Nature Explore Classroom at Schibel Teaching Farm and Childcare Center

Schibel Teaching Farm recognizes that children will be the next generation of stewards of the land.

At the 6 acre farm, staff members are constantly working together to come up with new ideas to enhance the outdoor classroom and encourage children to learn through nature. This year, the gardens are focusing on six vegetables. The children will really get involved in what it takes to grow and care for these plants.

“Volunteer Saturdays” are held once a month and parents come to help clean and refresh the classroom areas and also to help prepare garden and flower beds. Open Houses also serve as a wonderful way to involve parents and children in activities throughout the year.

This unique, state-certified childcare campus and program is recognized by the Oregon Environmental Council as an Eco-Healthy Childcare facility, an initiative of the Children and Nature Network, and also as a certified Nature Explore Classroom with the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.

Schibel Teaching Farm’s summer camp program is entering into its sixth season of providing farm-based, nature education programs for youth. Camp sessions are designed for children of different ages and abilities, from preschoolers through rising sixth-graders. Within each session, themed activities are offered that are fun, stimulating, and appropriate for each child’s unique interests and level of development, regardless of their age. As a nature-based program, Schibel promotes playing in nature and the outdoors.