Florence Wischmeyer, age 5, right, tracks “notices and wonders” in her nature notebook while classmate Forest Zupan, 8, ponders his own project. This was part of an unstructured woods exploration time at Journey Nature School at Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Classes started in September 2020, and, according to MacKenzie Myers Fitzpatrick, co-lead educator/founder at Journey Nature School (JNS), the timing was key.
“People were looking for alternatives, and we gave them an outdoor schooling option,” she said.
Now nearing the end of their fourth year, the nonprofit preschool and homeschool supplement at the Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield offers a nature-immersive setting and “fosters strength in expression, self-confidence and lifelong learning.” Of the six-hour school days, which meet two or three days a week, students spend at least two hours outside.
In preparing for the next school year, they’re currently planning their first Muddy Boots Race on the Ridge fundraiser. This 5K trail run, hike and fun run will take place on Saturday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Registration is now open through a link at journeynatureschool.com via the “Events” page. It costs $15 each for children ages 7 and older or $30 per adult.
“This property is almost 300 acres of gorgeousness,” Fitzpatrick said. “We thought it important to show community members and fitness enthusiasts the area in collaboration with supporting our school.”
The April 6 event will include a much shorter fun run of about 30 meters for children from walking age up to 7 years old. In addition, hot food will be available that day thanks to the Wild Oats Wagon food truck, which provides gluten-free, paleo, locally- sourced food from many farmer’s market vendors. Spectators are welcome.
JNS students, who range in age between 4 and 9 years old, helped map out the run route.
“It will go through the woods, past many Kirkmont structures, down the trails and around the ponds,” Fitzpatrick stated. “The likelihood of muddy boots is high.”
With that in mind, she recommends trail shoes or hiking boots and dressing for the weather.
All proceeds will go to JNS programming. Specifically toward enhancing the school’s infrastructure as it grows.
“We prioritize a nature-immersive experience because of the wide range of health benefits, including for social, emotional and behavioral development,” Fitzpatrick said. With that in mind, they’re even hoping to add an outdoor napping experience by providing hammocks for the younger kids.
Open enrollment for the JNS 2024/2025 school year starts on Monday, April 1. Find out more at journeynatureschool.com. They will only be accepting about 22 to 24 children ages 3 to 7.
Stella Thornburg, 7, and Ryker Mitchell, 7, scamper through the woods near Journey Nature School at the Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield. This area will host the Muddy Boots Race on the Ridge trail run fundraiser on Saturday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)