a magical holder for props, children will make stories come to life as we move through our week in Ferntop’s inspiring natural setting.
    Share
  • Jul 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jul 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 9-14 ~ Join WonderRoots on a whirlwind outdoor tour of history. You’ll be planting, building, inscribing, and battling as you learn about building blocks of civilizations both ancient and modern.
    Share
  • Jul 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Jul 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jul 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 -8 ~ Bug lovers-and those of us who are learning to love them, will creep into the world of insects that make their home at Ferntop through investigation, imagination and experiences.
    Share

An afternoon nature play program for children ages 3-6.

Through rich experience, imagination and play, the children will engage in a variety of activities and inspiring places around Ferntop supported by experienced and loving teachers. 

Hours: 2:45 -5:00 pm
Days: Monday & Wednesday
Cost: $270/month-$2,430/year
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2021-22 ENROLLMENT
The Bird Buddies program is currently full for 2021-22. 

The first step toward application is a  Family Visit

What do Bird Buddies do?
SING      CREATE      TEND      PLAY
Bird Buddies Sing

A focus on storytelling, movement and song

Bird Buddies Create

A focus on creating with natural materials

Bird Buddies Tend

A focus on tending the garden and the living creatures of Ferntop

Bird Buddies Play

A focus on play on the farm, in the forest, and with each other

nature school
nature school
Sharing Ferntop
Take a peek at Ms. Clare's new book and album to inspire you in your journey with children!

EVENTS

  • Creek Camp 1
    Creek Camp 1
    Jun 23, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jun 26, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ Hiking from Ferntop each morning, we will journey to the big creek to play and explore.  We will spend our time in the woods and in the water, and also have plenty of time to play on the natural playground. 
  • Art Camp
    Art Camp
    Jun 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 03, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 10 ~ The POWER OF LIGHT AND SHADOW will fuel and fill our days discovering how to identify and use them in our art to make our work come alive! Each day we will feature a famous artist and see how they used these powerful tools in their painting.
  • Basket Puppetry Camp
    Basket Puppetry Camp
    Jul 07, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 10, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 10 ~ Using baskets as a portable stage and a magical holder for props, children will make stories come to life as we move through our week in Ferntop’s inspiring natural setting. With storytelling at the heart, each day will be focused on different aspects of what makes a good story.
  • Bug Camp
    Bug Camp
    Jul 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 17, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ All creatures are worthy of a closer look, even the ones that scare us a little. Bug lovers-and those of us who are learning to love them, will creep into the world of insects that make their home at Ferntop through investigation, imagination and experiences.
  • Creek Camp 2
    Creek Camp 2
    Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 3 - 8 ~ Hiking from Ferntop each morning, we will journey to the big creek to play and explore.  We will spend our time in the woods and in the water, and also have plenty of time to play on the natural playground. 
  • Creative Writing Launch Camp
    Creative Writing Launch Camp
    Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Ferntop Nature School, 7731 Fernvale Rd, Fairview, TN
    ~ Ages 9 - 14 ~ Creative Writing Launch Camp will explore how to get ideas, how to develop memorable characters, how to engineer a gripping plot, and how to tell stories in compelling ways that leave your readers wanting more.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • COST: $156 per person

  • Weather appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and rain gear are a must! Be sure to check the forecast.

  • Bring your lunch and water bottle.

  • Questions?​ Need a large group quote? Send us an email.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

MORNING

Our day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a tour of the inspiring places where children play. Afterward, immerse yourself in our day around the farm and forest. Experience how the natural world provides rich learning opportunities for the children, and gain a deep understanding of the power of imagination and play in an outdoor context.

 

MID-DAY

Our lunch session will be an time of rich conversation and a great opportunity to ask questions. You will hear from Ferntop's owner and founder, Clare Nugent.
Some of our discussion topics:

  • Risk taking

  • Journey in opening a licensed nature preschool

  • Challenges of an outdoor program

  • Documentation using Claire Warden’s Floorbook method

  • Emergent curriculum and using the gifts of the seasons to guide learning

  • A garden that meets the needs of each child and schema

  • Foraging with children

  • Storytelling and rituals that cement place

  • Empathy and caretaking

 

AFTERNOON

We will end our day with the children, observing our storytime ritual and snack of herbal tea and homemade bread.

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7731 Fernvale Road | Fairview, TN 37062

© 2017 Fern Top Nature Preschool. Proudly created by KLD Designs.com

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