LEARNING THROUGH NATURE

Learning outdoors gives us a sense of freedom, space, and a feeling that anything is possible!

Bell Creek Nature School’s integrated curriculum brings meaning to each academic subject by incorporating and combining academic lessons with nature immersion, play, exploration, social interaction, and daily life. All lessons take place outdoors on 10 acres of moss-covered woodland. This integrated and hands-on learning style promotes creativity, confidence, problem solving skills, real world application. This supports an understanding of how we can apply academic skills to everyday life which in turn develops a child’s to desire to learn more.

The Bell Creek curriculum will draw from various sources to ensure that the program provides a holistic and full learning experience for its students. Some of the sources include Investigations Math Curriculum, Washington Educational Core Standards, Growing up Wild Curriculum, Forest Kindergarten learning philosophies, and Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Program.

Place-Based Education

The curriculum varies each day depending on the student’s interests. The elements of place-based education include:

  • Takes place on-site in the school yard, and in the local community and environment

  • Learning focuses on local themes, systems, and content

  • Learning is personally relevant to the learner

  • Learning experiences contribute to the community’s vitality and environmental quality

  • Learning includes all academic subjects through interdisciplinary work

  • Promotes connection, respect, and love for one’s environment

OUR BACKGROUND

Growing Up

I have felt at home in the wilderness for as long as I can remember. Growing up in rural Maine, I spent my time playing and exploring the great outdoors. Family vacations consisted of camping, backpacking, and canoe trips. I was fortunate to be home schooled through elementary school as it allowed me to learn outside of the typical classroom setting, to discover my own learning style, my unique interests, strengths and weaknesses at an early age. This style of learning encouraged my curiosity, confidence, and instilled a love of learning. Our goal in opening Bell Creek Nature School is to create a learning environment that does the same for our students.

Journey to Nature School

From a young age I knew that my career would involve working with children. I studied Psychology, Biology and Neuroscience in college with a plan to become a Child Psychologist. My first experience with teaching was while studying abroad in West Africa where I volunteered in a preschool and loved it! However, after graduation, I pursued a path in social work which led me to work with youth at risk of homelessness in Australia and as a Youth and Family counselor when I returned to Maine. Something seemed to be missing for me so I veered away from social work to continued the search for something more.

This is when my best friend and I packed our backpacks, jumped on the Appalachian Trail and spent 6 months hiking from Georgia to Maine. Being so completely immersed in nature and its healing abilities inspired me to search for a way to provide the kids that I work with the opportunity to experience the wilderness the way that I had. But how?

I traveled to India and immersed myself in a month long yoga training/practice. This was an eye opening experience for me. I grew into myself like never before and the idea of a Nature School came to me during one of my morning meditation classes. It seems crazy but in that moment I knew exactly what I was meant to do!

I left India and jumped right into working as a Pre-K Teacher in Boston. I immediately fell in love with this age group and went back to school for Early Childhood Education. During this time I also pursued education in Permaculture Design, Sustainability, and Environmental Education.

Found Our Calling!

In 2014, Tyler and I packed up our car and ventured into the mountains of Utah where I opened Honeybee Nature School. Today Honeybee Nature School continues to flourish in Ogden, Utah while Tyler and I establish new roots and open our second school here in Deming, Washington!

OUR TEACHERS

Julie
JulieDirector
As founder, director, and lead teacher, Julie brings years of Nature School experience to Bell Creek. With degrees and certifications in neuroscience, psychology, environmental and early childhood education, and permaculture, Julie is perfectly positioned to ensure your child grows up with an appreciation for nature, education, and their peers.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Biology
Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Forest Kindergarten Teacher & Director Certified
200-level Yoga Teacher Certified
Permaculture Design Certified

Tyler
TylerForest Preschool Teacher & Adventure Guide
In charge of fort construction, obstacle course development, and mud puddle supervision, Tyler can’t wait for this year’s adventures. With decades spent exploring the woods, Tyler is excited to share his knowledge on all things flora, fauna, and more! Tyler is also Bell Creek’s Outdoor Classroom Architect and One-Man Construction Crew.

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management
Forest Schools Level 1 Certified
Wilderness First Aid
AIARE I Avalanche Certification

Haley
Haley Forest Preschool Teacher & Homeschool Enrichment Leader
Haley is excited to join the Bell Creek Team for her 4th year! Originally from Washington Haley has worked in many places such as Alaska as an Environmental Educator, Italy as a nanny teaching English, and England to complete a Master’s degree. She is an avid runner, climber, and puddle jumper. Over the years, she has developed a strong passion for the environment and is excited to continue sharing her love and knowledge of it at Nature School!

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, emphasis Toxicology
Master’s Degree Biodiversity and Conservation
CPR/First Aid Certified

Kori
KoriForest Preschool Teacher
Going into her second year at Bell Creek Nature School, Kori is from the banks of the Cedar River in Iowa. Kori has been mud stomping and mud sliding her way westward across the Plains, over the Colorado Rockies, and now to the North Cascades of Washington. Along the way, she has been sharing her fascination of all things wild with early learners as a preschool teacher, adventure leader, and a nanny and is so excited to continue playing and learning with her students at Bell Creek Nature School!

