Bright Spot: Pine River Tiny Turtles class lets preschoolers explore

PINE RIVER — Curiosity can blossom when given opportunity. In Pine River, nonprofit Happy Dancing Turtle offers experiences for learning outside of screens and indoor classrooms.

The Tiny Turtles program for preschool-aged kids ages 4 and 5 meets for one hour, twice a month.

Tiny Turtles meet at the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus in Pine River and spend all their time outdoors with supervision from Michelle Hoefs, program coordinator.

"As long as I can see them and they can see me, they are free to wander off in the woods and just explore and play and let their imagination soar," explained Hoefs in a recent appearance on the KAXE Morning Show.

There are different ways for kids to explore, including log bridges, fort building opportunities and a mud kitchen with used bowls, spoons and more.

"They get out there and bake me all kinds of things!" Hoefs said.

Hoefs said some kids are nervous at first, but after a few sessions, they are often the ones leading the charge into the woods.

There is no set curriculum for these classes, but there's always something to discover.

"I'm learning right along with the kids, because I am not a nature expert by any means," Hoefs said. "So the kids will see something, and if I don't know what it is either, I'm like, 'Well, let's figure it out.'"

The fall session of Tiny Turtles begins Monday, Sept. 8, and classes continue twice a month on the second and fourth Mondays through November. There are also sessions in the winter and spring, plus a summer session with limited dates. The cost is $30 for the fall session. Register online.

Listen to our Bright Spot conversation from the KAXE Morning Show above.

And don't forget, KAXE's phenology program on Tuesday mornings with John Latimer spotlights young nature lovers, and there are opportunities to get your kids and classrooms involved as well.

Curious about nature yourself? Sign up for the Season Watch Newsletter.

Is there a Bright Spot in your community? Let us know!

The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.