Forest School

We are a nature-based program in Ventura, California, for ages 3-5 years old, combining play, exploration, and outdoor skill-building. Join us for our endless summer session as we tromp through woods, wade in creeks, explore dunes, hike, investigate marine life, paint alongside the sea, study rare plants and birds, and adventure along the California coastline. Using play and the environment as our main teacher, we learn science, mathematics, literature, yoga, mindfulness, art, tracking, craft, and more!

We meet various parks and nature preserves on the Central Coast. REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the Endless Summer Session (August 18-September 19). The Fall Session begins on the Equinox.

Full-time Mon- Friday (Drop off- 9 am, Pick up anytime between 2-2:30 pm)

Part-time Monday-Tuesday option or Wednesday, Thursday, Friday option

Pick-up and drop-off instructions will be given for each week of camp.

Our Teachers

Katie Whorrall, M.A.

Katie has 14 years in education and holds a Master of Arts in early childhood education from the University of Colorado. During her time in graduate school, she focused on the Reggio Emilia method and environmental education with young children. In 2022, she became a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) published author. Her research on children's connection to nature on several continents. For the past five years, she has been leading and directing schools in Montana that are Reggio-inspired and forest schools. A California native, she is excited to return to her home and lead our toddler program. She is trained in a mindfulness curriculum for children and holds RYT-200 Yoga Teacher certification.

Amanda Honda, M.A.

Amanda comes from an extensive early childhood education background, including experience as the director at the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School, teacher at a forest school, and years of experience working with infants through preschoolers in Reggio Emilia-inspired programs. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies, a Master’s of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and a deep passion for giving families the best start possible. Amanda also offers parenting classes for parents of infants. She is excited to continue supporting infants, families, and teachers in developing community, sustaining deep appreciation for the outdoors, and fostering a love of learning. In her spare time, you can find her hiking, exploring the outdoors with her own family.

Melissa B. Wilder, M.S. & M.L.A.

Melissa B. Wilder is an ecologist and educator with 24 years in the classroom. Currently, her research focuses on bold strategies to save half the Earth for other species and rewilding Homo sapiens. In 2019, she was awarded the “Dean’s Outstanding Thesis Prize” at Harvard University and graduated from their sustainability program with a Master of Liberal Arts. She also holds a master’s certificate in resource management, a master's of science in environmental education, and a bachelor's degree in outdoor education. She is a certified mentor teacher from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and a certified maker spaces leader from MIT. She has taught in both higher education and preK-12th grade private and public schools.

In 2020, she moved to Santa Barbara to become a STEM faculty member and later the Director of Academic Innovation at the Riviera Ridge School. In 2023, she was awarded Santa Barbara Environmental Teacher of the Year at the Earth Day Festival. She is the owner and founder of the Little Blue Creche and a faculty member at Harvard University's Extension School.

Brianne Vogel, M.A. Ed

Brie has a Master of Arts in Education and over eight years of experience taking children outside. Whether on wilderness trips throughout the state or in the garden creating plots and compost Brie loves using the natural world to help children discover more about themselves and the Earth. She recently finished her Early Childhood certificate from Ventura College and is a Certified Agricultural Literacy Educator, a Certified School Garden Coordinator, an Environmental Action Civics Trained Educator, and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

Brie will be leading our on-site garden program and will also be managing our nature-based Summer Day Camp for ages 4-11 years old around Ventura County. Brie can often be found hiking the mountains with her baby and partner.

Registration is open!
Endless Summer Session (Aug 18-Sept 19)

What is a forest school?

A forest school is a type of outdoor education where children learn and play in a natural woodland environment, often in all weather conditions. It emphasizes child-led learning, play, and exploration, with a focus on holistic development and fostering a connection with nature.

Forest schools support children's social, emotional, physical, intellectual skills.

Nature Connection: A core element is fostering a love and appreciation for nature, encouraging children to become environmentally aware and responsible.
Risk Assessment and Management: Educators help children learn to assess and manage risks in a safe and supportive environment, promoting resilience and confidence.
Adaptability: Forest schools can take place in various natural settings, from woodlands to forests, and can be adapted to different climates and cultures.
Outdoor Learning: Forest schools are primarily held outdoors, allowing children to experience the natural world firsthand.
Child-Led Play: Children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn through play, with educators acting as facilitators and guides.

Activities in Forest School:

Exploration and Discovery:

Children explore the natural environment, identify plants and animals, and learn about their surroundings.

Creative Activities:

Making art from natural materials, storytelling, singing, and crafting are common activities.

Building and Construction:

Children might build shelters or other structures using natural materials, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Risk-Taking:

Activities like climbing trees or using tools are often incorporated to help children develop confidence and resilience.

Benefits of Forest Schools:

Improved Physical Health:

Spending time outdoors can improve children's physical fitness, coordination, and overall well-being.

Enhanced Social and Emotional Development:

Play-based learning and interaction with others in a natural setting can boost social skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.

Increased Creativity and Imagination:

Being surrounded by nature can inspire creativity and imagination, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Stronger Connection with Nature:

Forest schools can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.