Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Rybolt.
Hi Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When my daughter was a toddler, I started to prioritize time outdoors. I became a director for Free Forest School (a nationwide grassroots operation with a mission to get more families outside). Over the last 5 years, I have been involved with many outdoor endeavors to promote children spending time outdoors. I am a huge proponent of getting out in all seasons and all weather while supporting children in exploring on their terms and in their ways. When it was time to start looking for schools for my daughter, I realized that what I was looking for did not exist! With the help of a few trusting parents, Prickly Pear Nature School began because I believe that spending time in nature is not just within the wilderness of a forest but right here in the city! Urban nature is all around us.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The biggest struggle has been getting the word out there to families. Social media is a job in itself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Prickly Pear Nature School?
Prickly Pear Nature School is a play-based, nature-focused micro school in St. Louis City for ages 4 and up. We prioritize time and connection with nature by practicing place-based learning and spending most of each day outdoors. Being outside in all-weather builds resilience and allows kids to observe the changes happening in their community through all the different seasons.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am very thankful for others that are providing and promoting outdoor education. There have been countless others that have inspired me. Deidre Kelly from The Little Pawpaw Micro School and Angela Wildermuth from Wilderkids Urban Forest School have supported me while I have been getting this program up and running. Most of all, the families enrolled here are my biggest cheerleaders and advocates; I am incredibly thankful for their continued support. I could not do this without them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pricklypearnatureschool.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/prickly.pear.nature.school?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pricklypearmicroschool?mibextid=ZbWKwL
