Bee and Blossom

Nature, Art and Play for Ages 0-12!

Come join us at the large barn and explore acres of beautiful land! Play, be creative, learn and explore in a warm community.

This fall, we are excited to offer a program for children and their caregivers on Wednesdays from September 16 - November 18, 2026.

Currently, the fall program is full, but we are creating a waitlist; feel free to register for the waitlist and we will contact you if a space becomes available!

unknown

Art and creative exploration in nature can also deepen children's connection to the natural world and help them develop an appreciation for living things, other species, and their environment.

At Bee & Blossom, these experiences happen organically. Children might paint with natural materials, build with sticks, investigate a plant or insect, make music, climb and run, create an imaginary world, or simply follow their curiosity. There is room for both guided activities and plenty of time for children to decide what interests them.

Our goal isn't to fill every minute with planned activities. It's to create a warm, welcoming environment where children have the time, space, materials, and freedom to play, wonder, create, connect, and discover.

Curious to learn more? Read more about the research on nature, art, and children's development from the Children & Nature Network.(opens in new tab)

no. 2.5. the serious business of learning to share honey from the center's bees at bee and blossom. a9 00077

"My 3 children (ages 7, 4, and 2) have been attending Bee + Blossom at Piti Theatre for the past year. My children can be slow to warm up in groups of peers but the teachers Elana and Laura are fantastic at making them feel comfortable and welcome. It’s never long before they have them laughing and joining the fun! They have created an engaging and inclusive program that provides the perfect balance of structure and independent exploration even with the wide range of ages. The children have the freedom to explore and interact with nature through curiosity and wonder in a “yes” environment amongst the beautiful setting of Avery Brook. We are so excited to be coming back for the fall!"

- Nicole Durant, Shelburne

natural face painting at bee and blossom.web

"My daughter Luce has greatly enjoyed her experience at Bee and Blossom. Her creativity and self confidence is nurtured by the wonderful teachers there, and I've noticed that her curiosity about the natural world has deepened . . ."

- Sarah L., Greenfield

At Bee & Blossom, children have the freedom to learn through their whole selves—moving, creating, exploring, imagining, and playing together in nature.

Nature, art, and child-led play aren't just fun. They provide rich opportunities for children to develop important physical, cognitive, creative, and social-emotional skills. Outdoor play provides opportunities to expand physical strength, coordination, and motor skills. Exploring the natural world nurtures curiosity, observation, problem-solving, imagination, and creativity. Open-ended play with other peers gives children opportunities to practice communication, cooperation, negotiation, and self-regulation.

garden blossomsfor web

Fall 2026 Program Dates: 9/16 - 11/18

Program Cost

Choose the registration fee that best fits your family's circumstances. No documentation is required.

  • $500 – Community Support Rate: For families who are financially comfortable and able to pay the full program fee. Choosing this rate helps make Bee & Blossom accessible to more families.
  • $400 – Standard Rate: For families who would benefit from a modest reduction in tuition.
  • $300 – Financial Assistance Rate: For families experiencing financial hardship or for whom the full fee would be a barrier to participation.

Or, even more simply:

  • $500: Financially stable / able to pay the full program fee
  • $400: Financially tight / would benefit from a reduced fee
  • $300: Significant financial need
  • Contact us if cost is still a barrier.

The Spring 2027 program dates are TBA but will start as usual in March.

Ages

  • This program is open to children ages 0-12. 
  • Children aged 0-2 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
  • Children aged 3-12 may be dropped off or accompanied by a parent/caregiver.

Sample Day

Our program is designed to allow for lots of free play out in nature, and incorporates a rhythm into our day:

  • 10:00am~ Arrive and free play
  • 10:30~ Snack
  • Free play!!!!
  • 12:30~ Lunch
  • 1:00~ Activity, may include music, art, yoga, games, guest visitors, etc.
  • 1:50~ Closing circle
  • 2:00~ Pickup

 

Meet the Teachers!

laura in texas
Laura Josephs, Teaching Artist
elana
Elana Kirshenbaum
barn and tree.web
Program site on Avery Brook Rd. in Charlemont

Licensure

Bee and Blossom is an arts and nature outdoor program offered by Piti Theatre, a non-profit based in Charlemont. This program is not a "day care" and is not licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care. If you are looking for day care, we are happy to make local recommendations.

 

 

dirty feetforweb
"At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling." ~Shanti