Our Story

Root & Trail began with one family’s search for a community where their child could truly belong.

After more than a decade of homeschooling and participating in a variety of wonderful groups, the Burks family came to the difficult realization that traditional programs weren’t going to be an option for their youngest child. Busy indoor environments and conventional group structures were simply overwhelming, despite the warmest welcome. Yet the family also saw that outdoors, with thoughtful support, their child experienced something very different: calm, curiosity, confidence, and connection. In that environment, learning was accessible, relationships grew naturally, and their child was able to thrive.

They were eventually welcomed into a remarkable nature-based homeschool community where inclusion and support were woven into every part of the program. Rather than trying to help struggling children fit into an existing model, the program was designed from the start with flexibility, accessibility, and support built in. There, they experienced firsthand the difference an accessible, integrated outdoor learning community could make.

After moving to the Shenandoah Valley, they hoped to find something similar closer to home and discovered other families were searching for the same thing. These families struggled to find welcoming, flexible programs where their children could meaningfully participate. These families also shared a belief in the transformative power of nature connection and generous amounts of child-led exploration and play.

In 2023, that shared vision became Nourished Oaks, an outdoor homeschool enrichment community. As children spent week after week learning, playing, and exploring the natural world together, families watched them grow in confidence, independence, friendships, and a genuine sense of belonging. Parents saw not only the difference in their own children, but throughout the entire community.

That impact inspired something bigger. In 2026, with the support of families who believed deeply in the mission, Nourished Oaks became Root & Trail, a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes several mothers whose own children have grown through our programs. Together, they are helping ensure that more children and families have access to the kind of community they had once struggled to find.

Today, Root & Trail continues to nurture children’s holistic development through thoughtfully integrated community, learning experiences, and nature connection. We envision a world where every child is rooted in belonging, connected to nature, and growing in care for people and place.

The families who helped build this community continue to shape its future through the leadership of our Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

Kristen Dulaney

Natalia van Rikxoort

Carol Pantuck

Jenni Burks