Outdoor Education Programs

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Outdoor Education Programs for Children in VA and SC

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Catawba, VA
- Catawba Staff
- Catawba Fees
Fincastle, VA
- Farm School Staff
- Farm School Fees
Palmyra, VA
- Palmyra Staff
- Palmyra Fees
Travelers Rest, SC
Info for Parents
2025 Summer Camps
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Open Enrollment for the '25-'26 school year starts Wednesday, March 12!

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Travelers Rest, SC

2025 Summer Camps

TAKE • LEARNING • OUTSIDE 🌱

With four VFS locations, some of the greatest learning opportunities have happened outside of the traditional classroom walls

📍 Catawba, VA
📍 Fincastle, VA
📍 Palmyra, VA
📍 Traveler's Rest, SC

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #forestschool #outdoorlearning #getoutside #farmschool #nature

TAKE • LEARNING • OUTSIDE 🌱

With four VFS locations, some of the greatest learning opportunities have happened outside of the traditional classroom walls

📍 Catawba, VA
📍 Fincastle, VA
📍 Palmyra, VA
📍 Traveler's Rest, SC

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #forestschool #outdoorlearning #getoutside #farmschool #nature

🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷

Tilly recently welcomed seven little piggies and we are beyond excited to have them join us at the Farm 🐖

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #nature #farmschool #piglet #farmeducation #farmlife

🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷🐷

Tilly recently welcomed seven little piggies and we are beyond excited to have them join us at the Farm 🐖

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #nature #farmschool #piglet #farmeducation #farmlife

Bring on the April showers ☔

#optoutside #outdooreducation #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorlearning #outdoorclassroom #nature #getoutside #farmschool

Bring on the April showers ☔

#optoutside #outdooreducation #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorlearning #outdoorclassroom #nature #getoutside #farmschool

Hop into Spring🐇

We hope that everyone is enjoying their spring break!

📸: Ms.Cedar

Hop into Spring🐇

We hope that everyone is enjoying their spring break!

📸: Ms.Cedar

Campfire cooking competition 🔥

Our Forest friends wrapped up their campfire cooking unit with a competition that included mystery ingredients, a timed window to prep and cook, and celebrity judges (aka the Seedlings)

Which dish would you vote for?

Campfire cooking competition 🔥

Our Forest friends wrapped up their campfire cooking unit with a competition that included mystery ingredients, a timed window to prep and cook, and celebrity judges (aka the Seedlings)

Which dish would you vote for?

Open Enrollment 🌱

For families ready to be considered for VFS, open enrollment is just two days away!

Please visit our Parent Portal for FAQs and reach out to us if you have any additional questions.

Open Enrollment 🌱

For families ready to be considered for VFS, open enrollment is just two days away!

Please visit our Parent Portal for FAQs and reach out to us if you have any additional questions.

Some new additions to VFS 🐥🐐

Yesterday, Farm School celebrated the arrival of some sweet baby chicks and twin kids- the children eagerly pitched in to assist in making sure these babies were taken care of.

Some new additions to VFS 🐥🐐

Yesterday, Farm School celebrated the arrival of some sweet baby chicks and twin kids- the children eagerly pitched in to assist in making sure these babies were taken care of.

Have a SOUPer weekend!

This past week, our Forrest Friends worked together to make a hearty Stone Soup over the fire and it was just what we needed to warm our bodies from the chilly temps.

🔥 If they're craving more campfire cuisine, be sure to sign up for Cooking Camp offered at Palmyra, VA and Catawba, VA from June 9-11, 2025.

COOKING • CAMP

Use the forest and fire to create incredible meals over the fire for this cooking camp! Students will learn to properly use different kitchen utensils to craft delicious meals that include foods they forage in the woods. They make their own healthy and kid-approved lunch every day!

Register for summer camp classes in the Parent Portal- link in bio!

Have a SOUPer weekend!

This past week, our Forrest Friends worked together to make a hearty Stone Soup over the fire and it was just what we needed to warm our bodies from the chilly temps.

🔥 If they're craving more campfire cuisine, be sure to sign up for Cooking Camp offered at Palmyra, VA and Catawba, VA from June 9-11, 2025.