BFA Art History
Certificate of Early Childhood Education
CPR/First Aid Certified

Kristy
KristyForest Preschool Teacher
Kristy discovered that she wanted to work with kids outdoors while attending the University of Michigan. Since then, she has taught environmental education, kindergarten, 3rd grade and K-5 gardening in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nowadays, you’ll find her adventuring with her husband and two young boys or gardening and making plant medicines on their homestead. Kristy is delighted to join the Bell Creek team and dive back into teaching!

Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental and Urban Planning
WA and CA Elementary Teacher Certified
Permaculture Design Certified
200-level Yoga Teacher Certified

Caleb
CalebKindergarten Teacher
Caleb fell in love with the outdoors while on camping trips with his family in New England. After graduating from the University of Maine, Caleb discovered his passion for connecting youth to the outdoors and inspiring their sense of curiosity. He has worked in various Environmental Education programs from the Great Smoky Mountains to a tall ship schooner in southern California, and most recently on Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
He can be found making a fresh batch of sourdough or adventuring amongst the moss covered trails in Whatcom County. Caleb is ecstatic about his second year at Bell Creek Nature School!

Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Project Learning Tree Certified
Forest School Teacher Certified
Wilderness First Responder
NAI Certified Interpretive Guide

Isabel
IsabelKindergarten Teacher
Isabel grew up in the pactific northwest swinging bull kelp at the beach and eating salmonberries in the forest. She has been working with young people since high school as an art camp instructor and found her passion in college as a nature camp instructor. After graduating from college she spent two years on the north shore of Lake Superior honing her skills as a naturalist and educator at Wolf Ridge ELC. She has spent the last three years as a forest preschool teacher in the Seattle area. Isabel strongly believes that nature is the best classroom for children to grow as curious, kind, and confident people. She can’t wait to grow and learn with everyone this year.

B.A in English
B.A. in French Literature
Master’s Certificate in Environmental Education and Sustainability
CPR/First Aid Certified

Melissa
MelissaElementary Teacher
Melissa grew up exploring and playing in the forests of western Washington. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, Cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and orienteering.
Melissa has taught at a variety of outdoor education summer camps. Most recently, Melissa has been leading a YMCA elementary-age afterschool program, while working as a kindergarten paraeducator and 1st grade literacy tutor. She loves helping each child grow academically, fostering kindness, and building community amoungst her students. Melissa is excited to share her enthusiasm for nature-based learning with everyone at Bell Creek this year!

B.A with a focus in Elementary Education
CPR/First Aid

Robby
RobbyElementary Teacher
Robby is a calm, patient, and energetic teacher who loves to teach and learn through games, stories, and songs. He honed his teaching and mentoring style through years of experience at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, YMCA Bold & Gold, Mt. Rainier Institute, and most recently the Wilderness Awareness School.
A Chicago transplant, Robby has enjoyed making the PNW his home in the past three years by connecting to the seasons, wildlife, and people. When he’s not teaching, you can find him camping out near a river, looking for animal tracks, or reading a good book.

B.A in Biology
Masters Certificate of Environmental Education and Sustainability
Track and Sign Interpretation – Level 3 Certified
Wilderness First Responder

Ryan
RyanHomeschool Enrichment Leader & Naturalist
Born in New York and raised in the desert southwest of Arizona, Ryan has been obsessed with science and biology since early childhood. His passions include woodworking and crafting, birding, shelter building, fire building, outdoor cooking, and teaching. His journey into Outdoor Education began years ago volunteering as a Naturalist at Oxbow Regional Park. Ryan has over 10 years of bushcraft training and experience, is an expert in outdoor skills and a Certified Pacific Northwest Naturalist. Ryan believes that passing on knowledge, nature connection, and community are of the utmost importance for the next generation of young adventurers.

B.S. in Biochemistry
B.A. Psychology
Certified Pacific Northwest Naturalist
Oregon Recreation Tracking Apprenticeship
State of Washington Hunter’s Education Safety Training Program
Wilderness First Responder

Bear
BearHead Dog
Every student’s best friend, Bear grew up at Nature School and is primarily responsible for kisses, snuggles, and locating great mud puddles. He can’t wait to meet you!

OUR LOCATION

Located at the confluence of Bell Creek and the North Fork of the Nooksack River, we’re ideally situated to observe and learn about nature. Our school takes place among sword fern, red cedar, western hemlock, wild orchids, and numerous types of moss and mushrooms. Kids will discover salamanders, pacific tree frogs, woodpeckers, and if we’re really quiet: a family of white-tail deer who call the property home.

Only 100 meters from the Nooksack River Bald Eagle Viewing Site at the Welcome Bridge, we’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe dozens of bald eagles that appear every year to dine on the salmon-choked river. Explorations up the quiet Bell Creek will reveal fish eggs, tadpoles, and much more!

BELL CREEK

OUTDOOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Because we spend every day outdoors, it’s important your kids are properly equipped. Once enrolled, we can supply a full list, but here are a few brands we highly recommend:

Call Us

Interested in hearing more about Bell Creek Nature School’s outdoor curriculum? Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.
P: 360-340-9302

Follow Us

Follow all our adventures on your favorite social media channel. Not into social media? No worries – sign up for our monthly newsletter capturing all the kiddo’s pursuits!

Visit Us

Come visit our beautiful location on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. We’re located 100 yards from the bald eagle sanctuary just off the Mt. Baker highway in Deming, WA.