Our Early Summer session is a unique part of our yearly rhythm, offered for just four weeks during the summer months. We gather at the beautiful, shaded Springhill Trailhead in Lafayette, nestled within the expanding Briones Regional Park.

At Oak Heart we have the opportunity to offer our programs at various locations through the East Bay.

Each landscape offers children new opportunities for exploration, problem-solving, and connection with the natural world. As the seasons change, so do the plants, animals, weather, and terrain, allowing children to experience a wider variety of ecosystems and learning environments. 

Moving between locations also helps children develop adaptability, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how nature changes over time and across places. By experiencing the rhythms of the year in different natural settings, children build a stronger sense of place, resilience, curiosity, and respect for the environment.

What makes Oak Heart so special?

~Childhood is honored and celebrated

Childhood is honored as a time of wonder, exploration and meaningful play. We create space for children to experience the magic of unhurried days, where play is meaningful, friendships grow naturally, and learning happens through uninterrupted time in nature.

~Nature is our classroom

A classroom without walls allows children to create meaningful connections to the natural world. Through mud, creeks, climbing, crafting, storytelling, and open-ended play, children develop resilience, creativity, independence, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

~Strong sense of community

Our program follows a slower, seasonal rhythm that allows children to truly know the land, notice changes over time, and feel a sense of belonging in nature. While friendships are built during our days together, children learn they are part of a larger community of life.