Unleash the Magic of Nature: Open Enrollment at Ridgewood’s Premier Outdoor Summer Camp!
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, are you looking for a preschool where your child can trade screens for streams and worksheets for watercolor painting in the rain? Friends Neighborhood Nature School (FNNS) in Ridgewood, NJ, has officially opened enrollment for the Nature Camp Summer 2026!
Since 1959, Friends has been a cornerstone of the Ridgewood community, offering a “gold standard” early childhood experience that feels like magic but is built on decades of proven research.
Why Families Love the “Friends” Approach
At FNNS, we believe that young children thrive in small, inclusive, play-based communities. Our curriculum isn’t just about fun—it’s about nurturing the whole child through the Quaker SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship).
1. The Outdoor Classroom: Where Nature is the Teacher
Our students spend a significant portion of every day outdoors, regardless of the weather. Whether they are building “chipmunk houses” from found materials or tending to our community garden, the natural world provides a living laboratory for:
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Hands-on Science: Observing seed germination and life cycles in real-time.
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Early Literacy & Numeracy: Developing counting and letter recognition through natural “loose parts” play.
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Physical Resilience: Navigating a nature-friendly playscape that builds gross motor skills and confidence.
2. The 5:1 Advantage
We maintain a strict 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This allows our expert educators to provide individualized attention, coaching children through complex problem-solving and social-emotional growth. In our classroom, every child is known, seen, and valued.
3. The Power of the Mixed-Age Classroom
At Friends, children ages 2½ through 5 learn together. This mirrors real-world family and community dynamics:
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For Younger Children: They gain advanced language skills and sophisticated play strategies from older role models.
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For Older Children: They develop empathy, patience, and leadership skills by mentoring their younger peers.
4. A Partnership with Families
When you enroll at Friends, you aren’t just dropping off your child; you are joining a village. We view parents and caregivers as essential partners. From our community newsletter to family-teacher conferences and “Family STREAM Nights,” we help you build a foundation for your family that lasts a lifetime.
Enrollment Details for 2026-2027
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Ages: 2½ through 5 years old.
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Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday–Friday).
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Options: Half-day and alternate-day (M-W-F or T/Th) schedules available.
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Location: Sponsored by the Ridgewood Friends Meeting.
Ready to see the magic in person? Visit RidgewoodFriends.org to schedule a tour or begin your application today.
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