HAWKs Receives Significant Investment to Expand Nature-Based Learning Franchise Across the United States

HAWKs Expands its Nature-Based Enrichment Offerings

In a significant development for children's outdoor education, HAWKs (Hiking Adventures With Kids), a Los Angeles-based brand dedicated to reconnecting children with nature, has announced a strategic investment from Post Investment Group. This partnership aims to facilitate the brand's expansion into franchise operations across various regions in the United States. The mission of HAWKs is to offer immersive outdoor experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and essential life skills for children aged 5 to 14.

Founded in 2022 by Emma Flanders and Martha E. Flores, HAWKs was established in response to the growing concern regarding children's diminishing connection with the natural world. By providing engaging activities that encourage exploration and play, the brand equips kids with tools to develop independence and make meaningful connections with their peers and the environment.

Emma Flanders, Co-Founder and CEO, expresses her conviction about the importance of outdoor activities for children. “As a working mother, I found it challenging to locate programs that offered children the opportunity to play freely, think independently, and truly experience nature,” she stated. Flanders believes that with this new partnership, HAWKs can broaden its reach and offer its unique programming nationwide.

The collaboration with Post Investment Group is pivotal, given their extensive experience in nurturing franchise brands. Drawing from their successful track record with companies like The NOW Massage and Sky Zone, they aim to provide operational support and infrastructure for HAWKs, ensuring its growth is sustainable and impactful. Jeff Platt, COO of Post Investment Group, highlighted HAWKs as a brand meeting the growing demand for meaningful, offline experiences for today's youth.

A Unique Approach to Childhood Enrichment

HAWKs offers a variety of programs designed to engage children in active outdoor adventures. These include after-school programs that transport children from school to local green spaces, full-day camps during school breaks, weekend exploration sessions, and low-waste outdoor birthday parties. By utilizing parks and natural environments as program settings, HAWKs not only provides fun but also promotes healthy development and a lasting connection to nature.

One of the primary advantages for franchisees is the low investment required to start, ranging from $87,500 to $203,700, and the elimination of expensive real estate costs. The mobile operating model allows franchise owners to establish quickly and grow within multiple regions without the need for a physical storefront. HAWKs ensures comprehensive training, practical field experience, and continuous operational support to its franchise partners, creating a sturdy foundation for success.

Learning Through Hands-On Experiences

HAWKs implements a proprietary curriculum developed by educators and outdoor specialists, allowing children to explore the outdoors more like scientists and adventurers. Activities include searching for pollinators, shelter building, wildlife observation, and turning their discoveries into stories through creativity and journaling. This hands-on approach fosters critical life skills such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and collaboration among peers.

Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that their children return home calmer and more engaged after participating in HAWKs programs. As the children's enrichment market continues to grow, projected to reach $200 billion and expand at a rate of 6.7% each year, HAWKs is strategically positioning itself to play a significant role in this sector.

As the brand gears up for national expansion, Flanders emphasizes the importance of aligning with mission-driven franchise partners who share the vision of re-establishing children's connection to the outdoors. The focus on preserving HAWKs' essence while scaling is paramount, making it a unique offering in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape.

For those interested in franchise opportunities, HAWKs has prime territories available nationwide. Visit hawkskids.com/franchise for additional information or to contact them directly for inquiries.