Wild Explorers

All participants must 

• Be willing to participate in the activities we offer (i.e. comfortable getting dirty and being outdoors in all weather) 
• Be able to follow basic instructions and safety rules 
• Have appropriate outdoor gear for every season, see gear list below for detailed information 

Choose the location that works best for your family 

Modern Heritage Farm in Glendale, KY 

• Mondays 8-12pm Eastern 
• Optional Community Picnic: 12-1pm*
• Optional Seasonal Enrichment Skill Classes (handwork etc.): 1-2pm**
• Winter schedule is once-a-month December through February
• Address: 8647 New Glendale Rd., Glendale, KY 42740 

LGS Main Campus in Clarkson, KY

• Wednesdays 8-12pm Central 
• Optional Community Picnic: 12-1pm*
• Optional Seasonal Enrichment Skill Classes (handwork etc.): 1-2pm**
• Winter schedule is once-a-month December through February
• Address: 100 Wilderness Dr.  Clarkson, KY 42726 

See our school calendar below for full schedule and breaks 

*Community Picnic: The community picnic is a time to connect with other families as a way to strengthen community for both parents and children. A parent or caregiver must be present. It is optional, open to whenever it works for your schedule, and there is no additional fee or commitment. Each parent/caregiver brings food and a picnic blanket for their family. 

**Enrichment Skills: Enrichment skill classes will encompass our Handwork Art class and any other special skills children would like to explore. Parents or other knowledgeable people from the greater community are welcome to create a 2-4 week class to offer. We ask that a parent or caregiver remain on site for these classes. Children enrolled have priority while those not enrolled in Wild Explorers are welcome to join enrichment classes if spots are available. Each class will be priced according to supplies needed and to cover the instructors time with a greater discount given to those enrolled in Wild Explorers. More information coming soon under the "Enrichment Skills Classes" tab. 

September through May (a total of 9 payments) 

$60 per month 

15% sibling discount for 2+ siblings, 20% sibling discount for 3+ siblings 

$50 deposit per child due at registration that is fully applied towards the first month's tuition 

Wild Explorers runs September through May in an effort to build a strong community of committed learners. This commitment is the rich soil that our emergent learning environment needs for students to reap the incredible benefits that the Forest School model has to offer. We ask that when you register, you commit to the entire school year. Though we understand that life happens and seasons change- with 30 days written notice, you may withdraw your child at any point. 

Wild Explorers is best suited for children ages 6 to teen. Younger children or siblings may join on a case by case basis. 

With enough teens enrolled, we hope to create a cohort with a designated facilitator to meet the unique needs and project interests of this age group. Either way, teens will be given ample opportunity in our mix-aged environment to lead their learning through meaningful work and leadership opportunities based on their interests and inquiries. 

Curious if Wild Explorers is a good fit for your family? Please reach out with questions or concerns to Katie at littlegardenplay@gmail.com

Within our daily rhythm there are four cornerstones that together build the foundation for self-directed learning through play, exploration, and collaboration.

1. Morning circle: This is a time to gather and build community through collaboration, group learning, inquiry, discussion, mindfulness, and so on. Our facilitators may introduce a seasonal topic or we may explore a subject the group has expressed interest in. This can look like a combination of games, nature journaling, group activities, a nature walk, hands-on observation, etc.

2. Unstructured, self-directed play: This time is central to our day as play is crucial for learning and growth. Within our safety boundaries, this time is left completely open for students to play and explore however they desire. Sometimes it looks like running through the woods, building a shelter, making a new trail, water play, mud kitchen play, arts and crafts, and so on. 

3. Project work: After a morning of play in nature, we gather to further explore topics, grow skills, and bring ideas to life. The goal is that this time would be primarily child-led but we do provide support as needed. The possibilities of how to use this time are endless from woodworking, handwork art, fine art, building, crafts, survival skill practice, group projects, nature journaling and observations, loose parts creations, nature creations, gardening, etc. Oftentimes a project idea may grow from play or be a continuation of the play from earlier that day. All along the way our facilitators are there to help mentor, teach skills, and guide each child towards work that is meaningful for them.

4. Closing circle: Here we share a nature story, recap our day, and set goals/share ideas for the following week. Wild Explorers is a collaborative team effort between each child that attends and our facilitators. Our closing circle gives space for children to share feedback and be active participants in our communal class. 

Parents or caregivers are welcome to drop-off or stay on site. For parents who stay we ask that you watch from a distance, except for special circumstances that should be discussed with our director prior to the start of class. We've found that the more distance that parents give, the more creativity and collaboration that happens for the entire class. Regardless if a parent is on site or not, all children should have a backpack with everything they need for the day

Young siblings not attending are welcome to stay on site but must remain with a parent at all times. 

Our environment is one where collaboration and working together are highly valued. This is more likely to happen in a mixed-age environment as the students can be a "family of learners" where the older children have the opportunity to be mentors and the younger children learn from observing the older. 

Research has shown that students in multi-age classrooms were found to have higher self-esteem, more positive self-concepts, less anti-social behavior, and better attitudes and emotional regulation over time.