StarCrest NatureSchool

Our Teachers

Kirstie (Camp StarCrest Director, Nature School Director)

My name is Kirstie Rodden, and I am very excited that you’re looking to join the StarCrest family! I am originally from central Ohio, but moved to California to teach outdoor education and work in the entertainment industry. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Theatre from the Denison University, and my MFA from National University.  I have experience teaching students from 12 months to college-aged. Additionally, I’ve run summer camps (day and overnight) and coach cheerleading and tumbling.

I have a true passion for working with all ages, especially outdoors!!  Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, and athletic/ motor —is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. While my role at StarCrest mostly deals with parent relations and outreach, I strive to create a community of teachers, learners, and campers that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment.

I also enjoy reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with friends and family.

I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!!

Experience: Forest School Lead Teacher & Teaching Assistant (LM Forest School), Overnight Camp Director (Camp StarCrest), Assistant Gymnastics Director (Lake Bryn Mawr Camp), Cheer Team Head Coach (Magnitude Cheer), Outdoor Education Program Instructor (Thousand Pines Outdoor Education), Summer Programs Head Counselor (New York Film Academy)

Philosophy

StarCrest NatureSchool is here to provide our students a place where they can have fun, learn, face challenges, and master new skills. Our mission is to inspire a love of learning informed by play and a connection to nature. We aim to support and nurture thoughtful, caring, and informed individuals who are confident in action and thought, while becoming friends for the earth.

How do we achieve our mission statement?

We center all of our schools and camps on our 5-Star Values: Seek, Support, Spirit, Service, and Skill.

Seek: We give our students the opportunity to explore the world around them and inspiring curiosity.

Support: Our students are encouraged to help friends whenever they need and learn to ask for assistance when needed

Spirit: Whether you’re at StarCrest for camp or school, we put an emphasis on fun and play, giving your child the opportunity to be themselves.

Service: All of our programs focus on making the world a better place and participate in a service project.

Skill: Our learners obtain new lessons everyday and strive to get better at things they already know how to do.

About our program

What makes us different?

When you enroll in StarCrest, you enroll into a family of sorts. Our administration and teachers truly care about every child that comes through our schools and camps. We are family-oriented and value parent involvement in our program. We have a variety of programs, catering to ages 2 - 16.

DAY CAMP (Ages 5 - 14)

Our day camp is a completely outdoor program that gives campers a taste of overnight camp. Campers experience a sense of community while participating in art, athletics, adventure, and academic programs.

NATURE SCHOOL (Ages 2 - 5)

The children are able to hike, dig, climb, build, draw and write, create and explore the natural classroom. We are so glad that we can offer these experiences to the children in a fun and safe way. This program is play and nature-based with STEAM elements. There is a one-time enrollment fee of $75 that includes a swag bag filled with Nature School goodies!

OVERNIGHT CAMP (Ages 9 - 16)

Campers get all of our day camp benefits with evening activities, aquatics programs, meals, and luxury cabins added. They gain a sense of independence and responsibility while being in a safe, judgment-free zone.

Admissions

Join the StarCrest NatureSchool community in three easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes StarCrest NatureSchool unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/star-crest-nature-school-9065/apply – note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.