Empowering Homeschool Families with 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.
Spring Registration Open Now!
Give your kids the gift of nature, community, and discipleship each week.
At Dickson Valley Learning Collective (DVLC), homeschool families discover a weekly rhythm of hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and Christ-centered friendships. Our drop-off enrichment program blends nature exploration, creative activities, and Bible-based community in a safe, welcoming camp environment.
Program Overview
WHEN
WHERE
WHO
COST
COMMITMENT
Wednesdays, beginning January 7th, 2026, from 9am-3pm
Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center
Elementary-aged homeschool students (ages 6–12)
$935 for the Spring Semester (17 weeks)*
Registration is per semester
*Scholarships available, email office@dicksonvalley.com to apply
Spring Registration Open Now!
Sample Schedule
9:00–9:30 AM – Bible Time using Mighty Virtues from Tiny Theologians – Fun, gospel-centered lessons to help kids grow in truth and character. Each family gets a set of virtue cards with registration to use at home during the week!
9:30–10:00 AM – Maps & Geography- using Beautiful Feet Curriculum about Africa, Asia, Australia and Antartica.
More about Beautiful Feet Curriculum
10:00–11:00 AM – Camp Activity (varies by week and weather dependent)
11:00–12:00 PM – Lunch & free play
12:15–1:15 PM – Nature Science using Exploring Nature with Children curriculum
More about Exploring Nature with Children
1:15–2:00 PM – Art
2:00–3:00 PM – Snack & Free Play
“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, most lessons and activities will take place outdoors. We have several covered pavilions for rainy days, our large gym, and a large indoor meeting space 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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At DVLC, we intentionally use mixed-age groups. Research shows that learning and playing alongside children of different ages encourages growth in social skills, empathy, leadership, and collaboration. Beginning in the Spring Semester, we will separate into “lower elementary” and “upper elementary” groups for certain activities, and some of the day will be spent all together as one large group.
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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 per semester. This helps us create a consistent group dynamic and rhythm for learning and relationships. If you're unsure whether it's the right fit, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to chat!
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to hold your child’s spot in the program.
If you cancel before the first day of the program, we’ll refund your tuition, minus the deposit.
If you cancel after the program has begun, you will be responsible for 50% of the remaining tuition. This helps us cover the cost of staff, supplies, and planning that go into each week.
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If your family is facing an emergency or unique circumstance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.