Afterschool Forest School

3:45-5:15pm for children ages 5 - 12 years old

class size limited to 12 children with 2 adult guides

Coyote Club is our after school enrichment program that takes place entirely outdoors from 3:45 - 5:15pm for children ages 5-10 years old.
This program allows our current Primary School students to extend their day once a week.
Alumni Oakers are encouraged to attend Coyote Club where they will reconnect with their beloved woods.
Children new to Painted Oak are also welcome to join our group to round out their academic day with outdoor adventures, kinship, and play.

Coyote Club provides children respite from a busy day of learning, be it at nature school, or at a local elementary school where they have spent their day primarily indoors. We set up a rhythm that is both flexible and predictable allowing each child to feel comfortable and confident with the structure of the afternoon. We let the children's needs, feelings, and energies be our guide as we move through transitions.

SAMPLE RHYTHM ~

3:45pm - As the children arrive from various schools, we provide a variety of options to meet their needs based on their energy level, personality, and interests. If they are full of energy to burn off, we have nature games and materials available for that. If they

are tired after a long day and need to sit quietly under a tree drawing
or just listening to the birds, we have space for that. If they want to
just hang out enjoying an afternoon snack and tea around the fire before engaging in activity, we have space for that. The start of our time together focuses on allowing each child to connect with their surroundings and to each other as they settle in to the space. 

4:15pm - We circle up together around the fire to share songs, stories of our days, whittle, roast marshmallows, and ask questions to ponder. Teachers present materials and tools that are available for the children's use during their forest play time. If anyone is interested in going for a hike, we grab walking sticks and head out. This time belongs to the children and teachers are available as supportive guides and resources.  

5:15pm - A pack howl at the moon marks the end of our time together as parents arrive taking their Coyote home happy, healthy, and dirty!

2021-2022 Sessions

Mondays 3:45-5:15pm

​

FALL:

$320 per session (8 classes)

September 13 - November 8

Class is FULL -
Please contact us to be placed on the Waitlist. 

• ​children who are not enrolled in our Primary School are welcome and encouraged to attend Coyote Club after their regular day program

• 100% outside, in all weather

• Coyote Club is held at our home campus in Hopewell, NJ.

• Face coverings are not required outside however we respect and honor family preference in this regard.  If we need to come inside the building at any point due to hazardous weather, etc., all unvaccinated individuals will be required to wear face coverings in accordance with current CDC guidelines.

• Our complete COVID19 protocols can be found here.