2023/2024 Programs
We will be offering the following nature-connection enrichment programs for the 2023/2024 school-year.
Wild Tenders
Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-3pm, ages 7-12
In this program, children will spend their days on the land, exploring and learning, playing games and hearing songs and stories that weave together the tales of the dynamic relationships that occur among the many beings that inhabit mother earth. As they explore these relationships, they learn through play, curiosity and questioning, which feels fun and engaging, while also building self-confidence, awareness, and understanding. Over time, through regular interaction with the land and other participants, the children develop a strong sense of community and begin to understand the true significance of inter-connection, cooperation and collaboration.
Leaf Hoppers
Mondays and Wednesdays 9-1, ages 5-7
In our Leaf Hoppers program, we foster children's innate desire to engage with the world around them, encouraging awareness and understanding alongside play, imagination and creative thinking. In order to keep our littlest participants comfortable, we also mentor and model strong self-awareness and self-care skills, so being outdoors can be fun and supportive to the body as well as the soul. A day in the life of a Leaf Hopper will include stories, songs, games, nature exploration and crafts. As a by-product of the way we interact with and guide children, they will also learn a lot about care for others and the earth, healthy communication and boundaries, and group dynamics. Through our philosophy, we not only help children learn about and connect with the world around them, but do so in a way that builds resilience, confidence and a sense of proficiency in the world.
program details
Our programs run from September through May, and additionally includes a handful of outside-of-program activities, such as family outings, parent education nights and seasonal celebrations. Because of the focus our philosophy has on community -building and mentorship, it is highly important that you mark your calendar and participate in these extra-curricular events. Please see the calendar below for specific dates and activities.
Our program takes place fully outdoors except in particularly challenging weather. We are committed to the comfort and safety of all participants and have access to shelter and heated indoor space when needed. We operate on private land 10 minutes south of Durango, with available shelter, pasture and forest, though there may occasionally be field trips to other wild places in the area.
Parents are responsible for providing weather appropriate clothing, water, food, snacks and sun protection. Children will need a comfortable backpack in which to carry their things, and weather-appropriate shoes and layers in order to participate.
You may choose to attend either Mondays or Wednesdays in Durango or both. This is a year-long program, running from September to May. We do not allow drop-in or short-term attendance. For the stability of our program, as well as support for our philosophy, we require a year-long commitment. After the first 30 days of the program, tuition is non-refundable. Extenuating circumstances to this agreement can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Our program takes place fully outdoors except in particularly challenging weather. We are committed to the comfort and safety of all participants and have access to shelter and heated indoor space when needed. We operate on private land 10 minutes south of Durango, with available shelter, pasture and forest, though there may occasionally be field trips to other wild places in the area.
Parents are responsible for providing weather appropriate clothing, water, food, snacks and sun protection. Children will need a comfortable backpack in which to carry their things, and weather-appropriate shoes and layers in order to participate.
You may choose to attend either Mondays or Wednesdays in Durango or both. This is a year-long program, running from September to May. We do not allow drop-in or short-term attendance. For the stability of our program, as well as support for our philosophy, we require a year-long commitment. After the first 30 days of the program, tuition is non-refundable. Extenuating circumstances to this agreement can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition Information
We have 3 payment options available for those wishing to participate in our program:
1. State Funding
We are excited to share that we are now enrolled in the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment Program (CHE)! This program will allow students to attend 1 day-per-week for FREE, and two days-per-week at a reduced cost, if they are not enrolled in another state-funded program (such as shared school, etc.). If you'd like to enroll in this program, you will need to enroll directly through CHE, as well as complete our registration process. Please see the registration links below to enroll!
If you are enrolled through CHE, we will also offer you a 20% discount on the cost of a second-day-per-week, making your total tuition for attending two days per week $1440.
2. Monthly or year-long out-of-pocket payment
For those paying out of pocket, our rates for the year are as follows. Monthly payments are due the 1st of the month Sep-May.
1 day/week Wild-Tenders- $1800 total - $200/month
2 days/week Wild Tenders- $3400 total - $380/month
1 day/week Leaf-Hoppers- $1200 total - $135/month
2 days/week Leaf-Hoppers- $2400 total - $270/month
Siblings receive a 10% discount on total tuition cost (for full-price out-of-pocket tuition only.)
3. Tuition Assistance
We also will be offering a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships, which will cover 25 or 50 percent of total tuition costs. Our tuition assistance team will make the decision on who receives these scholarships based on a number of factors, including income and family size, alignment with the values of our program and whether or not you are receiving funding through CHE. If you'd like to apply, please fill out the application linked below.
