Homeschool Enrichment
nature exploration and community-building for children and their families
2026-2027 HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT
Explorers (6-7yo) and Adventurers (8-12yo)
Monday group is mixed-age, 6-12
one-day option: Mondays OR Wednesdays
two-day option: Mondays AND Wednesdays
10am-1pm
drop-off
nature study, forest play, community-building, arts and mindfulness
WHAT TO EXPECT
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At 10am, come rain or shine, our homeschoolers gather together then venture into the forest for a morning of experiential nature study and forest play. Our nature-based 'curriculum' reflects the natural world and the children's particular interests, and includes time for mindfulness and community-building, as well as a significant amount of free forest play. While Explorers build basic nature knowledge and appreciation, our Adventurers’ days include longer hikes, more advanced wilderness skills and in-depth arts and service experiences - all rooted in the particular ecosystem, geography and climate of our forest. Topics of exploration for both groups may include: compass use, map reading and making, hiking safety and norms, team building games, mindfulness activities, knot tying, lashing, whittling, kayaking, shelter building, foraging, nature art, etc. Explorers and Adventurers are picked up at 1pm. ​​
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. Following playtime or hikes, many families stay and have lunch together. On these Fridays, parents are solely responsible for their children.
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Bernheim partnership: All Forest Pals families are required to maintain a current Bernheim household membership. ​​
The Forest Pals Explorers and Adventurers programs are appropriate for children who are able to follow all instructions.
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​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.
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​SCHEDULE & FEES
Forest Pals meets September through May. Fall semester runs September through December, and Spring semester meets March through May. An optional winter family session, Winter Wednesdays, is available on five Wednesdays only in January and February.
Once each semester, Explorers and Adventurers are invited with their caregivers to attend pre-arranged arts- and nature-themed, off-site Discovery Days. Our year also includes two community potlucks, a magical winter evening lantern walk and a spring family camping trip at Bernheim.
2026-2027 Homeschool Enrichment fees
One-day: $900 annual tuition ($450 per semester) + 6% sales tax
Two-day option: $1,600 annual ($800 per semester) + 6% sales tax
Please enquire about reduced fees for siblings
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There is a one-time $25 application fee per family. All fees are due prior to attendance each semester and are non-refundable. 5% fee reduction for payment of annual fees.
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Forest Pals strives to make our program affordable while offering a living wage for staff. We do rely on parent volunteers and at times a discount may be arranged for a family who contributes in a deeper volunteer role.
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Forest Pals operates in and around Clermont, Kentucky.
We serve families from Louisville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Cox's Creek, Elizabethtown, Mt. Washington and surrounding areas.