Outdoor learning and adventures continue year-round with Ocean State Kids and with the right layers and strategies, families can thrive in every season. Rhode Island’s coastal weather can change quickly — from crisp dry mornings to blustery, wet conditions — so proper gear is key for warmth, comfort, and most importantly the joy and desire to be outdoors.

After eight years as a public school special education teacher, Alex made the courageous decision to step away from the traditional classroom to create something more meaningful — for herself, her daughter, and the next generation of learners. She is now leading the new Forest Ferns Co-op, a preschool homeschool program rooted in nature-based education, all while taking her Outdoor Classroom Teacher Certification.

I walked into MF Training for the the Mother Load class - running on fumes and anxiety, but the moment I saw Melanie and the other moms, the weight lifted — at least the emotional kind. Between baby giggles, naps, and counting reps with toddlers, we found our rhythm. It wasn’t just about strength training; it was about showing up, chaos and all, and remembering that motherhood itself is the ultimate heavy lift — one we don’t have to carry alone.

Every day spent in nature with our children… is another chance to lift the veil and remember that the magic was never pretend.

Amid fresh flowers, apple pie, and a circle of parents who understand, we rediscovered the wild wonder of childhood — and the ways Ocean State Kids continues to grow, evolve, and rise with every season.

In this heartfelt reflection, OSK parent Sam Sweet shares how motherhood and community have reshaped her life. Through Ocean State Kids, she found friendship, belonging, and courage—learning to release fear and rediscover joy in simple moments, like searching for crabs with her children. Her story is a reminder that growth often begins in the smallest, most unexpected places.

an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the mothers of the Ocean State Kids community, once a month.