- Welcome to Forest Lake Nature School
- info@ForestLakeNatureSchool.com
- 18348 Loyola St NE Columbus, MN 55025
At this age, children are wide-eyed explorers. They are full of wonder, curiosity, and energy, eager to discover the world through touch, taste, movement, and story. A Forest School nature connection program for 3 to 6-year-olds is not simply outdoor childcare, but a carefully tended village experience that nourishes the whole child — body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Core Vision
The purpose is to awaken and deepen children’s innate sense of belonging to the natural world. Through daily rhythms, stories, songs, and playful exploration, children begin to know the land as a friend, feel at home outdoors in all weather, and grow in their confidence to follow curiosity while being gently guided by caring mentors.
Guiding Principles (inspired by 8 Shields mentoring)
Nature as Teacher – Trees, birds, mud puddles, and seasons are living curriculum. Children learn through sensory immersion, discovery, and story.
Village Model – The children are surrounded by guides who model curiosity, patience, and gratitude, and who gently reflect back their strengths and gifts. Parents and elders are included in the story, weaving connection beyond the program.
Rhythm & Ritual – Songs at opening and closing circles, gratitude practices, fire tending, and stories bring comfort, predictability, and meaning.
Play & Imagination – Games, tracking animals, climbing logs, and pretending to be foxes or owls help children develop resilience, coordination, and social skills.
Tending the Heart – Moments of conflict, big feelings, or wonder are met with listening, compassion, and mentoring that helps children feel safe, seen, and supported.
What a Day Looks Like
Arrival & Welcome Circle – Songs, gratitude, and orienting to the land.
Exploration & Play – Free play balanced with guided invitations: building forts, following animal trails, cooking “forest soup,” listening for bird calls.
Storytime & Snack – Guides tell simple, nature-rich stories that anchor children in wonder and belonging.
Craft & Caretaking – Simple handwork with natural materials, tending plants, or helping prepare food.
Closing Circle – Sharing what they discovered, singing together, and saying thank you to the land.
Outcomes for Children
A sense of comfort and joy outdoors in all weather.
Early awareness of plants, animals, and seasonal cycles.
Developing imagination, creativity, and problem-solving through play.
Social and emotional growth through gentle conflict resolution and peer play.
Foundations of gratitude, reverence, and connection to something larger than themselves.
The Long View
Jon Young often reminds us that these early years plant seeds that can last a lifetime. By age five, a child may already carry an inner map of the forest, songs of birds in their memory, and a sense of being loved and held by a caring village. These seeds grow into empathy, resilience, and a life-long connection to nature.
Our Chickadee Explorers are the youngest members of our Forest Lake Nature School community—curious, bright-eyed learners who spend their mornings immersed in the rhythms of the natural world.
This program was formerly called Forest School, but we’ve chosen a name that feels more rooted in who we are. The chickadee is a small, joyful bird—attentive, brave, and deeply connected to its flock. These qualities mirror the spirit we nurture in our children: curiosity, courage, community, and song.
While many programs use the term forest school, not all embody the same level of nature connection and relational depth that guide our work. We chose to step away from labels and instead align with an animal teacher that reminds us daily what it means to live with wonder and awareness.
Our Chickadee Explorers learn through play, sensory exploration, story, and connection—to the land, to each other, and to themselves.
The Chickadee Explorers program is built around the simple yet profound belief that children thrive when they feel safe, seen, heard, and free to explore the living world.
Our mornings unfold entirely outdoors, guided by rhythm rather than rigid structure. Children learn through story, play, song, movement, and sensory exploration, following the pace of nature and their own innate curiosity.
What sets us apart is the depth of relationship—with the land, with one another, and with the rhythms that hold us. Our guides are attuned, heart-centered mentors who weave emotional intelligence, ecological literacy, and wonder into each moment.
We are not a “drop-off daycare in the woods,” but a living, breathing village classroom where children grow in confidence, empathy, and connection. The chickadee reminds us daily that even the smallest among us carry a courageous spirit and a bright, joyful song
Attendance is fully up to the discretion of what is the best fit for their family. Letting us know when your child will not be in attendance is requested.
