Glowing Memories: A Look Back at Our Firefly Festival 2025

Fireflies remind us of the little glimmers of light that call us to look closer, slow down, play, and honor the natural magic that surrounds us. On the evening of Saturday, July 19, families gathered together for our first-ever Firefly Festival! With the hum of cicadas in the background and lights twinkling across the Nurture Center's new deck, children flickered between the Outdoor Learning Hubs, laughing and filled with curiosity.

In the Mud Kitchen, our STEM Glow Lab invited children to mix glowing water solutions, stir shimmer into firefly jars, and stretch bioluminescent slime with delight.

At the Atelier, children painted with glowing paints on black paper, creating “splash and flash” art inspired by the way fireflies light up the night.

In the Performance Hub, the children listened to firefly stories filled with facts and intrigue. For example, did you know that not all fireflies glow? Some fireflies are diurnal (e.g., awake during the day) and do not need to light up. Instead, these daytime beetles use pheromones to attract a mate.

In the Grove, the children enjoyed a Glow Hike, each child shimmering like a little beacon as they wandered the sunset trail with glow bracelets and necklaces. As the day turned to night, the forest began to dance with the bioluminescence of bugs. Each child delicately scooped a firefly, observed it for a moment, and made a special wish. One child whispered to her mom as they left, "I think the fireflies can hear my wishes. I hope they come true!"

Thank you to all the families who brought your light to this gathering and made our Firefly Festival wishes come true. We are so grateful for your presence. The night was a magical celebration of light, learning, and connection.

Stay tuned for our next Family Forest School event, we are just getting started!