education programs

 
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Learning by Doing, Rooted in the Land

At Sand n’ Straw, education is hands-on, seasonal, and deeply connected to place. Whether you’re a child discovering where food comes from, an adult building practical growing skills, or a family learning together, our programs invite you to slow down, get your hands dirty, and grow alongside the land.

Our educational offerings are rooted in regenerative farming practices, ecological awareness, and the belief that learning happens best outdoors, through experience.

 

Young pioneers Farm School

An Outdoor Learning Experience for Curious Young Minds

Youth Farm School is a nature-based program designed to give children meaningful time outdoors while building confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills.

Through guided activities, farm work, and seasonal exploration, students learn:

  • Where food comes from and how it’s grown

  • How ecosystems work and why they matter

  • Responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving

  • Comfort and confidence in outdoor spaces

Each session is paced to meet children where they are, encouraging observation, creativity, and connection rather than rigid outcomes.

Best for: children who love being outside, hands-on learners, and families seeking an alternative or supplement to traditional education.

 

Adult Classes & Workshops

Practical Skills for Growing Food and Caring for the Land

Our adult education offerings focus on building practical, usable skills you can take home and apply immediately.

Topics vary seasonally and may include:

  • Gardening fundamentals and soil health

  • Regenerative growing practices

  • Food preservation and seasonal rhythms

  • Working with plants, trees, and perennial systems

Classes are welcoming, informal, and designed for all experience levels — whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge.

 

Fruit Tree Workshops

Learn to Plant, Prune, and Care for Fruit Trees with Confidence

This focused workshop dives into the essentials of fruit tree care, with an emphasis on long-term health and productivity.

Participants will learn:

  • How to choose the right tree for your space

  • Proper planting techniques

  • When and how to prune

  • Ongoing care through the seasons

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how fruit trees grow — and how to support them for years to come.

 

Web of Life Curriculum

The Web of Life Curriculum by Young Pioneers is a hands-on, nature-based learning program created for children ages 5–10 and designed for families to enjoy together at home.

Inspired by life on the farm, this curriculum invites kids to explore how plants, animals, people, and ecosystems are all connected. Through simple, engaging activities, children build a deeper appreciation for nature while developing sustainable habits that feel natural and fun.

Each month includes eight thoughtfully designed activities centered around:

  • Garden-to-kitchen experiences

  • Nature exploration

  • Curious, kid-friendly science

Activities blend interactive lessons with practical projects, encouraging children to observe, ask questions, and learn by doing. Along the way, kids naturally build skills in science, math, language arts, and social studies — all without it feeling like “school.”

The Web of Life Curriculum supports creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and a lasting connection to the natural world, making it a joyful learning experience for the whole family.

 

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