This month
AugustA Waldorf & Reggio Emilia inspired PLAYGROUP in Bozman, MT.
Slow mornings,Big discoveries
A welcoming place for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers to create, play, explore in a nurturing, nature-rich environment. While little ones learn and play, mothers have the opportunity to connect with other mamas, build meaningful friendships, and find the community they’ve been longing for! Motherhood was never meant to be done alone, Let’s build our village, together.
✦ Caregiver stays & plays
✦ Coffee for caregivers
✦ Light snack provided
✦ Nature in every gathering
Seasonal themes
What we’re exploring.
Stories, songs, art, and sensory play follow a shared theme that changes with the seasons.
Coming next
SeptemberCamping/Forest
A morning at Creekside
Wonder in the making.
Creek walks, sensory discoveries, and the everyday magic of children learning through play.
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Upcoming gatherings
Pick your Wednesday.
Join one gathering or come back each week. Choose a date below to reserve space for your family.
Space is intentionally small. Julie confirms each family’s registration.
The rhythm of our morning
A little structure.
Plenty of freedom.
Arrive & settle in
Pour a cup of coffee, enjoy a light snack, and let everyone arrive in their own time.
Gather for Co-op Circle
We begin together with a welcome song, story, nursery rhymes, and our monthly theme.
Explore & create
Children and caregivers move freely through nature play, sensory activities, and art.
Close the circle
We tidy our spaces, sing a goodbye song, and gather our things before heading home.
Follow along on Instagram
@creeksidecoopbozeman
See the latest play invitations and moments from our mornings together.Made for young children
Follow their curiosity.
Every gathering offers familiar rhythms and fresh invitations—so children feel secure enough to explore.
Circle & story
A welcome song, seasonal story, nursery rhymes, and a gentle introduction to our monthly theme.
Make & wonder
Open-ended art, sensory invitations, and simple crafts made for small hands and curious minds.
Roam & play
Forest walks, sandbox building, water play, and plenty of time to explore at your child’s pace.
Connect & belong
Coffee, a light snack, and unhurried time for families to meet, visit, and grow a village together.
Meet your teacher
Miss Julie!
Julie Shonkwiler founded Creekside Co-op to make space for the kind of childhood that unfolds through rhythm, wonder, nature, and relationship.
With a master’s degree in early childhood education, Julie brings a thoughtful, developmentally grounded approach to each gathering. Her Waldorf-inspired program honors free play, seasonal learning, creativity, and the essential presence of a caring adult.
“Children deserve time to wonder, room to explore, and a community that knows their name.”
Good to know
Come as you are.
What should we bring?
Dress for the weather and for play that may get messy. Bring water, sun protection, and any snacks your child needs beyond the light snack provided.
Does a caregiver stay?
Yes. Creekside is a caregiver-accompanied playgroup. Adults remain responsible for and engaged with their children throughout the morning.
Where does the group meet?
We gather on a private property in the Bozeman area. Julie shares directions with registered families.
How does the $20 donation work?
The suggested offering is $20 per family, per gathering. Payment options: Cash or Venmo @MissJulie-Creekside.
What if the weather changes?
Because nature is part of the experience, gatherings are held outdoors when possible. Julie will contact registered families if weather requires a change.
Participation acknowledgement & waiver
Please read before registering.
Drafted for the 2026 Creekside Co-op season
Caregiver responsibility
I understand that Creekside Co-op is a caregiver-accompanied playgroup, not drop-off childcare. I will remain on site and actively supervise the child or children in my care at all times.
Acknowledgement of risk
I understand that participation may include outdoor exploration, walking on uneven ground, weather exposure, water and sandbox play, art materials, sensory activities, and interaction with natural objects. These activities carry ordinary risks, including slips, falls, scrapes, insect bites, allergic reactions, and contact with other children. I voluntarily choose to participate with this understanding.
Health & emergency care
I will disclose relevant allergies, health conditions, accessibility needs, and emergency contact information. If I cannot be reached in an emergency, I authorize Creekside Co-op to contact emergency services. I remain responsible for any resulting medical costs.
Release
To the extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Creekside Co-op, Julie Shonkwiler, property owners, volunteers, and other participating families from claims arising from the ordinary risks of participation, except where caused by conduct that cannot legally be waived.
Community care
I agree to follow reasonable safety directions, respect the property and other families, and keep my child home when they have symptoms of a contagious illness. I understand that Julie may end participation when behavior presents an ongoing safety risk.
Your Wednesday village is waiting