Forest School Pop-Ups, ages 3-7
held at least once a month @ local park or preserve on days when area schools are not in session
class size limited to 12 children with 2 adult guides
Forest School is an enrichment program that takes place entirely outdoors from 9am - 1pm OR 3pm for children ages 3-7 years old.
This program provides an opportunity for children in structured school environments to enjoy a day to be wild!
Homeschoolers are also encouraged to join us for outdoor adventures, kinship, and play.
Forest School provides children respite from the routines of everyday. We set up a rhythm that is both flexible and predictable allowing each child to feel comfortable and confident with the structure of the day. We let the children's needs, feelings, and energies be our guide as we move through transitions.
SAMPLE RHYTHM ~
9am - As the children arrive, we provide a variety of options to meet their needs based on their energy level, personality, and interests. If they are full of energy, we have nature games and suggested materials available for that. If they are feeling shy or not ready for big movement and engagement, and would prefer to sit quietly under a tree drawing, listening to the birds, or browsing books, we have space for that.
The start of our time together allows each child to connect with their surroundings and to each other as they settle into the day.
10am - We gather for a Welcome Circle where we light the candle, ring the singing bowl, and take four 'Sunshine Breaths'- signifying a silent moment of mindfulness that quiets our bodies and minds before sharing songs, greeting each other, enjoying a morning snack and a story. We discuss the rhythm of our day and prepare ourselves for adventure!
12:15pm - It's time for a well-deserved Lunch Break and Goodbye Circle before our 1pm Friends are picked up.
1:30pm - For the remainder of our time together, the children build off of their morning play through extended free play in the forest, bug hunting, animal tracking, climbing trees, learning a new skill such as knot tying, whittling, or building shelters, making journey sticks, or drawing maps.
2:45pm - We gather one last time for our Closing Circle before 3pm pick up where we reflect on the day together, say what we will remember, from our time spent under tall trees, and send a gently whispered "thank you" to the forest for giving us a safe place to play and to 'just be.'
2025-2026 Pop-Ups to date:
NOVEMBER: at Washington Crossing State Park, NJ
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Thursday, 6
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Friday, 7
DECEMBER: at Washington Crossing State Park, NJ
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TBD
100% outside, in all weather