Bluestone Nature Programs

01/05/2026

There are big changes on the horizon for Bluestone.

Our Founding Director's family made the difficult decision to move. As the sole (current) staff member and keeper of the vision, sadly, Emily's move means that Bluestone as we know it is closing.

Emily founded Bluestone Nature School in the fall of 2023 in hopes of creating a space for her and her daughter to build community. In one short year, the program grew and morphed into a bigger vision: a Village for nature-centric families. Though the Board and Emily were still working to fully realize that vision, the organization helped bring families together and the school became an important part of the lives of many families.

We want to thank our wonderful Board for believing in Bluestone and our wonderful families for the support. We hope the vision of Bluestone lives on!

If you recently reached out about enrollment or events, we apologize - we closed our email account and did not renew our website. If you need to reach us, please feel free to use our socials.

10/04/2025

There's something magical about spending an afternoon chatting over handcrafts while your children run laughing through the woods.

A big thank you to Adrienne from Flax Fiber Farm for guiding embroidery and sharing her fantastic invasive species embroidery kits!

Our Village Days bring nature loving families together to connect, chat, learn, and play in our outdoor classroom. A local expert shares a skill or craft for the grown ups, while our staff supervise nature play for the little ones. Everyone leaves feeling nourished. Find out more about our Village gatherings, and join us!

Find Your Village | Bluestone Village: A https://share.google/w3ChNKUStTPkojwwI

09/25/2025

When you're prepared, everyone can enjoy a rainy day of puddle jumping!

09/23/2025

A morning of creating and collecting in the outdoor classroom!

We have a few spots available for families looking for nature-based early learning. Check out our website at bluestonevillage.org or email Emily at [email protected]

09/10/2025

A new school year rhythm and routine takes time, but our preK-3 homeschool enrichment group has been adjusting really well! Today we took a little time to rest between the trees before diving into some language and literacy content.

We talked about the letter M for maple trees and then met maple trees around our outdoor classroom!

09/08/2025

We're adding to our teaching team! If you enjoy being outside and working with kids, we'd love to talk to you. Or, perhaps you have a special skill to share with young kids like music, yoga, mindfulness, etc. Either way, Bluestone might be a good fit!

We're currently hiring Mentors (assistant teachers), a Lead Mentor, and guest teachers for our nature playschool and homeschool co-op programs. Programs run Monday-Thursday on our campus in Highland Lake, NY.

Email Emily at [email protected] with a resume!

08/22/2025

ISO someone to drywall the ceiling of a two car garage and the adjoining small work space at our site in Highland Lake, NY.

Bluestone Nature Programs is seeking a contractor who is willing to donate their time to help a local grassroots nonprofit. We are creating an indoor classroom for emergency and extreme weather use to support our 99% outdoor preschool and homeschool programs. We'll purchase materials. All donations are tax deductible and we would love to promote a business willing to help out!

Must have proof of insurance, liability, and workman's comp.

Project to be completed ASAP. Contact here or via email at [email protected]

Thanks all!

08/17/2025

Learning should be fun, engaging, and unique to each child. Bluestone's Nature Programs bring the classroom outside and give children the space to follow their curiosity. Our high quality programs are designed and run by early childhood and naturalist professionals, but the true star is our beautiful outdoor classroom.

We still have spots available for the fall, so schedule a tour today and learn more about our nature playschool, homeschool co-op, and family forest school programs!

Email Emily at [email protected] to set up a tour!

08/14/2025

That's a wrap on summer camp! We had a magical summer thanks to our amazing Mentors, wonderful families, and beautiful campus. Now, onto the school year!

08/01/2025

Fall is quickly approaching, and enrollment is open for our Nature Playschool (20 months-5 years drop off), Homeschool Co-op (4-10 years drop off), and Family Forest School (caregiver & me) programs.

At Bluestone, we value a child's right to learn, play, and explore the great outdoors. Our nature-based and play-based program weave together developmentally appropriate practices, life skills, social emotional development, and community building.

Come check us out at our upcoming Open House or schedule a tour. We would love to learn with your little one!

Bluestone Village is a home for nature-based families seeking to raise their children surrounded by community, connection, and nature.

07/23/2025

Summer camp is in full swing, and we're loving all of the fun our woods have to offer. Check out what we've been up to!

Stay tuned for an open house date to learn more about our playschool, homeschool co-op, and family forest school being offered this fall!