Dear Fellow Explorers and Future Adventurers,
As the sun begins to set on another incredible summer, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey we’ve all shared with the Lil’ Compton Explorers. What started as a simple idea, learning and growing together by the sea, and it has blossomed into something truly magical. The laughter of our children, the friendships we’ve forged, and the lessons we've learned both in nature and in life, are all things that I hold close to my heart.
Being part of this community has been more than just an educational experience; it has been a way to connect deeply with each other and with the world around us. The beach has become our classroom, the waves our soundtrack, and the sand our canvas. Whether we were discovering marine life, building castles, or simply sitting together and sharing stories, each moment has been a treasure.
As we look ahead to the fall, I am filled with excitement for the new adventures that await us. The change of seasons brings with it new opportunities for exploration and discovery, and I know that the Lil’ Compton Explorers will continue to thrive and grow. Whether you're a returning member or considering joining us for the first time, I invite you to be a part of this wonderful journey. Together, we can create more memories, nurture our children’s curiosity, and build a stronger, more connected community.
Thank you for being part of this incredible experience. As Autumn turns, I look forward to seeing you all on the beach, in the forest, and on the farm - ready to explore, learn, grow and continue our journey together,
Marlen Oliva
Lil' Compton Explorers Group Leader
Lil' Compton Explorer's mission is to create a tight-knit tribe of homeschooling families who are as passionate about their children’s learning, but also spending as much time as possible outdoors & having fun. Our weekly meetups will be where friendships are forged, laughter echoes through the trees, and memories are made oceanside. By nurturing creativity, curiosity, and the great outdoors, we're not just raising smart cookies; we're molding future leaders, innovators, and all-around awesome humans.
AGE: 0 - 10 Years Old
LOCATION: Tiverton + Little Compton, RI
DAY & TIME: Mondays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am
GROUP LEADER: Marlen. Oliva
GROUP SIZE: 15 - 30 students
MEMBERSHIP DONATION COSTS: We aim to keep all programs around $10 per week, per family. Program Membership Donations are $125 PER FAMILY.
What Makes Our Co-op Unique:
• WE GATHER SMALL: OSK prefers to keep our co-ops small to maintain sustained focus and productivity, avoid overstimulation for younger children, and preserve the peacefulness of the morning. This program is limited to 15-30 families.
• YOU PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE: This is not a drop off program. OSK is passionate about outdoor learning, nature play, creativity and allowing parents to grow alongside their children. Parent participation is required & it’s our goal to provide parents the opportunity to be your child’s best teacher and strongest advocate for their learning. As parents, you play a pivotal role in cultivating a love for learning.
• LEARN IN NATURE: Kids learn best when they have the freedom to pursue their interests in a supportive environment and OSK believes that nature is the best classroom. By nurturing creativity & curiosity in the great outdoors, we are igniting their desire to understand the world around them and raising all-around awesome humans.
• MILD STRUCTURE: Even though we provide a weekly curriculum with daily activities, we do our best to resist the urge to over-schedule with structured activities. Each child is different and learns at their own pace. If your child prefers just to play, they are still developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience.
• REILDS STANDARDS: As parents, we all share the same fear regarding meeting our child’s developmental needs. When creating our curriculum, OSK follows the RIELDS Standards (Rhode Island Early Learning Development Standards). These early learning standards articulate shared expectations for what young children should know and be able to do. Ocean State Kids is introducing RIELDS to empower parents with the confidence and resources needed to meet their children's needs in home-based learning, nature exploration, and our outdoor programs. You can learn more here.
• FUELING THE FUN: To ensure our kids are meeting their dietary needs, families are asked to participate in a snack rotation, where each parent is responsible for bringing snacks for at least two of the days. This is not required, however, most parents enjoy the gift of giving. There is a section in the registration for allergy & dietary restrictions to eliminate any potential problems.
• CAPTURE THE MOMENT: As a growing organization we photograph & capture video for our programs & learning activities. We want to provide visuals not only for marketing purposes, but to offer online visual examples of our activities for families to learn at home. We understand that not all families want their children exposed in the public domain, and we will certainly respect your privacy. Please inform us directly of your preferences. All images are shared on a Google Drive to access and keep for themselves.
ABOUT OCEAN STATE KIDS
Ocean State Kids (OSK*) is a nonprofit organization with a core belief that nature is the best classroom and through outdoor learning + nature play, our children will develop a deeper connection to the outdoors. OSK is on mission to build a vibrant community of like-minded families who share our passion for outdoor learning, nature play, creativity, and allowing ourselves to grow alongside our children.