COOKING • CAMP

Use the forest and fire to create incredible meals over the fire for this cooking camp! Students will learn to properly use different kitchen utensils to craft delicious meals that include foods they forage in the woods. They make their own healthy and kid-approved lunch every day!

Register for summer camp classes in the Parent Portal- link in bio!

IT'S A GOOD DAY TO HAVE A GOOD DAY 🌞🌨️🌀🌦️

Here at VFS, all programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion which means we get to experience the changing seasons and everything it has to offer- snowy hillsides and all ❄️

#outdooreducation
#optoutside
#childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #snowday #nobaddays #freeplay

IT'S A GOOD DAY TO HAVE A GOOD DAY 🌞🌨️🌀🌦️

Here at VFS, all programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion which means we get to experience the changing seasons and everything it has to offer- snowy hillsides and all ❄️

#outdooreducation
#optoutside
#childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #snowday #nobaddays #freeplay

WOOL you be my Valentine? 🐑💕

#farmschool #natureschool #outsideclassroom #lambs #optoutside

WOOL you be my Valentine? 🐑💕

#farmschool #natureschool #outsideclassroom #lambs #optoutside

SNOW•DAY ❄️

Hope everyone's staying warm + having snow much fun playing ☃️

SNOW•DAY ❄️

Hope everyone's staying warm + having snow much fun playing ☃️

WELCOME • BACK 🌿

Scenes from a wonderful first week back at VFS- we're looking forward to the Spring session with our Farm and Forest friends 🍃

WELCOME • BACK 🌿

Scenes from a wonderful first week back at VFS- we're looking forward to the Spring session with our Farm and Forest friends 🍃

OPEN • HOUSE

If you've been curious about our VFS programs, here's your chance to visit and experience a morning in the forest or the farm.

Catawba,VA • Feb 24
Palmyra,VA • Feb 27

Fincastle,VA • March 6
Traveler's Rest,SC • March 10

Things to note:

🍄‍🟫 Attending an Open House is recommended but not required
🍄‍🟫 While our Open House events are free, registration is required- visit our Parent Portal to sign up
🍄‍🟫 All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion- please dress appropriately
🍄 New enrollment opens to the public on March 12, 2025

#optoutside #natureschool #raisethemwild #natureschooling #outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation

OPEN • HOUSE

If you've been curious about our VFS programs, here's your chance to visit and experience a morning in the forest or the farm.

Catawba,VA • Feb 24
Palmyra,VA • Feb 27

Fincastle,VA • March 6
Traveler's Rest,SC • March 10

Things to note:

🍄‍🟫 Attending an Open House is recommended but not required
🍄‍🟫 While our Open House events are free, registration is required- visit our Parent Portal to sign up
🍄‍🟫 All VFS programs are 100% outdoors in total nature immersion- please dress appropriately
🍄 New enrollment opens to the public on March 12, 2025

#optoutside #natureschool #raisethemwild #natureschooling #outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation

Need a reason to look forward to Spring?

Traveler's Rest Forest Sprouts Spring Session 1 is now open for enrollment! For those considering Forest School, this 7 week parent and child class is one of the best ways to get your feet wet.

Expect your little one to:

🖐🏻 create mudpies
👂🏻 listen to great stories
🔥 help build a fire
🍄 forage for wild foods
👣 jump in a mud puddle
☕ help make tea and hot cocoa over the fire
🌱 make new friends

🏵️ February 5- March 19
🏵️ Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sign up on the Parent Portal on our website (link in bio)

Need a reason to look forward to Spring?

Traveler's Rest Forest Sprouts Spring Session 1 is now open for enrollment! For those considering Forest School, this 7 week parent and child class is one of the best ways to get your feet wet.

Expect your little one to:

🖐🏻 create mudpies
👂🏻 listen to great stories
🔥 help build a fire
🍄 forage for wild foods
👣 jump in a mud puddle
☕ help make tea and hot cocoa over the fire
🌱 make new friends

🏵️ February 5- March 19
🏵️ Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sign up on the Parent Portal on our website (link in bio)

• CHRISTMAS TEA •

Merry Christmas Eve friends! If you're looking for something cozy to drink this winter, here's our recipe for Christmas Tea our Forest friends made during their last week of school before winter break.

