Who created Wild School of Tampa Bay and why?
Megan Brettrager and Raven Kramer co-founded Wild School of Tampa Bay in summer of 2020. Megan and Raven met while attending a kid’s nature meet up. After quickly becoming friends over their mutual love of homeschooling and being outdoors they came up with the vision of Wild School.
"We love homeschooling/ unschooling, nature and the Tampa Bay area. Wild School of Tampa Bay was a natural extension of things our families have a passion for, and we wanted to share that passion with as many families as possible. We wanted to create opportunities where parents can step out of the way and let children be their own teacher, learning and exploring in nature."
The beauty of Wild School is meet ups can occur in any nature location, where children of all ages are welcome to learn and grow collectively. By mainly meeting at parks, nature preserves and beaches we strive to keep the cost of attending events free or very low. Some events do have cost associated with them where attendees must buy their own tickets or passes for example going to the Zoo or Aquarium. Although most of the families that attend Wild School meet ups homeschool, Wild School isn’t just for home schoolers. It is for anyone wanting nature to be a part of their children’s lives by encouraging opportunities for hands on learning.
“Wild School has provided countless opportunities for our children to gain confidence, self-esteem, social skills, independence, a love of learning and creating friendships with children both older and younger. We want all parents and children to have the same opportunities as our children while finding joy and learning in nature.”
What age is Wild School for?
All ages!! Events are created with the mindset of welcoming children of all ages, newborn-teenager. Most hosts and those who regularly attend events have several children varying in age, this creates a wonderful opportunity for children to interact and learn with those older and younger.
Who can host events?
All parents are welcome to host events at locations closest to them, parks, nature preserves, beaches, playgrounds, Zoo, Aquarium etc.
The only request is that individuals wanting to host events read and agree to the Wild School of Tampa Bay disclaimer as well as the animal and nature guidelines. The host of events must also make sure those attending their event have read and agree to the Wild School of Tampa Bay disclaimer as well as the animal and nature guidelines.
Where do events happen?
Events happen across the Tampa Bay Area and the State of Florida, some popular meet up spots are listed below.
- Fort De Soto
- Maximo Park
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Abercrombie Park
- Lake Seminole Park
- Sunset Beach Treasure Island
- Honeymoon Island State Park
- Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
- Florida Aquarium
- Lithia Springs Park
- Walter Fuller Park
- Picnic Island Park
- John Chesnutt Park
- Cypress Creek Preserve
- Lassing Park
- Philippe Park
- Weeden Island State Preserve
- Robinson Nature Preserve
- Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
- Bonnet Springs
- McGough Nature Park
- Alafia River State Park
- Hillsborough River State Park
- Bok Tower Gardens