GENERAL QUESTIONS
Who is Tidewater Nature Club for?
It's for homeschool families who enjoy learning outdoors in a Christian community.
What ages can participate?
It's best suited for children ages 5-14.
Do parents stay during club meetings?
Yes, this is a family-centered program, and parents remain responsible for their children during our meet-ups.
MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
How much does membership cost?
$85 per student for each 4-week sessions plus a one-time annual registration fee of $100 per student. More info here.
Can I register for only one week?
No. Registration is by 4-week session to allow us to prepare supplies and students to fully engage with each unit of study.
Do you offer refunds?
Due to curriculum preparation and supplies purchased in advance, refunds are not available for missed classes or withdrawals after registration.
Can I use Step Up For Students funds?
Yes - click here for more details.
WEEKLY MEETING QUESTIONS
When and where does the club meet?
We meet on Fridays from 10am-12pm at local outdoor parks, trails, and beaches (within about a 30-minute radius of the zoo).
What happens during a typical meeting?
We begin gathering at the welcome spot near the parking lot at 9:45am, giving everyone time to arrive and get settled. Students receive their printed lesson guides to place in their binders before we officially start at 10:00am. Our morning opens with prayer, followed by a time for students to share (this might be a memorized Bible verse, a poem, or something from a past nature journal.) From there, we introduce the day’s topic and revisit key ideas from the podcast. Occasionally, we’ll also include a poem or a living picture book that ties into the theme.
Then, we head out on a short hike (depending on location.) Before we set off, students are given a simple focus (something to observe, notice, or collect along the trail.)
We arrive at our lesson spot to spread out picnic blankets and enjoy a snack during the lesson time. We walk through the printed materials together, often using visuals to support understanding. After the lesson, students engage in a hands-on activity such as a science experiment, game, or handicraft.
Next, we transition into nature journaling. Students record the time, date, weather, and location, then respond to a prompt or choose something meaningful from their surroundings to draw or write about.
We wrap up our structured time with a short discussion, allowing students to narrate what they’ve learned and reflect on the day. We then spend a few minutes in Scripture, introducing the week’s memory verse and reading a short devotional.
Before dismissal, everyone helps clean up and pack their belongings. At noon, the day transitions into free play, giving students time to explore and enjoy the environment more freely. Feel free to pack a lunch.
Do meetings continue if it rains?
Florida weather can be unpredictable! Light rain often becomes part of our adventure. We will first consider the option of delaying the start time by an hour if it looks like it should pass through quickly. Severe weather or unsafe conditions may result in cancellation or rescheduling.
What should my child bring?
-binder for lesson guides (which we will provide at their first session)
-nature journal (also provided at their first session)
-pencil with eraser and colored pencils
-a beach towel or picnic blanket to sit on
-backpack to carry everything
CURRICULUM QUESTIONS
What topics do you study?
Topics include coastal ecosystems, birds, marine life, insects, native plants, weather, tides, astronomy, habitats, and more! See our schedule here.
What curriculum do you use? Will my child receive materials?
We have invested in the Nat Theo Club Full Access Group Membership. Free samples can be downloaded here. This will allow us to print and provide all materials for our students. It includes a Bible-based nature study, science curriculum, and weekly podcast episode. Each week, students will receive their printed lesson guides with educational content, diagrams, photos, copywork, scripture/devotional, and activities! Members will have access to links to the podcast episode and bonus videos.
FAITH + CHARLOTTE MASON QUESTIONS
Is Tidewater Nature Club Christian?
Yes, we believe creation points to its Creator. We seek to help children grow in wonder and appreciation for God's handiwork through nature study.
What Bible translation do you use?
Scripture references in our lesson guides come from various translations (ESV, NIV, NLT, NCV, etc), but families are welcome to use and memorize verses in their preferred translation at home.
What does Charlotte Mason-inspired mean? How does this look at Tidewater Nature Club?
Charlotte Mason was a British educator who believed children learn best through real-life experiences, time outdoors, meaningful books, and careful observation rather than worksheets and memorization alone.
In practical terms, this means our nature club focuses on:
-Spending time outdoors exploring God’s creation
-Learning through firsthand experiences and discovery
-Observing plants, animals, and natural habitats closely
-Keeping nature journals and sketching observations
-Discussing what we’ve learned in our own words
-Building wonder, curiosity, and a love of learning
-Connecting nature study with Scripture and faith
Instead of sitting in a classroom, children learn by being in nature... watching shorebirds hunt for food, identifying native plants on a trail, observing tide pools, or sketching a butterfly they discovered. We believe some of the best learning happens when children slow down, notice the world around them, and develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
What if we miss a meeting?
While attendance is encouraged, we understand that life happens. Families will still have access to the lesson guides, podcast episodes, and bonus videos, which can all be completed at home if you want to.
Are siblings discounted?
No; however, siblings ages 4 and under can attend at no extra charge with their older siblings. We will provide extra coloring sheets that go with our lessons for them.
How many students are in each session?
It is intentionally limited to maintain a meaningful and engaging experience for each family. Maximum 25 enrolled students, but the numbers may vary with younger siblings attending.
Can grandparents attend?
Absolutely! We love seeing multiple generations learning and exploring together.
How will I get communication about sessions? Do I need Facebook?
No. We will primarily communicate with all members via e-mail prior to each session date. Any last minute communication regarding weather will be done with a group texting app.
How do I register?
Click here to fill out this form, and then we will be in touch within 24-48 hours via email.