Christmas Tea:

🌲 Pine needles
🍒 Rose hip berries
🤎 Cinnamon
🍯 Honey or maple syrup

☕ Add pine needles, rose hip berries, and cinnamon to kettle, bring to a boil, simmer for 15 mins, pour into cups, add honey/ maple syrup, let it sit or add cold water to cool, enjoy with a side of ginger snaps 🤤

#outdooreducation #optoutside #forestschool #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #christmastea

• CHRISTMAS TEA •

Merry Christmas Eve friends! If you're looking for something cozy to drink this winter, here's our recipe for Christmas Tea our Forest friends made during their last week of school before winter break.

Christmas Tea:

🌲 Pine needles
🍒 Rose hip berries
🤎 Cinnamon
🍯 Honey or maple syrup

☕ Add pine needles, rose hip berries, and cinnamon to kettle, bring to a boil, simmer for 15 mins, pour into cups, add honey/ maple syrup, let it sit or add cold water to cool, enjoy with a side of ginger snaps 🤤

#outdooreducation #optoutside #forestschool #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #christmastea

NATURE • JOURNAL

I noticed the mushroom on our walk...🍄
I wonder what kind of bird that is...🐦‍⬛
It reminds me of a leaf I saw at Grandma's house...🌿

Nature journaling can foster many thoughts in our students- ones that we hope will spark their interest and curiosity about the environment around them.

📍VFS
Travelers Rest, SC

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #forestschool #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #naturelovers #naturejournal #naturejournalingwithkids

NATURE • JOURNAL

I noticed the mushroom on our walk...🍄
I wonder what kind of bird that is...🐦‍⬛
It reminds me of a leaf I saw at Grandma's house...🌿

Nature journaling can foster many thoughts in our students- ones that we hope will spark their interest and curiosity about the environment around them.

📍VFS
Travelers Rest, SC

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #forestschool #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside #naturelovers #naturejournal #naturejournalingwithkids

WINTER • CELEBRATION

What a beautiful week we've had to celebrate Winter and the last week of VFS before winter break. Friends, big and small, worked together to build a fire to make Christmas Tea that we enjoyed with some gingersnaps. The Oaks also showed off their whittling skills and created gnomes for their little friends to take home.

To all of our teachers and students- thank you for another wonderful Fall session. We hope you all have a restful break and we look forward to seeing everyone in February!

#natureschool
#outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation #outdoorlearning #blueridgemoments #optoutside #nature #wintercelebration #childhoodunplugged #naturelovers #learningthroughplay #learnwithnature

WINTER • CELEBRATION

What a beautiful week we've had to celebrate Winter and the last week of VFS before winter break. Friends, big and small, worked together to build a fire to make Christmas Tea that we enjoyed with some gingersnaps. The Oaks also showed off their whittling skills and created gnomes for their little friends to take home.

To all of our teachers and students- thank you for another wonderful Fall session. We hope you all have a restful break and we look forward to seeing everyone in February!

#natureschool
#outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation #outdoorlearning #blueridgemoments #optoutside #nature #wintercelebration #childhoodunplugged #naturelovers #learningthroughplay #learnwithnature

• MUD KITCHEN •

While this is the perfect place to whip up some pancakes or a pot of stone soup with your friends, it's also where you learn to communicate your thoughts and ideas, where you can practice scooping and pouring, and where you can create the most delicious dish your teacher ever tasted 😋

Additional benefits include:

🖐🏻Sensory experiences
👯‍♂️Social skills:
😊 Confidence
💪🏻Immune systems
🌱 Respect for nature

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #forestschool #natureschool #blueridgemoments #outdoorclassroom #mudkitchen #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside

• MUD KITCHEN •

While this is the perfect place to whip up some pancakes or a pot of stone soup with your friends, it's also where you learn to communicate your thoughts and ideas, where you can practice scooping and pouring, and where you can create the most delicious dish your teacher ever tasted 😋

Additional benefits include:

🖐🏻Sensory experiences
👯‍♂️Social skills:
😊 Confidence
💪🏻Immune systems
🌱 Respect for nature

#outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #forestschool #natureschool #blueridgemoments #outdoorclassroom #mudkitchen #outdoorlearning #nature #getoutside

ROSE • THORN • BUD

"My rose is being here"
"My thorn is getting scratched"
"My bud is coming back and playing with my friends"

After a full morning of exploring, playing and learning, the group comes together again for their afternoon Circle Time. It's a wonderful time to reconnect and recall the mornings activities- it's also a time when they share their rose, thorn and bud for the day. Not only are we learning to be better listeners, we are also learning how to practice gratitude, how to be present and how to find the good in each day.

