FAQ
What does a day look like?
You can expect the daily rythm to look like this:
10am Drop off, Sign-in Time, Free Play
10:45am Morning Gathering Circle
Drumming, Singing and Movement
Gratitude Practice
Environmental/Sensory Awareness Practice
Group Game
11am Hike and Exploration
Child led wanderings
Spontaneous games and activities
Observation and Interaction with nature, plants, creatures, etc.
Foraging
11:45 Snack and Story
We will provide a nourishing snack for your child
12:00 Sit Spots
Through our program, your child will find and choose a quiet spot in nature to return to each day to build an intimate relationship with a place in the forest and the creatures, plants, and changes that happen within that space. They will share time here observing, drawing, writing, listening, focusing their attention, and sitting in quiet meditation.
12:15pm Focused Activities
Individual and/or group based activities
Examples may include artistic projects, whittling, collaborative projects, foraging, gathering firewood, tracking, map-making, survival skills, making tea or food, and so much more!
12:45am Group Fire Building
Each day we will work together to find a suitable and safe fire location. We will then gather kindling, fire-starter, and wood to get a fire going.
1pm Lunch around the Fire
Munching
Making (kid-harvested) tea from our forest findings
1:30pm Closing Circle and Free Play
Sharing and Gratitude Practice
Song and Story
2:00pm Pickup and Farewell
what about "bad weather"
The idea that we shouldn't go outside because of unfavorable weather is really something that we see more here in the United States than anywhere else. If you look at many European countries, you'll find that they have what we would call bad weather more than they have clear skies. If they waited for only the nice days to go outside, they would rarely get out. It is natural and beneficial to be out in the rain, snow, cold and hot days... As they say, "there's no such thing as bad weather.. only bad clothing/gear choices". See the "What to Wear" section for our recommendations.
However, there are times when the risks outweigh the benefits of being outside such as during lightning storms, severe cold, ice storms, severe wind, etc. and during these times, we will meet at an alternative location.
Why Nature School is the best choice for kids- Web Resources & Research Articles
Nature school provides a holistic approach with a focus on child-led learning in a relaxed, explorative and cooperative environment. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of schooling outside are countless. This way of learning fosters and promotes creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, encourages risk and self assessment, independence, reduced stress, social bonding and a deep connection to our beloved planet.
Furthermore, "Nature is a great equalizer. It provides an intriguing learning platform for learners of all abilities. From children who may struggle with attention challenges and a beautifully full reserve of energy to those looking for a greater academic challenge, all typically find increased enthusiasm for learning in a nature-based environment – leading to happy children and the development of lifelong learners and engaged citizens". (https://theriveredgeschool.org/faqs/)
Since nature school has been so successful in European countries, there has been a lot of scientific research to document the positive outcomes of nature- based learning, some of which you can find in the links below.
Benefits of Outdoor Education- Natural Resources Foundation WI
Children & Nature- Peer Reviewed Studies
when & where do we meet?
OAKS (ANY AGE W/ CAREGIVER)
FRIDAY'S 10-1pm
BALD MOUNTAIN STATE PARK & VARIOUS OTHER TRAILS IN THE OAKLAND COUNTY AREA
CEDARS (Ages 3-8)
TUESDAY- THURSDAY 10-2pm
BALD MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Pricing
Our Family Friday "Oaks" program is $10 per family/per session.
Our Monday- Thursday "Cedars" program is a sliding scale based on # of days attending and income. See the programs page for more tuition information.
Please see our events calendar/sign- up for summer camps and pricing for miscellaneous programs.
What About safety?
Safety is of the utmost importance to us and for this reason, all teachers & leaders are First Aid/CPR certified and trained in risk assessment. We always keep a first aid kit on hand and teach the kids about the things to look out for while in the woods. Of course, injury comes with the territory.
We strive to maintain a healthy balance of overall safety while allowing the children to take risks. It is both physically and emotionally stimulating for children to take risks. Children often prefer risky play where their abilities and physical strength are tested. It not only empowers them but it also teaches them risk assessment and healthy independence. We encourage this important behavior by helping kids make self-observation and tune into their own senses. An example of how we would encourage risky play while maintaining safety would be: if a child was picking up a rock and about to throw it, we might say "before you throw that rock, what do you need to look out for?" or if a child was climbing a tree and got stuck, we might help them by saying "try moving your foot to that thick branch". The idea is to give guidance without undermining their innate abilities.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please contact us. Some opportunities may include:
Monitoring littles
Providing snacks/lunch
Helping to teach a specific skill
Field trip help
Anything else you feel will be beneficial!
GEAR
We strongly recommend children come in clothes that you don't mind them getting exceptionally dirty in. Also, please remember that it is better to be over dressed for the weather than under.
The list below is our recommendation but you don't need to go out and buy everything brand new all at once.. there are many gently used on Facebook marketplace and we may have extras to lend. Although, good quality outdoor gear is a great investment as many will last multiple seasons as hand-me-downs. The Outdoor School Shop has great clothing and resources such as this layering guide .
ALL SEASONS CHECKLIST
Light Backpack
Water bottle
Lunch
Any important medications
Extra change of clothes
SPRING/FALL CHECKLIST
We highly recommend a rain suit or coverall like this one to go over all clothes. You can find these used on Facebook marketplace and we might have a few to borrow. Rain shell pants/bibs or a Rain/Shell jacket is a fine alternative- though the shell pants and jackets tend to be more durable and breathable
Rain or shell mittens
Rain hat or hood is fine but visibility is often better with a hat vs. hood
Rain boots/ mucks boots
Wool socks
Base layers- wool or high-tech poly or function fleece- cotton not recommended
WINTER CHECKLIST
Well- Insulated waterproof snow jacket & pants or a one-piece insulated waterproof snowsuit can be more convenient and in many cases, warmer.
Insulated Waterproof snow mittens or gloves
Wool socks
Winter hat
Insulated waterproof snow boots
Base layers- wool or high-tech poly or function fleece- cotton not recommended
SUMMER CHECKLIST
Sunscreen or UV blocking clothes
Summer hat and glasses if your child prefers them
Wool socks recommended - will wick sweat
Depending on activity, we might ask you to bring coverall or long pants