ANNUAL REPORT
2025 Ocean State Kids
A LETTER from LEADERSHIP
As we close another year at Ocean State Kids, we do so with full hearts—grateful, humbled, and deeply aware that what we are building together is far more than an outdoor program. It is a living, breathing community rooted in trust, curiosity, and a shared belief that childhood deserves time, space, and connection. To our trusted Nature Guardians, group leaders, partners, land owners, and friends: thank you for choosing to show up, week after week, for your children and for one another.
This past year asked us to slow down, listen more closely, and let the work evolve naturally—much like the children we serve. Across beaches, farms, forests, libraries, sanctuaries, and backyards, Ocean State Kids continued to grow not by scaling faster, but by growing deeper. We saw parents step into leadership, group leaders claim ownership over their communities, and families rediscover their own relationship with learning through their children’s eyes. The classroom expanded again—into tide pools, trails, and quiet moments where nothing was being taught, yet everything was being learned.
A defining theme of this year was belonging. Through our Nature Guardian model, volunteer leadership, and shared responsibility, Ocean State Kids became less centralized and more communal. Parents weren’t just participants—they were co-creators. Group Leaders weren’t just facilitating activities—they were holding space. This shift reinforced something we’ve always known: when parents are empowered, children thrive.
We leaned further into sensory-rich, low-pressure experiences that honor different ways of communicating, moving, and being in the world. This work remains deeply personal to me as a mother, and deeply collective in practice—held by families who are redefining success, growth, and readiness on their own terms.
We also faced real challenges this year—access to land, sustainability, funding limitations, and the emotional labor of running a mother-led nonprofit. And yet, the community met each challenge with creativity and care. Through thoughtful partnerships, transparent operations, and a shared understanding that this work matters, Ocean State Kids continued forward—imperfect, evolving, and resilient.
What gives me the most hope is not what we accomplished, but how we did it: slowly, collaboratively, and with intention. We chose relationship over efficiency. Presence over polish. Dirt under fingernails over desks and deadlines. And in doing so, we created something that feels rare and necessary in today’s world.
Thank you for trusting this vision. Thank you for believing that childhood does not need to be rushed, fixed, or optimized—but protected. Ocean State Kids exists because of you, and it continues because you choose to stay.
With gratitude and deep respect,
Marial Leisge
Founder & Director, Ocean State Kids
our PRINCIPLES
“Connection, meaning, and the reminder that even the smallest discoveries can change everything.”
ACHIEVEMENTS
2025
Oh!
THE
YOU'LL
PLACES
GO!
Name | City State |
|---|---|
Adams Farm | Cumberland, RI |
Audubon Nature Center | Bristol, RI |
Audubon Society | Smithfield, RI |
Barrington Public Library | Barrington, RI |
Bird Haven Ranch | Portsmouth, RI |
Blue Cove | Portsmouth, RI |
Canochet Preserve | Hopkinton, RI |
Cofvinoarte Studio | Tiverton, RI |
Colt State Park | Bristol, RI |
Common Fence Point Community Center | Portsmouth, RI |
$3K
$19,000 in 2024
FUNDRAISING
$48K
$25,000 in 2024
FAMILY FUNDERS
$52K
TOTAL GROSS REVENUE
$44,000 in 2024
2025
revenue
Funded by Families
We deeply value the families who self-fund our nonprofit, as their donations are our primary source of funding. Their generosity allows us to create enriched, meaningful outdoor experiences for their children.
2025
EXPENSES
Invested Back into Local Community
$14,000
We reinvest our funds into the community by visiting local farms, gardens, sanctuaries, and outdoor nonprofits, providing rich learning experiences that connect children and families with nature and local culture.
Expenses & Operating Costs
PER YEAR
Average Group Budget
*Based on enrollment at 25 families
SITE RENT/PERMITS
$3,300
OPERATIONAL
$2,900
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
$2,200
SPECIAL GUESTS
$900
FIELD TRIPS
$500
LIABILITY INSURANCE
$150
$9,950
TOTAL
Average Program Budget data highlights our commitment to keeping programs affordable for families while also underscoring the financial gap that limits our ability to expand, reinforcing the critical need for funding to sustain and grow Ocean State Kids.
FUNDRAISING as a MOTHER-RUN NONPROFIT
As an organization rooted by mothers, Ocean State Kids faced limitations on time, capacity, and access to traditional fundraising channels.
SOLUTION
OSK focused on relationship-driven fundraising, community partnerships, and mission-aligned offerings rather than high-pressure campaigns. We prioritized transparency and trust, allowing families and supporters to invest at a level that felt meaningful and manageable.
ADMINISTRATIVE LOAD on a SMALL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Running a multi-program nonprofit with a small, founder-led team placed strain on systems and bandwidth.
SOLUTION
OSK invested in digital infrastructure, templates, and repeatable systems to reduce friction. These tools allowed leadership to spend less time managing logistics and more time supporting people.
RETAINING GROUP LEADERS
Because OSK relies on volunteer parent leaders, retention can be impacted by life changes, burnout, and competing responsibilities.
SOLUTION
We strengthened leader support through clearer role definitions, shared resources, and flexible pathways for leadership transition. By emphasizing community over perfection, we created a model where leaders feel supported rather than obligated.
LAND USE & ACCESSIBILITY
Securing consistent, approved outdoor spaces required navigating permissions, liability concerns, and varying municipal processes.