What is your rose, thorn, bud for today?

📍 Valley Forest School
Palmyra, VA

#outdooreducation #optoutside
#childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #getoutside #rosethornbud

ROSE • THORN • BUD

"My rose is being here"
"My thorn is getting scratched"
"My bud is coming back and playing with my friends"

After a full morning of exploring, playing and learning, the group comes together again for their afternoon Circle Time. It's a wonderful time to reconnect and recall the mornings activities- it's also a time when they share their rose, thorn and bud for the day. Not only are we learning to be better listeners, we are also learning how to practice gratitude, how to be present and how to find the good in each day.

What is your rose, thorn, bud for today?

📍 Valley Forest School
Palmyra, VA

#outdooreducation #optoutside
#childhoodunplugged #natureschool #forestschool #outdoorclassroom #outdoorlearning #getoutside #rosethornbud

We could say:

"Put that down."
"Stop playing with the chicken feet!"
"That's gross."

Or we could let him learn through direct contact about the anatomy of a chicken's foot- how it bends at the joints, the texture of the skin, the small muscles and tendons, and sharpness of the claws.

It felt like divine timing to butcher chickens this week at farm school with the news of Joel Salatin from @polyfacefarm taking a position on the USDA board. He's been a founding father of regenerative agriculture and our students raise chickens based on his pastured poultry methods! 🐔

#farmschool #outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #outdoorclassroom #polyfacefarm #farmlife #meatchickens #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #virginiaisforlovers

We could say:

"Put that down."
"Stop playing with the chicken feet!"
"That's gross."

Or we could let him learn through direct contact about the anatomy of a chicken's foot- how it bends at the joints, the texture of the skin, the small muscles and tendons, and sharpness of the claws.

It felt like divine timing to butcher chickens this week at farm school with the news of Joel Salatin from @polyfacefarm taking a position on the USDA board. He's been a founding father of regenerative agriculture and our students raise chickens based on his pastured poultry methods! 🐔

#farmschool #outdooreducation #optoutside #childhoodunplugged #outdoorclassroom #polyfacefarm #farmlife #meatchickens #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #virginiaisforlovers

One of our goals this year was for every Farm School teacher to gain extra confidence handling the animals 🐏 Why not have a little fun with it and play Animal Catching Bingo?! If only I kept track of the number of times I asked, "Where's Mrs. Sunflower and Mrs. Chicory?" only to see them sneaking off in efforts to pull ahead and catch another on their list 🐓 Congrats, Mrs. Sunflower! You have been crowned the Animal Catcher of the year 🏆

One of our goals this year was for every Farm School teacher to gain extra confidence handling the animals 🐏 Why not have a little fun with it and play Animal Catching Bingo?! If only I kept track of the number of times I asked, "Where's Mrs. Sunflower and Mrs. Chicory?" only to see them sneaking off in efforts to pull ahead and catch another on their list 🐓 Congrats, Mrs. Sunflower! You have been crowned the Animal Catcher of the year 🏆

Is this really what we get to do as our job?! Hurricane Helene has us cozy inside today, but we'll be back ready for our students next week!

#forestschool #natureschool #outdooreducation #optoutside #outdoorlearning #childhoodunplugged #outdoorclassroom #nature #getoutside #hurricanehelene #farmschool #teacher #instructor #outdooreducator #educator #play #stafftraining

Is this really what we get to do as our job?! Hurricane Helene has us cozy inside today, but we'll be back ready for our students next week!

