Forest Play is an outdoor, nature-based program for 3-5 year olds, providing your child with the opportunity to be outdoors in a facilitated space where participants have the freedom to engage with the environment and their peers through curiosity and exploration. We meet rain, snow, or shine. Our Friday winter session will run for six weeks, beginning Friday, January 2,7 and ending Friday, March 3.
At the core of each day is both structure and freedom. We provide a daily rhythm (see below) with ample room for freedom and exploration. This framework supports your child in continual development of the values of kindness, creativity, curiosity and stewardship, as well as the physical development of fine and gross motor skills. The consistent outdoor time also helps support your child’s overall health and well-being.
Program Details
SOEI Youth Program staff Katherine Jenkins, Clair Emmons and Annalee Mott will be the Forest Play facilitators this winter. Katherine and Clair have a combined thirty years of experience working with youth and have also trained with the Forest School Institute. Annalee Mott is a senior at Northland College who has worked with our Forest Play pilot programs and has a gift and passion for working with young people! Please contact us with any questions.
Daily Rhythm
10 a.m. | Drop off at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute |
10:00–10:15 a.m. | Exploration and Play |
10:15 a.m. | Welcome Circle |
10:25 a.m. | Wander, Wonder, and Explore |
11 a.m. | Reading and Snacks |
11:20 a.m. | Wander, Wonder, and Explore |
11:50 a.m. | Closing Circle |
12 p.m. | Parent/Guardian Pick-up at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute |
Requirements
We do expect that your child is out of diapers and potty-trained.
Contact
Please contact Youth Outreach Educator Katherine Jenkins with any questions at kjenkins@northland.edu or by calling 715-682-1853.