Nature Navigators

Outdoor learning adventures — hands-on, curiosity-driven, and built for every kind of kid.

All-inclusive outdoor programming for kids — led by Outdoor Speech Therapist and Registered Maine Guide.

Six-Week Program

$30/week or $150/program

Ages 5+

June 29th- August 3rd (Mondays)

Register Now

Nature Navigators is outdoor learning with individualized care.

Nature for one and all.

Let’s get your kids outside moving, observing and interacting with the great things that nature in Maine has to offer. Each session is a guided exploration of the natural world around us, led by Katherine Rackliff (SLP and Outdoor Therapist) and Jake Rackliff (Registered Maine Guide.) We explore our senses in nature with risky play, exploring different kinds of habitats in Maine and lots of fun with friends.

Whether your child is a first-time explorer or a seasoned trail trekker, this program meets them exactly where they are. Every activity is thoughtfully adapted to support all bodies and brains, so every child can participate, contribute, and thrive. Let’s get EVERY Maine kid outside navigating nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Nature Navigators™

Nature Navigators™ is open to all children ages 5 and up — all abilities and neurotypes welcome. No prior outdoor experience is needed and no formal diagnosis is required. This program is for any child who loves, or might love, being outside and learning about the natural world.
Every activity is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Our team includes licensed therapists and special educators who bring clinical expertise into the field — so whether your child needs extra support, a different way to participate, or simply a slower pace, we have got you covered.
Nature Navigators™ runs six Mondays from June 29th through August 3rd, 2026, with a rain date of August 10th for any cancellations. Sessions run 4:00–5:30pm each Monday, with 1.5 hours of programming within a 2-hour window for arrival and departure. Weekly themes: June 29 — Senses & Safety · July 6 — Pond Habitats · July 13 — Trail Adventures · July 20 — Birds & Bug Habitats · July 27 — Seeds & Sprouts · August 3 — Campout Celebration!
Individual sessions are $30 per child (or $25 per child for 2+ children). Sign up for all 4 remaining sessions for $100 per child ($90 per child for 2+ children). Payment is cash or card, collected at the first session you attend.
Absolutely! You can sign up for as many or as few of the remaining sessions as works for your family. Each week has its own theme so every session stands on its own. Sign up for all 4 remaining sessions and save, or pick the ones that work best for your summer.
A little drizzle will not stop us! Sessions are only canceled in severe weather or if trail conditions are unsafe. Any canceled session will be made up on our rain date of August 10th. Families will be notified as early as possible of any changes.
Closed-toe shoes or boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and a snack. Dress to get a little muddy — we really mean it! Journals are provided as part of the program.
Some families have used FSA/HSA funds for programs like this — eligibility depends on your individual plan and whether a Letter of Medical Necessity has been provided by a clinician. We recommend checking with your plan administrator to confirm before registering. We are happy to provide documentation to support your request.
Nature Navigators™ is a community program, not a clinical therapy service. It is led by licensed professionals — including a Speech-Language Pathologist, special educators, and a Registered Maine Guide — and is grounded in evidence-based approaches to learning and development. It is designed to be a joyful, exploratory group experience first and foremost.
Sessions take place in the Shapleigh, Maine area. Specific locations are shared with registered families after enrollment closes for each session.
Nature Navigators™ Enrollment — Chickadee Chatter
🌲
Summer 2026 · Ages 5+

Nature Navigators™

Enrollment Form

All-inclusive outdoor learning for kids of all abilities and neurotypes. Six Mondays this summer in Shapleigh, ME — hands-on, curiosity-driven, and built for every kind of explorer.

🗓️ 2026 Summer Schedule
1
June 29
Senses & Safety
Awakening our senses in the woods, learning essential safety skills (buddy system, what to do if lost), and building community through group games. We start our Nature Navigator journals!
2
July 6
Pond Habitats
Exploring pond and water habitats up close — water safety, discovering what lives in and around the water, and making our very own pond in a jar to take home.
3
July 13
Trail Adventures
Hitting the trail to observe animal tracks, explore the flora and fauna all around us, and craft a walking story stick to remember our journey.
4
July 20
Birds & Bug Habitats
Learning about our low-crawling and high-flying neighbors — building a bird or bug habitat and discovering the incredible world happening just above and below our feet.
5
July 27
Seeds & Sprouts
Discovering edible fruits and wildflowers in Maine's landscape, learning how plants grow and spread, and planting our own seedling to bring home and watch grow.
6
August 3
Campout Celebration! 🏕️
Our grand finale — shelter building, fire safety, campout cooking, s'mores, and a celebration of everything we explored together this summer. The ultimate outdoor send-off!
Parent / Guardian Information
Session Selection

Choose the sessions you'd like to attend. Sign up for all 6 and save $30!

Week 1 — June 29 Passed
Welcome to the Woods
Week 2 — July 6 Passed
Habitat Explorers
Week 3 — July 13 Passed
Trail Adventures
Week 4 — July 20 Passed
Birds & Bug Habitats
Estimated Total (1st child) $0

Weeks 1–4 have already passed. 2+ children: $25/session or $50/bundle per child. Final total confirmed after enrollment.

Time Slot Preference
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM every Monday
Sessions are 1.5 hours of programming within a 2-hour window to allow for arrival and departure.
Children Enrolling
First Child — $30 per session
Payment
Both remaining sessions bundle: $55 for 1 child · $50 per child for 2 or more
Individual sessions: $30 for 1 child · $25 per child for 2 or more
Payment: Cash or card — collected at the first session.
FSA/HSA: Some families use FSA/HSA funds for programs like this. We recommend checking with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility before registering. We are happy to provide documentation to support your request.
Waiver & Release
  1. Supervision Requirement: I understand all participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at drop-off and pick-up. Nature Navigators™ is a supervised group program.
  2. Assumption of Risk: I understand that participating in outdoor activities involves certain risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, wildlife, weather conditions, and physical exertion. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation.
  3. Liability Release: I, on behalf of myself and the participant(s), hereby release and hold harmless Chickadee Chatter Speech Therapy LLC, its staff, volunteers, guides, and any partners from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from participation in Nature Navigators™, including any injury, illness, or loss that may occur.
  4. Medical Authorization: In the event of an emergency, I authorize event organizers to secure medical treatment for the participant(s) as deemed necessary. I understand that any medical costs incurred will be my responsibility.
  5. Weather Policy: I understand that Nature Navigators™ sessions are held in light rain and mild weather. Sessions are only canceled in severe weather or unsafe conditions. Families will be notified as early as possible if a session is canceled.
  6. Acknowledgement: I have read and understood this waiver. By typing my name below I confirm my agreement to the above terms.
Anything Else?

By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by Chickadee Chatter Speech Therapy LLC regarding Nature Navigators™. Your information will never be shared.

Welcome to the woods! 🌲

Thank you for enrolling in Nature Navigators™! Miss Kat will be in touch soon to confirm your time slot, session dates, and everything you need to know before June 29th.

We cannot wait to explore with you.