We are excited to partner with Oxford Virtual Academy (OVA) for our third year, offering a unique nature-based learning experience to families in our community! This program is fully funded by Oxford Public Schools and is open to families both within and outside the Oxford district. To participate through OVA, students must first register with Oxford Virtual Academy.

Families not enrolled in OVA are also welcome to join through our self-pay option, provided their child meets the program's age requirements. Self-pay students will participate in our in-person sessions but will not have access to the online learning component. See pricing below.

A New Season of Exploration

Over the past few years, we've made incredible memories exploring the forests, trails, and hidden treasures of Bald Mountain State Recreation Area. As we enter our Spring semester, we're excited to turn a new leaf! We'll be gathering at Oakland Hills Farm & Garden and venturing into the northern reaches of Bald Mountain, discovering new landscapes, habitats, and opportunities for adventure together.

At Friend of the Woods, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are free to wonder, explore, and follow their curiosity. Our child-led, emergent curriculum grows naturally from the children's interests, seasonal rhythms, and discoveries we make along the way. Rather than following a rigid lesson plan, we embrace the unexpected—allowing questions, observations, and shared experiences to guide our learning.

Our hybrid program combines weekly online learning with hands-on outdoor experiences. Through nature-based activities, experiments, outdoor skills, creative exploration, and stewardship projects, children deepen their understanding of the natural world while building confidence, friendships, and a meaningful sense of belonging.

Every season brings something new to discover, and we can't wait to see where curiosity leads us next!

Course description: Friend of the Woods Nature School Program provides opportunities for families to engage deeply with the natural world and its ever-changing cycles in order to develop playful and reciprocal relationships with the earth and the communities we are a part of. Within this course, students will develop an understanding and relationship to the earth and its living and non-living inhabitants, including trees, weather, insects, animals, water, fungi, plants, and minerals. Students will learn a variety of useful outdoor living skills such as firekeeping, shelter building, foraging, wildcrafting, and orienteering. Students will be encouraged to develop a deep awareness of their inner and outer worlds, to facilitate growth in a holistic way that is rooted in nature, connection to community, pursuing passions, imagination and creativity, and curious observation. Our in-person meetings will be held 100% outdoors in all types of weather at Bald Mountain State Park- see our Weather FAQ page here.

Meeting Times: 

Elementary (K-5)

Friday 10am - 12pm

Friday 12pm - 2pm

Middle School (6-8)

Friday 12 - 2pm