Nature Club

Spring Session Focus: Ornithology

Birds are not just chirping creatures; they're also messengers of the environment! Through the art of bird language, participants will decipher the nuanced calls and behaviors of avian species, gaining insights into their emotions, intentions, and ecological roles. This segment fosters empathy towards our feathered friends and encourages mindful observation of their habitats.

NATURE CLUB

The Nature Club will be run by Jared the Nature Guy LLC. The program is designed to engage students in hands-on activities and immersive experiences centered around four main subjects:

1. Heightening our Senses: Play games and practice mindfulness to sharpen our senses and appreciate nature's wonders.

2. Wildlife Tracking & Movement: Discover animal behaviors, identify tracks, and learn about wildlife patterns.

3. Bird Language & Emotions: Decode bird calls, understand their emotions, and observe their habitats.

4. Native Plants & Bug Empathy: Learn about native plants, bugs, and their roles in the ecosystem through hands-on activities.

Our After School Nature Club offers a holistic approach to environmental education, nurturing curiosity, empathy, and a sense of wonder in young nature enthusiasts. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and connection with the natural world!

Jared the Nature Guy

Jared Goodykoontz is a naturalist and business owner of Jared the Nature Guy LLC. Graduating from The Ohio State University in 2013, he taught Pre-K for 4 years before transitioning into his own created role as school naturalist. He was inspired to do so after reading Carl Safina’s book Beyond Words combined with Jon Young’s What the Robin Knows, both books focusing on the wonders of animal emotions and the dramas playing out all around us… even here in “plain old Ohio”.

He then traveled between schools from 2017-2023, running a weekly nature connection program for 1-10 year olds around Central Ohio.

Find out more by seeing his pinned posts at www.Instagram.com/jaredthenatureguy

Naturalist Ben

I spent most of my childhood hood summers playing, exploring and creating in the woods of northern Michigan. As I got older, I became a camp counselor, building my own nature connection and guiding children of all ages through the wonders of the natural world. I was then given an opportunity to take part in a year long nature immersion program. In the program I lived traditionally in the mountains of Oregon, refining and teaching the traditional living/survival skills to people of all ages.

When I returned to Ohio I finished my degree in Early Childhood Education and began teaching in a preschool classroom. I continued teaching for most of the past nine years, spending time in classrooms of children from birth to kindergarten, as well as  summer camp programs and after school care. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue sharing my passion of the natural world!