SOLUTION
OSK formalized land use proposals and strengthened relationships with land trusts, farms, and conservation partners. These efforts increased long-term access while building mutual trust with property stewards and community organizations.
SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES
Designing engaging programming without relying on expensive materials or single-use supplies required ongoing creativity and intention.
SOLUTION
We leaned into nature-based, open-ended materials and child-led exploration as the foundation of programming. This approach reduced costs while deepening creativity, independence, and environmental stewardship.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT for INDIVIDUAL GROUPS
With multiple independently run groups, maintaining financial clarity and accountability across programs presented operational challenges.
SOLUTION
OSK introduced clearer budget structures, shared tools, and guidance for group-level spending. This allowed leaders to manage funds confidently while maintaining organizational oversight and transparency.
The Little Engine That Could....
CHALLENGES
FUTURE GOALS
BRICK and MORTAR LOCATION
COMMUNITY LEARNING and WORKSPACE FOR FAMILIES
Empowering families to become their child's strongest advocate & most influential teacher.
OUTDOOR LEARNING & NATURE PLAY SPACE
Nurture each child's strengths, curiosity, excitement, and endless exploration through outdoor play.
INDOOR PLAY SPACE and SUPPORT THERAPIES
Tailor activities to each child's interests and developmental needs, creating playful experiences.
Looking Towards the Sun
-
Parent-Led Outdoor Learning & Nature Play
-
Interest-Based Early Childhood Development & Education
-
Open Sensory Play (Focused on the Eight Sensory Systems)
-
Strength-based Child Therapies (OT, SLP, Emotional)
-
Nutrition & Feeding Support
-
Rest & Reset Areas
-
Mother’s Wellness Services
-
Workspace and Wi-Fi Lounge for Parents & Caregivers
ADDITIONAL FOCUS AREAS
STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP with PRIMARY RESIDENCIES
In 2026, Ocean State Kids aims to deepen relationships with our primary residency partners through long-term collaboration, shared stewardship, and consistent community presence.
CON'T TO GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
We remain committed to reinvesting time, resources, and programming back into the local communities that support and sustain our work.
CON'T. OUTDOOR CLASSROOM CERTIFICATION
OSK will continue investing in professional development to ensure our programs are grounded in best practices for inclusive, nature-based education.
FAIRLY COMPENSATE GROUP LEADERS
In 2026, OSK plans to take intentional steps toward compensating group leaders in recognition of their time, leadership, and essential role in our community.
CON'T BUILDING BUSINESS FOR
*OSK LOCATION
We will continue developing a thoughtful business model that supports a future brick-and-mortar space while preserving OSK’s outdoor-first mission.
EXPAND OSK* MISSION FOR OLDER AGE GROUPS
OSK plans to extend programming to older children, offering developmentally appropriate outdoor learning experiences that grow alongside our families.
THE TINY
of truth
TESTAMENT
NATURE SPEAKS
Attunement Answers
"THEY GET TO SEE THEIR MOM GENUINELY HAPPY, RELAXED, AND EXCITED ABOUT SOMETHING..."
I went through a period where I was extremely anxious and putting so much pressure on myself just to make each day feel ‘productive.’ It ended up having the opposite effect—I felt lost and inadequate. I worried that my boys were missing out because I couldn’t afford for someone else to teach them, and I didn’t believe I could do it myself. But OSK showed me otherwise. My sense of self-worth has completely changed. I feel motivated, empowered, and our family is truly thriving. The positive changes in me have rippled down to my kids, and it’s been the best, most unexpected shift for us.”
“Ocean State Kids has been the best addition to my parenting journey. I’ve always valued time outdoors, so I was thrilled when these groups began. They’ve given my children incredible opportunities to explore nature and connect with peers—and I’ve found genuine friendship and support along the way. Our family would be missing out on so much if we hadn’t joined. It’s been more impactful than I ever could have imagined, and I’m so excited to continue with OSK!”
"I HAVE GAINED AMAZING SUPPORT & FRIENDS THROUGH BEING A PART OF OCEAN STATE KIDS"
“Is today a farm school day?”
“Every single day my kids wake up and ask me “is today a farm school day?” It brings me so much joy and satisfaction as a mom to see them thriving in this ever-changing setting that grows and evolves with them.”
“I have found a place for myself in OSK. As someone who isn’t native to the island, can be a little socially awkward, and is still finding her way as a mom of three, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But everyone was so warm and welcoming. It was freezing that day, my kids were underdressed, and yet we painted fruit on canvas bags, laughed, and stepped out of our comfort zones together. By the end of the day, what began with fear turned into one of our best memories—and the start of an amazing journey.”
“These people have become part of our everyday lives, and I honestly can’t imagine life without them.”
"A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE WHERE KIDS CAN BE COMFORTABLE TO BE THEMSELVES AND LEARN AT THEIR OWN PACE."
“It has felt like home right from the start.”
“I’ve been surprised by how quickly I felt at home within the OSK community. I only started attending in July, and now I’m a co-leader for our group—which still feels amazing and a little wild! I usually take a while to feel comfortable in new groups, but OSK has felt like home from the very start.”
"THE IS GOOD COMPANY, SOCIALIZING, FUN, ADVENTURE, MOVEMENT + VARYING ENVIRONMENTS."
“Families raising children with intention.”
“Being around other parents with shared values for raising their children! It has opened my eyes to knowing their are other families out there who want to raise their child in an intentional way, in nature as much as possible, and with a strengths based approach.”