1. Relational Trust and Clear Communication
We prioritize strong relationships with families, so if anything happens, you hear from us directly and promptly. Parents are immediately contacted if there is any injury or incident requiring attention beyond basic first aid.
2. Trained and Certified Staff
All guides are certified in First Aid and CPR, and some hold advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Responder. Each guide is familiar with our emergency action plan and practices scenario-based drills throughout the year.
3. Emergency Protocols and Equipment
We keep complete emergency contact information, first aid kits, and shelter plans on site at all times. Staff carry communication devices (cell phones or radios) to reach emergency services quickly if needed. In the event of severe weather, we move to designated indoor or sheltered spaces (such as the pole barn, garage, or nearby building) according to our safety plan.
Yes, when it feels supportive and developmentally appropriate. We consider both age and stage when forming groups so that each child can thrive within the flow of their peers.
Some siblings do beautifully together, while others benefit from having space to build their own friendships and independence. We’re happy to talk with you about what feels best for your children and the group as a whole.
We understand that life happens—schedules shift, and circumstances change. At the same time, we rely on each family’s financial commitment to sustain our guides’ income, land partnerships, insurance, and the many preparations that make our programs possible.
Our registration and supply fee is non-refundable and is collected at the time of registration. Because our class sizes are intentionally small, each spot is valuable. Please consider your family’s rhythm and level of commitment before reserving a space.
If you need to withdraw, tuition (minus processing fees) can be refunded up to 30 days before the first day of class. After that point, tuition is non-refundable.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership in keeping our school community sustainable and thriving.
Forest Lake Nature School is designed as a drop-off program so that children can fully settle into the rhythms of their group and build confidence and connection with their guides and peers.
We understand that separation can be a meaningful transition for both children and parents, and we support that process with warmth and care. Once the group has established its rhythm, we occasionally invite parents to volunteer, share a skill, or join special community days, but this is coordinated in advance with the instructor.
Our intention is to create a safe and loving space where children can develop independence while still feeling deeply supported by the larger village around them.
Yes. Our lead guides and anchor teachers are trained to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and to administer epinephrine (EpiPens) when needed. Safety and preparedness are essential parts of our training and daily rhythm.
Because our program takes place outdoors and children may be spread across different learning areas, there may be moments when a guide is not immediately within eyesight—such as accompanying another child to the restroom or gathering supplies. For that reason, we ask that children who have prescribed medication carry it with them at all times, and that parents review its use with our staff before the program begins.
Our goal is to ensure that every child is supported, safe, and known by the adults around them.
Masks are not required at Forest Lake Nature School. Because our programs take place primarily outdoors in the fresh air, families are free to decide what feels best for them.
We respect each family’s choice and trust our community to make thoughtful decisions that support everyone’s comfort and well-being. Children and adults are always welcome to wear a mask if they prefer.
If your child is experiencing persistent coughing or cold symptoms, it may be best for them to stay home or wear a mask out of respect for others until they are feeling better.
No, Forest Lake Nature School is not affiliated with any specific church or religious organization. We welcome families from all walks of life and honor the diverse spiritual and cultural backgrounds that make our community rich and vibrant.
At the heart of our work is a shared reverence for the natural world and a belief that life is sacred, interconnected, and full of mystery and beauty. We recognize that many traditions—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Baháʼí, Indigenous, and others—speak to this same sense of wonder and gratitude for creation.
Our goal is not to teach doctrine, but to nurture in children a deep awe for the living world, a sense of belonging, and respect for the many ways people understand and celebrate the sacred.
Please list any food allergies or sensitivities on your registration form so our team can plan accordingly.
In our cooking and nature-based food experiences, we do our best to accommodate allergies and use simple, whole-food ingredients. While we make every effort to avoid known allergens, we cannot guarantee that all ingredients are sourced from allergen-free facilities.
