The “Why” behind Jacob’s Ladder Homeschool Nature Center…
Over the past two years, I have been helping to support children in my family whose needs were not being met in the traditional public school setting. What do you do when a child is not able to attend school? I hadn't realized that this is a question many local families are having to face.
I used to think that families chose to homeschool. I am now learning that there are families in our area who are homeschooling out of necessity. They are facing the issues of how to work full time jobs while supervising and educating their children because the system failed them.
I began to wonder what it is in the traditional classroom that is not working for so many kids. A neighbor suggested that I read a book called “Last Child in the Woods”, where the author voices his concern that children are not getting outside enough for unstructured play. The author calls it “Vitamin N” (N for nature) deficiency. I then read about the Scandinavian forest school model, and discovered an exciting movement happening to get kids back in nature!
As a mom of a public school teacher, this is not a “dis” against teachers. I see how hard my daughter works to meet the needs of her students. However, our family has learned firsthand that public school is not working for every child.
As I became involved in local support groups for families in similar situations, the prevalence of families homeschooling out of necessity shocked me. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a dreamer! I enjoy challenges, and love to seek solutions to problems.
The problem I saw was this: local families who need to homeschool out of necessity or choose to homeschool are looking for support through unique learning opportunities for their children. And they are very interested in unplugged activities that allow for children to learn in nature alongside their peers.
Jacob’s Ladder Homeschool Nature Center was created because of this unmet need in our community. This Spring we are opening for two days a week of drop-off or parent-stay options for local homeschooling families.
We have two staff members alongside our volunteers, who have expertise in environmental education and counseling. We are planning to use these skills to support the whole child. Together, our team will be planning and leading nature-based units of study inspired by the beautiful forest location in Mullica Hill. Alongside our learning leaders, our learners will have opportunities to explore, create, and lead while developing appreciation and respect for nature.
Our biggest challenge at this time is to raise funds to offer scholarships for local children who would like to attend. These scholarships not only create an opportunity for connection and learning for the child, but an opportunity for their adults to work to support their family.
Any amount donated towards Jacobs Ladder Rescue, Inc (a 501c3 nonprofit) will help to bring more children back to nature- the venue that has been teaching humans for thousands of years!
Carol Brozosky, Founder
Jacob’s Ladder Rescue, Inc.