what we believe
Anchors
– learning should be fun & empowering
– children learn best through play
– we all have wisdom to share
– diversity is our strength
– we are in this together
– belonging is for everyone
– spending time in nature is a priority
More than a Place
A preschool or a camp is more than a place for children to spend their day. It is where they share and build upon the knowledge and experiences they already have, get excited about learning new things, develop new skills, grow in confidence, make good friends, and learn how to be part of a community.
Building Partnerships
And a preschool or a camp is not just a place for children, it is a place for families, to build social connections, to share their wisdom, and to enter into partnerships with teachers and camp counselors who are ready to listen and work together to support every child’s ongoing growth, happiness and development.
what we do
The Play-Learning Connection
At the Connection Station, we believe in the power and importance of play in every child’s learning journey. Watch the video to learn about the play-learning connection.
Outside is the Perfect Place
Nature spaces create endless possibilities for play, and playing outside in nature has many benefits for children. Check out this infographic from Children in Nature Network if you want to see what research currently shows
Making Intentional Connections
Children these days have far fewer opportunities to play outdoors than in the past.
At the Connection Station, we intentionally create those opportunities. In our programs, children spend all of their time outside, moving their bodies, exploring and learning in nature spaces in all weathers.
By spending this valuable time in nature children build the resilience and confidence that comes with knowing how to be safe and comfortable outside in all weathers.
who we are
The Connection Station and its sister company The Connection Station Behavioral Health are the vision of our founder and director, Kirsty MacIver. A culmination of Kirsty’s nearly 3 decades of professional work with children, families and educators, working to support quality learning and welcoming social environments for all.
Kirsty grew up in England climbing trees, walking through the countryside, playing in the mud, getting wet in the rain, building forts, growing a garden, and picking wild blackberries. The most memorable times from her childhood are times spent outside, and the sense of freedom and adventure that came with it.
Kirsty received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Birmingham UK in 1997, her teaching qualification in 1998, her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2004, and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the American College of Education in 2024. Kirsty completed her Forest School Teacher Certification from the Forest School Teacher Institute in June 2024 and is a proud member of the Children in Nature Network.
where to find us
Our Nature PreK is located outside at the Huss Project, an historic school property in Three Rivers, Michigan, with a 45-acre campus including, a one-acre diversified urban vegetable farm, animal pastures for sheep, cows, and chickens, woods, meadows, and wetlands. We work closely with our friends at The HUSS Project to provide children and families opportunities to experience and enjoy this amazing space, and to connect with the vibrant community that brings it alive.