Help Us Rebuild and Reconnect: A Van for Our Nature School!

Dear Wild Ones,

Our beloved nature school, Wisdom Keepers, a sanctuary where children explore, learn, and grow in harmony with the natural world, has been deeply impacted by the recent Eaton Fire. The fire not only devastated the natural landscapes we call our classrooms but also created toxic air and ash from the 7,000 buildings burned. We can't safely run classes in this area, and our children need support to get to safe, clean nature spaces. Among our most urgent needs is a reliable van to safely transport our students back into the wonders of nature.

About Our School

For 13 years, our nature school has been a place where children unplug from screens and immerse themselves in the outdoors. Through hands-on experiences, they cultivate a love for the environment, build resilience, and develop lifelong skills. Whether it's hiking forest trails, studying ecosystems, or engaging in nature-based play, our students thrive in these transformative settings.

The Impact of the Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire swept through our surrounding area with heartbreaking force, damaging many of the magical places we loved. While the community has shown incredible resilience, our school has faced significant challenges. Without reliable transportation, our ability to continue providing these invaluable experiences for our students is at risk.

Why We Need Your Help

We are raising funds to purchase a van that will enable us to:

Safely transport students to nature sites: Many of our cherished outdoor locations are now farther away due to the fire’s impact. A van will ensure our students can still experience the beauty of nature safely.

Expand our reach: With a van, we can explore new areas and introduce our students to a wider variety of ecosystems and learning opportunities.

Rebuild and regrow: Access to nature is critical for healing. With your support, we can continue fostering a deep connection to the earth and its restoration.

How You Can Help

Our goal is to raise $65,000 to purchase a safe and reliable passenger van. Your contributions will go directly toward the cost of the vehicle, insurance, and any necessary modifications to ensure it meets the needs of our students.

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

$25 provides fuel to get us to locations an hour away.

$50 supports maintenance to keep the van running smoothly.

$100 helps us get closer to purchasing the van itself.

If you're unable to donate, PLEASE share our campaign with your friends, family, and community. Together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure our children continue to grow and learn in nature’s classroom.

A Message from Co-Director Chris Morasky

My name is Chris Morasky, and I’ve been mentoring kids and families for over 40 years. When I first started, I wasn’t sure if I was "qualified" to be a mentor. I’m just another flawed human being, navigating life’s challenges. But when a single mom approached me many years ago and said, "I appreciate that you’re teaching my son survival skills, but what he really needs is a mentor," I realized there was an urgent need for someone to step in. Decades later, I’m still doing what I love most: helping people, especially children, develop the tools and resilience they need to overcome life’s challenges and live a life of joy, beauty and abundance.

My mentoring approach blends non-violent communication, neuro-linguistic programming, metaphors and storytelling, wandering in nature, sit spots, natural movement, expanded awareness, conscious foraging, strategies for self-reflection, Stone Age skills and learning from Nature. These skills not only help children feel a sense of security—knowing they can meet basic needs like food, water, and shelter—but also activate something deeper: a connection to their instincts and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Unfortunately, the Eaton Fire has made many of the nearby nature spaces unsafe due to toxins in the air and ash fallout. That’s why we’re asking for your help to purchase a van. Just an hour away are pristine natural spaces where children can explore tide pools, hike through oak forests, and reconnect with the beauty and resilience of nature. Without this van, many children will remain indoors, reinforcing the message they learned during COVID: the outside is dangerous. We want to change that narrative.

A Message from Co-Director Rachel Natland

Co-director, Rachel Natland, is a queer, single mom, a regenerative sociologist, and cultural activist. Having overcome childhood poverty and adversity, Rachel has dedicated her life to mentoring and supporting others in their journey toward healing and growth. Her work is rooted in collective liberation and the co-creation of regenerative cultural practices. With your support, we can continue this vital work and provide children with the transformative experiences they deserve.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Please give whatever you can. Every donation, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal of raising $65,000 to purchase a Ford Transit van. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign with others who might be able to help. Together, we can ensure that children impacted by the Eaton Fire can continue to thrive in the safe, clean spaces they need.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting this mission and helping us bring the joy of nature back to our students.

With gratitude and hope,

Chris Morasky & Rachel Natland

Co-Directors, Wisdom Keepers School

If you'd like to learn more about our school and programs, visit us at www.wisdomkeepers.us.

PS. If you have a transit van to donate or a lead on one, please msg us!