About Us
Child of the Wild was founded in 2021 by two moms on a mission to get kids playing outside!
Our aim is to provide children with nature immersion experiences and reconnect children and their families to the natural world.
Our focus is on child-led free play and learning in the natural environment so the children develop a connection to the land, wildlife, and each other, as well as come to know themselves better. The natural environment will provide opportunities that challenge, develop persistence and resilience, and offer the chance to make thoughtful decisions about safety and risk.
Our view is that children are competent, capable, and curious learners that deserve to participate in decision making which affects them individually and collectively.
Our practice of play-based and inquiry-based learning allows us to plan according to the children’s interests and developmental needs.
Who We Are
Rebecca Baxter
Cofounder/Codirector/Facilitator
“Growing up in a rural area of lower Alabama, my childhood was surrounded in nature. I spent my days climbing trees, catching frogs and roly pollies, picking dandelions, sucking on honeysuckle, and observing wildlife.
Full of energy (most of the time), I love to be goofy with children, and find it easy to share in their excitement. I am eager to discover the wonders of the world with our explorers and help them flourish as resilient, independent, and brave learners. As someone who grew up camping, fishing, ATV riding, and playing outdoor sports. I experienced firsthand the power of time spent outdoors as a catalyst for building a positive relationship with the natural world and the self. I consider myself a lifetime learner, activist as well as an environmental enthusiast.
The birth of my son in 2015 sparked my interest in alternative education models, which led to me becoming a passionate advocate of the forest school movement, outdoor education, and homeschooling. I wanted him to begin his early years learning in an environment that encouraged him to explore and question the world around him. In 2019, I became the Co-director/Facilitator of a national program aimed at getting kids outside. It has since become my passion and personal mission to help foster a love for the outdoors and to encourage children to bond with Mother Nature. I know that the more children learn about nature, the more compassion they have for our planet, others, and themselves.
Today, I enjoy connecting with nature in silent and walking meditations, through play, hiking, kayaking, and grounding. I am very passionate about incorporating nature into my personal life and when raising my son. Come join us as we adventure and learn together at Child of the Wild!”
JP Kinney
Cofounder/Codirector/Facilitator
“I’m a big kid at heart who loves to play and be outside. I’ve always been the one getting dirty, chatting with critters, and playing in the rain. Some of my favorite times include playing, hiking, camping, kayaking, and hanging in the hammock under an ole oak tree. Having grown up with a strong connection to nature, I know how important it is and hope to share that with kids by getting them outside to play and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Being a Mobile native, I have spent countless days and nights exploring outdoors along the Gulf Coast and have come to know and love the many plants, animals, and nature spaces throughout the area.
Working with the public at a locally owned business for nearly 20 years, I have lots of experience interacting with people from all walks of life. I pride myself on being kind and respectful as well as an ability to find common ground with most everyone.
Having grown up in a large family and now having a kid of my own, I have a lifetime of experience interacting with children. I enjoy sharing knowledge and discovery with them and treasure every laugh and look of awe. I believe children deserve a time and space where they are free to learn of their own accord and just be themselves wild and free.
When I had my child, I made it my priority to give her the same nature-rich childhood I was so blessed to have. In 2019, I started a South Alabama chapter of a national program aimed at getting kids outside but have always dreamed of keeping it local and focusing on bringing the Mobile community together outside. Rebecca and I have worked long and hard to make that dream a reality, and we’re excited to get outside with y’all.”