Caregiver & Child Groups
nature exploration and community-building for children and their families
2026-2027 CAREGIVER & CHILD PROGRAMS
Acorns (Monday), Sprouts (Tuesday) or Piñatas (Wednesday)
10am-12pm
children ages 18 mo. - 5yo with parent/caregiver
younger siblings welcome
circle time, free forest play, story, seasonal nature crafts
WHAT TO EXPECT
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At 10am, come rain or shine, our parent child groups meet at Bernheim to enjoy a Waldorf-inspired morning of circle time, free forest play and story led by certified Waldorf teacher, Amy Pascucci. Our daily rhythm and curriculum is designed to deepen connections with nature and each other. The sweet pawpaw forest where we meet is host to a dry creek bed that fills in the spring for wonderful water play.
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Friday meet-ups: On many Friday mornings each month, registered Forest Pals are invited to gather for a play meet-up or caregiver & child hike. Following playtime or hikes, many families stay and have lunch together.
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Bernheim partnership: All Forest Pals families are asked to maintain a current Bernheim household membership. ​​​
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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 in January and February.
Once each semester, families 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.
Caregiver & Child Groups
2026-2027 fees
$600 annual fee per family + 6% sales tax
($300 per semester; + $75 fee for Winter Wednesdays)
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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.
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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.