Growing Spirit · Johns Island
Questions families ask
The short answers. Email us for the long ones.
Growing Spirit · Johns Island
The short answers. Email us for the long ones.
Growing Spirit is a gathering space for families to grow, learn and play in nature with a sense of belonging and community. Offerings include a Hybrid Homeschool Co-Op, weekly Nature Day drop-in, Summer Camps, and Arts & Garden/Food Community monthly gatherings.
Kids programs are generally ages 5-17 (K through high school). All ages welcome at Nature Days with a parent. Students learn in pods by curriculum need, with mixed-age play where older kids mentor younger ones.
No. Families choose their own mix: Hybrid Co-Op (Tuesday, Thursday, and Creative Fun Fridays), drop-in Nature Days on Wednesdays, or summer camps.
No. Arts Community is a monthly gathering for the wider community: art exhibits, film screenings, and workshops open to all ages. Creative Fun Fridays for kids is part of Hybrid Co-Op.
Yes. Growing Spirit offers scholarships and trade arrangements so cost is never the closed gate. Families contribute skills, time, or services in place of full tuition.
Hybrid Co-Op, including Creative Fun Fridays, enrolls through Carolina Kids Co-op, our Johns Island location. Enroll here for the 2026-27 school year. Summer Camps: $60 per child per week deposit via Venmo @GrowingSpirit. Nature Days: sign up online, no Venmo needed.
Johns Island, South Carolina, in the Charleston area, on land with a pond, woods, and a garden where much of the learning happens outdoors.
We have safety protocols, and children must be able to listen and uphold boundaries set in place and communicated for safety. If they are not, a parent should remain on site. Our Behavior and Safety Agreements are given out at Orientation.
In their own words, from families who’ve been part of Growing Spirit.
“My son attended the co-op last year as well and it has been the best experience for him. He has gained true friends and confidence. They truly operate as a community with a focus on respect, love and nature. The ability to learn hands on while in nature has made such a positive impact on him. There are not many safe places where kids can run outside in nature and just be kids, not stuck behind tablets or at a desk. We love it and are so thankful for it!”
Chrissy
“My two boys have been going to Growing Spirit for 8 years for their regular Wednesdays, summer camps, and previous homeschool programs that were available. It has been the absolute best and the most magical place and people. It has seriously been core memories for my boys and has built our amazing group of homeschool friends. I cannot even imagine our homeschooling journey without Growing Spirit and Willis. Feel free to message me! Growing Spirit has been part of shaping my boys into the kind and well rounded kids that they are.”
Tiffany
“Growing Spirit is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. We went weekly for multiple years and now we go sporadically as we are able. If it’s not your cup of tea, that’s fine, but some of my favorite things are: 1) The owner Willis is one of the kindest humans I know. She treats every kid with such love and respect and makes them feel valued and important. 2) The property is incredible and has so much to offer. Woods/fort building, archery, kayaking, a tree house you can boat to, and so much more. In addition to the schooling/curriculum they offer, they also teach how to be a kind human, and to take care of the earth. Feel free to message me any questions you have if you want to get another perspective!”
Kim
“We have been going to Growing Spirit for many years. I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience there. Willis is a deeply caring person who incorporates earth care, kindness and connection into every day. I love the freedom and autonomy it gives my kids. There are very few opportunities in today’s world for kids to have true unstructured outdoor play, and Wednesdays are especially perfect for that. I can truly say that Growing Spirit has been the best and most transformative experience for my kids. It has given them confidence, autonomy and a true sense of their place in the world. It is our absolute favorite thing in our homeschooling life.”
Nicole
“We’ve been part of Growing Spirit since our boys were in preschool and kindergarten. They’re now in 8th and 9th grade, and over the years we’ve participated in Wednesday Nature Days, summer camps, and many of the homeschool programs Willis has offered. Even now, as teenagers, they still enjoy going back to spend time with their friends and be part of the community. It has honestly been one of the greatest gifts we’ve given our children. The property itself is incredible, but what makes it truly special is the community Willis has created and the values she models. Our boys have developed lifelong friendships, confidence, empathy, a deep respect for nature, and a genuine love of learning through hands-on experiences. The lessons they learned at Growing Spirit are still part of our regular conversations today. From kayaking, paddle boarding, archery, fort building, caring for animals, gardening, and medicinal herbs to simply having the freedom to explore and create, they gained experiences and life lessons that have stayed with them long after each program ended.”
Brandi
“I can’t imagine our homeschool journey without it honestly. My kids have learned how to be confident in themselves, how to manage their feelings and the feelings of others, how to take care of the environment around them, and most of all had a chance to just be free in a safe environment. The owner, Willis, is so passionate, caring, and fun! She has a way of guiding the kids to be their best selves that I love. We’ve all made wonderful friendships and priceless memories.”
Tori