Ketcha Outdoors

Summer Camps | Pre-K | Preschool | After School | Event Rental | Wedding Venue | Scarborough, Maine

Farm and Forest Programs

Nature-Based Preschool 

Ketcha offers unique outdoor programming in our nature-based preschool for kids 3-5. Our “outdoor classrooms” include 107 acres of forest, fields, a farm, streams, and a pond. Ketcha is tucked between the seashore and the salt marshes of Scarborough, Maine.

We practice place-based teaching, rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, throughout our 107 acres of forest, fields, farm, and waterways. Our students are active outdoors year-round and in all types of weather. We know that learning happens best through play, so we schedule many opportunities for structured and unstructured play throughout the day, allowing our students to immerse themselves in the diverse natural settings on our property.

We provide the freedom and support needed for child-led exploration, discovery, imaginative and creative play, risk-taking, problem-solving, socializing, and mindful moments. We believe that all children can learn and contribute to their community, so we cultivate an inclusive environment that honors the diversity of life in both our human cultures and the natural world. Our Program Overview focuses on our curriculum and day-to-day schedule. If you’d like a copy please contact kmills@ketchaoutdoors.org.  

The Farm and Forest Preschool at Ketcha Outdoors emphasizes hands-on experiences, sensory exploration, and outdoor play in both farm and forest environments. Children engage in activities such as nature walks, gardening, animal care, storytelling, science experiments, and creative arts and crafts using natural materials. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep connection with nature, promote environmental stewardship, and support children’s holistic development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. Each week we offer a deep dive on our YouTube channel highlighting a moment in the classroom and exploring the learning and development happening. Check out our Preschool Director, Kailina Mills’ Deep Dive Playlist.

Our preschool program is taught by kind, qualified teachers who are passionate about the value of nature-based education for young children.  They receive specific training in social/emotional learning, play-based learning, and supporting children with problem-solving.  To learn more about our teachers and the other wonderful staff at Ketcha, visit Meet Our Staff.

 

Core Program

  • Core Program (all students must enroll in this program): Monday-Thursday mornings, 8:00-12:00. 
  • Afternoon add-ons: Monday-Thursday afternoons, 12:00-3:30. 
    • You can add one afternoon or all four—whatever works for your needs!
  • Friday Hiking Day add-on: Fridays, 9:00-3:30. 
    • On Fridays, we only offer a full-day session. This allows us to hike out further on our trails and 107 acres of property than we can in the morning program. We will leave at the start of the day and return from our hike around 2:00, eating lunch on the trail.  

 

Chickadee Summer Camp  

The Chickadee summer camp program runs each summer out of the Ice House (our preschool building). We like to think of this program as an “Intro to Summer Camp.” Chickadee campers participate in one traditional camp program area (e.g. Swimming, Low Ropes, Farm & Garden, etc.) each day and spend the rest of the day in free play in our natural environments.  

  • Who should be a Chickadee camper? 
    • Chickadee Camp is designed for children ages 3-5 who are rising preschool students. The Cottontails summer camp program is better suited for children who will be entering Kindergarten in the Fall.
  • Where does it happen?  
    • Chickadees camp is separated from Camp Ketcha’s traditional camp programming, allowing our youngest campers the opportunity for a quieter, calmer environment best designed for their developmental level. While we still operate on Ketcha property, we start and end our day at the Ice House – a private space just for preschoolers. The Ice House has a separate entrance that’s just down the hill from Main Camp.