In the whirlwind of our lives, the simple act of pausing to marvel at the majestic embrace of the mountains or the reflections of trees in the serene waters of a pond is becoming a rare joy. The expansion of cities, and even small towns, often leaves little space for such nourishing indulgence in nature. How many of us, blessed with time and proximity to natural surroundings, truly take the opportunity to reflect on both the outer and inner worlds?
Educators emphasize that a child’s growth is shaped by both inherited abilities and the environments they experience. True learning environments go beyond traditional classrooms—they include family interactions and time spent in nature. Meaningful education nurtures children’s talents by creating spaces that encourage reflection, exploration, and connection with the world in ways that are both enriching and purposeful.
Historically, nature has always been a crucial part of education, a wisdom well understood by the ancient Rishis of the Aranyaka tradition. They established Gurukulas in peaceful natural environments where young students could immerse themselves in contemplation and learning, guided by wise teachers who nurtured Jigyasa (curiosity) and Shradha (faith) in balance. This approach allowed students to reflect on the essence of life while forming a deep connection to the natural world. In modern times, several schools have continued this tradition of learning in harmony with nature, with institutions like Shantiniketan, Sri Aurobindo Ashram Schools, and Krishnamurti schools setting the standard for blending education with the natural environment. One such institution that carries this vision forward is The Peepal Grove School, founded by Sri M, where nature and holistic education go hand in hand, fostering creativity, introspection, and a meaningful connection with the world.
Unfortunately, mainstream education today has largely lost this essential connection with nature, with many schools, particularly in urban areas, lacking opportunities for students to engage with the natural world. This growing disconnection has raised concerns about “nature deficit disorder,” a term used to describe developmental issues stemming from this separation. A recent Children Need Nature conference highlighted the urgency of reconnecting children with nature for their overall well-being, concluding with a call for collective action. This movement seeks collaboration between individuals and organizations to bring nature back into children’s lives, aiming to raise a generation that is not only well-rounded but also deeply connected to the planet they will inherit.
In response to this urgent need, The Sacred Grove Retreat Centre is excited to expand and host more frequent Parent-Child Nature Camps. These camps, initiated in 2013 at Riverview Retreat – The Satsang Foundation and continued at The Sacred Grove since 2023, offer parents and children (ages 8 to 19) a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature while strengthening their bond. Through shared exploration of the natural world, parents and children can create meaningful experiences, discover new interests, and learn together in a serene, immersive environment. We value the power of this shared participation, providing a space for families to deepen their connection through reflection and discovery.
At The Sacred Grove, we use the concept of the Panch Mahabhutas (five elements of nature) as the foundation for connecting with nature and fostering self-development. Nestled within a lush, green campus, The Sacred Grove is where the beauty of nature meets the wisdom of ancient philosophies. Through engaging storytelling, exploratory nature walks, creative crafts, and mindful practices, participants discover the profound connections between the five elements and their inner selves. Recognizing the power of storytelling to inspire all ages, especially children, we share stories in natural surroundings—among trees, hills, and water bodies—encouraging young minds to reflect, connect with the elements, and express themselves through painting, writing, and crafting. These activities help deepen the bond between families and nature.
Participants also have opportunities to observe natural farming and learn about the farm-to-table journey of food on campus, understanding the symbiotic relationship between the Goshala, farming, and food. Additionally, the camp incorporates Ayurveda and Yoga, offering parents and children a chance to grasp the importance of training the body and mind while nourishing the soul.
Encouraged by the past responses and feedback, and the wellbeing of our future generations, we plan to hold these nature camps more frequently at the Sacred Grove. In the spirit of collaboration, we are inviting the different wings of the Satsang foundation to collaborate in this endeavour. We also invite collaboration from similarly inclined individuals and institutions to join hands in this work.
We are excited to share that in the second half of December, from the 10th to the 31st, we plan to hold a series of one-day, two-day, and three-day nature camps for families, as well as an intensive five-day camp from December 20th to 25th. Stay tuned for detailed announcements on our website and social media channels.
