Forest School Key Elements
Play-based
JuneBugs provides time for children to engage in play that is freely chosen, personally directed, and intrinsically motivated
Inquiry-based
JuneBugs allows children to explore the environment and bases activities off what the children are interested in.
Risk taking
Junebugs provides a safe environment for children to explore and take calculated risks
Nature-based
JuneBugs is outdoors in all weather conditions. Children are taught to be mindful of their surroundings to connect with nature
Meet the Teachers
Nikki
My name is Nikki Hudon (she/her). I am a Colorado local that was born in Steamboat and raised in Westminster. I am a licensed primary school teacher who has worked for Denver Public Schools and is passionate about connecting children with the outdoors! I am currently in the process of completing my Level 3 forest school practitioner training. In my free time, I like to hike, camp, make art, and ride my bike.
My inspiration came to start JuneBugs as a summer camp in 2021 when I was nannying for a few kids living near Washington Park. We spent every day exploring, climbing trees, building “boats”, and fishing for crawfish. Now I've been learning and growing as a forest school practitioner.
My favorite thing about forest school is the community building and watching children connect to nature.
Articles
FAQ
Is JuneBugs a licensed program? No. JuneBugs is not currently licensed in the state of CO. We have low-enrollment of only 4 children a day. There is no outdoor preschool license in the state of CO at this time.
Want to change that?
Click here to learn how to get involved in bring licensed outdoor childcare to Colorado!
Where can my child use the bathroom? We utilize public restrooms and have a small potty with privacy tent that we carry with us.
Do you take 3 year olds that are not potty trained? No. Children must be 3 years old and potty trained.
What do you do in bad weather? We believe that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!
We do utilize certain indoor spaces to take breaks from extreme cold or take shelter from dangerous storms.
If weather is unsafe, we will provide an indoor alternative. In some cases we will cancel camp for the day.
There are no refunds for instances of weather.