#forestschool #natureschool #outdooreducation #optoutside #outdoorlearning #childhoodunplugged #outdoorclassroom #nature #getoutside #hurricanehelene #farmschool #teacher #instructor #outdooreducator #educator #play #stafftraining

Fast forward 70 years- "When I was a kid, my parents dropped me off in the woods with some rain gear and a backpack. My teachers took me on a nature walk through the woods where we found a muddy bank. My teacher said- 'It's your turn, Milo!' I sat down in the squishy mud, looked at my friends, closed my eyes, and slid all the way to the bottom. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by the laughter of children among the trees and I hopped right up to do it again. We slid down that muddy bank over and over until we could slide no longer and it was time to go home. My mother picked me up and didn't scold me, but instead said, 'It looks like you had the best day ever.'" 🌧️❤️

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #wildschooling #outdoorplay #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #muddy #outdoorkids #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #rainyday #playbasedlearning #forestschoolideas #learningthroughnature #forestschools #naturelovers #education #outdoorclassroom

Fast forward 70 years- "When I was a kid, my parents dropped me off in the woods with some rain gear and a backpack. My teachers took me on a nature walk through the woods where we found a muddy bank. My teacher said- 'It's your turn, Milo!' I sat down in the squishy mud, looked at my friends, closed my eyes, and slid all the way to the bottom. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by the laughter of children among the trees and I hopped right up to do it again. We slid down that muddy bank over and over until we could slide no longer and it was time to go home. My mother picked me up and didn't scold me, but instead said, 'It looks like you had the best day ever.'" 🌧️❤️

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #wildschooling #outdoorplay #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #muddy #outdoorkids #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #rainyday #playbasedlearning #forestschoolideas #learningthroughnature #forestschools #naturelovers #education #outdoorclassroom

The farm lost a beloved friend 💔 It won't be the same without him this year. Rest in peace, Tito 🙏🏼🐷

#farmschool #farmlife #homeschooling #community #natureschool #homeschool #nature #handsonlearning #outdoorschool #farm #outdoorlearning #forestschool #lifeskills #farmschooling #farmkids #homestead #play #outdoorexperientialeducation #fincastleva #woodsdale

The farm lost a beloved friend 💔 It won't be the same without him this year. Rest in peace, Tito 🙏🏼🐷

#farmschool #farmlife #homeschooling #community #natureschool #homeschool #nature #handsonlearning #outdoorschool #farm #outdoorlearning #forestschool #lifeskills #farmschooling #farmkids #homestead #play #outdoorexperientialeducation #fincastleva #woodsdale

Child-led education 🌿 What does this really mean for our classes? The concept is simple, but is actually really complex. It takes a well experienced instructor to balance following a curriculum and simultaneously be child-led.

What it's NOT:
-an unorganized free for all
-students do whatever they want whenever they want
-no lesson plans or boundaries

What it IS:
-A daily rhythm that can be adjusted based on opportunities that arise
-Instructors on high alert to meet the needs of their students
-A day "planned for more, but satisfied with less"

"Planned for more"- instructor has planned ahead to facilitate games, educational opportunities, extra read aloud chapters, longer hike, etc.

"Satisfied with less"- Have the discernment to know when a class might need a lower key day OR the plans change based on opportunities that arise.

When the goal of education is a love of learning, the outcome is a beautiful balance of organization and spontaneity ✨

#childhoodunplugged #forestschool #farmschool #outdoorkids #outdooreducator #outdooreducation #optoutside #natureschool #thechildisthecurriculum #childledlearning #adventure #primitiveskills #farmlife #nosuchthingasbadweather #palmyra #travelersrest #yeahthatgreenville #fincastleva #catawba #virginiaisfornaturelovers

Child-led education 🌿 What does this really mean for our classes? The concept is simple, but is actually really complex. It takes a well experienced instructor to balance following a curriculum and simultaneously be child-led.

What it's NOT:
-an unorganized free for all
-students do whatever they want whenever they want
-no lesson plans or boundaries

What it IS:
-A daily rhythm that can be adjusted based on opportunities that arise
-Instructors on high alert to meet the needs of their students
-A day "planned for more, but satisfied with less"

"Planned for more"- instructor has planned ahead to facilitate games, educational opportunities, extra read aloud chapters, longer hike, etc.

