About us

the busiest bees

Welcome to Busy Bees Adventures!

Founded in 2004 by Emma Kirsten Bowker, Busy Bees Adventures is a vibrant celebration of nature and learning. With a deep passion for teaching children and a zest for life, Emma has dedicated herself to creating an enriching environment where young minds can explore, grow, and thrive. Here, we believe in assessing life through the lens of curiosity and play, ensuring that every child’s adventure is both educational and joyful. Join us in nurturing the next generation of nature lovers and lifelong learners!


Our Philosophy: Embracing a Child’s Natural Inquisitiveness

We believe in harnessing a child’s natural inquisitiveness to foster a genuine connection to the outdoors and instill a profound respect for the natural world. Our mission is to spark wonder and curiosity in every student, helping them appreciate their environments.

Our Approach Includes:

Nurturing Environment: We create a safe and loving space that encourages exploration and self-confidence.
Tailored Education: Our curriculum meets the developmental needs of each child, ensuring growth and learning.
Compassion for Nature: We cultivate a sense of compassion and connection to the environment, allowing children to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Through this approach, your children will explore their interests while developing a lasting appreciation for nature.

Where we can be found

In a tree
On a rock
In a creek
Getting dirty
Laughing

Experiences

Our philosophy

The most important learning takes place when children are allowed and encouraged to play and move freely. With nature as our classroom there are endless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and problem solving through learning experiences. Our days are inspired by the changing weather, creatures we find, and the habitats that we wander through.
We believe exposure to the outdoors at an early age promotes empathy, understanding, and a rich respect for the environment. Interacting in a natural setting will stimulate a child’s natural curiosity and gives them the chance to learn in an ever changing and free flowing environment.

Daily adventures

Child led discovery in Santa Barbara’s rich natural environments. We choose parks and beaches that are safe and accessible to every child’s ability while providing opportunity to test limits and grow gross motor skills.

Unforgettable memories

After 20 years of teaching, it’s a pleasure to see our grown up kids come back and say what a beautiful and formative experience they had at Busy Bees. Parents also reflect on the choice to provide this open free play at such a special time in their child’s lives.

Embracing Individual Learning Journeys

Learning at one’s own pace empowers children to explore and grow in a supportive environment. This personalized approach cultivates confidence and fosters a genuine love for learning, allowing kids to develop critical thinking skills at their own speed. By reducing pressure, they can fully engage with the material, leading to a richer educational experience that encourages lifelong curiosity and creativity.

Learning activities

Nature – the biggest teacher of all!

Questions?

Ask us anything!