In the 2026-27 school year, the CLC is expanding to include all the ages! We will have our Forest Program for ages 4-7. We will continue our Junior Program for ages 7-11. And we have our popular Teen Program for ages 11-18. What differentiates the CLC Programs across the ages from other programs?

First, flexibility. For the Teen Program, you may attend 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-days a week. We want to expand the Junior Program to a four-day offering, so you may attend 2-, 3-, or 4-days a week. We will start the Forest Program off at 2-days a week, but as soon as there is enough interest, we will also expand to a 4-day offering where you can have the choice of 2-, 3-, or 4-day a week attendance.

Second, creativity. We embrace that our world is now at a place that creative thinking is highly valued as technology can take care of all the automatic functions. For our Forest Program, there will be a lot of space to initiate creativity to nurture this trait when it is at its most natural form. For our Junior Program, we begin to offer open-ended challenges and team building activities that encourage creative problem-solving. And for our Teen Program, we still offer space for creative expressions through art, music, sports, entrepreneurial opportunities, and critical thinking integrated into lessons.

Third, social and emotional mentoring. Though we offer plenty of academic learning, it can also be obtained through a myriad of places including online. At the CLC, we understand that emotional intelligence is a process that is best navigated through a variety of social encounters. Our lead facilitators seek to teach social and emotional skills as well as model and lead young people through the intricacies as opportunities arise in real time.

Fourth, outdoors. Technology is an amazing and influential tool that opens the world up to us, but being connected to our natural world, the fresh air, and nature centers and grounds us in the development of our bodies, minds, and spirits. In our Forest Program, being outdoors is at the center of the day, and one will be surprised at all the learning that can occur in the middle of a forest or at a farm! In our Junior Program, not only will children have the typical “recess time” common to this age, but children will learn to set their intentions, participate in group games, and connect lessons to the real world. The Teen Program continues to value outdoor time and is a coveted time as young people engage in sports, deep conversations, and creative expressions. This age can participate in building projects, going on field trips, and participating in the community through volunteering. Across the groups, animal care and interaction is available.

Fifth, journals. The CLC doesn’t give grades, doesn’t really “test”, and doesn’t have homework. How do we quantify their learning? Through weekly journals that are sent home to parents. The lead facilitators chronicle not only the physical elements that were part of the learning process for the week, but most importantly, the growth in social, emotional, and soft skills that truly help a young person find their way in the world. Perseverance, tolerance, initiative, passion, patience, confidence, leadership, and a voice are just some of the traits you will see show up in various ways that are shared through journals. There are pictures that paint the thousand words as well.

If these qualities peak your interest for the holistic education of your young person, reach out for a tour today!