"Satisfied with less"- Have the discernment to know when a class might need a lower key day OR the plans change based on opportunities that arise.

When the goal of education is a love of learning, the outcome is a beautiful balance of organization and spontaneity ✨

#childhoodunplugged #forestschool #farmschool #outdoorkids #outdooreducator #outdooreducation #optoutside #natureschool #thechildisthecurriculum #childledlearning #adventure #primitiveskills #farmlife #nosuchthingasbadweather #palmyra #travelersrest #yeahthatgreenville #fincastleva #catawba #virginiaisfornaturelovers

Our instructors did an incredible job leading summer camps! We can't say thank you enough for your hard work investing in the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts 🍄

They're taking a much deserved break before returning for staff training. Every single one of these beautiful faces are returning, plus a few more and our awesome Palmyra crew! 🙌🏼

#thankyou #outdooreducator #lifelonglearner #forestschool #farmschool #wildschooling #naturelovers #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation

Our instructors did an incredible job leading summer camps! We can't say thank you enough for your hard work investing in the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts 🍄

They're taking a much deserved break before returning for staff training. Every single one of these beautiful faces are returning, plus a few more and our awesome Palmyra crew! 🙌🏼

#thankyou #outdooreducator #lifelonglearner #forestschool #farmschool #wildschooling #naturelovers #natureschool #outdoorclassroom #outdooreducation

"We decided to homeschool this year and really need community."

Our classes might be designed for children, but the community that is fostered is for the entire family. Don't be surprised when forest school families become your people- your kids grow up together, you chat throughout the week to support one another, you carpool(🙌🏼), and you live life together.

The parent community is grown through our special events like our season festivals and through drop off and pick up- which are always "get out of your car" style. It's amazing what great conversations take place in just 10 minutes while parents wait together for their child to be finished with their afternoon circle!

Yet at the same time, while your child is at forest school each week, you get a moment to breathe, plan, have time to yourself, get coffee with a friend, go for a hike, work, or whatever else you need to do in your time to yourself. There is zero required volunteer work from parents- you drop them off each week with what they need and their amazing instructors take it from there. Just remember to pick them up 5.5 hours later 😉

If this is what you need in this season, you might be in luck to get a last minute spot! Ready to commit? Click the link in bio to get started- classes begin in September!

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #outdooreducation #forest #homeschool #wildschooling #unschooling #homeschooling #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #yeahthatgreenville #virginiaisfornaturelovers #forestschoolskills #education #outdoorclassroom #farmschool #preschool #wildschooling #1000hoursoutside #palmyra #roanoke #blacksburg #fincastleva #travelersrest

"We decided to homeschool this year and really need community."

Our classes might be designed for children, but the community that is fostered is for the entire family. Don't be surprised when forest school families become your people- your kids grow up together, you chat throughout the week to support one another, you carpool(🙌🏼), and you live life together.

The parent community is grown through our special events like our season festivals and through drop off and pick up- which are always "get out of your car" style. It's amazing what great conversations take place in just 10 minutes while parents wait together for their child to be finished with their afternoon circle!

Yet at the same time, while your child is at forest school each week, you get a moment to breathe, plan, have time to yourself, get coffee with a friend, go for a hike, work, or whatever else you need to do in your time to yourself. There is zero required volunteer work from parents- you drop them off each week with what they need and their amazing instructors take it from there. Just remember to pick them up 5.5 hours later 😉

If this is what you need in this season, you might be in luck to get a last minute spot! Ready to commit? Click the link in bio to get started- classes begin in September!

