Forest School Camp focuses on learner-led outdoor play that encourages curiosity and exploration. We observe and support children in their chosen forms of play, allowing children to develop confidence and independence as well as internal motivation to learn. Explorers build interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. They also build spatial and motor development. Our forest school focuses highly on the social and emotional aspects of learning. Guides help students assess risks and benefits so their decisions are always informed. Explorers will learn about nature and the world around them through hands on experiences! Class facilitates open-ended, all-ages mixed play! Our group meets in Thousand Oaks. 6-12 years old.
Dress for mess! Restrooms accessible. Bring a backpack, plenty of water, snacks & lunch (nut free), sunscreen/bug spray, and extra shoes/socks or water shoes. We will only explore creeks that are ankle deep for bridge building, boat making, crawdad/frog hunting activities (Catch & release.)
About the teachers: Livescanned , CPR certified coaches with degrees in education, child development, biology and kinesiology. Ample experience working outdoors with young children. We are licensed & insured.
M-F | Week-to-week
9am-12pm
9am-3pm
FAQ’s
Forest School Suggested Supply List
Please send ALL items and clothing labeled with your child's name each day.
Drop-off
We are unable to accommodate parents joining the class but many families have found it helpful to arrive early to spend a little extra time.
Late Pick-Up Policy
Pickup is 12pm or 3pm depending on your program. The fee for late pickup is $5 for every 5 minutes after the designated pick-up time. Minutes will be rounded up to the nearest 5 minutes. Fees will be billed by the office and are due electronically before your child's next scheduled class.
Extreme Weather Protocol:
The very nature of our outdoor program immerses us in our environment and exposes us to the elements. Although natural disasters are few and far between, we understand the importance of preparedness, especially while mentoring your child in nature. We have developed policies and protocols to ensure your child’s safety should we experience extreme weather during class time.
When making decisions around relocation, closures/reopening classes due to extreme weather/climate incidents we refer to NOAA, Weather Underground, Air Now, and the Air Now Fire and Smoke map. We will do our best to notify families of any class changes immediately but will notify families by 8am. Any changes made 24 hours prior to the start of class time will be emailed to families. If we need to make any changes within 24 hours to the start of the class the mentors and support staff will make phone calls/send texts to alert you of last-minute changes. Staff must always have a working and charged cell phone while at Forest School.
Heavy Rains, Low Temperatures & Wind:
Our location will be moved indoors when there is a combination of any of the following two weather conditions: low temperatures, high winds, and persistent rains. For extreme weather conditions we also follow the Weather Guidelines for Children chart most commonly used in Forest Schools throughout the country. Please note that our indoor location may be at a different, yet local community center, depending on classroom availability.
Bathroom Procedure:
We use public restrooms when they are available and always supervise children. We will make frequent restroom breaks and encourage children to attempt potty. If the urge arises and there is no close bathroom, children may choose to utilize “nature potty” (nature potty technique: “pants to knees, legs apart, squat like a frog”.) We will provide children with privacy, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a discrete baggy to place used tissue (in an effort to leave no trace protecting the environment and its visitors.) We have found that children as young as three get the hang of nature potty with little practice.
Cancellation Policy
We are unable to provide refunds or offer makeups for cancellations or absences. If we cancel a class for any reason families who pay out of pocket will receive a 100% refund. We will do our best to work with our partnered charter schools to provide refunds for families utilizing charter school funds. It is the responsibility of the account holder to notify the Administrative Office of any cancellations.
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