Bringing Joy Back to Childhood!
Adventures Await!!!
Our Programs:
Register for Nature Camp
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Register for Nature Camp 〰️
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This program is for Ages 1-5 years old and their caregiver. Together they will explore and enjoy Nature!
4 week blocks
Mondays 10am-11am
$70 per child, per block
$25 Drop in fee
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This is a Nature & Play Based preschool for ages 3-6 years old. Beginning their educational journey immersed in Nature through curiosity and play! This is how children learn best!
School year long program
9am-12pm M/W/F
$117 Weekly per child
Need Based Scholarships Available
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This Elementary Age program builds life skills through experiences in Nature and Self Directed Play. This is for ages 4-12 years old.
15 week Semesters (2 semesters)
Tuesday and/or Thursday
1 day $975 per child for 15 weeks
2 day $ per child for 15 weeks
Sibling Discounts & Scholarships available
**NEW Monday class 1-4pm
1 day $585 per child for 15 weeks
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Nature Camps are for Preschool and Elementary age students. Our camps allow children to explore and enjoy the Natural World while learning new skills and spending time with friends!
Mixed Ages: 3-12yrs old
Cost: 4 Day- $104 1 Day- $26
4 Day Option: Mon-Thur. 9am-1pm
1 Day Option: Fridays- 9am-1pm
"Big thanks to the Don Wood Foundation! Their support means more kids can experience the magic of Nature Camp—now with new, lower pricing!"
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This program is in partnership with TROY Alternative School for Middle and High School students. Students get the opportunity to build life skills for Holistic Health through experiences in Nature.
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Learn more about what new events and field trips we offer seasonally by clicking below!
Upcoming Events:
Nature Discovery Day!
Join us for a Free Nature Discovery Day — a special opportunity to sample classes from each of our signature programs. Whether you’re curious about what we offer or just looking for a joyful afternoon outdoors, this is your chance to explore, connect, and play — all at no cost.
Hosted by: Giving Gardens of Indiana, Little Willows, Wild Willows & Farm & Forest School
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 3 | 4–6 PM
Location: Giving Gardens of Indiana
479 S. Towerview Drive
Columbia City, IN 46725
Event Description:
Come explore nature with us — for FREE!
We’re opening our space and programs to the community for a special Free Nature Play Day — a chance to experience the magic of our outdoor learning programs with no cost and no pressure.
Whether you're curious about our Little Willows, Wild Willows, or Farm & Forest School programs — or simply want a fun, unplugged afternoon outdoors — this event is for you!
Here’s what to expect:
- Nature-based activities for all ages
- Meet our teachers and explore our learning spaces
- Bug collections, scavenger hunts, sensory play, and more
- Info tables with flyers, sign-ups, and hands-on activities
- Outdoor art, storytelling, and playful exploration
Who’s invited?
Everyone! Families, friends, neighbors, and especially those curious about our programs.
Why we’re doing this:
We believe in sharing the joy and grounding of nature. Our programs offer more than play — they build confidence, connection, and curiosity. We invite you to come see it for yourself. This event is our gift to the community, and we hope it inspires you to join us again.
Bonus: This is the soft launch of our reimagined Little Willows program — come be part of its first steps!
RSVP here to help us prepare materials and activities. We can’t wait to welcome you to the woods!
Questions? Message us or email Rachel Alexander
Feed the Need — Fundraiser Breakfast
Join us Saturday, June 14th from 8–10 AM at Columbia City Church of the Brethren for a delicious breakfast served with love — and all for a great cause!
112 N. Washington St. Columbia City, IN 46725
Free-will donation — give what you can
All proceeds support Giving Gardens of Indiana’s Nature Programming , a nonprofit nurturing young minds through hands-on outdoor learning.
Let’s come together to nourish bodies and futures.
#FeedTheNeed #givinggardensofindiana #NatureSchool #CommunityBreakfast #columbiacityindiana #nonprofitorganization #columbiacitychurchofthebrethren
Join us for First Fridays!
🎉 Join us at First Fridays in downtown Columbia City, Indiana on June 6th from 6–9 PM! 🎨🌿🎯
We're excited to be part of this FREE community event, and we’re bringing tons of fun for all ages:
✨ Sidewalk Chalk Drawing
🎨 Face Painting
🎰 Plinko
🌱 Seed Bomb Making
🏹 Bow & Arrow Practice
Come enjoy an evening of creativity, games, and family-friendly activities — all at no cost! And learn more about our Nature Programming and Summer Nature Camps!
