Friends in the Wild – TimberNook Northwest Indiana

Friends in the Wild

TimberNook Friends in the Wild: A Nature Play Series for Ages 4-9

Join us for an adventurous summer at Friends in the Wild, a nature-immersive program designed to spark imagination, creativity, and deep connection through play in the great outdoors. Each session offers unique play experiences in the woods, fields, and waters of Big Maple Lake Park, a hidden gem in Hobart featuring wide open spaces, shaded wooded trails, and a peaceful creek perfect for exploration and discovery.

At TimberNook, play is the work of the child. Whether building forts, balancing on logs, splashing in the water, or diving into imaginative storylines, children will be fully engaged in sensory-rich, child-led adventures that foster physical strength, social growth, and creativity.

Our mixed-age environment allows younger children to be inspired by the leadership and creativity of older peers, while giving older children the opportunity to model, mentor, and deepen their play. This dynamic setting naturally encourages collaboration, empathy, and flexible thinking—essential life skills, all nurtured in nature.

Program Details

Ages: 4–9
Dates: June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22
Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Cost: $110

Caregiver Attendance Required

What to Expect

Each session will take place entirely outdoors, regardless of weather (except in cases of severe conditions). Children will engage in open-ended nature play, exploring the elements, building with natural materials, and engaging their senses in an environment that encourages curiosity and discovery.

What to Bring & How to Dress

  • Dress for the weather! Layers are key—rain or shine, we will be outside.
  • Waterproof boots and rain gear for wet days.
  • Warm layers, hats, and gloves for cooler temperatures.
  • A change of clothes—and a towel-kids will get messy!
  • Water bottle & snack (recommended).

Weather Policy

Sessions will run in all weather conditions except for severe weather (such as thunderstorms or extreme cold). Cancellations due to severe weather will be announced by 8 AM on the day of class. There are no refunds for missed sessions.

Come let your little ones run wild, explore, and create lasting memories in nature! 🌿🌧️🌞

Questions or comments?
Email Melissa Ford at [email protected].

Thank you for supporting TimberNook Northwest Indiana! We look forward to meeting you and your little ones!

TimberNook Northwest Indiana

Friends in the Wild – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
With Parent/ Chaperone

Jun 3 - Jul 22

Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Ages: 4 - 9


7302 Ainsworth Rd Hobart, In 46342


Instructor:

Timbernook Certified Provider Team Member

Missy

Timbernook Certified Provider Team Member

Kelly


Capacity: 12 (1 spots left)

Reviews & Feedback

3 Reviews for TimberNook Northwest Indiana

  1. jazmine.hernandez (verified owner)

    What a great program! My son had an amazing experience. He loved every moment and was eager to participate every day. He’s already asking to come back next year.
    I loved being able to see all the photos of each day.

  2. vanessa.kwasny (verified owner)

    5 STAR CAMP for all ages!!!! My 4.5 yr old daughter attended Barefoot & Buckets camp this week end LOVED it! This camp truly inspires their imaginations, allows kids to learn outdoors through play and working through things in an uninhibited environment. They did a fantastic job getting the kids excited with their creative and unique themes each day and we would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone looking for a summer camp experience like no other! My daughter is also T1 Diabetic and they took extremely good care of her all week. This would a huge bonus for us!

  3. Emily Paris

    This program is awesome! My kids had the most wonderful time. My 12 yr old said, “I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea it would be THAT much fun!”

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