Children's Nature Circle at Blue Boat Playground Friday and Saturday mornings10:00-11:30am
Children's Nature Circle offers regular time to gather outdoors.
We connect with the more than human world through songs, stories, and hands-on experiences.
In our weekly sessions, we support one another to expand our comfort zones outdoors.
We learn how to be safe, and how to embrace all kinds of weather, dirt, and creatures (even the crawly ones!).
We have fun and make new friends and playmates!
Details & How to Join
Who Can Join?
Sessions are recommended for young children ages 0-5 and their families or caregivers. Some families come every week. Others drop in occasionally when schedules allow.
Where and When Do We Meet?
Weekly sessions are held Friday & Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:30am, on the west lawn of Blue Boat Playground (4414 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122). Additionally, we have an off-site field trip each month to explore an ecosystem we have been learning about. These are typically within a 30-40 minute drive.
What Do We Do Together?
1) We gather with a hands-on sensory activity.
Activities have included: water, paint, clay, sand, and various animal / landscape models.
2) Then we circle for simple rhymes, songs, and stories.
These follow a topic each month related to local ecosystems. For example, birds, tide pools, bugs, chaparral.
3) We go on an exploration hike in the park, beginning at about 11am.
We allow children to explore at their own pace, and only travel a toddler distance. It is always optional to join the hike, and always magical.
4) Some families stay after to play at the playground together.
How to Join?
1) Sign up here for a month-long series or single session.
This allows me to communicate with you should I need to cancel the session, and helps me make sure to have enough materials for you.
2) Payment can be made in advance or in person, via Venmo or cash. Details are on the signup pages.
There are rates available for a month series or a single session drop in, and "pay what you can" is always available to everyone.
3) Meet us on the lawn and introduce yourself!
What to bring?
1) Dress for the weather, and in clothes than can get dirty. You may want to pack a change of clothes.
Go to "Ready for the Rain" page for more helpful info about how to prepare for different weather.
2) Bring a blanket / sit pad if you have one.
3) Bring snacks and water.
Children's Nature Circle Leader
My name is Helen Gilbert Gaus. I grew up in the woods, became an artist and a parent in the city, then followed the call back to nature. It began as just playing outside every day with my daughter. It grew into learning everything I could about forest schools, and eventually turned into leading my own programs.
I live bi-coastally. This year I launched a summer forest school program in Connecticut. I also began leading educator coaching sessions with SF Children & Nature. Previously, my introduction to early childhood education was through working at a Reggio preschool and becoming the song leader for a Waldorf playgroup. I am inspired by outdoor emergent curricula and child-led learning, as well as methods of supporting neurodivergent learners. The most important lesson, that I am always relearning as a parent and a teacher, is to recognize when it's time to step back and give them room! I started Children's Nature Circle at Blue Boat playground this past spring of 2025.
Additionally, I am Red Cross certified in pediatric and adult first aid and CPR, as well as NOLS certified in wilderness first aid. I am on my way to a certificate as a CT Master Woodland Manager in 2026.
October - California Chaparral
Begins the week of 10/10, no session 10/3 or 10/4
Coyotes, tarantulas, snakes, and more! Our unique Californian ecosystem is wild, seasonal, and special.
**Special Halloween weekend sessions 10/31 and 11/1**
Friday, 10/31 pumpkin carving (and gut scooping!) with Halloween songs.
Saturday, 11/1 2pm field trip San Bruno Mountain chaparral hike! Stroller and toddler friendly. RSVP HERE
November - Nocturnal Animals
11/7-11/22, makeup session 12/3
As the nights get longer, we will take a look at who-whooo-whooo comes out when we go to bed. Look forward to activities that are edible, musical, and glow-in-the-dark!
11/15 Field Trip: night hike in Golden Gate Park RSVP HERE
December
Dates to be announced