About Flourish Nature School
at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center
Once a vision of the board of trustees at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center, Flourish Nature School began laying its roots in 2023. Our nature-inspired education program has been designed with much love and intention, and we strive to be a part of the positive change for the future!
Our Mission
For many of us, our favorite memories from childhood included playing outside or in the woods and making up our own games with our siblings…
…first one to get their rain boots off gets an extra marshmallow in their hot chocolate!
Today, we can imagine that our kids' memories are going to include experiencing the world via YouTube, cell phones, and video games, as well as indoor school days filled with worksheets, stress and testing practice. While we understand and hold respect for the reality of today’s society, we are consciously making an effort for positive change in the school system. It is our mission to create a learning environment that inspires children, families, educators and administrators alike; cultivating a nurturing community where we all may flourish in harmony with the wisdom of nature.
WHY KIDS NEED NATURE
Research shows that daily contact with nature supports problem solving and helps children enhance cognitive abilities, boosts creativity, improves academic performance and relationship skills, reduces symptoms of ADD/ADHD, and reduces stress, anger and aggression. (from NC State University's College of Design)
Flourish: [verb] To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
Ms. Jen - Director and Lead Teacher of Flourish Nature School
Ms. Jen holds a life-long passion for teaching, knowing from a young age that this was her path in life. She graduated from Kutztown University in 2011 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her career has led her to teach in special education, kindergarten, and early childhood yoga and mindfulness. During her time as a stay-at-home mom raising her two children, she connected with the late Kelly Simonetti at Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, who inspired her path to teach through a nature-inspired lens. She opened her nature class business on Kelly's property, which was cut short due to the unfortunate passing of Kelly and the closing of Antler Ridge. It wasn't long before the opportunity at Johnsonburg presented itself, and Flourish was born! Ms Jen feels she is right where she is meant to be and can’t wait to grow the Flourish community.
Mr. Justin - Assistant Teacher
Justin has devoted his professional career to helping children grow their skills and knowledge. He has been employed by Johnsonburg as a Camp Counselor, Program Coordinator, and Program Associate starting in 2019. He has worked in the preschool environment teaching toddlers the importance of sports, healthy eating and lifestyle choices. When the pandemic hit in 2020, his career shifted and he was called by The Lawrenceville School to develop and direct a virtual learning school for the children of the teachers at the school. After successfully running that program, he knew that he wanted to pursue working with children as his career indefinitely. Justin's passions include hiking, mountain and cross country biking, disc golf, and just being outside in nature, especially in the fall and winter! He is excited to be working with Flourish and can not wait to meet and guide our first participants!
What People Say About Ms. Jen
“Ms. Jen is an incredible educator. Since the moment I shared a classroom with her, I learned how important it is to see, believe in, and educate the whole child. Jen isn’t afraid to meet children where they are. Therefore, investing her time, energy, and resources in finding creative ways to inspire students to reach beyond their limitations is second nature. She is kind, thoughtful, intuitive, and a beautiful being. Any person or child that is blessed with learning something from Jen will truly have an invaluable experience and leave feeling ready to take on the world”
- Alexis Cartey, former co-teacher
