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Wildwood Learning Collective (WLC) is a secular, outdoors based homeschool cooperative in Hillsboro, Oregon. Here you will find regular trips to the forest, park play-dates, field trips, and more. We strive to make the benefits of home schooling accessible to all. 

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Our annual membership is sliding scale, $30-50 per year depending on what makes sense for your family's budget. 

There are no hidden fees, but there may be additional fees associated with specific events. If there is an art project, you will be asked to contribute to cover the cost of supplies. If it is a field trip or camping trip, you will be expected to cover the cost of tickets or rentals for your family. 

If the cost to join is too high, we do offer to waive fees on a case-by-case basis. You can find the application form here: https://forms.gle/3KRTadbAJEYPanmEA

We also offer limited spots in our Bartering Program. In exchange for part of your membership dues you can opt to host at least 4 play-date events per year OR 2 classes (to be approved by an admin) per year. A minimum payment of $10 a year is required in order to cover your access to the website. The application form can be found here: https://forms.gle/D5ZSjxTquuC4fAmy9

Please note: Hosting events as a group member will NOT result in a discount on your annual fee unless you have been approved for our bartering program. 

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This simply means that our group is not based on any religion and we do not require a statement of faith to join. We have members of many various religions, but we do not cater to any specific one. We do celebrate the equinoxes as a group, but it is looked at from more of a scientific perspective. 

While we do not base our activities around any specific religion, we make take opportunities to learn and explore other religious and cultural holidays as a group when appropriate (ex. Día de Muertos). 

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Nope! Not unless you want to. 

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Application for membership is open to any homeschooling or school at home family in Washington County and surrounding areas. families with children who school virtually through a charter or other program, or families who may have one child in public school while homeschooling the others are also welcome. You can find our application here: https://forms.gle/1CtvZjGrKXuWxvhf6

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We mainly meet in Washington County, Oregon on Kalapuyan Land.

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We typically meet around 11 AM multiple days of the week. Fridays are usually a guarantee, but the other regular days may rotate. Field trips and special events may occur earlier or later in the day. 

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• All events are rain or shine as long as the weather is not dangerous and air quality is okay. 

• Regular play for all ages. 

• Park Days & Play Dates: Families have the opportunity to meet at a park in Washington County at least once a week.

• Forest Fridays: Most Friday mornings we meet in a forested area for free play. 

• Field Trips: We host free and paid field trips at least every other month, but usually monthly!

• Family Hikes: Bring the whole family for a low-key hike. 

• Seasonal Parties: We love getting together for parties! We host solstice parties, back to school parties, and even tea parties. 

• Camping Trips: We are big fans of camping, whether tent or cabin! You can expect monthly trips starting in spring and running through June or July, depending on the weather. 

• Annual Fall Trip: Every fall we take a trip. Sometimes it’s a hotel at the beach, and sometimes we rent cabins in the woods. What will our trip look like next year?

• Bi-Weekly Grown-Up’s night: Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or a friend - if you’re the one homeschooling the kids, you’re welcome to join us for a night out at a local cafe. 

• Monthly Game Nights: 

• Micro-Classes: Rather than courses that last 6-8 weeks, we tend to keep it simpler. Most classes are started and completed within one or two sessions, and you’re free to dive deeper when you get home! Older kids may occasionally work together through a longer course. 

• Book Clubs: We love to pair a group read with crafts and a movie or musical that will be coming out! 

• Special Events: You’ll also find many unique events, like our evening Bat Walks in late summer, our Costume Hike in the fall, and our summer Survival Skills courses. 

• Community Service: Getting our kids involved with the community is a huge priority. You can expect periodic litter clean-ups and community care projects. 

• Community: Above all else, we hope that you will gain a feeling of community and connection. Whether that’s getting to chat with homeschooling parents on our forum, or in real life at a park day or Grown-Up’s Night. While groups like these are initially set up for our kids, there are so many benefits to us adults as well. 

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It is up to the discretion of the host!
 

Please check with event host before bringing guests to an event. This includes bringing any additional child(ren) that you are caring for. If there are any fees associated with the event (supply fee, tickets, etc.), you will be responsible for ensuring that both you and your guests have paid. When bringing guests, you are also responsible for ensuring that they adhere to all group rules and guidelines. 
 

You are allowed to bring a particular friend/family to up to 3 events. After that, we suggest you encourage them to join directly.

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All ages are welcome! We currently have friends that range from newborns to teens. Most of our events are all ages, but we also offer weekly meets for kids 10 and up. 

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• This is a secular and inclusive group. Do your best to make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity will not be tolerated. 
• Disagreements and conflicts among children are bound to happen as they learn to navigate the world. If the children are unable to come to a resolution on their own, parents or guardians of involved children should work together to find a solution. 
• Unless clearly stated, parents are expected to stay with their kids at all events unless you have arranged it with the host or another parent. This is not currently a drop-off group. 
•  All events are all ages unless noted. Regardless, parents or guardians are expected to read the activity description in full to determine if it is appropriate for their child.
• If someone who was not listed on the application will be brining your child to an event, please notify an admin at least 24 hours before the event start time. 
• Signing up for an event and then not showing up has a negative impact on everyone involved. If you have something come up, please update your RSVP as soon as possible or contact the host/admin if necessary. 3 repeated and consecutive "No Shows" without notification at least 2 hours before event start time may result in your account being restricted or your membership being revoked. 
• We strongly encourage all members to be up to date on all CDC recommended immunizations. 
• Keep all family members home if someone in your household is sick. If someone in your household has tested positive for Covid-19, please do not return to group until all tests are negative and symptoms clear. If you are sick with something else, please do not return to group until you have been symptom free for at least 24 hours.
• Leave weapons at home! If your kid(s) wouldn’t be allowed to bring it to school, best to just leave it at home. Unless a particular event explicitly allows it (ex. a group lesson on whittling, squirt gun meet-up), please leave all weapons/toy weapons at home. This includes things like swords, knives, nerf guns, sling shots, etc. If you’re not sure if something is allowed, please ask!
• Please leave all pets at home. This helps maintain a safe environment for all members, especially those who may have allergies and/or fears. Exceptions can be made for service animals and overnight trips, but please contact Sierra directly first. 
• Respect member's privacy. Arranging regular meet-ups involving children carries risk. Please do not share meet-up locations or other information about members with people outside of the group. When sharing photos of your children at events on social media, please make sure all kids that do not belong to you are cropped/blurred/covered with an emoji unless you have explicit permission from their parents. 
• All fees are nonrefundable. 
• Risky play will regularly occur at meet-ups. There may be tree climbing, creek crossing, running and jumping on uneven ground, etc. There will be activities were kids practice crafts like whittling and fire building. Wildwood Learning Collective is not responsible for the safety or well-being of your chil(ren) at events. Please carefully assess situations and determine if each of your children is ready for the activity in question. 

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Nope! WLC is not a drop off service. Parents must stay on site with their children at all times unless arranged with the host and another member.