Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a federal non-profit organization in DuPage County, Illinois. We offer a drop-in, nature-based homeschool cooperative to families in the Chicagoland area.
Chicago West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a federal non-profit organization in DuPage County, Illinois. We offer a drop-in, nature-based homeschool cooperative to families in the Chicagoland area.
Hello, wonderful nature-loving families of the West Suburbs!
Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Bridgette, a proud mom of three and a passionate advocate for homeschooling. Ever since my oldest was born, homeschooling has been more than just an educational choice for us—it's been a journey filled with joy, discovery, and endless opportunities for growth.
While I've always been drawn to the principles of unschooling, I also appreciate the value of structure in our homeschooling adventures. Finding that perfect balance between freedom and guidance has been key to our family's learning experience.
That's why I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group! This community is born out of our love for nature and my desire to create a welcoming space where families of all ages can come together to explore, learn, and grow.
With a focus on inclusivity, our group welcomes families with young children, offering a laid-back atmosphere where they can tag along and explore at their own pace. At the same time, we're dedicated to providing enriching experiences for older children, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to flourish in our vibrant community.
Whether it's a leisurely hike through the woods, a hands-on science experiment in the backyard, or a group discussion inspired by the wonders of nature, there's always something exciting happening in our homeschooling circle.
I can't wait to embark on this journey with all of you, sharing our love for learning, our appreciation for the natural world, and our unwavering sense of community. Let's make memories, forge friendships, and create lasting connections as we navigate this homeschooling adventure together!
Welcome to the West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group—I'm so glad you're here!
-Bridgette Brown, 5/3/24
The word co-op has been used loosely to describe many homeschool enrichment programs. In its truest form, a homeschool co-op (cooperative) is a group of families working together to create a rich learning environment for their children. It is built on the idea that we all bring something valuable to the table—whether it’s organizing activities, leading a group, assisting with crafts, or simply showing up and supporting one another. In a cooperative, we all play a role in making the group academically, socially, emotionally, and logistically successful.
Why Does This Matter?
Our group will succeed because of the collective effort we put into making this happen. Since we want to keep this semester free and accessible to everyone, it’s essential that we all chip in where we can. This means:
-Volunteering to lead or assist with activities.
-Signing up to help manage group sizes when needed.
-Being present and engaged during meetups.
-Planning outside of co-op hours.
Why Is It Free?
By working together and sharing responsibilities, we can offer an enriching, family-oriented experience without the need for membership fees or high costs. Our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive space where families can connect, learn, and explore nature without barriers.
As we move into this semester, let’s keep this spirit of cooperation at the heart of what we do. The more we can each contribute, the more rewarding this experience will be for everyone!
What is the Overall Vibe of the Co-Op?
We are a kind and welcoming community. We look out for each other and work together to ensure WSHNG is a safe, enjoyable place for all who participate.
What might that look like?
-Introducing yourself and personally welcoming new members
-Jumping in to help a child with their craft when the child’s parent/guardian is struggling with a toddler or baby
-Looking out for the safety and well-being of all the children, not just your own
-Kindly communicating with other parents/guardians to address any issues or concerns amongst the children and/or the adults, modeling healthy communication and conflict resolution to the children
We adhere to a Code of Conduct to ensure we are protecting the physical, emotional/psychological, and social health of all participating children and adults.
What Does Our Co-op Look Like?
Weekly nature-based co-op class, which includes reading, writing, and a craft and/or activity
Weekly group nature hikes
1-2 low cost or free field trips each month
10-week spring, summer, and fall semesters
16-week winter semester, with bi-weekly co-op and nature hikes to help everyone slow down and navigate the cold.
These volunteer-based teams are the reason all of this is possible. Meet the leads of each department.
Laura Muñoz
Communications Lead
Amanda Sievert
Fundraising Lead
WSHNG is made up of many families coming together to enrich our children's homeschool journey.
We are a cooperative, meaning everyone helps out. What might that look like?
- Introducing yourself and personally welcoming new members
- Jumping in to help a child with their craft when the child’s parent/guardian is struggling with a toddler or baby
-Looking out for the safety and well-being of all the children, not just your own
- Kindly communicating with other parents/guardians to address any issues or concerns in an effort to model healthy communication and problem solving to all the children.
We are a community. We look out for each other and work together to ensure WSHNG is a safe, enjoyable place for all who participate.
Local homeschooling families, join us on Facebook (free!)
Become a WSHNG Member for just $20/year!
