Our Story
In the spring of 2019, Forest Pals began as a Waldorf-inspired forest playgroup that met each week to hike and play at Bernheim Forest. As time passed we saw a need to grow, to meet the needs of our homeschooled older children. In 2022, with the vital support and contributions of a core group of parents, Forest Pals evolved into parent child playgroups and a drop-off homeschool enrichment program. In late 2023, we expanded our offerings to homeschooled teens with the Nature Network. In 2024, we added a Mindful Parenting book club and Wind Chimes parent child music classes, and began to lease our own sweet acre in the the back woods of Guerilla Hollow. 2025 brings expansion to 3 hour drop-off days for our homeschool enrichment, and a two-day option (M and/or W). Throughout, we have strived to respond to the needs of our community and to grow sustainably, always with core values in mind.
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We find meaningful connections in nature, arts and mindfulness, and strive to incorporate each into our gatherings.
Our community is committed to peaceful and positive teaching and parenting.
We play, learn and work together in ways that are respectful of each other and nature.
We prioritize free forest play.
We believe that "there's no such thing as bad weather."
We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the Bernheim Forest education team,
and for use of the inspiring forest that we call our home. ​
"Before forest pals we didn’t have a group of people around our child’s age or that had similar values and parenting styles. We are grateful for the connections our child as well as we have made with other families."
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"Our son loves being a part of the Explorers group! It gives him a sense of belonging and community that are important to us on our homeschool journey."
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"We consider ourselves quite lucky to be part of the Forest Pals program."
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"We love the Explorers teachers. They are smart, kind and creative! Couldn't ask for better influences for my child to spend time with."
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"We love everything about Piñatas! It gave us everything we were looking for, all in one place: friends, time outside, organized group activities, crafts, music, free play and field trips for new experiences."
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"Forest Pals is an invaluable opportunity for my family and others."
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Forest Pals operates at Bernheim Forest in Clermont, Kentucky.
We serve families from Louisville, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Cox's Creek, Elizabethtown, Mt. Washington and surrounding areas.