Family Forest School

Thursdays, 12 noon - 2pm

Fall Session Sep 10 - Nov 12, Winter Session TBD, Spring Session Mar 25 - May 27

Join Conservation District Nature Mentors for fun and learning in the forest! Families with children ages 7 and up are welcome to join us for this child-centered learning experience. Core routines of Family Forest School lead children into a deep connection with nature by tapping into their natural passions and curiosity for the living world. Some of our core routines include: Sit Spot, Stories of the Day, Questioning and Tracking, Journaling and Mind’s Eye Imagining.

Parent participation is encouraged as we break into small groups to engage with Bushcraft and Wildcraft activities. Class activities will include self-directed engagement and exploration, stewardship activities and guided hikes through the woods and waterways of Oceana County. Base camp is located at Doolittle County Park, however, we will also meet at a variety of natural areas or our indoor classroom space as determined by weather conditions.

Homeschool in the Woods enrollment is now closed for Fall Session.

Check back for updates on our winter 2027 program. Enrollment for 2027 spring session opens in November.

who can attend?

The Family Forest School program is designed for families with school age children in the range of 7 years and up. Tag-Along younger children are welcome as space allows but all attending children ages 4+ must register and pay full session fees. Children under age four and babes in arms accompanying their older siblings are always welcome for no additional fee. Are your children not yet age 7? Check out our Forest School for Knee-high Naturalists program!

When and where will we meet?

Family Forest School meets on Thursdays, 12 - 2 pm, at Doolittle County Park, N. 112th Ave, Hart, Michigan.

Program Cost and WLACE Homeschool Partnership

The enrollment fee is $100/ child for each 10 week Session. A 10% family discount is available when enrolling multiple children at the same time; children must be living in the same household. To obtain the family discount please enter the code E5EXNV8 at checkout. This program is approved for reimbursement for WLACE families. In the shopping cart, enter the discount code WLACE100 to use your WLACE homeschool partnership funds to cover the full cost of tuition.

How Do I Register?

Fill out the Enrollment Form here and continue on to the shopping cart and select to make either a full payment of $100/child or a $25 non-refundable deposit/ per child, per session, to hold your spot. Registration is open until program capacity is met.

what is the cancellation policy?

Registration cancellations requested up to the date of programming will receive a refund less the $25 non-refundable deposit.

How will participant safety be ensured?

Nature exploration and play entails some risks. Children are encouraged to run, climb, jump and splash as well as to explore and examine the local flora and fauna. Safety instruction, along with respect for both the beauty and hazards of nature, is an integral part of our Forest School programs.

Must a parent/ guardian attend with my child?

Families may make arrangements among themselves to ‘take turns’ being the attending adult for up to four children.

Questions? Contact Kiki at kari.wilson@macd.org