Taking Root Nature Immersion Program Everyone has a place in nature together. Come join us for Taking Root and be creative and curious with your family outside, in any weather. Our Taking Root program is a one-day-per-week nature immersion experience designed for young children and their caregivers. Together, you’ll explore the wonders of the natural world, build community, and grow alongside your child through the seasons. The program runs in 6-, 7-, and 8-week sessions from September through June, offering families a flexible way to stay connected throughout the year. We offer two class options tailored to developmental stages:
Sprouts (ages 1–3) – gentle introductions to outdoor exploration with caregiver support
Saplings (ages 3–5) – deeper engagement with nature through play, discovery, and connection
Through songs, stories, and seasonal activities, Taking Root provides meaningful opportunities for children to learn and grow while caregivers connect with a supportive community.
Class Details:
Who: Geared for ages 1 to 5 years - one child & one parent/caregiver Cost: $120 - 6 week session $140 - 7 week session $160 - 8 week session Group size:6 to 8 children When: 1 day/week *Please see the sessions below for the weekly class day* Requirements: Classes take place rain or shine! Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child and must remain on site during the class.
***RESERVE your spot in an upcoming session with a $50 deposit that is applied to your session fee.*** **A session requires a minimum enrollment of 4 children to run. If minimum enrollment is not met, families will be notified and offered a transfer or refund.** *Please email[email protected]if you have more than one child you would like to attend with you.*
2025-2026 Program Year:
During the 2025–2026 program year, our Taking Root sessions will invite children and their caregivers to explore nature through the lens of stewardship. Together we will ask: How can little hands be good stewards of the natural spaces we love? Each session will nurture curiosity, foster respect for the earth, and empower children to take small but meaningful actions that care for their environment.
Session 3: BEACH The beach offers endless wonders—from tidepools to sandy shores. Children will learn how to respect marine life, care for fragile habitats, and practice stewardship by leaving the beach better than we found it. Together, we’ll celebrate the treasures of the shoreline.
SPROUTS: January 5, 2026 - February 24, 2026 (8 weeks) Age Group: 1 - 3 yrs old When: TUESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Anna Smith Park - Bremerton, WA Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin SAPLINGS: January 5, 2026 - February 23, 2026 (6 weeks) ** no class 1/19 and 2/16 due to holidays** Age Group: 3 - 5 yrs old When: MONDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location:Anna Smith Park - Bremerton, WA Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin
Session 4: URBAN/BACKYARD PARKS Stewardship isn’t only for wild spaces—it begins right outside our doors. This session highlights how children can care for neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and backyards. We’ll explore simple ways to reduce waste, protect pollinators, and nurture the spaces where families gather every day. SPROUTS: March 3, 2026 - April 28, 2026 (8 weeks) ** no classes week of 4/6-10 due to Spring Break** Age Group: 1 - 3 yrs old When: TUESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location:Madrona Trails - Bremerton, WA Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin SAPLINGS: March 2, 2026 - April 27, 2026 (8 weeks) ** no classes week of 4/6-10 due to Spring Break** Age Group: 3 - 5 yrs old When: MONDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location:Madrona Trails - Bremerton, WA Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin
Session 5: NATURE SPACE In our final session, we’ll return to both the forest and the beach to reflect on what we’ve learned. Children will weave together skills and practices from the year—mapping, observing, and caring for these interconnected ecosystems. Together we’ll celebrate our role as stewards and the joy of exploring nature side by side. May 4, 2026 - June 15, 2026 (6 weeks) When: TBD 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: South NAD/Jackson Park
Session 1: FOREST In our opening session, we turn to the forest as both teacher and playground. Children will discover the many layers of the forest, learn how to move gently through its spaces, and practice caring for plants, animals, and the land itself. Through stories, hands-on exploration, and collaborative activities, we will begin building the foundations of stewardship—learning that even the smallest actions can help protect the health and magic of our forest home. SPROUTS: September 23, 2025 - October 28, 2025 (6 weeks) Age Group: 1 - 3 yrs old When:TUESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: North Campground @ Kitsap County Fairgrounds Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin SAPLINGS: September 24, 2025 - October 29, 2025 (6 weeks) Age Group: 3 - 5 yrs old When: WEDNESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location:North Campground @ Kitsap County Fairgrounds Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin
Session 2: FRESHWATER (Salmon) Flowing streams and rivers teach us about the vital role of freshwater. We’ll focus on salmon as a keystone species, exploring their life cycle and the ways people can help protect their habitat. Children will discover how clean water, shade, and healthy plants support salmon and all who rely on the stream.
SPROUTS: November 4, 2025 - December 16, 2025 (7 weeks) Age Group: 1 - 3 yrs old When: TUESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Jarstad Park (4230 W Belfair Vally Road, Bremerton, WA) Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin SAPLINGS: November 3, 2025 - December 15, 2025 (7 weeks) Age Group: 3 - 5 yrs old When: MONDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Jarstad Park (4230 W Belfair Vally Road, Bremerton, WA) Nature Immersion Educator:Ms. Robin
2024-2025 Program Year: Come explore with us the rich local areas surrounding the Dyes Inlet as we help develop and refine their observation skills through play, stories, songs and hikes. What do you need to deepen roots and promote growth? The four basic elements.
Session 1: September 13, 2024 - November 1, 2024 (8 weeks) When: FRIDAYS Location: South N.A.D Marine Park to Jackson Neighborhood Park Theme: Water Session 2: November 4, 2024 - December 20, 2024 (7 weeks) When: WEDNESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Forest Ridge Park Theme: Earth
Session 3: January 8, 2025 - February 26, 2025 (8 weeks) When: WEDNESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Illahee State Park * Discover Pass needed* Theme: Fire Session 4: March 5, 2025 - April 30, 2025 (8 weeks) ** no class 4/9 due to Spring Break** When: WEDNESDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Anna Smith Children’s Park Theme: Wind Session 5: May 7 - June 11, 2025 (6 weeks) When: THURSDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Location: Smith Nature Play Park at KCR in Bremerton Theme: Life cycles