Sally's Nature School
Homeschool @ the SMINC
Home school sessions are open to all families interested in nature-based learning opportunities. Sessions are in two parts. During the first session, older students (11 and older), or “Nature Buddies,” learn curriculum material in preparation for the second session, during which they will act as lesson-leaders and teaching assistants for younger students. The second session, typically one week later, is open to all ages, but focuses on younger learners, with older students assist in delivering lesson material.
Things to know about Sally’s Nature School:
- All ages are welcome, but we focus and only charge for children 5+ years-old (the main program for 5 – 10 yr. olds and the Nature Buddy program for 11+).
- There will be an area for toddlers to hang out.
- Nature Buddy must be 11 years old by the date of the program.
- Nature Buddy should be available for both program dates.
- If your child is older than 10 yrs. old and is not a nature buddy, they will still have a great time!
- The donation fee is $12/child.
- Each program runs for 2 hours – Nature Buddies: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Sally’s Nature Explorers: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- There will be seating for parents (thank you to the person for that feedback!)
- Bring a snack for the kiddos, there will be a snack time about half-way through the program.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.
October Sessions
Fungus Fun: For this class, we are going to learn all about the fascinating world of fungi and how important they are in our ecosystem. In this lesson we will learn the lifecycle and parts of a mushroom. We will also explore how mushrooms play a role in fairytales and folklore. Joining us is a special guest from the Minnesota Mycological Society to further our knowledge on different mushrooms you may find in the forest. $12 Per participant.
October 16: Nature Buddies Pre-Camp
- Time: 1-3 p.m.
- Ages: 11+
- To Register: Go to Nature Buddies Registration Page
- If your child wants to participate in pre-camp, but does not want to take part in the second session, that’s fine. Please email Verity Davis at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org
October 23: Sally’s Nature Explorers
- Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ages: 5+
- To Register: Go to Nature Explorers Registration Page
2026 & 2027 Dates and times
We are still working on the topics for our upcoming homeschool sessions, but here are the dates and times for the rest of the 26/27 School Year:
- October 16, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- October 12, 10 a.m. to noon. (Sally’s Nature School, 5+)
- November 13, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- December 4, 1-3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- December 11, 10 a.m. to noon. (Sally’s Nature School, 5+)
- January 15, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- Feb. 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to noon. (Sally’s Nature School, 5+)
- March 12, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- April 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Nature Buddies, 11+)
- April 16, 10 a.m. to noon. (Sally’s Nature School, 5+)