Building Belonging: The Inner Workings of Nature Song
Nature Song is an interconnected community woven through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and a deep connection to nature. Its structure is fluid, allowing individuals to find belonging in different spaces that support their growth and well-being. Pods, circles, and gatherings form organically, guided by the needs, interests, and contributions of those involved. Rather than a rigid framework, Nature Song is a living network that evolves as people join, bringing their skills, passions, and presence into the collective. It grows and shifts based on the relationships and contributions of those involved, creating a dynamic and responsive community.
Community Structure
Nature Song is built around three key initiatives: Seedling School, Forest Collective, and Generation Circle, which serve as the foundation for its work.
Personal Pods – Small, purpose-driven groups that meet regularly within Seedling School, Forest Collective, and Generation Circle.
Interest Pods – Groups that convene based on shared pursuits, often reflecting specific life stages or personal needs.
The Forest - The three initiatives as a whole, including personal and interest pods and individuals that support Nature Song’s mission as teachers and community Elders.
Ecosystem of Endeavors -
Personal Pods
Nature Song offers a variety of personal pods where individuals can connect through shared experiences, mutual support, and common interests.
Initiative: Seedling School
Forest Friends - A weekly drop-off pod for their children ages 5 to 7. This program explores several philosophies: Forest School, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio-Emila all within a nature and home-base structure. There are eight families currently in this pod.
Wandering Roots - This pod meets weekly for field trips and opportunities to learn from guest teachers and passionate experts who share their knowledge, skills, and stories. Whether it's an artist, scientist, naturalist, or craftsperson.
Initiative: Forest Collective Pods
The Forest Collective is a vibrant, close-knit community of caretakers who come together to support one another in the shared journey of raising children. At the heart of this community are the "home pods"—small groups of 6 to 7 adults and their children, who meet regularly to build strong, meaningful connections. These members have branched out and meet in weekly and monthly interest pods, explained below.
Fireweed Pod - This pod has been meeting for two years and currently includes eight families.
New pods are organized twice a year: March and August.
Initiative: Generation Circle
A newly evolving space for deep, supportive adult relationships.
Upcoming pod opportunities:
Authentic Action Circles – A space for sharing goals and taking action. Starts in March and will be run by Cassi Vojta. I’ve been meeting in my own pod with Cassi and this circle has truly transformed my life.
Joy Pods – bi-weekly meet-ups to engage in joyful activities that foster meaningful connections through shared lighthearted experiences.
Monthly Book Exchange – A book exchange and book club.
Interest Pods
Interest Pods are inclusive groups that come together around shared passions and evolving life needs. As relationships in personal pods and the Forest deepen, interest pods naturally form to explore questions like:
What brings me joy or sparks my curiosity?
How do I wish to grow, and who can support me on that journey?
What shared experiences enrich my life?
What are my needs, and how can they be met within community?
These pods often engage in mutual aid initiatives, aiming to simplify and enhance daily life through:
Shared childcare arrangements
Work exchanges
Volunteering efforts
Social justice projects
Pursuit of hobbies
Wellness activities
By participating in Interest Pods, members cultivate a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, community connection, and collective well-being.
Starting a Special Interest Pod
Anyone can start an Interest Pod, this is at the heart of Nature Song. Whether it’s a shared passion, a meaningful tradition, or a simple desire to bring people together to do something together, these pods create space for connection and co-creation. By sharing your ideas and inviting others to join, you help weave the fabric of this community.
The Forest
The Forest is the heart of our community, a living, breathing space where people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences come together with a shared purpose: to grow, connect, and live with intention. It is a network of pods woven into a larger whole. Just as trees stand stronger in a forest than alone, we too thrive when held in community.
The Forest is a place where we ask meaningful questions: What do we want for ourselves, our children, and our community? From these questions, Interest Pods emerge, along with gatherings, traditions, and opportunities to build on shared experiences.
The Forest is a space of becoming and belonging—a place where ideas take root, guided by the values of curiosity, connection, and shared experience.
Traditions, Ceremony, and Rites of Passage
Nature Song Forest nurtures a culture of belonging through meaningful traditions and ceremonies that mark life’s transitions, celebrate milestones, and strengthen the fabric of the community. These gatherings provide space to honor the past, embrace the present, and step into the future with intention and support.
Rites of passage are an essential part of this, fostering a deep sense of belonging by recognizing each life stage with care and community strength. As we rediscover how to recognize and celebrate these moments together, we weave generations into a shared experience of growth and connection. From childhood to elderhood, these celebrations help us acknowledge change with intention, ensuring that no one walks their path alone.
Rite of Passage Ceremonies and Celebrations
Elders Ceremony – A sacred gathering to honor those who carry deep wisdom and experience. This ceremony acknowledges the guidance and contributions of elders, offering space to share stories and recognize their role as keepers of tradition.
Coming of Age Ceremony – A rite of passage for youth stepping into adolescence, honoring their journey of self-discovery, responsibility, and connection to their community. Through storytelling, mentorship, and reflection, this ceremony acknowledges the unique gifts of each young person.
Mother’s Blessings – A nurturing ceremony to support and uplift those preparing to welcome new life. Friends and family gather to share wisdom, encouragement, and heartfelt wishes, creating a space of love and strength.
Welcoming a New Child – A ceremony celebrating the arrival of a child, recognizing their place within the community and inviting collective support for their journey ahead.
