Child Of The Wild

Homeschool Enrichment Forest School Program

Explore the wonders of nature thru play and hands-on activities that encourage creativity and observation while introducing children to the joys of learning about the natural world and universe.

WHO:
*Children ages 7-11 (must be 7 by September 01, 2024)

WHEN:
Fall 2024 thru Spring 2025
September – May
Fridays 11:00am-3:00pm
(up to 10 sessions each season)

WHERE:
5 Rivers Delta Center
Spanish Fort, AL

HOW MUCH:
$150 /season /child

WHAT:
Homeschool enrichment forest school program at which children will be free to play and explore at their own pace. In addition to lots of free play, participants will explore nature through hands-on STEAM activities and investigation of new discoveries as they arise. Children will be introduced to a variety of outdoor education, skills, crafts, and tools.

With a growing concern that today’s children are deprived of nature immersion experiences, our aim is to provide those experiences and reconnect children to the natural world. Our focus is on child-led free play and learning in the natural environment so the children develop a connection to the land, wildlife, and each other, as well as come to know themselves better. The natural environment provides opportunities that challenge, develop persistence and resilience, and offer the chance to make thoughtful decisions about safety and risk.

We view children as competent, capable and curious learners and hope to create a setting where we all learn together; sharing both knowledge and experience equally. We practice play-based and inquiry-based learning in which we observe, document and plan according to the children’s interests and developmental needs.

Key Principles of our Approach:
•Child-led
•Play-based
•Emergent curriculum
•Environmental stewardship
•Nature immersion in a variety of weather
•Respect for ourselves, each other, and the environment
•Study of the natural world and local habitats
•Participation of children in decision making which affects them individually and collectively.

Keeping with the forest school ethos, this is a long term program which takes place regularly and frequently rather than as one off events. We meet at the same woodland location across seasons throughout the year. Over time, children are able to become familiar with the environment and develop a connection with the land.

Outdoor learning opportunities allow children to experience the environment under a variety of conditions. Our programs take place rain or shine; however, we may cancel for severe weather such as lightning storms, flooding, wind, tornado warnings, hurricane warnings, ice, or snow. Should the need arise, we will cancel class as early as possible to give parents/caregivers time to properly plan. We will reserve an additional Friday near the end of each season to use as a make up day if needed.

SUPPLIES:
Daily, each child should bring a small backpack including a filled water bottle, hand towel, change of clothes, and a lunch box packed with lunch/snacks. At times, we will provide supplies such as digging tools, blocks, rocks, chalk, and more. Please do not bring toys from home.

PAYMENTS:
Payment is due in advance of each month. The first payment of $50/month for this program will be due on or before August 31, 2024. We use automatic payments to facilitate monthly billing via Paypal (PayPal.me/childowild) Once registered, if there is a space available for your child, you will receive instructions for setting up your automatic monthly billing.

Notes:
*[As Nature Explorers is a drop-off program, children must be toilet proficient; be able to stay in a group and follow instructions; and show respect towards peers, leaders, nature, and property. Children not meeting these requirements are welcome to apply for our parent participatory programs – more info: childofthewild.us/programs]

*[Spaces are limited. Enrollment applications are processed on a first come, first served basis with the exception that key ages may be given priority at our discretion.]

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN