Business Details
13 Years
experience
Nature-Based Youth Camp & Educational Center in Stoughton, WI
Fort Littlegreen was founded in 2013 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting youth with nature through immersive outdoor education. Our programs, operating since 2009, focus on three core pillars: organic gardening, small animal care, and environmental stewardship. Located on a 10-acre nature preserve in Stoughton, Wisconsin, we provide grade school children with hands-on learning experiences that cultivate compassion, character, and community. Our team of experienced educators guides children through seasonal exploration of woods, prairies, and gardens while caring for diverse animals including chickens, goats, and a donkey. We emphasize experiential learning through job-duty programs that teach financial literacy, creative arts projects that integrate STEM concepts, and theatrical productions written entirely by campers.With over 15 years of combined experience in youth development, our founders have created a unique space where children develop environmental awareness while building lasting friendships. Our facility expansion plans include accessible educational walkways and specialized learning centers to serve more families. We maintain strong community partnerships, including collaborations with local museums and parks, while supporting initiatives like the Stoughton Food Pantry through annual food drives. Our commitment to quality programming has earned recognition as one of America's Best Summer Camps, reflecting our dedication to providing safe, enriching outdoor experiences that nurture children's natural curiosity.
Services
Summer Camp
After-School Programs
Nature Education
Animal Care Interaction
Field Trips
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in nature-based youth education
- Our 10-acre nature preserve provides unparalleled outdoor learning opportunities
- We offer accessible programming for children of all abilities
- Our staff includes experienced educators with specialized training in outdoor learning
- We maintain strong community partnerships for enhanced educational experiences
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)3
What people say
Safe environment
Great outdoor experience
Nurtures compassion
Builds lasting friendships
Excellent staff
Services
Summer Camp
Our summer camp program immerses children in nature-based learning through gardening, animal care, and outdoor exploration. Kids participate in planting and harvesting organic produce, caring for farm animals, and exploring natural habitats. The program includes creative arts projects, theatrical productions written by campers, and educational field trips to local museums and parks.
After-School Programs
We offer before and after-school programs that extend nature-based learning throughout the academic year. Children engage in seasonal outdoor activities, STEM-focused projects, and reading/writing exercises that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences in our gardens and nature preserve.
Nature Education
Our environmental education programs teach children about ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation through hands-on experiences. Students explore 4 acres of woods and trails, study local wildlife, and participate in habitat preservation projects while developing observational skills and scientific understanding.
Animal Care Interaction
Children learn responsible animal care through direct interaction with our farm animals including chickens, goats, sheep, and a donkey. The program teaches about animal behavior, husbandry, and the role of animals in sustainable agriculture while fostering empathy and compassion.
Field Trips
We organize nature-focused field trips to local attractions including geological museums, state parks, and historical sites. These excursions extend learning beyond our campus while connecting classroom concepts to real-world environmental and cultural contexts through guided exploration and discovery.
People
Kate Dennis
Founder
Kate Dennis co-founded Fort Littlegreen in 2013 with a vision to create nature-based educational experiences for children. With over 15 years in youth development, she has built programs that combine environmental education with character development, creating a unique learning environment that connects children with nature.
Luke Dennis
Co-Founder
Luke Dennis co-founded Fort Littlegreen with Kate, bringing expertise in outdoor education and program development. Together they've created a space where children learn through hands-on experiences in gardening, animal care, and nature exploration while building lasting community connections.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve grade school children from kindergarten through 8th grade during our summer camp and after-school programs.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio with trained professionals, conduct background checks on all staff, and follow strict sign-in/out procedures for child safety.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we offer need-based financial assistance through our donation fund to ensure accessibility for all families regardless of economic background.
What should children bring daily?
Children should bring weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, water bottles, and any necessary medications in labeled containers.
How do you handle inclement weather?
We have covered outdoor spaces and indoor facilities for use during extreme weather while maintaining educational programming continuity.
Can parents visit the facility?
Yes, we offer scheduled tours throughout the year and welcome parent participation in our community events and volunteer opportunities.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Chris Sherwin
Nov 30, 2019
Report
Great people, and the kids love the outdoor experience. They have taken great care of our children over the years.
Patrice
Oct 01, 2019
Report
Wonderful place that embraces diversity and emphasizes nature. My son loves it and I always feel he is in good hands learning about new things in a group of diverse kids. Lucky to have this resource in our community!
