Where Childhood Takes Root.
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A place where children can grow, explore, create, discover, and develop a meaningful connection to the natural world.
Rooted in the Painted Oak ApproachⓇ, our nature-based programs invite children to experience childhood
as it was meant to be: full of wonder, meaningful work, adventure, and room to grow.
Childhood Belongs Outside.
WHO?
Children and families looking for a different kind of learning experience, rooted in nature, connection, and meaningful play.
WHERE?
Sunday Acres Farm,
Stockton, New Jersey.
Hunterdon County.
A farm, forest, and outdoor school designed for child-led learning.
WHAT?
Nature School, Farm & Forest programs, seasonal camps, and opportunities for children to develop confidence, resilience, independence, a healthy awareness of risk, and a sense of responsibility to community..
WHEN?
Spring 2027 programs begin with Caregiver & Child classes,
followed by Summer programming and Fall Nature School.
What makes Painted Oak different?
More than outdoor play. A different way of understanding learning.
At Painted Oak, we believe children deserve time and space to become capable, confident, curious human beings.
We believe in:
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Unhurried childhood and uninterrupted play.
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Meaningful work and real responsibility.
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Appropriate risks and opportunities to develop independence.
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Connection to nature, community, and the living world.
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Learning through experience, exploration, and discovery.
Our work is guided by the Painted Oak ApproachⓇ, an educational philosophy developed by our founder through decades of teaching and experience in nature-based education.
Meet Our Founder
Painted Oak was founded by Nicole Langdo, an educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience in public and private settings developing her deep belief in the importance of childhood, nature, and meaningful learning.
After more than a decade of building and leading Painted Oak Nature School into a pioneering nature-based educational community in New Jersey, Nicole is bringing the next chapter of Painted Oak to Sunday Acres Farm.
Here, the Painted Oak ApproachⓇ will continue to grow, - creating opportunities for children and families to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover the wonder of childhood, as well as to serve as a beacon of what is possible in education.
Be part of what's growing.
We're preparing to welcome families to Sunday Acres in Spring 2027!
Whether you're interested in Caregiver & Child classes, Summer adventures, or Fall Nature School enrollment,
we'd love to keep you in the loop.
Join our interest list to receive updates, program announcements, registration information, and
invitations to experience Painted Oak at Sunday Acres Farm.