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Woods of the World
Dominicalito, Costa Rica
December 2026 - February 2027
Program Description
Woods of the World, in partnership with Amora Regenerative Community Development, proposes a three-month immersive research and field study program for middle years students (ages 10 –14) based in partnership with Corcovado Wilderness Lodge and Innoceana. The program is designed to integrate authentic field science with place-based, project-led education — offering students a rare opportunity to conduct real ecological research alongside the scientists and conservationists of Innoceana.
This proposal outlines program structure, curriculum framework, logistics, and collaboration opportunities. It also identifies key open questions for Corcovado and Innoceana to help finalize the program design.
About the Educational Partners
Woods of the World
Woods of the World is a global schooling program bringing nature-based, child-led, Waldorf-inspired education to communities in Costa Rica, Spain, Uruguay, and Martha's Vineyard. Programs are designed around the belief that children thrive when given freedom to pursue their passions in nurturing, nature-rich environments supported by family and community.
The Woods School
Founded by Ariana Binney on Martha's Vineyard, The Woods School has grown into two campuses serving more than 100 families with children ages 3 –13. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ariana brings deep expertise in project-based and experiential curriculum design. As an educational consultant, she partners with communities worldwide to design schools that honor children's innate curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Amora Regenerative Community Development
Amora provides the operational and community development framework supporting Woods of the World programming at the Amora Regenerative Eco Village in Costa Rica. The Corcovado program would be conducted in coherence with the broader educational programming of the Amora community.
About Woods of the World
Woods of the World brings a transformative, nature-based education program to families exploring Costa Rica. Rooted in the philosophies of Place-based, Waldorf, Forest School, and Permaculture education, our program invites children ages 10-15 into a learning adventure that honors curiosity, imagination, and deep connection to place.
Set in the stunning natural landscape of Dominicaltio, children will explore tide pools, jungle trails, rivers, and beaches while engaging in seasonal, child-led learning. Our days blend outdoor exploration, creative arts, storytelling, nature skills, cooperative games, and community building.
This is more than an educational program—it's an invitation into a learning community where children, families, and facilitators grow together.
What Makes Us Different
🌿 Nature as Classroom: All learning happens outdoors in Costa Rica's incredible ecosystems
🎨 Child-Led Exploration: We follow children's interests and questions, weaving in seasonal and geographical themes
👥 Mixed-Age Community: Children ages 5 -15 learn together, building leadership, empathy, and collaboration
🌍 Place-Based Learning: Deep dive into Costa Rican ecology, culture, and community
🤝 Family Inclusion: Parents and family members are welcomed into the learning process through community dinners, excursions, breathwork, and yoga sessions
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Phase 1 — Immersive Field Launch (December 2026)
Proposed Dates: December 6–9, 2026 (3 nights / 4 days) Group Size: 10–12 students, 5 adults
The December program serves as the foundation for the entire arc. Students are fully immersed in the Corcovado environment — observing, questioning, and beginning to identify their research focus. Programming will span all four thematic pillars, with guided field sessions led by Innoceana scientists and Corcovado naturalists, supplemented by facilitated reflection and documentation sessions with Woods of the World educators.
Sample Daily Arc:
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Early morning: Wildlife observation or marine excursion
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Mid-morning: Guided study session with Innoceana researcher
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Afternoon: Independent exploration, sketching, journaling, and inquiry development
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Evening: Group reflection, story, and research question formation
Phase 2 — Focused Field Research (January 2027)
Format: Day trip from Dominicalito Focus: Deepening research — data collection, interviews with scientists, field observations
Students return to Corcovado with their research questions established. The day format allows for targeted, focused fieldwork. Students begin building the evidence base for their culminating projects.
Phase 3 — Sustained Inquiry & Integration (February 2027)
Format: Day trip from Dominicalito Focus: Finalizing research, synthesis, presentation preparation
Students complete primary data collection, integrate findings with secondary sources, and prepare their research for formal presentation. Educators guide the transition from raw observation to structured inquiry output.
Phase 4 — Research Presentation (March 2027)
Format: Culminating event (date TBD) Audience: Innoceana scientists, Corcovado team, Amora community, families
Students present completed research projects to an authentic scientific audience. This is the defining feature of the program's educational model — real work, real stakes, real scientists. The format will be determined in collaboration with Innoceana and may include poster-style presentations, oral reports, or a blend of both.