SUMMER
NATURE
JOURNALING
CLASSES
6-week nature journaling classes rooted in Western Wisconsin
These 6-week nature journaling classes offer children a calm, outdoor learning experience designed to help them slow down, observe carefully, and build confidence through drawing, writing, and hands-on exploration in nature.
Each week, students meet in local outdoor spaces to practice nature journaling through simple sketching, labeling, and short written reflections. The focus is not on artistic skill or performance, but on learning how to notice the natural world with curiosity, patience, and care.
This is not a drop-in activity or a camp-style program. It is a guided practice that builds rhythm, familiarity with place, and confidence over time.
Over six weeks, students will:
Explore forests, rivers, and local ecosystems
Learn simple sketching, shape, and color techniques
Journal through drawing, labeling, and brief written reflections
Practice slowing down and noticing details
Build confidence through consistent, supported practice
Each student works through a printed nature journaling booklet and leaves the session with a completed keepsake journal reflecting their observations across the summer.
session details
Session length: 6 weeks
Dates: June 8 – July 13
Day: Mondays
Class length: 90 minutes per week
Group size: Small groups — up to 8 students (ages 6–9) and 10 students (ages 10–14)
Setting: Outdoor-first, local nature spaces
Materials: All core journaling materials provided
Age Groups & Times
Ages 6–9: 10:00–11:30 AM
Ages 10–14: 12:30–2:00 PM
(Age groups meet separately.)
Places We’ll
Get to Know
Over the six weeks, students will spend time getting to know three local nature spaces more deeply. Each location is visited for two consecutive weeks, allowing students to slow down, build familiarity, and notice seasonal and ecological changes over time.
• Weeks 1–2:Glen Park Loop (along the Kinnickinnic River)
• Weeks 3–4:Kelly Creek Nature Preserve(a limestone, spring-fed tributary of the Upper Kinnickinnic River)
• Weeks 5–6:Baldwin School Forest loop (a mixed woodland trail with quiet forest floor habitats and seasonal plant life)
Specific meeting points, parking details, and weekly reminders are shared with registered families in advance.
TEACHING APPROACH
No Art Experience Needed
Classes are inspired by Charlotte Mason–style nature study, emphasizing short lessons paired with meaningful practice, careful observation before explanation, and respect for each child’s pace.
The goal is not mastery or outcomes, but the cultivation of habits of noticing that extend beyond class time and into everyday life.
No grades. No pressure. No expectation of artistic talent.
This class is designed for beginners and curious observers.
Students do not need drawing experience — the focus is on learning to notice the natural world carefully and record what they see.
class options
A 6-week outdoor nature journaling class designed to help children slow down, observe carefully, and build confidence through drawing, writing, and hands-on exploration in nature.
Students meet weekly to practice simple sketching, labeling, and short written reflections while exploring local nature spaces. The focus is on noticing with curiosity and care—not artistic performance or outcomes.
Session Details
Dates: June 8 – July 13
Day: Mondays
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Session length: 6 weeks
Group size: Limited to 8 students
Setting: Outdoor-first, local nature spaces in Western Wisconsin
Materials: All core journaling materials provided
Registration is for the full 6-week session to support continuity and group rhythm.
After registration, families will be asked to complete a short intake form and will receive weekly location details and reminders via a private WhatsApp group.
A 6-week outdoor nature journaling class designed to support older students in slowing down, observing carefully, and building confidence through drawing, writing, and hands-on exploration in nature.
Students meet weekly to practice sketching, labeling, and short written reflections while exploring local nature spaces. The focus is on developing attention, curiosity, and care—not artistic performance or outcomes.
Session Details
Dates: June 8 – July 13
Day: Mondays
Time: 12:30–2:00 PM
Session length: 6 weeks
Group size: Limited to 10 students
Setting: Outdoor-first, local nature spaces in Western Wisconsin
Materials: All core journaling materials provided
Registration is for the full 6-week session to support continuity and group rhythm.
After registration, families will be asked to complete a short intake form and will receive weekly location details and reminders via a private WhatsApp group.
Add each child to the cart separately.
Use code FAMILY20 for $20 off your total when registering multiple children.
Registration is for the full 6-week session to support continuity and group rhythm. Because classes are intentionally small and held outdoors, enrollment is limited.
Families will receive weekly location details, weather updates, and meeting reminders through a private WhatsApp group created for each class.
REGISTRATION & COMMITMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
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We understand that summer schedules vary. Students are welcome to rejoin the following week and continue their journaling practice.
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Students should wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for outdoor exploration. Families should also send water and any personal items their child may need. All journaling materials are provided.
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While students draw and observe closely, the focus is on noticing and relationship with place rather than formal art or science instruction.
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Parents are welcome to remain nearby or on-site if that feels supportive for their child. We ask that parents observe from a distance and allow students to engage independently during class time, as this helps children build confidence and fully enter into the learning experience.
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It’s very normal for children to take a little time to settle into a new group. We move slowly, offer gentle guidance, and allow space for children to warm up at their own pace. Parents are welcome to share any helpful context during registration.
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Classes are held outdoors and will proceed in light rain or cooler weather with appropriate clothing. In the case of unsafe conditions (severe storms, extreme heat, or air quality concerns), families will be notified of adjustments or cancellations in advance.
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Classes are intentionally kept small to create a calm and supportive learning environment.
Each class is limited to approximately 8-10 students, allowing time for individual guidance, questions, and meaningful observation in the field.
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Classes are led by Rachel Johnson, founder of The Field Note Wardrobe.
Rachel is a homeschool parent and nature journaler who has spent many years practicing and teaching nature journaling through the Charlotte Mason tradition of nature study. Her approach emphasizes careful observation, curiosity, and building a relationship with the natural world.
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Yes. An assistant will be present during classes to help support students, manage materials, and ensure the group stays safe and organized while exploring outdoor spaces.
This allows the instructor to focus on teaching and guiding students individually when needed.
Rachel Johnson is a Certified Nature Journaling Educator through the Wild Wonder Foundation and is currently completing her Master Naturalist certification, deepening her understanding of local ecosystems and stewardship.
