Children's Nature Circle | outdoor education playgroup

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 also support one another to expand our comfort zones in the outdoors.

We learn how to be safe and how to embrace all kinds of weather, dirt, and living creatures (even the crawly ones!).

We have fun and make new friends and playmates!

Contact

Details

Details & How to Join

Sessions are recommended for children ages 0-5 and their families or caregivers.

They are held on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00-11:30 AM, on the west lawn of Blue Boat Playground (4414 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122).

Our flow:
-We gather with a hands-on sensory activity. It might involve water, paint, plants, mud, or even a live creature.
-Then we circle for simple rhymes, songs, and stories related to local ecosystems. Each month will follow and expand upon the same topic.
-Those who can are welcome to join a toddler friendly hike in the park, beginning around 11AM. We allow children to explore at their own pace. It is always optional, and always magical.
-Some families stay after the hike to play at the playground together.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday sessions each week will be the same content.

You may join either Friday or Saturday each week. I offer this to accommodate shifting weekly schedules. You can drop in to any session.

How to Join?

Sign up for a series or session. Meet us on the lawn and introduce yourself. Payment can be made through Venmo or cash, on or before your session. Venmo @Helen-Gilbert-3 (last 4 = 2550)

Cost:

The following rates are per family, not child. A family could be one nanny with multiple kids, two parents with one child, plus an auntie or grandpa who show up on a special day... all are totally fine.

1 Month Series (4 Sessions)

$75 (18.50 per session). For this rate, please pay in full at first session of the month.

Drop-In

$24 per session. The higher drop-in rate accounts for the challenge of fluctuating group sizes, including prepared materials, and makes it possible to offer drop-in participation.

Pay What You Can

Can't afford the rates above right now? Please join us, and simply pay what you can via Venmo or cash. This applies to both single sessions and series.

What to bring?

Dress for the weather and in clothes than can get dirty. Bring a blanket to sit on. Bring snacks and water.

children gathered around peering at a fallen log

adult helping child look through binoculars

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.

Check out Wood Creek Forest School