Ladybug Farm
Ladybug Farm offers four unique, nature-focused programs: Forest Kindergarten, Forest Homeschool, Future Homesteaders, and Mini Monet. These Waldorf-based programming encourage children to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world. Seasonal programs, summer camps, and workshops are offered, with full details on their website. Home Hatchery Rentals remain available, letting families experience the magic of hatching chicks at home!
Their programming for the following school year will not open for registration until May of 2025. They do open up registration and share details for 2025 Summer Camps in February.
Contact: Shawna at LadybugFarm@myyahoo.com or 716-949-7410
Forest Kindergarten
The Forest Kindergarten at Ladybug Farm is a Waldorf-inspired nature immersion program for children ages 4-6. The program encourages connection, confidence, and mindfulness through outdoor exploration and a rhythmic, nature-based curriculum. This program supports families with homeschooling intentions, offering a weekly anchor for a nature-focused, secular curriculum.
Program Details:
When: Thursdays, 10 AM - 1 PM
Duration: 10-week sessions in Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Class Size: 10 children
Cost: $325 per season; Registration & Supply Fee: $175
Leaders: Ms. Shawna (Lead Nature Guide), Ms. Brittany (Nature Guide Assistant), Ms. Kelly (Yoga & Mindfulness Guide)
Program Highlights:
Daily Rhythm: Nature walks, morning circle with songs and storytelling, guided activities, lunch, forest play, and closing drum circle.
Monthly Themes: Garden exploration, yoga & mindfulness, puppet shows with themed snacks, animal care, and story walks.
Community Festivals: Celebrations throughout the seasons, such as the Autumn Equinox, Lantern Walk, Candlemas Tea, and May Day Spring Faire.
Forest HomeSchool
Forest Homeschool at Ladybug Farm is an outdoor, nature-focused enrichment program designed for homeschool families. It promotes wellness and a deep connection to nature through hands-on experiences in both forest and garden settings. The 15-acre campus includes a greenhouse for year-round learning, where children ages 7+ engage in activities like planning, planting, and harvesting seasonal produce, as well as preparing farm-to-table meals. Each season focuses on themes such as botany, wild math, handwork, and bushcraft skills, with an emphasis on emergent learning from nature.
Program Details:
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Ages: 7+
Class Size: 15 children
Cost: $375 per seasonal session (3 sessions per year)
Registration & Supply Fee: $175
School Year: 10-week sessions in Autumn, Winter, and Spring (September 25 - June 18)
Leaders: Ms. Shawna & Ms. Claire
Future Homesteaders
The Future Homesteaders program at Ladybug Farm offers hands-on learning for children ages 8+ who are interested in animal care, veterinary science, and basic carpentry skills essential to homesteading. In this farm-based workshop series, children gain practical experience in both animal husbandry and construction.
Program Details:
When: 5 Saturdays per season (Autumn, Winter, and Spring)
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Ages: 8+ years
Class Size: Limit of 10 children per session
Cost: $275 per season (includes supplies, safety equipment, journals, and tools)
Leaders: Shawna & Jared
Mini Monet Art Exploration Classes
Students (ages 7-12) will experience "en plein air" painting, practicing mindful attention to natural light and shadows in a farm and forest setting. Each session includes art history, color theory, Waldorf-based form drawing, a nature walk, and guided painting. Students will use individual easels and watercolor palettes, with sketch pads to take home.
When: 1:30 - 4 PM on 2nd Sundays
Instructors:
Ashleigh, an artist and art teacher from the Artists League of the Sandhills.
Shawna, director of Ladybug Farm, studied oil painting in Italy.
Cost: $325 (All materials provided)
