Mercer Evers (left) and Connor Evers (right) learn about risk and build self-confidence while climbing an apple tree at Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool. Submitted photo

NEW ULM – A new summer day camp program is coming to the area that allows kids to slow down and learn about nature.

The day camp is called Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool and it is run by Adrianna Evers, a local early childhood special education teacher. Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool is located near Courtland off Highway 68 on Evers’ 12-acre family farm.

On Thursday, Evers visited with the New Ulm Area Chambers Willkommen Committee at the chamber office for a special ribbon cutting for the new nature preschool program.

Evers said the program is for kids 3-6 years old and is designed to get kids outside and to slow down. In her time working as a special education teacher, Evers saw first-hand that many kids were being over scheduled with constant activities and it is sometimes difficult for them to regulate their emotions.

“Being an educator, I realized kids are not getting outside enough and have too much screen time,” she said.

Owner of Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool, Adrianna Evers prepares to officially open her new day camp with a special ribbon cutting with New Ulm Willkommen Committee. L to R: Amy Pearson, Lauren McMackin, Sarah Siefert. Adrianna Evers and Mayor Kathleen Backer.

Many parents have told Evers their kids spend all day indoors and focusing on technology. She said the demand to offer a nature-based day camp was high, with many parents expressing interest.

Evers said on a typical day at her nature preschool, kids will spend the day outside exploring nature. That includes hiking trails on the property, feeding chickens, collecting eggs, tending a garden, harvesting berries, apples, dandelions and other items that can be foraged.

Evers has a nature-based teaching certificate from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education.

Evers said the program is a rain-or-shine camp. The kids will be outdoors most of the day, even if it rains. She does ask that parents provide suitable gear for the weather. As the program expands, she hopes to provide some of the gear herself without extra charge to the families.

Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool is currently a part-time program. It will host a single summer camp program Monday through Thursday, July 28 through August 7. Evers is licensed to take 12 children in the program. She currently has three open spots for this year’s summer camp.

Mercer Evers, 6, and Connor Evers, 4, build a stick fort at Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool. Submitted photo

Evers is hoping to eventually expand it into a full-time program.

“We would love to grow our nature-based learning community,” she said. “If this seems like a fit for your little learner, please reach out.”

Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool director Adrianna Evers and Mayor Kathleen Backer cut the ceremonial ribbon announcing the opening of her new nature-based day camp. L to R: Amy Pearson, Lauren McMackin, Sarah Siefert. Adrianna Evers and Mayor Kathleen Backer.

Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool director Adrianna Evers said there is no such thing as bad weather. At her day camp, the kids will explore outside in the rain or shine. Her two boys Mercer and Connor run through mud puddles at nature preschool. Submitted photo

Adrianna Evers (left), Owner and operator of Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool shakes hands with Mayor Kathleen Backer (right) following a special ribbon cutting at the New Ulm Chamber for the new business.

Connor Evers, age 4, playing in the mud kitchen with the chickens at Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool. Submitted photo