Parents and Child Nature Retreat for Schools
A special overnight nature retreat designed for school communities where parents and children from Grades 1 to 4 experience nature together through exploration, observation and meaningful time outdoors.
Date: Your date
Check in: 1:00 PM
Check out: 9:00 AM (Next Day)
An opportunity for families to step away from screens and reconnect with forests, water, stars and with each other.
About the Retreat
This retreat is designed specifically for school communities where children and parents participate together in a nature learning experience. Children in Grades 1 to 4 are at a stage where curiosity about the natural world is very strong. Direct experiences in nature help shape their sensitivity, observation skills and emotional connection with the environment.
Instead of learning about forests and ecosystems only through textbooks, children explore them directly through guided walks, observation and hands on experiences.
The retreat also creates a valuable opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children in a natural setting while learning about ecology, biodiversity and the night sky.
Activities
Deep Dense Jungle Trek
A guided forest walk through the dense forests of Velhe where participants will understand the ecosystem of the Western Ghats and the traditional concept of Sacred Groves (Devarai) that protected forests for generations.
Stream Exploration
Participants will enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural forest stream and observe small aquatic life and how water supports the surrounding ecosystem.
Stargazing with Telescope
An introduction to the night sky where participants observe the Moon, planets and deep sky objects through telescopes and learn to identify constellations with the naked eye.
Bonfire Gathering
A relaxed evening around the bonfire with storytelling and conversations about nature.
Midnight Milky Way Sighting
A special late night observation session where families witness the Milky Way galaxy stretching across the sky.
Accommodation and Meals
Participants stay in comfortable tents surrounded by the forests of Nisargshala.
- Lunch
- Evening BBQ snacks
- Vegetarian dinner
- Tent stay
- Morning breakfast
Meals are simple, nutritious and freshly prepared.
Camp Facilitator
Hemant Vavale
Hemant Vavale is the founder of Nisargshala and has spent many years exploring the forests and mountains of the Sahyadri while working with children through nature education programs.
Through storytelling and experiential learning, he introduces children to forest ecosystems, biodiversity and the wonders of the night sky. His sessions combine science, mythology and real world observations to make nature learning engaging and memorable.
Over the years he has guided thousands of children and families through nature camps, stargazing programs and forest explorations designed to build a deeper relationship with nature.
About Nisargshala
Nisargshala is a nature learning space located in Velhe near Pune, surrounded by the forests of the Sahyadri mountains.
For more than a decade, Nisargshala has been conducting nature camps for children, astronomy programs and experiential environmental education programs.
The philosophy of Nisargshala is to help children build a deep emotional connection with nature through direct experiences in forests, rivers, mountains and the night sky.
Location
Nisargshala
Velhe, near Pune
Nisargshala is located in the serene village of Velhe, surrounded by the forests and mountains of the Sahyadri range. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, pristine streams and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal place for nature exploration and stargazing experiences.
Away from the noise and distractions of the city, Nisargshala offers a peaceful natural environment where children and families can reconnect with forests, water and the night sky.