Nature-Based Learning and Community
Homeschooling can feel isolating and overwhelming for families. Dickson Valley Learning Collective offers an engaging drop-off enrichment program for kids that fosters nature exploration and social connections so your child thrives outdoors while you enjoy a well-deserved break.
2026-2027 Registration Opens April 11th, 2026 at 9am
Give your kids the gift of nature, community, and discipleship each week.
Give your kids the gift of nature, community, and discipleship each week.
At Dickson Valley Learning Collective (DVLC), homeschool families spend Wednesdays doing hands-on outdoor learning, creative projects, and Bible-based community together. Our drop-off program is open to kids in 1st through 8th grade.
Program Overview
WHEN
WHERE
WHO
COST
COMMITMENT
Wednesdays, Beginning September 9th
Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center
1st–8th grade homeschool students
$40/class, billed monthly
Year-round enrollment, billed monthly. Need to stop? Just let us know by the 15th
and you won't be charged for the following month.
Scholarships available — email office@dicksonvalley.com to apply.
Registration Opens April 11th, 9am
Sample Schedule
“Nature-deficit disorder describes the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illness.”
In a world where kids spend too much time on screens and too little time outside, Dickson Valley Learning Collective offers an engaging drop-off enrichment program that encourages nature exploration, social connection, and spiritual growth — giving kids space to thrive and parents time to rest.
FAQ
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No, lunch is not provided. Students should bring their own lunch and snack each day. Please note that Dickson Valley is a peanut-free facility.
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Drop-off begins at 8:45 AM, and the program starts promptly at 9:00 AM. Pick-up is at 3:00 PM. Please be on time so our day can start and end smoothly!
Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Parking Lot Pavilion unless weather requires a change-in that case, we’ll let you know ahead of time.
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As much as possible! Weather permitting, lessons and activities will take place outdoors. We have several covered pavilions for rainy days, our large gym, and our lovely dining hall we’ll use when it’s too cold or unsafe to be outside. Kids should come prepared for all kinds of weather and expect to be outdoors often. For those keeping track for the 1000 Hours outside challenge…thats 6 hour to add!
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Weather-appropriate clothing such as rain gear (jacket and pants), snow gear, and cold-weather layers as needed.
Sturdy, weather-appropriate shoes or boots
Lunch and snack (peanut-free)
A backpack or bag to carry home art and papers
A full set of clothes (can be left at camp in a labeled zip-lock bag)
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We use mixed-age groups on purpose. There's something that happens when a 3rd grader is watching a 7th grader navigate a challenge — and something else that happens when that 7th grader realizes a younger kid is watching. We'll split into lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle school groups for certain lessons and activities, but a good chunk of the day is all together.
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If your child is placed on the waitlist, we’ll reach out as soon as a spot opens up. Deposit is still required to hold your spot on the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we’ll contact you via email and give you 48 hours to confirm your registration. If we’re unable to place your child in the program, your deposit will be fully refunded.
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(Spoiler alert: Yes. In the best way!) We believe the best kind of learning often involves mud, leaves, paint, and a healthy dose of outdoor play. Your child will come home with full hearts, tired legs, and probably dirt on their clothes- and we think that’s a win.
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Registration is year-round with monthly billing — no semester commitments. If your family's plans change, just email us at office@dicksonvalley.com. Let us know by the 15th and you won't be charged for the following month.
