Surrounded by beauty, but this stole the show
Inspiration piece for our 2nd annual Ambleside Experience, Encounters with Nature. Pen and watercolor illustration by 8th grade student, Gemma Bissmeyer.
Dear Parents,
Last Friday, April 4 marked our second annual Ambleside Experience. This year’s theme, Encounters with Nature, was beautifully realized at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Though rain had been forecasted, it graciously held off, gifting us with delightful weather.
Guests lingered on the lanai, surrounded by a tapestry of vibrant, multi-colored tulips, wandered along winding garden paths, sampled craft chocolates from California, discovered the art of traditional perfume-making with historical perfumer Rebecca Suerdieck, and received timeless gardening wisdom—along with free native plant seeds—from Master Gardener Nancy Berlin.
One of the evening’s highlights was the setting itself. Towering ficus trees adorned with twinkling lights, a bounty of tropical plants, and even a rock-lined stream all added to the enchantment of the affair.
But it was the student artwork that truly stole the show. From the sixth grade’s stunning Fanciful Birds paper cuttings, to the fourth grade’s whimsical Woodland Mushrooms cross-stitch, to the second grade’s elegant Ferns from the Forest Floor nature prints, and the seventh and eighth grade’s intricate Flowers in Spring quilling—the class projects, each centered on a nature theme, were nothing short of extraordinary. Individual student pieces were equally impressive, each one reflecting thoughtful observation and artistic skill.
Door prizes—including the future classic My Little Golden Book about Betty White, and a one-night stay at the Inn at Whitewing Farm with two VIP tickets to the picturesque Longwood Gardens—added delight to an already enchanting evening. Guests also enjoyed a lovely dinner and heard reflections shared by Dr. Scott Redd.
Perhaps the most significant moment of the evening was the announcement of two anonymous gifts totaling $50,000, given to help us reach our $100,000 net fundraising goal.
As of the publishing of this letter, we are just $11,000 away.
One of the key initiatives your generosity supports is the purchase of a 15-passenger van—branded for Ambleside—that would allow us to bring students regularly to nearby Great Falls National Park for Nature Study and Science classes.
Time in nature and the study of creation offer profound benefits for our students:
Deepens knowledge of the natural world
Sharpens observation skills
Cultivates an appreciation for beauty
Fosters a sense of stewardship for creation
Most importantly, nature reveals the invisible attributes of God. As Romans 1:20 reminds us: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen.” Through creation, we come to know the Creator.
While our current location offers many opportunities, Great Falls—just eight minutes away—opens even more. With access to its winding trails, diverse plant life (from Skunk Cabbage and Cinnamon Ferns to hardwoods and spring wildflowers), abundant wildlife, picnic areas perfect for nature journaling, and newly renovated restrooms, the park is an ideal outdoor classroom.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and the generosity shown by those who have already contributed to our cause. Your donations are helping us get closer to our goal and ensuring that our students continue to benefit from an education rooted in Charlotte Mason’s life-giving philosophy.
As we approach the final $11,000, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact in our students' lives through the enhanced nature study made possible through regular visits to Great Falls.
Donate to the Ambleside Van Project
Charlotte Mason understood the value of the created world to a student’s education. She emphasized that nature offers a child boundless exposure to the beauty and glory of God, and that this is essential to cultivating a love for God’s creation:
“We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.”
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. We look forward to all we can accomplish together in the months ahead.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Krise