Mountain Mayhem: Gathering in the woods for Wildwood

The Wildwood School hosted its annual Into the Woods fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the preschool’s picturesque 10-acre campus in Aspen’s North Star Nature Preserve. Parents, faculty and friends gathered to connect, celebrate the importance of education and support the recently established Wildwood Fund. The fund advances three essential priorities: closing the gap between tuition revenue and operating expenses, retaining exceptional teachers and funding capital improvements — all vital to the school’s long-term sustainability.

Founded in 1974, Wildwood has spent five decades offering a rich, nature-based curriculum that encourages children to learn through exploration and play. In addition to nurturing an early appreciation for the environment, this hands-on approach promotes physical activity, well-being, stress reduction and sensory engagement. Research suggests that children in nature-based preschool programs can make significant gains in academic skills — including reading, writing and math — during these formative years.

“Wildwood is so lucky to be nestled in the forest — a place to explore, play and connect,” said Tina Person, the school’s director. “What happens under our feet is nothing short of a miracle. As a child walks on the soft, rich ground, greeted by the delicious scent of pine and damp earth, they are stepping onto a vast, invisible map of kindness. No wonder we feel so at ease in this space; we are standing on a foundation of pure collaboration.”

For the benefit evening, Wildwood parents Barclay and Molly Dodge and the team at Bosq generously provided the food. Wildwood parent Sally Maxwell sang an acapella rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” And Wildwood parent Spencer McKnight led the live auction, which featured two original works of art created by students from the campus’ affectionately named Younger Dome and Older Dome. All proceeds from the artwork went directly to the teachers.

Though rain had fallen earlier in the day, it let up in time for the gathering, which was a joyful celebration of community, creativity and generosity, and a reminder of what makes Wildwood so special.

To learn more, visit wildwoodschool.org.