Natural Connections Learning Academy believes that that re-awakening humanity's connection to nature will activate untapped learning potential by stimulating creative outside-the-box thinking, reducing feelings of depression and despondency and cultivating a deeper sense of respect for oneself, one's community and the world we all share.We also believe that sensory experiences of music, movement and art are part of nature. As a result, our program holistically integrates creative sensory learning activities and nature expeditions with all aspects of the learning process. On a daily basis, students spend half the day Monday -Thursday and all day Friday engaged in natural learning expeditions which also serve as the foundation of academic learning. The expeditions sometimes take place walking distance from NCLA's main campus and other times are planned in partnership with outside nature expedition coordinators and nature preserves.
To learn more about the science and philosophy connecting nature and learning, as well as concerning the need for a radical shift in the way people learn, explore the links below.
Mother Nature's Child Film
Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature
Web of Life Natural Systems Thinking Process
Kamana Naturalist Training Program