ABOUT US

Science Education & Nature Connection

Muddy Sneakers is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization redefining the educational landscape in North Carolina through the transformative magic of hands-on, inquiry-based outdoor education.

Students with big smiles on their faces, raise their hands enthusiastically as they participate in a Muddy Sneakers lesson in the woods.

Mission

To awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world — one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance.

Vision

Muddy Sneakers envisions a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides.

We are committed to becoming a national model for closing the science literacy gap, inviting diversity into the outdoors, and instilling an understanding of one’s role in the greater ecosystem. In doing so, we cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources.

Brevard Elementary School students help one another walk across a log over a creek at DuPont State Forest during their first Muddy Sneakers expedition of the 2023 – 2024 school year.

Core Values

Access

We believe all children have a right to meaningful outdoor experiences and benefit from a connection to nature.

Belonging

We make nature a place where everyone feels welcome and empowered.

Conservation

When kids form personal connections with the world around them, they’re compelled to care for its fate.

Experiential Learning

We teach lessons in small groups on local land to encourage curiosity. In addition, we use hands-on activities to improve academic outcomes.

Well-Being

We encourage a friendly workplace where everyone feels valued. We value each person’s uniqueness, enjoy working together, and aim to bring happiness.