The Outdoor Studio – Summer 2026 Curriculum

(Ages 5–8)

Dates: June 9 – August 20, 2026
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays | 8:00am–4:00pm
Daily Structure: 2–3 hours of guided art & photography, balanced with hiking, free play, snacks, lunch, and rest.

Daily Rate is $80/ Day and includes 8am pickup and 4pm drop off in Gunnison or Crested Butte, if needed. 25% deposit of full program schedule requested is required to reserve your spot.

Our Philosophy

At The Outdoor Studio, children learn through doing, moving, noticing, and creating. Art is process-based and exploratory—there are no mistakes in art.
Each week focuses on one element and one native Gunnison Valley animal, using nature, photography, and play to support creativity, confidence, and emotional growth.

Weekly Rhythm (All Weeks)

What a Typical Week Looks Like

Tuesdays – Art & Exploration Day
Children begin with a grounding circle and short, story-based lesson tied to the week’s element and animal. We then hike, explore, and collect inspiration outdoors before creating art using natural materials, paint, clay, or mixed media. The day includes movement games, sensory play, and reflection through drawing or conversation.

Thursdays – Photography & Process Day
Children revisit the weekly theme through photography or alternative photo processes such as cyanotypes, camera obscura, or Polaroid transfers. They move through landscapes, practice observation, experiment with perspective, and learn to slow down and notice details. The day ends with active play, group sharing, and reflection.

Daily Flow Includes:

• Grounding circle & emotional check-in

• Short nature-based lesson (story-driven, age-appropriate)

• Hands-on art or photography creation

• Hiking, movement games, and regulation play

• Snack, lunch, rest, and free play

• Reflection through drawing, storytelling, or discussion

Children are constantly moving, exploring, and creating—balancing physical activity with focused creative time in a way that supports whole-child development.

Full Schedule and Locations provided in April.

Week 1: Earth + Plains Pocket Gopher

June 9 & 11
Tuesday: Children explore soil and stone, creating textured earth prints and clay impressions while learning that slowing down helps us feel steady and safe.
Thursday: Using close-up photography, kids capture tiny details in rocks and dirt, practicing patience and careful observation—just like a gopher building a quiet home.

Week 2: Water + River Otter

June 16 & 18
Tuesday: Through watercolor and droppers, children watch paint move like water, discovering flow, blending, and playful experimentation.
Thursday: We photograph reflections and ripples, talking about how feelings—like water—can be calm, fast, playful, or gentle.

Week 3: Air + Red Fox

June 23 & 25
Tuesday: Using wind, breath, and gentle tools, children move paint across paper, learning to adapt when things change unexpectedly.
Thursday: Kids practice slowing down with photography—observing before shooting—building awareness and patience like a listening fox.

Week 4: Fire (Sunlight) + Elk

June 30 & July 2
Tuesday: In sunny spaces, children paint elk and explore how light and shadow shift, learning about balance, energy, and knowing when to move or rest.
Thursday: We build a life-size camera obscura to explore how light creates images, connecting ancient photography to curiosity and wonder.

Week 5: Earth (Alpine Plants) + American Pika

July 7 & 9
Tuesday: Children create textured alpine plant art and explore “roots,” resilience, and how small things can be strong.
Thursday: Using viewfinders, kids photograph tiny details in big landscapes while learning how to care for fragile alpine environments.

Week 6: Water (Engineering) + Beaver

July 14 & 16
Tuesday: Working together, children build miniature beaver dams with natural materials, learning teamwork, problem-solving, and persistence.
Thursday: Kids create cyanotypes by the river, developing prints with sunlight and water while discovering how collaboration shapes ecosystems.

Week 7: Air (Sky & Vision) + Bald Eagle

July 21 & 23
Tuesday: Children paint layered skies and explore perspective, learning how stepping back can help us see more clearly.
Thursday: Through zoom and sky photography, kids practice focus and patience—seeing the world from both far away and up close.

Week 8: Fire (Energy) + Prairie Dog

July 28 & 30
Tuesday: Using movement and bold colors, children create energetic paintings while learning how to express excitement, sound, and big feelings safely.
Thursday: Kids photograph motion through playful activities, exploring alertness, communication, and community awareness.

Week 9: Earth (Forests) + Black Bear

August 4 & 6
Tuesday: Children build forest habitats and bear dens, learning about rest, safety, and strength through quiet creation.
Thursday: Using depth and layers, kids photograph their miniature forest worlds while discussing respect for wildlife and boundaries.

Week 10: Water (Depth & Timing) + Osprey

August 11 & 13
Tuesday: Through layered watercolor and mixed media fish art, children explore what happens beneath the surface—both in water and emotions.
Thursday: Kids experiment with Polaroid lifts in water, learning patience, focus, and the magic of timing.

Week 11: All Elements + Yellow-Bellied Marmot

August 18 & 20
Tuesday: Children reflect on all four elements, creating final mixed-media pieces that show their growth and favorite discoveries.
Thursday: Families are invited to our student art show, where each child shares their work and celebrates a summer of creativity, connection, and confidence.