Description
WHO: River Valley Forest School is for all mothers and their children regardless of age! Parent or guardian must attend.
WHAT: Weekly forest school meetings Tuesdays, September/October (fall term), January/February (winter term), April/May (spring term).
WHEN: Tuesdays, see calendar for exact dates, Sessions meet 10:30am-1:30pm.
WHERE: Wild River State Park
COST PER FAMILY: $1290 per year or $430 per term (OR $1200 per year cash or check).
EMAIL: info@rivervalleyforestschool.com
HOW PAYMENT WORKS: Payments for Full Year Tuition and or Fall Term will be charged immediately upon purchase Payments are collected before the next term’s classes begin and will automatically continue until the end of the school year or cancel any time. No refunds.
BONUS: Membership includes additionally planned events in between terms such as Mothers Brunch, Family Sledding, Beach Days, etc.
General Information
Program of Study
Forest School Sessions – An important part of Charlotte Mason Education is fostering a deep relationship with nature, no matter the weather. Our goals are to combine immersive games, activities, crafts, and lessons, with calm and quiet nature observations through a predictable hike. Additionally, our goal is to create a space for mothers to find belonging and community with each other to refresh their heart, mind, and soul. Each session will begin with a song, poem, scripture, and prayer that will help direct our ears and hearts to the beauty and wilderness around us. We will then follow the trail or wander the wilderness for a time before pausing to learn a nature game/ activity, participate in a micro lesson, read a nature based piece of literature applicable to the current areas of focus within the forest, practice orienteering and finding our way, or actively encountering Minnesota’s most common species of trees, plants or animals. After our active portion, we will gather for lunch and free play. This will be the time the mothers will engage in the guided Motherhood Discussion, intentionally diving into topics surrounding heart life and home life. The Motherhood Discussion and Free Play will conclude the session. We encourage families to bring what they need each session, weather-appropriate clothing, lunches, water bottles, wagons, etc.
Families will also have the opportunity to participate in additional events between terms to maintain connection and relationship. See calendar for more information.
Sessions will be taught by Mrs. Natalie and Mrs. Stephanie.
FAQs
Does my family need to bring anything to the session? You can choose to have each of your children carry his or her own bag, or you can bring one bag for the whole family. Your family should have the following available: water bottle with family name written on it, some small snacks (like granola bars) in case a child gets overly weak/hungry, picnic lunch, sleds or wagons (for little legs that might grow tired). We ask that families do NOT bring any whittling knives, binoculars, toys, etc. this robs children ability to experience nature in an unhindered way.
Is there an age limit? No, this program is for the entire family and lessons and activities are geared towards a broad spectrum of ages with this in mind.
Will we do a new trail each week? A pillar to the River Valley Forest School philosophy is experiencing the same trail through all 4 seasons. We will walk the “predictable hike” every session so mothers and children can form a relationship with plants and wildlife on the trail, as well as train their eye toward subtle nuances in nature, week after week.
How should my family dress? – We go outside every session regardless of the weather. You need to check the weather report and dress yourself and your children in clothes that will keep yourselves comfortable in all kinds of weather (rain coat in rain, snow pants in winter, shorts and t-shirt on hot days, etc.). Especially make sure you and your child are wearing sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot, we do a lot of running around and want to prevent tripping or injury.
Why might sessions be canceled? Sessions will be canceled if both Mrs. Stephanie’s family and Mrs. Natalie’s family are sick and unable to attend. In this instance, we have one term makeup day scheduled per trimester. See calendar
What should I do if one of my kid is sick? Please refer to our Health and Safety Protocol. we make a clear list of when to definitely keep your kids home, and when you can make your own decision.
Do you have to be a Christian to participate? No, you do not have to be a Christian to join our program, but we will open each session with prayer, scripture reading, and have conversation about God and Creation.
What if I have more questions? email info@rivervalleryforestschool.com