Kids & Families at Edge Esmeralda 2025

A look into to our kids camp, Edgeucation program, & family life at Edge Esmeralda. Reminder: Ticket prices increase April 1st!

Key Takeaways:

• We are hosting Edgecuation Camp for kids aged 2-12 in partnership with Individualized Realized, The Forager School, and Sonoma Art School.

• Ticket prices increase April 1st!

We are excited to expand our programs for kids this year. It takes a village to raise a child, and at Edge Esmeralda, we are creating that village.

Edge Esmeralda is a multigenerational community where families thrive together. Last year, we welcomed more than 80 children to our popup village, from 6-week-old babies to teenagers, creating an environment that blends family life and creative work.

The walkable nature of Healdsburg creates the perfect setting for families, with its town square, local farms, and the Russian River. Children can safely explore while staying connected to the community, and parents can blend meaningful work with active participation in their children's experiences. This fluid integration allows families to move beyond the traditional binary of "either working full-time or being with kids full-time," creating a more natural rhythm where professional growth and family engagement enhance, rather than compete with each other.

Learning Through Living

At Edge Esmeralda, we believe education should be free-range, playful, and deeply relevant. Children learn best when they engage with many adults beyond their parents and teachers. In our community, they talk with scientists about their experiments, work with builders on real projects, and learn from artists and creators.

Last year, we witnessed children learning naturally through direct experience - creating art with resident artists, exploring nature with local guides, participating in community projects, and developing their own creativity. These weren't just activities; they were real contributions that gave children a sense of purpose and belonging.

We've designed a learning environment that includes:

• Lots of time for free thinking, play, movement, and connection

• A balance of structured time with unstructured exploration

• Flexible approaches that adapt to learners' interests

• Joy and safety as foundational elements

• Knowledge demonstrations that serve the community, not standardized testing

• Intergenerational and communal learning opportunities

• Authentic integration of different ways of knowing

Edgeucation Camp 2025

For 2025, we're expanding our kids program with a camp that is focused on adventure and outdoor creativity and learning in partnership with Individualized Realized, The Forager School, and Sonoma Art School. This outdoor, play-based learning experience welcomes children ages 2-12 in a program that honors each learner as they are, tapping into their strengths and passions.

Children will explore the Russian River ecosystem and local landscapes, learn to use tools safely, work with natural materials, collaborate on community projects, and share their discoveries with others. Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (with variations for special programs, guests, etc.) and offers outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, community meals, and meaningful interactions with passionate adults from diverse fields.

The program embraces mixed-age group activities that foster mentorship and natural learning. Activities will adapt to the interests and needs of the children present, nurturing curiosity, imagination, and connection to place while developing critical thinking, systems thinking, and creative thinking skills.

Camp Pricing Options

We've created flexible options to accommodate different family needs:

• Weekly Camp: $450 per week

• Two-Week Camp: $640

• Full Month Camp: $1,200

Kids under 2 years old and kids ages 2-12 not participating in camp do not need a ticket to Edge Esmeralda. Kids ages 13-18 can purchase teen tickets for full access.

We're committed to making Edge Esmeralda accessible to all families. If cost is a barrier to participation, please reach out to us at info@edgeesmeralda.com to discuss options.

Parent Participation at Edge Esmeralda

Camp is not a traditional drop-off program — it's part of creating a true learning community where parents play a key role. We ask parents to commit to at least 4 hours per week of active participation, and parents with children under 7 to volunteer one day per week (or two half days). This can be flexible based on your schedule and skills.

Parents can contribute by:

• Sharing their expertise in sessions related to their field

• Joining project work that matches their skills

• Helping document the children's learning journey

• Participating in morning activities

• Joining community lunches

• Supporting field trips and special events

Some parents choose to be more involved in the mornings, others prefer afternoon projects, and some dedicate one full day per week. This flexibility ensures that parents can remain connected to both their children's experiences and their own work.

Building a Multigenerational Community

We believe it takes a village to raise a child, and at Edge Esmeralda, we're creating that village. In a society that increasingly separates people by age, these intergenerational interactions enrich everyone's experience.

Join us in reimagining how families can live, learn, and create together. Edgeucation Camp tickets are now available for purchase alongside adult and spouse/partner tickets:

If you're interested in contributing to kids and families programming — whether as an educator, parent, or community builder — we want to hear from you! Please fill out this form or reach out to info@edgeesmeralda.com.