Our Story Begins Here

At Thorne, our work is simple at heart: help kids fall in love with nature, and they’ll grow up wanting to care for it.

We create joyful, hands-on experiences outdoors that spark curiosity and build real connections with the natural world. Whether it’s a preschooler turning over rocks, an elementary student discovering the web of life in a creek, or a teen reflecting on how their choices impact the planet, each step in a child’s journey with us deepens their relationship with the Earth.

Here’s what guides our approach:

• Joyful Learning – Kids learn best when they’re having fun. We build wonder and play into everything we do.

• Hands-On Experiences – Touching, smelling, seeing, and listening in nature helps ideas stick in a way no textbook can.

• Place-Based Education – By learning in local ecosystems, kids not only connect to the land around them, they also build the perspective to understand global challenges.

• Social-Emotional Growth – We make space for feelings, empathy, and reflection. A safe and caring environment helps kids connect more deeply with themselves, others, and nature.

• Wild Nature Play – Free time outside, guided by trusted mentors, invites curiosity and wonder.

• Student-Led Inquiry – We don’t hand kids the answers. Instead, we honor their questions and let curiosity lead.

• Repetition Over Time – A single day outside is a spark. Coming back again and again builds a lifelong bond.

Starting with babies through high school, our programs walk alongside kids as they grow—always with the goal of nurturing respect, care, and stewardship for the Earth.