Free Range Imagination’s partnerships with local organizations and community leaders create quality programming and, in some cases, permanent spaces such as reading rooms, libraries, and community centers for children to learn through fun, explorative play.

These programs allow children to acquire and strengthen educational skills (i.e. reading, writing, math, etc.) as well as non-traditional skills such as imagination, introspective reflection, and critical thinking. 

To date, we have played an integral role in opening two such permanent community spaces which are still open and thriving under local leadership.

Outdoor Classroom/Garden Laboratory

Our Outdoor Classroom/Garden Laboratory is Free Range Imagination’s new flagship project.

This programming space will invite participants to get their hands dirty and explore subjects such as soil science, entomology, botany, engineering, and more through dynamic, interactive workshops. Using the scientific method as a jumping-off point, participants will develop their critical thinking skills by learning to ask bigger and better questions, design experiments, and solve  problems.

During this first stage of project development, we will be transforming an abandoned plot of land into our new Outdoor Classroom/Garden Laboratory programming space. This transformation will include a rudimentary grey water system, garden, chicken coop, composting toilet, and a fence made with locally-sourced natural building materials. We will also be experimenting with different activities and curriculum for future programming with local youth.

Vecinos Marinos

Vecinos Marinos (Marine Neighbors) is an ongoing Free Range Imagination project in Northern Baja that invites participants to explore the relationship between themselves and their coastal ecosystem.

Since the summer of 2022, we have partnered with other local organizations (Amigos de la Biblioteca, Locales Escuela de Surf, and Sala de Lectura Abra Palabra) to create quality, educational programming specifically focused on fostering imagination and critical thinking skills within the context of this explorative process.

We have brought this programming to multiple communities in Rosarito and surrounding areas to give local kids the opportunity to play in the ocean, have hands-on experiences with marine life, and engage in thoughtful conversations on related topics. We hope to continue growing this program in the future to reach even more kiddos in the area and create resources that can be used on a larger scale.

Bebés Bilingües

Our Bebés Bilingües (Bilingual Babies) program is designed for our youngest exploradores (ages 0-3) and their families. Through learning our thoughtfully-crafted collection of songs in Spanish and English, both children and adults build a strong bilingual foundation and get an introduction to the Free Range Imagination philosophy.

Although we don’t work explicitly on imagination and critical thinking skills with these little ones in the way we do with our older kiddos, we see this program as a way to invite new families to take part in our educational programming. Our goal is to support community members through the transition to parenthood, and normalize intentional decision making and critical thinking as part of the child rearing process.

FRI Mentorship Program

The purpose of our Free Range Imagination Mentorship Program is to support community programming focused on honing critical thinking skills and imagination.

We do so by providing resources for educators and community leaders who feel drawn to our mission and philosophy and want to use it to guide their work. Through this program, we provide community leaders with financial support which makes this work possible on a practical level as well as professional resources and mentorship to help them develop their skills as facilitators and educators. The program helps deepen their understanding of the FRI methodology, and improve their own critical thinking skills.