Otters Den
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Nature School
Otters Den Nature School
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Amy Keiper-Gowan is the founding director of Otters Den Nature School. She has ten years of experience as a 3-5th grade teacher at Blaine Elementary and served three years as the Northwest Regional FieldSTEM Professional Development Coordinator for Pacific Education Institute, facilitating outdoor, field-based learning professional development for K-12 educators. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Education and loves to integrate environmental education, social-emotional learning, and inquiry-based science into her work with students. Her approach is grounded in student-driven and relationship-centered learning. When she’s not teaching outside, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family. Reach out to Amy anytime at amy@ottersden.org.
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to save it.”
David Sobel.
Programs
Applications are open and scholarships available!
2026
Wind Technology Summer Camp
The Wind Energy Summer Camp introduces students to renewable energy through hands-on, project-based learning focused on wind power. Students explore how wind energy works by designing, building, and testing their own wind turbines, experimenting with blade shape, size, and materials to see how these factors affect energy production. Through inquiry, teamwork, and real-world engineering challenges, learners build an understanding of energy systems, problem-solving skills, and the importance of clean, sustainable power.
Grades: 4th-6th
Dates: July 20-24th and July 27-31st (same program is repeated)
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $450/week
*Proceeds from summer camp tuition provide scholarships for the fall Outdoor School program to increase student access. No scholarships are currently available for summer camps.
2026
Spring Outdoor School
This after-school program gives children hands-on opportunities to explore, play, and learn in nature while building confidence, curiosity, and a love of nature. Through guided outdoor STEAM activities, students move from discovery to focused exploration, skill-building, and reflection—helping them better understand the natural world and their place in it.
Grades: 2nd-6th grade
Dates: April 21– June 11 (8 weeks)
Weekly Options:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays only | 2:30–5:00 PM
Thursdays only | 12:20–5:00 PM
Three Days | Tuesday + Wednesday + Thursday
Pick-up available at Cordata Elementary
We're interested in your feedback! Share with us how we could make the program more supportive for your family (accepting wider range of grades, altered dates or time, etc).
Photo caption: students practice sensory awareness by exploring "deer ears." Why do deer have such large ears? Explore this by cupping your ears in different directions!
2026
Ocean Technology Camp
The Ocean Technology camp engages students in place-based science learning grounded in both Western science and traditional ecological knowledge from Coast Salish communities. Students investigate the unique ecosystems of the Salish Sea and learn how scientists use technology to study the ocean. They apply this knowledge by designing, building, and testing their own remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) made of PVC pipes. Develops deeper understanding of ocean systems, human impacts, and stewardship while building critical thinking, creativity, and engineering skills.
Grades: 4th-6th
Dates: August 10-14th or August 17-21st (same program is repeated)
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $450/week
*Proceeds from summer camp tuition fund scholarships for the fall Outdoor School program. No scholarships are available for summer camps.
OUR VISION
We believe all children in Whatcom County should have access to affordable childcare and regular outdoor, field-based learning opportunities.
Providing affordable childcare for school-age students in Whatcom County is both a practical and ethical commitment, ensuring children have stable, nurturing environments while enabling caregivers to participate fully in the workforce and supporting a stronger local economy. The Opportunity Council reports that 88% of employers in the county say employees’ work performance suffers due to lack of affordable childcare, highlighting the widespread impact on families and businesses.
At the same time, field-based learning offers significant benefits for children, improving academic outcomes, engagement, cooperation, and social skills, while supporting physical health, reducing stress, and fostering lasting connections to the natural world. Together, affordable childcare and outdoor learning create environments where children, families, and the community can thrive.
OUR VALUES
Community Engagement | Building partnerships with families, schools, and local organizations to strengthen community bonds.
Inclusivity and Diversity | Valuing diverse perspectives, cultures, and learning styles in all programming.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship | Teaching respect for natural resources and modeling eco-conscious practices.