Wasatch Nature School

We Offer Continuing Enrollment
All YEAR! Click below for openings!

"It's a wonderous thing how the wild calms the child."

Wasatch Nature School

Learning from the world around us

Why Nature School?

We are so glad you asked! There have been multiple studies compiled (over 1400 peer reviewed articles) by the Children’s Nature Network that support the simple fact that Nature-Based Learning Programs help children to be healthier, happier, and smarter, and that time out in nature helps them become good stewards of the environment. A joyful childhood, a healthy adulthood, and a thriving planet depend on children spending time outside.

Across Utah, children are spending more time on screens and less time outdoors. This growing disconnection from nature contributes to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as diminished creativity and weakened neural development. Our traditional school systems were designed for a different era and do not fully support how children learn and develop best.

When children spend time learning and playing outdoors, something incredible happens — they light up. They become more curious, more confident, more creative. They move and run, and play, and laugh, and climb. They’re engaged in their environment and lead their own learning with our supportive, big-hearted, and well-trained teaching staff! They grow healthier, happier, smarter, and more grounded.

Could there be a better way to learn and grow? We don't think so.

Leadership Team

Brit Murdock

Founder

Energetic, organized, and driven, Brit Murdock created Wasatch Nature School to offer a unique, outdoor learning experience for families in the community who were looking for something a bit different from traditional schooling. Brit is passionate about more green time and less screen time and has a great love for child development, child advocacy, and nature immersion. Brit is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of our program but is a member of the Board of Directors and works behind the scenes to help make important decisions to push our mission forward!

Carlie Davis

Executive Director

Carlie brings knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, creativity, and joy to Wasatch Nature School. She strives for excellence in everything she does and has a deep passion for nature immersion and early childhood education. She loves the Wasatch Nature School community of children, parents, caregivers, and staff and continues to find ways to inspire them to get outside for joyful learning experiences! She's excited for her new role as the Executive Director to continue pushing the Mission and Vision of WNS forward! Carlie has worn many hats including a Lead Teacher, Summer Camp Director, Operations Manager, Event Coordinator and Teacher Manager! Carlie also serves on the Board of Directors.

Melissa Thornock

Teacher Manager

Thoughtful, organized, and detail-oriented, we are thrilled to have Melissa on the WNS leadership team. Melissa is always excited to find creative solutions to problems and share her expertise and talents! She works tirelessly all year to support our teachers, so they can support your little ones in the best possible way! Melissa is passionate about nature education and helping our staff fine-tune their craft as nature education teachers in a non-traditional learning environment. Melissa has worn many hats, including Teacher Assistant, Lead Teacher, & Summer Camp Director. Melissa is also a member of the Board of Directors! We LOVE Melissa!

Michelle Young

Operations Assistant & Event Coordinator

Meet Michelle, our vibrant operations assistant, and event coordinator! Michelle has been with Wasatch Nature School for 4 years now. Her genuine kindness, energy, and creativity brings a refreshing spirit to our team. Michelle is also one of our Forest Kindergarten teachers. She not only nurtures young minds but also oversees our 2 exciting events per year, the Fall Festival and Spring Festival and even assists with Customer Service and Animal Encounters! She's one busy bunny! Michelle’s big ideas are truly inspiring and her problem-solving skills make her a true go-getter! We’re incredibly grateful for her can-do attitude and sunny disposition!

Ryan Roth

Summer Camp

Director

For the past three years, Ryan has excelled as our summer camp director, drawing from their background as a public school elementary teacher, and lead forest preschool teacher with Wasatch Nature School. Ryan is brilliantly creative, and infuses their passions into everything they do, creating engaging outdoor experiences for children. With the ability to learn quickly and think on their toes, Ryan enhances the quality of our programs, making each summer better than the last. Ryan is committed to providing unforgettable experiences, which truly sets them apart.

We are thrilled to have Ryan on our team for another year!

Haleigh Perry

Head of

Fundraising

Haleigh serves as our Head of Fundraising, bringing a wealth of experience from her early career with Charity Vision, a dedicated non-profit organization. This background has equipped her with a deep understanding of how essential it is to cultivate strong community partnerships that can significantly advance our mission. Known for her organization, ambition, and outgoing personality, Haleigh also shares a personal connection to our school as a WNS parent for several years. Her genuine love for the school, combined with her professional expertise, allows her to effectively secure the necessary funds to propel our mission forward. We are incredibly grateful for Haleigh's passion and commitment to our cause.

A Day at Wasatch Nature School

Arrival and Opening Activity: 15 minutes

During the first 15 minutes of class children will be presented with loose parts to engage with until all children have arrived.

Opening Circle: 15 minutes

Our explorers are invited to gather for a brief opening circle time with joyful and playful singing, music, movement, yoga, stretching, and connection. Children will get to share thoughts with one another and spend a few joyful minutes together building class community and connecting through music, silly songs, and mindfulness practices.

Literacy, Cultures, and Music: 40 minutes

Our explorers will be naturally exposed to concepts in all areas of early and age-appropriate literacy as well as just a pinch of exposure to different cultures, peoples, and customs. Our little explorers will also be introduced to the wonderful music of the greats, all through facilitated and free-choice play! Children's literature and storytelling is included in the lineup daily!

Snack Time/Rest Time/Free Choice: 15-20 minutes

Science, Art, and Math: 40 minutes

The other part of their day, our explorers will experience hands-on learning in all different seasonal, nature-based subjects through age-appropriate experimentation, exploration of materials and tools, sensory tables, nature walks, nature immersion, and simple games, all through facilitated and free-choice play. Children's literature is included in the lineup daily.

Closing Circle: 15 minutes

Our explorers are invited to gather back together for another round of handwashing, a bit of mindfulness, joyful music, and reflection while they wait for parent pickup.