During snack and lunch times, children eat outdoors or in open-air shelters, and we maintain a no food-sharing policyto support everyone’s safety. If your child has significant allergies or requires additional precautions, please reach out to the director so we can make a thoughtful plan together.
Forest Lake Nature School follows a common-sense, nature-based approach to health and safety. Because our programs take place primarily outdoors with abundant fresh air, natural spacing, and sunlight, the risk of transmission is very low.
We trust families to use discernment and open communication. If your child is unwell or showing symptoms of any contagious illness (COVID or otherwise), we ask that you keep them home until they are well enough to return to full participation in outdoor play and learning.
We do not require masks or testing, but we do encourage transparent conversations and respect for each family’s comfort level. If there is a confirmed case within our community, we notify affected families promptly so they can make informed decisions.
Our focus is always on supporting the whole child and community well-being—physically, emotionally, and relationally—so that children feel safe, connected, and cared for.
Yes, we have bathrooms available onsite for children and guides to use throughout the day.
We believe that meaningful growth happens in all kinds of weather, and we help children learn how to stay comfortable, resilient, and joyful outdoors year-round. Our guides are skilled at adapting plans to meet the day’s conditions, and we have sheltered spaces available when extra protection is needed.
That said, if weather ever becomes unsafe—such as severe storms, lightning, or extreme cold—we will cancel or adjustclass and notify families as soon as possible. When it makes sense, we’ll offer a makeup day or alternate experience to stay connected as a community.
Some of our guides are licensed educators, while others bring rich experience from fields such as wilderness education, permaculture, early childhood development, music, and the arts.
We don’t believe that credentials alone define quality. In fact, the path of trusting in certifications without looking deeper is one we intentionally move beyond. We are building something much more meaningful—a dream team of guides who are pure of heart, exceptional communicators, and gifted space-holders for children.
Our philosophy honors village expertise, recognizing that wisdom is cultivated through lived experience, mentorship, and time in nature. We pride ourselves on finding and nurturing the best of the best—people whose presence, curiosity, and compassion make them extraordinary mentors for your children.
We’re always excited to meet inspired humans and village experts who feel called to guide children in nature. If you have a gift to share—whether it’s in the realms of wilderness skills, art, storytelling, gardening, music, or heart-centered teaching—we’d love to connect.
To begin the conversation, please reach out to us at info@forestlakenatureschool.com. Tell us a little about your background, your passions, and what draws you to this work.
We are curating a dream team of guides—people who are pure of heart, exceptional communicators, and ready to help create the kind of school the world most needs right now.
Yes! Our Chickadee Explorers program continues through the summer months, allowing children to stay connected to nature and community all year long.
Summer brings its own rhythm of wonder—mud play, water exploration, blooming meadows, and long, golden mornings outdoors. We adjust our flow to match the season, offering plenty of time for free play, discovery, and sensory-rich connection with the land.
Each season holds its own kind of magic, and we love being together to experience it all.
Our Chickadee Explorers program welcomes children beginning at age 3. In our experience, many children feel most ready around age 4, but readiness truly looks different for every child.
We honor each child’s unique timing and capacity for independence, communication, and comfort in nature.
One of the beautiful things about our community is the intergenerational mentorship that naturally unfolds—older children modeling and nurturing the younger ones. As this continues to grow, we’re feeling into raising our upper age limit each year to allow these relationships and rhythms to deepen organically.
Yes. Our classes are intentionally mixed-age, reflecting the way real communities and ecosystems thrive—with a diversity of ages learning side by side. Older children naturally take on mentoring roles, while younger ones grow through observation, imitation, and belonging.
Our guides thoughtfully adapt each class to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of all participants, creating an environment that feels both inclusive and appropriately challenging for every child.
Attendance is fully up to the discretion of what is the best fit for their family. Letting us know when your child will not be in attendance is requested.
Yes. At Forest Lake Nature School, the health of our community depends on everyone’s care and consideration. Because our days are spent in close connection with one another and the natural world, we ask that families use both discernment and kindness when deciding if their child is well enough to attend.
