WHAT TO EXPECT
At 10am, come rain or shine, our Acorns and Piñatas groups meet at Bernheim to enjoy a Waldorf-inspired morning of circle time, free play and story led by certified Waldorf teacher, Amy Pascucci. Our parent child groups' curriculum is designed to deepen connections with nature and each other.
Friday meet-ups: On Friday mornings, 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 maintain a current Bernheim household membership.
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.
Acorns and Piñatas
$160 per semester per family + 6% sales tax
($480 annual tuition for all 3 semesters)
+ $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.