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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
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
EVENTS
Jun 23, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jun 26, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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.
Jun 30, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 03, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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.
Jul 07, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 10, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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.
Jul 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 17, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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.
Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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.
Jul 21, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2025, 2:00 PMFerntop 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
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COST: $156 per person
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Weather appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and rain gear are a must! Be sure to check the forecast.
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Bring your lunch and water bottle.
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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:
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Risk taking
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Journey in opening a licensed nature preschool
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Challenges of an outdoor program
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Documentation using Claire Warden’s Floorbook method
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Emergent curriculum and using the gifts of the seasons to guide learning
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A garden that meets the needs of each child and schema
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Foraging with children
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Storytelling and rituals that cement place
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Empathy and caretaking
AFTERNOON
We will end our day with the children, observing our storytime ritual and snack of herbal tea and homemade bread.