“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it.”
Rachel Carson (nature writer & scientist)
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it.”
Rachel Carson (nature writer & scientist)
Mentor's Words🦋:
As a mother of three children, I deeply feel that parenting is something we must continually learn. Becoming a reliable and supportive parent is important, but it can be difficult at the beginning, especially when life is already full of responsibilities. Over the years, I have gone through many twists, turns, and hard lessons while learning how to become a better parent—and I am still learning.
Later, through my work as a teacher and outdoor mentor, I began to feel a strong sense of responsibility to support other parents on this journey as well. The early years of a child’s life—especially ages 0–5—are crucial for their development. One simple and meaningful way to nurture children during this stage is by exploring the outdoors together.
I am happy to announce that I will be offering Free Friday Escorted Outdoor Sessions for parents who would like guidance while taking their children to explore nature. These outings are designed to support both children and parents as they learn, observe, and grow together in an outdoor environment.
I will also offer Free Backyard Storytime in the Little BookWorm Library for escorted kids weekly on Fridays as well during the Fridays when we don't have outdoor outings.
-Nancy Mao
Time: Once a month on Fridays 9:30 AM -11:00 AM
Age: 0-5 yrs old with one parent/caregiver
Ratio: 1:8 families
Tentative Dates: Date: 8/28, 9/25, 10/30, 11/20, 12/11, 1/29, 2/26, 3/19, 4/30, 5/28.
Locations: Nature Preserves within 15-25mins drive radius from Menlo Park
Typical Routine:
09:30-09:40 meeting and greeting
09:40-10:00 hiking into the spot
10:00-10:15 circle/story time
10:15-10:45 unstructured play time
10:45-11:00 closing circle and Hiking Back
Typical Places We will visit: (All are within 20 mins drive of Menlo Park. )
Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto
Shoreline Lake Park
Bol Park in Palo Alto
Portola Valley library Area
Hidden villa
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
Shoup Park
Foothill Nature Preserve
Holbrook Palmer Park
"We have loved being a part of Butterfly Outing Group this year and can't wait to join you again next year. You make every hike educational, fun, and magical. Elliot loves coming to hiking group and so do I! Thank you so much for all of the care & hard work you put into each hike."
E's mom
"You passion for outdoors and your approch to teaching have opened our eyes to the wonders of the natural world. But what really rocks is how you have taught us to find the fun in everything, even the most boring stuff. Thank you for sharing us the simple pleasures in life, we are incredibly grateful."
Ch & S's Mom
"I am so happy to find this outing club. I can spend time with my child in nature, not in a classroom. Teacher Nancy is AMAZING!! She taught us a new way to explore, learn and enjoy in nature. We had so much fun!! My son's favorite part was singing songs when hiking. Can't wait to have our next outing!!"
I's mom
"The Little Butterfly outing is so meaningful! My child was having so much fun, kept telling me '开心! 开心! ' (开心 means happy in Mandarin) throughout the outing! , I am so thankful that Teacher Nancy is willing to run this program! Both of us got so much education out of this outing, besides were able to bond with each other during fun time and also difficult time. This is the dream outdoors preschool that I have been looking for!"
A’s mom
"很幸運KCH能遇上充滿愛與耐心的老師,帶領他勇敢的體驗和探索,每次總是有滿滿的樂趣與歡笑,由衷感謝!"
KCH媽媽