Seasonal and Nature-Based Traditions
Co-creating a celebration is an act of connection. Rather than simply attending, we weave our intentions and contributions into something meaningful, deepening our sense of belonging. This transforms gatherings into reflections of our shared hopes, values, and relationships—turning moments into lasting traditions.
Lantern Walk – A community walk that welcomes the changing of seasons, symbolizing the light we carry within even as the days grow darker.
Solstice Spiral – A reflective event honoring the cycle of the sun and our place within it.
Valentine’s Tea – A cozy gathering celebrating love and friendship.
Spring Equinox – A celebration of renewal and balance as the seasons shift.
May Day – A joyful festivity embracing spring, often including a Maypole dance.
Pumpkin Village – A fall gathering marking the harvest season with festivities and storytelling.
Ecosystem of Endeavors
Nature Song fosters innovation by creating a space where new initiatives, programs, and collaborations can thrive. By bringing together professionals, knowledge keepers, and community members, we cultivate an environment where ideas grow, startups emerge, and existing projects find support.
Meaningful change requires a strong community. Nature Song embraces a collaborative approach, where we share gifts, offer support, and balance giving and receiving. Sometimes we give freely, sometimes we charge, but always within a culture of reciprocity. For those with new ideas, Nature Song offers an incubator where they can receive the support and resources needed to bring their visions to life.
Workshops, Classes, Camps, etc.
We welcome those creating experiences that equip individuals with skills and knowledge for personal growth and community connection. We’re seeking co-creators, instructors, and visionaries for the following:
Children:
After-school care
Summer camps (especially for boys)
Forest school preschool
OT and speech therapists interested in teaching outdoors and building community pods
Teens:
rites of passage year long program
teen mentoring (one-on-one or group)
wilderness adventures
parent and child backpacking trips
youth-led mentoring programs
Adults:
group therapy
couples classes
marriage classes
non-violent communication pod
men’s groups
wellness practices
folk skills exchange.
Artistic Collaborations
Creative projects that bring together artists and community members, enriching our cultural landscape and providing platforms for artistic expression.
Storytelling events
collaborative arts
grant to support mental health through art
Sustainable Ventures
Businesses focused on environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both Nature Song collective, the Anchorage community and our planet.
Retreats, coffee shop/community space - currently looking for a land to create this!
merchandise
Nature Song is a collaborative community where innovation, growth, and shared purpose thrive. We support changemakers and newcomers alike, offering resources and encouragement to bring ideas to life. Through reciprocity and mutual support, we create a foundation for personal growth and community transformation. Together, we make meaningful contributions and grow within an evolving network.
How this is done is the experiment of our time! I’d love for you to join me.
Nature Song WhatsApp Community
The Nature Song WhatsApp community is a central hub for connection, conversation, and resource-sharing among pods and members of the Forest. It serves as a space to ask questions, share insights, and find support, much like a Facebook group but more personal and directly engaging.
Personal Pod
Members are automatically enrolled into a personal pod thread page, where you'll find updates and coordination for meet-ups. Some pods use this space frequently as ways to touch-base with each other throughout the week, while others reserve it for important messages. By being open and sharing more than just the logistics, you can foster meaningful relationships and help create a community of support. Automatically Joined Threads When you join the Nature Song WhatsApp Community, you're automatically connected to these core threads:
The Forest – Open to everyone. Share invitations, updates, and ideas.
Community Gatherings – Organizes Nature Song events.
Culture Building – Articles and discussions on community development.
Your Specific Pod - Seedling School, Forest Collective or Generation Circle
Interest Pods Joining an Interest Pod is a great way to deepen your connection with others and engage in activities that align with your passions. Here’s how to get started:
Current Interest Pods:
Biking Pod – Seasonal meetups for families and kids learning to bike.
Book Club – Monthly gatherings for meaningful book discussions.
Saturday Adult Meet-Up – Brunch, coffee, hikes, and connection.
Adopt a Tree – Annual tree adoption at Boyer’s Orchard.
Mother Nature Circles – Monthly dialogue circles for reflection and conversation.
Monthly Book Exchange – A space to swap books and share literary insights.
Art Pod – Monthly meetups where kids create fun, seasonal craft projects
Optional Threads
Optional threads provide opportunities for deeper connection and shared interests, but you must enroll yourself to join. Your involvement and contributions shape each thread, adding meaning and richness.
Everyday Meetups - This is a place to post if you are looking for company.
Resources - Share books, videos, and helpful information.
Gift Exchange - Offer or request items to give and receive within the community.
Random Questions - This thread is a place to ask questions for feedback, perspectives, inspiration, or help. This is open-ended.
Traditions and Ceremony - A place to share traditions and ceremonies that can be incorporated into our homes and lives.
Food Share - Recipes, Tips, Inspiration - Share a favorite recipe, tip, or inspiration. This is a space to share anything food-related.
Anchorage Events/Activities - Post events and activities that are happening around town. See if anyone wants to join you, or just use this space to share cool things happening.
Planning Committee - Where we plan and organize Forest gatherings and celebrations.
Day Retreats - A specific thread for organizing our twice-a-year day retreats. Once it's shared on the Community Events page and we know who’s coming, we will use this space to communicate about the day.
Song to Sing - A place to share songs for kids or songs that we love.
Thrive - A place to share our wins around goals and things that we’ve accomplished.