If your child is feeling unwell, the best place for them is home so they can rest and recover fully. Please keep your child home if they:
Have had a fever of 100°F or higher within the past 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine).
Have vomited more than once in the past 24 hours.
Have diarrhea or loose stools that make normal activities difficult.
Have a rash of unknown cause—please check with your family doctor before returning.
Are experiencing fatigue, coughing, pain, or congestion that would prevent them from engaging comfortably outdoors.
If your child has a lingering cough or other mild symptoms, please consider keeping them home for a day of rest or having them wear a mask out of respect for others.
Our intention is never to be rigid, but to care for the whole community with awareness and love. Thank you for helping us keep our learning village healthy and thriving.
We spend our days outdoors in all kinds of weather, so clothing that keeps your child warm, dry, and free to exploremakes all the difference. As we like to say, there’s no such thing as bad weather—only clothing that isn’t quite ready for it!
We recommend layering for changing temperatures and always dressing in comfortable, durable play clothes that can get muddy, wet, or grass-stained. Closed-toed shoes or boots are essential for safety and adventure.
Children should come prepared to climb, dig, splash, roll, and explore with curiosity and freedom. When they come home dirty, it’s usually a sign of a full and wonderful day in nature.
No lunch is needed for our Chickadee Explorers program since it runs for just three hours in the morning.
Please simply send a hearty snack and a filled water bottle to keep your child nourished and hydrated during their time outdoors.
If your child tends to get especially hungry, you’re welcome to pack a second small snack for the end of class to enjoy before heading home.
Because our Chickadee Explorers spend three hours outdoors, we do include a snack time as part of our morning rhythm.
Please send your child with a simple, nourishing snack and a filled water bottle each day. We encourage whole, easy-to-eat foods that give steady energy for play and exploration—such as fruit, cheese, nuts, or homemade muffins.
To help children build independence and reduce waste, please open any packaged snacks ahead of time and store them in a stainless steel container or silicone bag.
Snack time is a peaceful pause in our morning—a chance to rest, connect, and refuel before heading back into adventure.
For our Chickadee Explorers program, children should come prepared for a joyful morning outdoors in all kinds of weather. Please send:
A hearty snack packed in a small, labeled container.
A labeled water bottle (please send water only).
The appropriate clothing and gear for the weather that day—rain gear, snow gear, sun hats, mittens, or extra layers depending on the season.
We encourage families to open packaged snacks ahead of time and store them in a stainless steel container or silicone bag. This not only supports environmental values but also helps children build resiliency and independence as they manage their own food and belongings.
We spend our full three hours outdoors exploring, creating, and playing, so comfort and readiness are key. Please label all items clearly and keep gear simple enough for your child to manage on their own.
Yes, siblings who are enrolled in the same age range will typically be placed together, as this often helps children feel more comfortable and connected in a new environment.
If you would prefer that your children be in separate cohorts, simply email us at info@forestlakenatureschool.comand we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Our goal is always to support what feels most harmonious for each child and family.
At Forest Lake Nature School, every child is seen as a whole and capable being. We honor the unique rhythms, learning styles, and sensitivities that each child brings to our community.
While we are not a therapeutic or special education program, we deeply value inclusion and do our best to create an environment where children of varied abilities can thrive. Because our model is nature-based and relational rather than clinical, there are some accommodations we may not be equipped to provide.
We invite families to share openly about their child’s needs so we can explore together whether our setting is a good fit. In many cases, we find creative ways to support children through smaller group sizes, a slower pace, sensory-rich experiences, and compassionate mentorship.
If you’d like to begin that conversation, please reach out to the director to schedule a time to connect.
Yes! Our Chickadee Explorers program runs year-round, following the natural rhythm of the seasons. We spend time outdoors in every kind of weather, helping children build comfort, confidence, and curiosity in all conditions.
Each season brings new wonders—mud kitchens and bird songs in spring, garden and forest adventures in summer, leaf play and harvest time in fall, and cozy, wonder-filled explorations in winter.
We adjust our rhythm and pace with the seasons, but our connection to nature and community continues all year long.
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