A Year at Boston Outdoor Preschool Network: 2024-2025 — A SuccessLink Youth Worker’s Perspective

“Each season offered unique lessons, and I grew alongside the children as we explored, learned, and adapted to whatever nature presented…

They amazed me with their resilience, and eagerness to engage despite the elements, teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance and joy.”

by Abby Short, SuccessLink Youth Worker in JP/Roslindale

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of working as a youth educator with Boston Outdoor Preschool Network. This journey has been both humbling and inspiring, as I witnessed firsthand the profound connection between young children and the natural world.

My experiences spanned all seasons and age groups, but two highlights stand out: working with the mixed-age summer class and, in the fall, focusing primarily on toddlers at the beautiful Arnold Arboretum. Each season offered unique lessons, and I grew alongside the children as we explored, learned, and adapted to whatever nature presented.

During the summer, I had the opportunity to work with a mixed-age class and some truly incredible educators. Together, we guided the children through outdoor lessons, immersing ourselves in nature and building strong community bonds.

Summer days in New England are both vibrant and unpredictable. One day we'd bask under a blue sky; the next, we'd seek shelter from a sudden downpour. Those challenging weather conditions brought us closer together. The kids amazed me with their resilience, and eagerness to engage despite the elements, teaching me valuable lessons about perseverance and joy.

In the fall, my focus shifted to working with toddlers at the Arnold Arboretum. Autumn’s arrival provided an abundance of vibrant colors, a diverse sensory experience, and countless opportunities for adventure. This was especially beneficial for the majority of our new students who began their educational journey at BOPN this fall.

Our weekly lessons were thoughtfully structured around themes that celebrate the environment. We often paired hands-on activities with carefully chosen books to bring the week's learning to life. These experiences wove together stories and reality, igniting curiosity in every child.

The children were always having new adventures outdoors. The children practiced their gross motor skills one morning as they climbed and jumped off a log. The next day they used the log as a train, and the following day, they were captivated by a woodpecker high up in a tree after reading a book about birds. These seemingly insignificant moments were crucial to the toddlers' development, as each child encountered something that ignited their innate desire to learn. 

In the winter, being outside with the children is both challenging and exhilarating. Bundled up in layers, we trudged through the snow to get to our adventure spot. The difficulties of frozen fingers and slippery paths were quickly forgotten amid the joy of building snow castles, tracing patterns with our boots, and sledding down the hills of the Arboretum. Despite the struggle, snow days could be filled with warmth and wonder due to the amazing support of their teachers.

Working with toddlers in an outdoor setting taught me the beauty of patience and observation. At this age, children learn through sensory experiences and play. One of my most cherished memories is watching a group of toddlers experiment with sticks and mud in a big puddle. They tested what made the biggest splash and ultimately it was their boots.

Through BOPN I learned to let go of rigid lesson plans. The natural world provided endless prompts for engagement. When a sudden rain shower arrived, it wasn’t an interruption—it was an opportunity. We stomped in puddles, felt raindrops on our cheeks, and observed how the landscape changed throughout the day.

One of the most remarkable aspects of outdoor learning is witnessing the growth of the students. I saw timid toddlers become confident explorers who no longer hesitated to climb over logs or examine worms. Their developing sense of independence and resilience is evident in every muddy smile.

I also felt a personal transformation. As a youth worker, this experience deepened my understanding of child development, and the importance of nurturing a child’s connection with nature. Nature isn’t just a backdrop for learning—it’s a vital part of children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with gratitude for the families, educators, and young learners who made this journey unforgettable. The Arnold Arboretum and the children I work with have left an indelible mark on my heart. I am excited to continue fostering a love for the outdoors, and to witness the endless possibilities that nature provides for growth and learning.