💛 Free-will donations are welcome and will support our non-profit organization’s mission. Every little bit helps!
Gratitude Shout Out to our Sponsor, Pulver’s Pub!
We can’t wait to see you there! 💫
#ColumbiaCityFirstFridays #CommunityFun #FamilyEvent #SupportLocal #columbiacityconnect #givinggardensofindiana #nonprofit #naturesummercamp #farmandforestschool #wildwillownaturepreschool
We Need Your Feedback!
Calling all families with Littles from 6months- 5 years old
Have you or would you like to attend our Little Willows: Caregiver & Me program with your little one (ages 6 months to 5 years)? We’d love to hear from you!
Whether your interest is to explore nature, bond with your child, or connect with other caregivers, your feedback helps us grow and improve the experience for everyone.
Take a moment to fill out our quick survey and share your thoughts! Your voice helps us nurture a stronger, more connected community.
Thank you for being a part of helping our Little Willows program improve!
#LittleWillows #CaregiverAndMe #NaturePlay #CommunityMatters #ParentingSupport #OutdoorFamilies
If you're interested in leading a workshop, fill out our proposal form here:
Do you have a skill or passion related to nature, sustainability, or hands-on learning? Giving Gardens of Indiana is looking for workshop leaders to share their knowledge and inspire our community!
We welcome workshop proposals on a variety of topics, including but not limited to:
🌿 Gardening & composting
🍯 Herbal remedies & natural wellness
🛠️ DIY sustainability projects
🎨 Nature-inspired arts & crafts
🍎 Farm-to-table cooking
🌎 Environmental education
Whether you're an experienced educator or simply passionate about a topic, we’d love to hear from you! Workshops can be geared toward kids, teens, adults, or families.
Let’s grow, learn, and build a stronger, more connected community together! 🌻
Have questions? Contact us at jess@givinggardensofindiana.com
#GivingGardensofIndiana #CommunityWorkshops
Teach a workshop at Giving Gardens of Indiana!
What is Nature Immersion Programming?
Nature immersion programming is what may also be called Forest School or Nature School. These styles of education immerse the student in nature in all weather, to learn from their environment and give them the building blocks to grow as a WHOLE person. These methods focus on developing the skills, interests and understanding of the student through practical, hands on experiences. Students have the freedom to follow their interests, explore their environment, and learn at their own pace. This method allows for curiosity, playfulness and sociability to inspire the life long love of learning!
Let Nature be your back drop for your next event!
We are now offering our pavilions and nature playscape for rent for events! This is a great space to host birthday parties, family gatherings, showers, graduations or a lovely tea party!
Our almost 7 acres offers 2 pavilions, nature playground, gardens and forest play area. We have a staff member present with options of child led activities.
For more details click the “Learn More” button to reserve your date!
Gear Sale Fundraiser!
Want to support our organization and programs?!
You can purchase gear by following this link and clicking on the Giving Gardens of Indiana store.
There is gear for your favorite program or the organization! You pick! And if you would like to just donate, you can donate through the website:
Thank you for helping our students and our programs GROW!!!
Do you have an item sitting around your home you would want to share?
Loose parts are an important learning tool for our students education and building creativity! So if you have anything at home you are no longer using, donating it to our students will make joyful learning for them and reduce waste at the same time!
If you would just like to make a donation to our classroom supplies, this is a great list of needs we use often!
Thank you for helping support the growth of the future generations with your generosity!
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What others say about Giving Gardens of Indiana:
“I was very impressed with Giving Gardens. Your site was a beautiful place for outdoor exploration and your teachers supported and interacted with the students with such gentleness and kindness. I appreciated the way the teachers let the students just get on with their play/learning. I watched students working together to fill a container of water and to help each other watch out for the nesting robins and killdeer. There were very few conflicts, but they managed them with gentle words and respect. There were a few moments where teachers invited students to participate in activities, and it was refreshing to see that students could choose to participate or to pursue their own learning.
Your facility provided a wide range of options for learning and play. I especially appreciated that it was a place that was welcoming to families and siblings who were not yet enrolled. That was very special.
Thank you, again, for allowing me to visit and see your programs in action. My mind was broadened.
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