CAMP SHINE
STORYTELLERS
WHERE A LOVE OF LITERATURE AND THE FARM COME TOGETHER
Mondays | GRADES K-3RD| 9:30 AM–1:30 PM | Drop-off Program
Welcome to CS Storytellers, our newest offering from the heart of Camp SHINE—thoughtfully designed for our youngest learners to grow, explore, and fall in love with literature, storytelling, and the English language. Through inspiring books, imaginative play, puppet shows, and hands-on experiences on the farm, children are introduced to the joy of reading and writing in a warm, creative, and nurturing environment where curiosity leads the way.
Nestled in the hills of Martinez, CA, this nature and farm and inspired literature class is intended to make the intro to the reading and writing process fun and inspiring!
One of the things we love most about Camp SHINE is that learning is filled with curiosity, wonder, and joy. There is something truly special about listening to a story while sitting beside a donkey or gently petting a bunny. Animals and nature have a remarkable ability to help regulate our nervous systems, allowing children to slow down, feel safe, and become fully present. Our Camp Shine Noni, my wise mom and former teacher, always called it the “teaching window.” When children feel calm, connected, and emotionally secure, that window for learning stays open longer. We’ve seen time and time again that when the farm becomes the classroom, children are more engaged, more curious, and more excited to learn!
Children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and filled with wonder.
Topics and elements we will explore but not limited to…
- A love of books and literature
- Story sequencing (beginning, middle, end)
- Reading comprehension through discussion
- Character development and emotions
- Creative storytelling
- Introduction to reading and writing
- Journaling and nature observations
- Poetry and rhyming
- Vocabulary building
- Letter writing
- Puppet shows and dramatic play
- Public speaking and storytelling confidence
- Illustrating their own stories
- Nature-inspired writing prompts
- Farm-themed literacy activities
- Listening and conversation skills
- Collaboration through group storytelling
- Imaginative play and puppet shows
- Seasonal folklore, fairy tales, and classic children’s literature
- Song and music exploration
- Connecting stories to the natural world and the animals on the farm
- And so much more!
What Makes the CS Story Tellers Program so special?
Nature is our classroom we use the farm and natural world about us to inspire us
Nature-inspired early childhood experiences
What Makes CS Storytellers So Special?
We Don’t Rush Childhood
We think childhood is worth protecting.
There will be plenty of time for busy schedules, homework, and deadlines. Right now, we’d rather spend a few extra minutes wondering why a snail carries its house on its back or listening to one more chapter while sitting with the horses.
We’ve found something interesting over the years…children learn best when they don’t feel rushed. Curiosity has a funny way of teaching exactly what needs to be taught.
The Farm Is Our Co-Teacher
We have wonderful books…
But we also have horses that teach gentleness, donkeys that make everyone laugh, goats that lounge on the picnic tables and giant oak trees that somehow make every story feel a little more magical.
We believe your environment matters. No overhead fluorescent lights and stiff chairs. At Camp Shine we love laying out a blanket under a tree or finding a cozy spot in circle to bask in the joy of learning!
We Hope They Leave Loving Stories
Of course they’ll grow as readers and writers in this class at their own unique pace.
But what we really hope for is years from now they’ll remember reading beside a donkey.
We hope they’ll remember writing a story under the oak tree.
We hope they’ll remember the horse that joined circle time.
And somewhere along the way, we hope they discover something even more important…
That they have stories worth telling, too!
Fall Session #1
Mondays – 6 Classes
Dates: 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26
No Camp: 10/12
Tuition: $624
Payment Plan: 3 installments
Winter Session
Mondays — 6 Classes
Dates: 1/11, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/22, 3/1
No Camp: 1/18, 2/15
Tuition: $624
Payment Plan: 3 installments
Fall Session #2
Mondays – 6 Classes
Dates: 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14
No Camp: 11/23
Tuition: $624
Payment Plan: 3 installments
Spring Session
Mondays — 10 Classes
Dates: 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24
No Camp: 4/5
Tuition: $1,040
Payment Plan: 3 installments
CHARTER FUNDS
We are vendors with Compass, Visions, Vista Oaks and Heartwood, If you are using Charter Funds, please use the coupon code CHARTERFUNDS! (case sensitive) at check out. This will notify us to bill on your behalf. Once you register with us, please reach out to your school to submit a voucher which must be done prior to the first class.
PLEASE BRING
- Lunch
- Water bottle
- Closed toe shoes
**We do not swim in this program
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A Morning at CS Storytellers: A sample day
9:30 AM | Welcome Circle
Every day begins together. We gather as a group to share stories, sing songs, and introduce the day’s adventure. Whether we’re exploring a beloved picture book, learning about woodland creatures, or following the changing seasons, our morning circle sets the stage for a day full of curiosity. We also love to learn what the children are interested in! Our curriculum is always sparked by their curiosity and intrigue. We usually discover that in circle.
10:00 AM | Storytelling & Discovery
This is where the magic begins. We might read beneath the oak trees, bring a story to life with puppets, create nature-inspired art, explore new vocabulary, or write our own adventures together. Every lesson is designed to spark imagination while gently building early reading, writing, and communication skills at an age appropriate level.
11:00 AM | Farm Time
Books down…it’s time to head to the farm! Children spend time caring for the animals, brushing horses, visiting the donkeys, exploring the gardens, and discovering all the wonderful lessons nature has to offer. Some of our very best learning happens when we weren’t planning on it.
12:00 PM | Lunch & Free Play
We gather together for lunch, followed by time to play, explore, and simply enjoy being a kid. Friendships are built here just as much as academic skills.
12:45 PM | One More Adventure
Before heading home, we come back together for one final activity. It might be a nature walk, a creative writing prompt, a poetry project, a game, or another chapter in the story we’ve been enjoying all morning. Every day ends just the way it began with wonder.
1:30 PM | Until Next Time…
We wrap up our day, share our favorite moments, and head home with full hearts, dirty clothes, and usually a story or two to tell.
Why Camp Shine?
At Camp Shine, we believe childhood should be filled with joy, discovery, and the freedom to BE. Our mission is to help kids fall in love with nature, one another, and — most importantly — themselves.
Founded by Stephanie Marie Telfer, MA, Camp Shine is rooted in the idea that children thrive when surrounded by love, play, nature, and purpose. Every child deserves to grow in an environment that honors their uniqueness and fosters their shine.
Join the Shine Family
If you’re looking for a meaningful, nature-rich, heart-centered early childhood experience — welcome. You’re in the right place. We can’t wait to meet your Children and watch them bloom.
👉 Sign up now or contact us with questions!