Sunlight streaks their faces with its golden hue. The ground is damp and the mud splatters as high as their cheerful faces. A couple children have sticks and are writing in the mud. One is keenly aware of a tree stump ahead he intends to conquer by adeptly climbing it. Younger toddlers and babes are swaddled tightly on the backs of their mothers, enchanted as they breathe in the forest with all of their being.
Welcome to Free Forest School. It’s been an adventure getting here. A friend briefly mentioned the idea of an outdoor co-op nearly a year ago, but at the time, my frazzled mom brain couldn’t make the mental leap of endeavoring on something so new.
However, a group emerged slowly, naturally, and I came across some sites referencing a movement of sorts. Getting kids outside is paramount in my opinion. As a culture, we have long forgotten the joy and exhilarating freedom that sweeps its way into our souls when we spend hours outdoors.
Apart from overall well being, getting young children outside is school. Seriously. So much research indicates that children seven and under learn best through unstructured play. Hiking through the forest children observe seasonal changes, weather events, moon phases, wildlife, plant life, and learn about unity, inclusion, problem solving...the list is endless.
Our Free Forest School meets up at least twice weekly in two different locations. Not only do the kiddos have a blast (and get so tired that they nap like champs), but the adults get time to hang out, chat, and decompress. It is truly a win win situation.
A typical day at Free Forest School Southern Blue Ridge looks likes this.
We meet at an agreed upon trailhead and have a brief trail talk and maybe one song or a poem. The facilitator warns of possible hazards, reminds adults this is a child led event, and assigns roles like photographer. Everyone departs towards a base camp together, but we permit the children to wander some, explore the trail, and enjoy the hike. Some children will race ahead to the well known base camp destination, while others will slowly meander taking in the changes on the familiar trail.
At base camp, the kids will spend an hour or more, or less, playing freely. They will draw with sticks, count pine cones, dig in mud, and balance on logs. It is amazing to watch them interact in this environment. At some point, the facilitator will call circle time to order. We have found a simple bell is magic to bring small ones to the circle. They all want a turn! We then share snacks and read a story, sing a song, or discuss nature together. Another round of free play ensues and then we head out with a simple song (and the occasional tantrum).
I have been amazed at how quickly our little groups have pulled together. We spent about eight weeks scouting sites and have lots of exciting spots chosen for the coming seasons.
I would highly encourage you to check out Free Forest School and read more about how a group is run. It is so simple and easy to bring to a community and I really hope to see more pop up all over the country.
Questions?
Please ask! I’d love to help foster some discussion about the philosophies or practical application of Free Forest School.
So This is Life,
