WHAT TO EXPECT
At 10am, come rain or shine, our Explorers and Adventurers gather and then venture into the forest for a morning of experiential nature study and play. The Explorers' nature-based curriculum is designed carefully to reflect the natural world and the groups' particular interests, and includes time for mindfulness and community-building. The Adventurers plan is similarly rooted in nature and the seasons, but also may include more advanced outdoor survival skills and more in-depth nature arts experiences. (At times, Explorers and Adventurers may meet at other, nearby wilderness locations.)
Explorers and Adventurers are picked up at 12pm. On Mondays and Wednesdays, all are encouraged to stay with a supervising caregiver present for lunch and free play until 1pm. A limited number of drop-off Explorers and Adventurers who are interested in extending pick-up time to 1pm may have that option; please note your interest in your application.
Friday meet-ups: Multiple Friday mornings each month, all registered Forest Pals are invited to gather for a play meet-up or parent child hike on one of Bernheim's or other local trails. On our hikes, we make time for play and quiet observation with nature journaling. Following playtime or hikes, many families stay and have lunch together. On one Friday per month, parent volunteers lead seasonal nature crafts.
Bernheim partnership: Throughout the year, Forest Pals interact with Bernheim Education team staff. Past activities have included birding and insect activities with Mr. Dan, kayaking on Lake Nevin and work in the Edible Garden. All Forest Pals families are required to have a current Bernheim household membership.
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Except for during our Wednesday drop-off programs, parents are solely responsible for their child(ren) during Forest Pals programming.
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The Forest Pals Explorers and Adventurers programs are NOT appropriate for children who are unable to follow instructions.
GEAR AND CLOTHING
Forest Pals is completely nature-based in various types of weather. Proper gear and clothing are essential for children and adults alike. After applying to the program, participants are given a full list of required gear.
SCHEDULE & FEES
Forest Pals meets September through May. Fall semester runs September through November, Winter semester meets December through February (with 3-week winter break), and Spring semester meets March through May. Enrolled families in good standing have priority for registration.
Once or twice a semester, Forest Pals are invited with their caregiver to attend pre-arranged arts- and nature-themed field trips in place of regular Monday and Wednesday meetings. Our year also includes community potlucks, a winter evening lantern walk and a spring family camping trip.
Explorers and Adventurers fees
$190 per semester + 6% sales tax
($570 annual tuition for all 3 semesters)
($140/semester for additional sibling or Acorns/Piñata family enrollment)
+ $25 per child annual materials fee
Fee includes Friday and community events.
There is a one-time $25 application fee per family. All fees are due
prior to attendance each semester and are non-refundable.
Forest Pals strives to make our program affordable for families while offering a living wage for staff. We rely on parent volunteers to make the magic happen. Some areas of need are field trip planning, free play support, nature craft facilitation, social media promotion and Forest Pals community event planning.
Forest Pals operates in and around Clermont, Kentucky.
We serve families from Louisville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Cox's Creek, Elizabethtown, Mt. Washington and surrounding areas.