Meet Robby
Robby is a calm, patient, and energetic teacher who loves to teach and learn through games, play, stories, and songs. He honed his teaching and mentoring style through years of experience at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Overland, YMCA Outdoor Leadership, Mt. Rainier Institute, Wilderness Awareness School, and Bell Creek Nature School.
A Chicago transplant, Robby has enjoyed making the PNW his home in the past five years by connecting to the seasons, wildlife, and people. When he’s not teaching, you can find him camping out near a river, looking for animal tracks, pulling blackberries in his backyard, or reading a good book.
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Certifications
- Wilderness First Responder
- Professional Track and Sign Certification through Track and Sign North America
- Masters Certificate of Environmental Education and Sustainability
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How it Started
Mountainside Nature School was created so that young people in Whatcom County can continue to learn, play, and grow while outside. After teaching at a dozen different programs, Robby created the program he always dreamed of teaching at. Mountainside Nature School is designed for long-term mentoring of students. Students can join when they are in 2nd or 3rd grade and continue throughout middle school and beyond.
Every day at Mountainside will be filled with adventure. With our small group, we have the flexibility to explore new places and change plans on the fly according to what excites and interests us in the moment. A hike to the river might be derailed by the sight of an owl swooping silently through the trees. A game of foxtails might be interrupted when a mole pokes its head out of the ground. While each day is unique, you can expect a typical Mountainside day to include hikes, games, crafts, play, songs, stories, sit spots, and natural history.
A Typical Day
Philosophy
Mountainside Nature School was founded on the idea that a childhood is best spent outdoors. Children have so many natural passions: jumping, splashing, hiding, running, playing imaginary games, and crafting, just to name a few. At Mountainside, our days will be filled with these. The loose structure of each day provides ample time for spontaneous adventures to be had, friendships to be formed, and individual interests to be pursued.
Mountainside follows in the tradition of coyote mentoring, which focuses on the learning and growth of students rather than the imparting of knowledge from teachers. Students will have the chance to learn, grow, and discover new things everyday on their own time. The outdoor environment and changing seasons provide infinite opportunities for exploration of all kinds.