It is possible that you may take advantage of all of these funding options, or some combination to pay for your child's participation. Please reach out if you want to discuss specifics about your family's situation! A $200 deposit will be required on registration to reserve your spot regardless of payment method, and will be applied to your tuition for the year. Tuition payments can be made in one lump sum or broken up into monthly payments.
1. State Funding
We are excited to share that we are now enrolled in the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment Program (CHE)! This program will allow students to attend 1 day-per-week for FREE, and two days-per-week at a reduced cost, if they are not enrolled in another state-funded program (such as shared school, etc.). If you'd like to enroll in this program, you will need to enroll directly through CHE, as well as complete our registration process. Please see the registration links below to enroll!
If you are enrolled through CHE, we will also offer you a 20% discount on the cost of a second-day-per-week, making your total tuition for attending two days per week $1440.
2. Monthly or year-long out-of-pocket payment
For those paying out of pocket, our rates for the year are as follows. Monthly payments are due the 1st of the month Sep-May.
1 day/week Wild-Tenders- $1800 total - $200/month
2 days/week Wild Tenders- $3400 total - $380/month
1 day/week Leaf-Hoppers- $1200 total - $135/month
2 days/week Leaf-Hoppers- $2400 total - $270/month
Siblings receive a 10% discount on total tuition cost (for full-price out-of-pocket tuition only.)
3. Tuition Assistance
We also will be offering a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships, which will cover 25 or 50 percent of total tuition costs. Our tuition assistance team will make the decision on who receives these scholarships based on a number of factors, including income and family size, alignment with the values of our program and whether or not you are receiving funding through CHE. If you'd like to apply, please fill out the application linked below.
It is possible that you may take advantage of all of these funding options, or some combination to pay for your child's participation. Please reach out if you want to discuss specifics about your family's situation! A $200 deposit will be required on registration to reserve your spot regardless of payment method, and will be applied to your tuition for the year. Tuition payments can be made in one lump sum or broken up into monthly payments.
To Register with wild soul:
1. Download, fill out and email us the form linked below
2. Send in a $200 deposit to our fiscal sponsor. To pay by card, go to this link: https://bit.ly/OnwardDonationPage. Under "special events" look for "Wild Soul Tuition" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can also send a check made out to "Durango Wild Soul" to Onward! A Legacy Foundation 33 N. Chestnut St. Cortez, CO 81321.
We will send you confirmation once the forms and payment have been received
2. Send in a $200 deposit to our fiscal sponsor. To pay by card, go to this link: https://bit.ly/OnwardDonationPage. Under "special events" look for "Wild Soul Tuition" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can also send a check made out to "Durango Wild Soul" to Onward! A Legacy Foundation 33 N. Chestnut St. Cortez, CO 81321.
We will send you confirmation once the forms and payment have been received
**Please note: registration does reserve you a spot, but does not guarantee acceptance into the program. While we will do all we can to make our programs accessible to all, we reserve the right to ensure we are a good fit for each other and that it is within our ability to meet your child's needs before their spot is guaranteed. We place great importance on the physical and emotional health and safety of all our participants, and make decisions accordingly. If for some reason we decide we are not a good match for you and your child, your deposit will be fully refunded. For school-year applicants, we will schedule an interview prior to the beginning of the school year to check in and discuss any concerns. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!**
TO enroll in the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment program (CHE):
Potential funding for your child to attend our program for FREE (see details above)!! Available slots are limited, and spaces may be filled. Please contact us to find out the current status of available options.
**Only available to students NOT already participating in another state-funded program**
To Apply for Tuition Assistance through wild soul:
For more about our philosophy and curriculum, or what a day might look like for our students, please visit the About page.
To get in touch with our director, please fill out and submit the form below and we will be in touch.
2023-2024 Program calendar
September 11 - Program Begins!
September 23/24 - Fall Equinox Celebration and (optional) Family Camp-out
October 21 - Family Nature Adventure Day
November 16 - Parent Education Night (required), childcare provided
November 20-24 - Thanksgiving Break
December 13 - Last Day before Winter Break
January 8 - Program Resumes
February 10 - Imbolc Celebration
March 18-March 29 - Spring Break
April 11 - Parent Education Night (required), childcare provided
June 1/2 - Family Camp-out
June 5 - Last Program Day!
September 23/24 - Fall Equinox Celebration and (optional) Family Camp-out
October 21 - Family Nature Adventure Day
November 16 - Parent Education Night (required), childcare provided
November 20-24 - Thanksgiving Break
December 13 - Last Day before Winter Break
January 8 - Program Resumes
February 10 - Imbolc Celebration
March 18-March 29 - Spring Break
April 11 - Parent Education Night (required), childcare provided
June 1/2 - Family Camp-out
June 5 - Last Program Day!
