Working with Next Step is your next best step.

We help people and organizations reach the next level of their highest potential.

home learning resources outdoor gardening kids

Home learning resources for indoor & outdoor fun!

Keep minds and bodies engaged with our activities in art, nature, mindfulness & movement.

ACTIVITIES & LESSONS

Spring at Waterworks Park

Take a Family Adventure!

We plan, you play with Family Adventures — connect with each other and the world around you.

Mindfulness & Movement

Developed by teachers, for teachers. Help your kids settle, connect, move and focus.

Central Iowa Yoga Retreat

We're cooking up some new recipes for re-treating, re-newing and re-creating. Watch this site for new dates!

Next Step Adventure is ready to help.

We use a approach to better your world.

Through a unique blend of development and facilitation fortified with fun, creativity and mindfulness, we help you reach the next level.

TEAM BUILDING

Generate energy; define roles and enhance relationships through collaboration and problem solving ❯

COACHING FOR GROWTH

Definition, focus and support for achieving your goals ❯

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Poverty simulations and other approaches change the way we look at the world ❯

MINDFULNESS & MOVEMENT

Attain spiritual growth through physical practice and develop healthy mind body connection ❯

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Explore issues, solve problems, and take action to protect wild places, even if they’re in your own backyard ❯

ART FOR LIFE

Get in the flow; rejuvenate your creative spirit; see the world as it really is and communicate your emotional experiences to others ❯

Take the Learning Outdoors

When things feel turned around and upside down, turn to nature for solace and safety. Breathe the fresh air and find joy among the trees and rocks.

Happy (Virtual) New Year’s Eve!

2020 has been quite a year! And at the Hostel Taco we're ready to wish it a not-so-fond goodbye! So, we're having a Zoom-based Virtual Party!!! Please join us for dancing, deep thoughts, fortune telling, games and of course chatting around the Punch Bowl! We'll be sharing some details and resources on this post, so watch for updates in the ...

Jerah Sheets, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Thanks for a great conversation. You started the meeting with an observation of my noticeable happiness I receive from my passion for my work. Last evening as I sat on my deck watching the sunset and reflecting from the day, your statement was at the top of my list for appreciating the day. A few tears of being overwhelmed with joy may have also transpired.

Jerah Sheets, Iowa DNR

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

Thank you thank you! I'm just beginning to find my tribe here and this was a boon.

Mary Beth Einhorn, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat Participant

The Mindful Movement and Mingling was just so inspired! I've never been to a retreat that did that type of program. The usual sitting around, alone, and slowly meeting one or two people can be pretty isolating. You guys brought us to that place of connectedness in a fun way.

Lisa Evans, Central Iowa Yoga Retreat participant

Kenny Baker, Gilbert High School

Thank you again for coming on Friday. It was an incredible hands-on learning experience for the students. Once the simulation was finished students reflected on their experience and newly gained insights into life near the poverty line.

Kenny Baker, 11th grade - Gilbert High School

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Next Step was an excellent addition to our Super Power Summit for middle school students. They incorporated hands-on learning activities that involved dirt, art, leadership, and the great outdoors!

Carrie Scheidel, Iowa Department of Education

Therese, Yoga student

Thank you so very much for your love, care, and support on this journey. You truly are a great teacher and healer.

Therese, Yoga student

Joy Linquist, Principal

The STEM Camp at Harding this summer was awesome! Our students were actively engaged in activities, learning, and lots of fun! It was a great experience for students to connect with their school, community, and science!

Joy Linquist, Principal

Next Step has been a solid addition to our student leadership workshops. Their connection with students is thoughtful, purposeful and brings great energy.

Chad Elsberry IHSAA Assistant Director

Poverty simulation was fantastic. Great job forcing us to deal with the everyday complications of living in poverty. It was impossible not to get frustrated. Participants came up with “creative” ways to solve problems or cut corners for a lasting impact on their family, job, or both. I was extremely impressed with the entire process.

Wil Wiemann, 8th Grade Social Studies, Edward Stone Middle School, Burlington, Iowa

Teaching Outdoors

I heard great things about the training and would like to find a time this fall for an early out training for our staff to visit the park as well as hear about the wonderful things offered.

Brian Crook, Principal, Studebaker Elementary School, Des Moines, Iowa

Mindfulness & Movement

It only takes a minute or two and can totally change the classroom atmosphere. One minute they can be going a million miles a minute coming in from lunch and recess, and after a quick breathing technique, they settle down, giggle a little, and then get to work.

Mychele, Kindergarten Teacher