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #outdooreducation #forest #homeschool #wildschooling #unschooling #homeschooling #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #yeahthatgreenville #virginiaisfornaturelovers #forestschoolskills #education #outdoorclassroom #farmschool #preschool #wildschooling #1000hoursoutside #palmyra #roanoke #blacksburg #fincastleva #travelersrest

Millipede Village 🌿 The name doesn't mean much to most people, but mention it to one of our Catawba Forest School students or instructors and watch their imagination come alive ✨

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #homeschool #wildschooling #outdoorplay #homeschooling #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #appalachianmountains #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #outdoorclassroom #appalachianmountains #virginiaisfornaturelovers

Millipede Village 🌿 The name doesn't mean much to most people, but mention it to one of our Catawba Forest School students or instructors and watch their imagination come alive ✨

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #homeschool #wildschooling #outdoorplay #homeschooling #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #appalachianmountains #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #outdoorclassroom #appalachianmountains #virginiaisfornaturelovers

We love our Sprouts classes! 🌱 Ages 0-3 get an intro to what it's like to be one of our students this fall 🍁

Your littlest Forest School explorers will:

🔥 Help make a fire
🧺 Forage and taste new wild plants
🌀 Practice beginner knife skills*
💦 Collect and purify water
🍵 Make foraged tea over the fire and drink it out of your VFS Yeti mug you'll take home the last class

At Farm School, our youngest farmers will:

🐐 Meet all the animals- horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits, cows(baby chicks, too!)
🐷 Feed the animals
🥕Harvest from the garden
🐇 Learn and play with hands on activities

Classes begin in September! See link in description to sign up at any of our locations 🌿

*with age appropriate tools and 1:1 supervision

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #wildschooling #outdoorplay #preschool #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #natureschooling #getoutside #farmschool #playbasedlearning #learningthroughnature #education #outdoorclassroom #fincastleva #roanoke #blacksburg #catawba #charlottesville #palmyra #travelersrest #yeahthatgreenville

We love our Sprouts classes! 🌱 Ages 0-3 get an intro to what it's like to be one of our students this fall 🍁

Your littlest Forest School explorers will:

🔥 Help make a fire
🧺 Forage and taste new wild plants
🌀 Practice beginner knife skills*
💦 Collect and purify water
🍵 Make foraged tea over the fire and drink it out of your VFS Yeti mug you'll take home the last class

At Farm School, our youngest farmers will:

🐐 Meet all the animals- horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits, cows(baby chicks, too!)
🐷 Feed the animals
🥕Harvest from the garden
🐇 Learn and play with hands on activities

Classes begin in September! See link in description to sign up at any of our locations 🌿

*with age appropriate tools and 1:1 supervision

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #wildschooling #outdoorplay #preschool #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #natureschooling #getoutside #farmschool #playbasedlearning #learningthroughnature #education #outdoorclassroom #fincastleva #roanoke #blacksburg #catawba #charlottesville #palmyra #travelersrest #yeahthatgreenville

Taking a brief pause in this summer heat to look forward to fire building when it's cold 🔥

Fire building is an integral part of the daily rhythm at forest school. Students build a fire every single day whether it's 90 degrees or 30 degrees and snowing.

New and younger students work together with their instructors as a team to get the fires going each day while older and more experienced students build the fire by themselves.

The fire is used for warmth, making teas, cooking lunch, baking, hand carved spoons, purifying water, making plant dyes, and a general morale boost on those frightfully cold winter days.

Rarely do they use matches and never do they use a lighter. Their primary fire starting method is using a ferro rod- a true skill to master.

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #homeschool #wildschooling #outdoorplay #homeschooling #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #playbasedlearning #forestschoolideas #learningthroughnature #forestschools #naturelovers #education #outdoorclassroom

Taking a brief pause in this summer heat to look forward to fire building when it's cold 🔥

Fire building is an integral part of the daily rhythm at forest school. Students build a fire every single day whether it's 90 degrees or 30 degrees and snowing.

New and younger students work together with their instructors as a team to get the fires going each day while older and more experienced students build the fire by themselves.

The fire is used for warmth, making teas, cooking lunch, baking, hand carved spoons, purifying water, making plant dyes, and a general morale boost on those frightfully cold winter days.

Rarely do they use matches and never do they use a lighter. Their primary fire starting method is using a ferro rod- a true skill to master.

#forestschool #nature #outdoorlearning #natureschool #natureplay #outdooreducation #forest #hoursoutside #naturekids #homeschool #wildschooling #outdoorplay #homeschooling #learningthroughplay #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoors #outdoorkids #exploringnaturewithchildren #natureschooling #getoutside #playbasedlearning #forestschoolideas #learningthroughnature #forestschools #naturelovers #education #outdoorclassroom

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