Earthsong Explorers
Connecting children with the wonders of nature through immersive, child-led learning and outdoor adventures
Connecting children with the wonders of nature through immersive, child-led learning and outdoor adventures
We envision a world where every child grows up in harmony with nature, guided by an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. Through hands-on exploration and deep listening to the Earth’s wisdom, Earthsong Explorers cultivates resilient, well-rounded, and compassionate leaders who cherish and protect our planet’s beauty and abundance. By inspiring children to trust their intuition, follow their hearts, and explore with curiosity and a sense of adventure, we plant the seeds for a future in which humans move in step with nature's rhythms–guided by wonder, purpose, and connection.
Earthsong Explorers is blessed to call Hart Square Village our home—200 stunning acres of private forest in the foothills of North Carolina. With miles of hiking trails, four serene lakes, lush gardens, the nation's largest collection of historic log cabins, and beautiful indoor facilities (including restrooms and a classroom for inclemen
Earthsong Explorers is blessed to call Hart Square Village our home—200 stunning acres of private forest in the foothills of North Carolina. With miles of hiking trails, four serene lakes, lush gardens, the nation's largest collection of historic log cabins, and beautiful indoor facilities (including restrooms and a classroom for inclement weather), this sacred land offers the perfect setting for immersive, nature-based learning.
Hart Square is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through living traditions, past and present. They celebrate the diverse crafts, trades, and practices of our region through mission-driven public events, folklife classes, and K–12 educational programming. Hart Square welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday through their Village Membership program.
The Hart Square Foundation has graciously opened their gates to Earthsong Explorers. In honor of their generosity and shared commitment to education and nature, we ask that all of our forest school families become Hart Square Village Members. Membership includes access to both indoor and outdoor facilities (ideal for parents wishing to hi
The Hart Square Foundation has graciously opened their gates to Earthsong Explorers. In honor of their generosity and shared commitment to education and nature, we ask that all of our forest school families become Hart Square Village Members. Membership includes access to both indoor and outdoor facilities (ideal for parents wishing to hike, relax, or work nearby during forest school), as well as exclusive discounts on events and classes—like square dancing, May Day, Christmas in the Village, and more.
Our partnership with Hart Square is rooted in reciprocity. We are dedicated to supporting their mission by encouraging our students and families to volunteer at events and contribute to the stewardship of the Village grounds. Through acts of service—such as pruning apple trees, preparing for seasonal festivals, or helping maintain trails—
Our partnership with Hart Square is rooted in reciprocity. We are dedicated to supporting their mission by encouraging our students and families to volunteer at events and contribute to the stewardship of the Village grounds. Through acts of service—such as pruning apple trees, preparing for seasonal festivals, or helping maintain trails—our students learn not only hands-on skills, but also the value of giving back to their community with love, care, and gratitude.
Jamie is a mother of three who always dreamed of a better way of life for her children – one rooted in community, alternative education, and a strong connection to nature. She and her family lived this vision in Costa Rica, and upon moving back to North Carolina, Jamie was determined to bring that dream to life in Hickory. Not only did her own children need it, but she felt the local community was yearning for it too. Jamie is a certified Forest School Teacher through the Forest School Teacher Institute and a graduate of Davidson College. Her passions include healthy living, alternative healing modalities, conscious parenting, and of course, spending time in nature!
Sarah is a mother of two with a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation from Cornell University. A former professional brewer, she brings a love of fermentation, horticulture, and the outdoors into everything she does. Sarah has gained hands-on experience in teaching, traditional crafts, and bushcraft through her work at the Ithaca Children's Garden and her certification course in Wilderness First Aid. She now spends her days tending her food forest, expanding her nursery, and caring for her menagerie of animals. Passionate about lifelong learning and self-sufficiency, Sarah is dedicated to sharing her homesteading knowledge and nurturing a love of learning in the next generation.
Miranda is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and studied Outdoor Leadership at Appalachian State University and Prescott College. She’s spent the last several years leading backcountry expeditions, canoe trips, and climbing adventures all across the country. Much of her outdoor work has focused on supporting neurodivergent youth, using nature-based experiences as a pathway to meaningful learning, personal growth, and holistic wellness.
Her work centers around the belief that nature is not just a backdrop for learning, but a teacher itself. She believes that building reciprocal relationships with the land helps young people grow in curiosity, confidence, and connection.
When she’s not learning alongside young explorers, you can usually find her working on a creative project, wandering through wild spaces, or hanging out with her adventure buddy, Winston the pug.
Harrison is a certified Wilderness First Responder and a lifelong enthusiast of outdoor education—both as a student and instructor. He earned his B.S. in Outdoor Leadership from Young Harris College and has spent years working in the summer camp and adventure education world, leading activities like rock climbing, canoeing, team-building, and nature exploration.
Much of Harrison’s work has focused on supporting neurodivergent youth through experiential education and outdoor play. He brings a calm, grounded energy to every group he leads, with an emphasis on fun, safety, personal growth, and respect for all.
Harrison is thrilled to bring his passion for learning and the outdoors to Earthsong Explorers. When he’s not adventuring with our students, you'll likely find him exploring the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
🎉 Exciting News!
Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 school year and our Summer Day Camps!
✅ Register for Fall
☀️ Sign up for Summer Camp
🎨 Explore Each Week’s Summer Camp Theme
We can’t wait to welcome you—whether for a full school year or a summer full of fun!
Not currently, but hopefully soon!
At this time, Earthsong Explorers is a part-time, nature-based enrichment program designed to compliment your homeschool program. Parents are responsible for ensuring compliance with North Carolina state education laws.
However, we are in the process of registering as a private school, so stay tuned!
Currently, we welcome children ages 0-12. We hope to expand to include teens in the future.
Children under 3 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For potty-trained kids 3 and up who can manage light hiking, our forest school is a drop-off program.
Yes, we believe children benefit from being in nature year-round and learn resilience and adaptability through varied weather experiences. We ask that parents dress their children appropriately and pack a change of clothes in case of water play, mud, rain, or snow.
While adaptability is a core value, the safety and well-being of our children always come first. In cases of extreme cold, heavy rain, or lightning, we may choose to spend part or all of the day in our indoor facilities.
In cases of hazardous road conditions—such as flooding or ice—we may cancel classes, following guidance from local county recommendations.
Each group has two adult guides and a maximum of 10-12 children, allowing for close supervision and meaningful relationships.
We provide most materials, but children should come dressed for the weather and bring a water bottle, snack, and a change of clothes.
While we are not affiliated with any religion or specific spiritual belief system, our philosophy honors the sacredness of the Earth and encourages children to develop a sense of reverence, connection and respect for all living things.
We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment. Please reach out to discuss your child's specific needs so we can determine our capacity to serve your family.
Yes. For summer camp, enroll one child at regular price and receive a 75% discount on all siblings enrolled the same week. For fall, the 75% discount applies to siblings enrolled 5 days a week.
Yes, we are offering FREE toddler tuition with enrollment of an older sibling 3 and over. Parent or guardian must be present at forest school. For families without an older sibling, we are offering 50% off tuition for toddlers under 3 whose parent or guardian is present.
At this time, we are in the early stages of development. However, we are deeply committed to making our school as accessible and diverse as possible. We have many exciting charitable initiatives in the works, including scholarship programs. To stay updated on our progress and future opportunities, we encourage you to join our mailing list and follow us on social media.