CREATION RIDGE

Zeeland Christian Preschool

ABOUT CREATION RIDGE

Creation Ridge preschool classes provides 3 and 4 year olds exploratory and sensory experiences in an outdoor classroom and nature-based environment. These experiences bring many benefits to students, and at Creation Ridge, we have the added benefit of learning more about God in the midst of his beautiful creation.

Each day, students begin their school experience outside with amazing adventures and nature-based learning opportunities. Our outdoor playscape is alive with water, sand, natural climbing structures, sliding, painting, pretend play, and so much more!

English and Spanish Immersion Options

GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE

8:40 - Arrival Time (Backpacks will be hung in the mudroom)
8:45 - Outdoor Play (Outdoor Classroom/Playscape)
9:45 - Large Group/Stump circle - Outside
10:00 - Hike - Outside
10:45 - Snack - Inside or Outside
11:10 - Small group - Inside or Outside
11:25 - Closing
11:30 - Dismissal

LEARNING AT CREATION RIDGE

Explorational experiences every day!
Mud, water, animal tracks, rocks, stumps, and much more to explore!
Classes are outside in all weather, except extreme weather conditions.
The majority of class time is outdoors.
Classes engage in an outdoor classroom and take daily hikes around the property.
Each student wears an Oaki suit.

*Please see gear needed for Creation Ridge below.

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Gear Needed at Creation Ridge

OakiWear Rain Suit

Students must have an Oaki Rain Suit by the FIRST day of school. Please order a size larger than what your child typically wears, as they will wear this suit all year, even over their winter snow clothes.

We have a discount for Oaki.com. Discount code: CreationRidge
Tip Toes in Holland also carries Oakiwear and offers a 20% discount to CR families (and will make a 10% donation back to ZCS for your purchase).
ZCS offers a few Oaki suits for rent each year. Contact Mrs. DenBleyker to arrange this.

Typical ‘Cool’ Days

Rainy Days

Typical ‘Cold’ Days

2 pairs of Insulated Mittens (1 pair for backup) This style is great for the brutal cold. This style without a zipper works well, too. This unique style works well for some children.
Warm hat. A facemask style hat like this is great for windy days.
Neck warmer (No scarves, please)
Snow pants with reinforced knee, like these
Winter jacket
Warm socks, but not too tight (If students wear tight socks, their feet get cold faster)
Fleece and long underwear/leggings etc. for layering under clothing

Insulated Rubber Boots, like these

Miscellaneous Items

Tips & Tricks

Keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s backpack, including socks & underwear.
The playscape at Creation Ridge is prone to being windy, so gear for your child’s head and hands is very important once the weather gets colder.
It is important to pull your child’s Oaki suit as tight as possible at the wrists and ankles to ensure his or her clothing doesn’t get wet.
Layers of clothing are essential on very cold days to ensure your child stays warm.
Children aren’t always good at speaking up when they are wet or cold, so please coach your child to advocate for him or herself at school.

Creation Ridge Cub Care Club Info

PARTNERSHIPS

A Zeeland Christian School Nature-Based Preschool in Partnership with Ridge Point Community Church and Outdoor Discovery Center located on 155 acres at Ridge Point Community Church.

Ridge Point Community Church

Ridge Point Community Church approached Zeeland Christian in the Spring of 2019 about the idea of a nature-based preschool on their grounds. ZCS is in the midst of a nature-rich initiative on its own campus and with Ridge Point's emphasis on the Christian aspect of a nature-based preschool, it is a Spirit-led and natural partnership.

Outdoor Discovery Center

We are excited to partner with the Outdoor Discovery Center Education Network as we launch Creation Ridge in the fall of 2020. Their expertise in outdoor education and nature-based preschool experiences will guide us as we start our own nature-based preschool through Zeeland Christian School.