Nature's Classroom Wilderness Week

For the first time ever, Latitude Learning is offering a nature retreat at the end of our Spring '27 Semester.  Running from May 17-21 at Nature's Classroom in Swanzey, NH, this program will involve learning about nature, being in nature, hiking, group activities, and lots of community building.  The week will be filled with both inside and outside activities, community meals, and spending the overnights in dormitories.  The price includes all activities and meals, but does not include transportation to and from the facility (we may be able to provide bus service to/from Latitude Learning for an additional fee if there is enough interest).

This program is intended for children in grades 2-8 because of the nature of the lessons and group learning expectations. Given how homeschooling is with age diversity, the age range is negotiable but you must contact [email protected] if your children fall outside of this age range.  There are a limited number of chaperone positions available for approved adults in the Latitude Learning community. Once these have been filled, parents wishing to attend will have to register and pay as a parent/non-chaperone.  Younger children attending will also have to pay and parents will be 100% responsible for them.

Before you register as a Chaperone or Parent, please read the information at the end of this description.

Accommodations will be dormitory style, with limited availability for family rooms.  Accommodations will be assigned once registrations are closed. While we are open to requests, we cannot guarantee specific room assignments. 

Located in Swanzey, Nature's Classroom has over 125 acres of lakefront trails and is located near Mt. Caesar and Mt. Monadnock) of New Hampshire.

Please note that a $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.

Latitude Nature’s Classroom Chaperone Policy and Responsibilities

Anyone registering as a chaperone will be responsible for a small group of students for the entire week of Nature’s Classroom. Chaperones must be available and plan to attend Mon-Fri. Chaperones are needed to supervise students during break times, between classes, and during the overnight times both in the dorms and during night activities. During program activities, chaperones may have the option to stay with their group and experience classes and activities, or if there is coverage, they may enjoy free time/do work/etc.

Requirements:

1. All chaperones must be available the entire week, May 17-21, 2026 and must stay on property overnight.

2. For the safety of our students: all chaperones MUST: 1.be a teacher or volunteer with Latitude Learning OR, 2. provide proof of a current background check if done with another organization such as Girl Scouts or sports (must have been completed within 1 year of registration) and have an interview with Latitude staff, OR 3. submit to a background check and have an interview with Latitude staff.

3. Chaperones must be comfortable with the responsibility of chaperoning children that are not related to them. This may include managing social expectations, basic discipline and disputes, comforting kids through homesickness, and encouraging positive participation in activities. Organizers Kitty/Jessica/Sharon will be available to assist with any concerns should you need extra support.

4. As chaperone duty will entail overnight responsibilities, chaperones will not be able to have children younger than second grade along on the retreat.

Non-Chaperone Parent Responsibilities

1. Parents wishing to attend Nature's Classroom who DO NOT HAVE all of the responsibilities of chaperoning will need to register as a Parent and pay the associated fees.  They will not be obligated to attend programming, but still must help with other chaperone responsibilities of managing social expectations, comforting kids, etc. 

2. Parent attendees will still need to be approved, and provide a current background check or submit to a background check prior to the event.