- Welcome to Forest Lake Nature School
- info@ForestLakeNatureSchool.com
- 18348 Loyola St NE Columbus, MN 55025
Our Parent-child nature enrichment sessions provide caregivers and children with a gentle, rhythmic, nature-based community experience. Each week families gather outdoors to explore, sing, share food, share their curiosities, and create together. The rhythm of the morning offers balance between open discovery and structured connection, supporting children’s natural sense of security and parents’ desire for meaningful community.
The forest itself becomes the classroom — offering textures, patterns, and seasonal changes that inspire wonder and deepen the bond between parent and 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.
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.
We will have some combination of compost toilets, portapottys, and nature pottys as our bathroom options.
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.
We are in the process of developing summer programs and nature camps that align with our school’s heart-centered, nature-immersive approach. These offerings will provide children with opportunities to explore, create, and connect with the land through the vibrant summer months.
While our core school year runs from early September through Thanksgiving and again from mid-March through early June, our summer sessions will extend the magic of learning in nature into the warmest season.
Stay tuned for updates as we grow—our vision is to offer year-round opportunities for families to stay connected to community, wonder, and the living world.
Our current offerings are designed for children ages 6 and up as of the first day of class.
We plan to expand over time to include younger and older age groups, creating a full village of learners where children can grow together through every stage of development. Stay tuned as new programs and age cohorts continue to unfold.
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.
We plan and prepare with every intention of running our programs as scheduled. However, on rare occasions, factors such as low enrollment, guide availability, or budget considerations may require us to adjust a class or cancel a session.
If a class or session is fully canceled, families will receive a full refund for that program.
Our goal is always to communicate clearly, plan responsibly, and honor the trust families place in us when enrolling their children.
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.
No, families have the flexibility to enroll for one or two days per week depending on what works best for their schedule and rhythm.
Each day offers a variety of learning experiences and areas of exploration—typically two in the morning and two in the afternoon—with a nourishing block of free play and lunch in between.
Children who attend both days get to experience the full rhythm of our week and participate in all areas of study and hands-on projects, while those who attend one day still enjoy a complete, meaningful experience within their group.
Our goal is to meet families where they are while maintaining the flow and integrity of our learning community.
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.
Yes, please send your child with a nourishing, home-packed lunch and a filled water bottle each day. We eat together outdoors as a community, often under the trees or in our open-air shelters.
Lunches should be simple, whole, and satisfying—foods that give steady energy for play, learning, and exploration. Please avoid sending candy, processed snack foods (like Doritos or similar chips), and industrial drinks such as sodas or flavored beverages.
Many processed foods contain refined seed and vegetable oils, which we prefer to limit for the well-being of the children. When possible, choose whole ingredients and foods made with natural fats like butter, olive oil, or coconut oil.
Lunches are kept in a shaded area, but an ice pack is helpful on warm days. Please label your child’s lunch container and water bottle with their name.
We see lunchtime as a time for nourishment, gratitude, and connection—a chance to refuel and share stories from a morning of adventure in nature.
Since our day begins around 10:00 a.m. and ends near 3:00 p.m., we generally do not schedule a formal snack time. We encourage families to offer a wholesome snack before drop-off and to have one ready for the ride home, especially after a full day of fresh air and exploration.
If your child is enrolled in a cooking or food-based class, they will often enjoy a shared snack experience as part of that session.
We keep our rhythm simple and focused—fewer transitions, more presence, and steady energy sustained by good food, movement, and connection.
Each child should come prepared for a full day of adventure, movement, and exploration. Please send:
A lunch packed in a labeled lunch carrier.
A labeled water bottle (please send water only).
Clothing that can get muddy and messy—comfortable play clothes and closed-toed shoes or boots that are easy to move in and won’t cause blisters.
All items should fit into a mid-sized backpack—large enough to hold a coat or extra layer, but not so big that your child struggles to carry it. Our learners travel with their backpacks throughout the day, so please pack thoughtfully and lightly.
We encourage children to take ownership of their belongings, so labeling items and keeping gear simple helps build independence and ease.
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.
Our core school program follows a seasonal rhythm, running from early September through Thanksgiving, and resuming again around Maple Syrup season in mid-March through early June.
While that is our main rhythm, we are gradually expanding to include shorter winter sessions and summer camps so that families can stay connected to nature and community throughout the year.
This approach allows us to honor the changing seasons while providing opportunities for continued learning, exploration, and belonging year-round.
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