Help Launch Earthkin Nature School

Earthkin Nature School is an up-and-coming educational nonprofit offering nature-based preschool programming for children ages 3-5 years old. This vision for Earthkin was born from a neighborhood nature playgroup started by Sydney Gary, a local mama, educator, and advocate for nature-based early childhood education, in early 2025. What began as a simple gathering of neighboring children in nearby green spaces has since blossomed into a shared dream. Joining Sydney in bringing this vision to life are Elena Johnson and Cidney Oleniacz, whose passion and expertise continue to shape and grow Earthkin into a nature-based preschool opening in August 2026.

What We Believe

Earthkin aims to primarily serve children in the southside community of Richmond, Virginia, by offering early childhood, family, and community programs to promote meaningful connections with the natural world and each other. The vision of Earthkin is to be a beacon of light; a shining example of how to honor childhood through child-led curiosity, exploration, and reflection in natural environments in order to set a strong foundation for the whole-child to continue to care for and love the earth, their community, and understand their own belonging. Through programming, Earthkin guides child-led experiences in nature that support whole-child development, spark curiosity and creativity, and nurture a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Earthkin’s learning environment emphasizes activities that:

Our Home: Swansboro Community Garden

Earthkin is proud to announce that Swansboro Community Garden will become Earthkin’s home base--an inspiring, grounded outdoor classroom space where children can learn, play, and grow in and with nature.

Swansboro Community Garden, located at 4002 Crutchfield Street, Richmond, VA, is a thriving hub for urban agriculture and community connection. Established in 2013 by Duron Chavis in partnership with Swansboro Baptist Church, the garden was founded to increase food accessibility while also creating opportunities for education and engagement for youth in the surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, Swansboro is home to one hoop house for 6 chickens, 22 garden beds, a green house, two sheds, a compost system, and a whole lot of community love and support.

But there are many things to get in order to make Earthkin Nature School a reality in this shared space, and we need your help!

Take a peek at some pictures of the garden at present below!

Why We Are Raising Funds

Earthkin is launching this capital campaign to raise money for infrastructural and maintenance needs at Swansboro Community Garden, as well as staff development as we prepare to open the preschool in 2026. Your donation will go directly toward:

When you donate, you're not just supporting a school, you're investing in the future of our children, our communities, and our planet.

Please consider giving what you can and sharing this campaign with your community.

Thank you for helping us plant seeds for a beautiful tomorrow and beyond!

-Sydney, Cidney, and Elena