Forest School
FOREST SCHOOL
Muddy hands, a head full of ideas and a whole wood to explore. Forest School lets children play, make and wonder in the wild.
Forest School is a way of learning outdoors where children explore, play and create in a woodland setting. Instead of sitting still and listening, they learn by doing: building, making, discovering and trying new things with the support of a trained leader. The approach began in Scandinavia and is now used by schools, nurseries and outdoor groups across the UK.
Nature-based play is at the heart of it. Children might build a den from branches, go on a minibeast hunt under logs, make stick creatures or look for animal tracks.
Creative crafts use whatever the woods provide. Think leaf rubbings, pictures made from petals and pine cones, mud faces on tree trunks or clay creatures with twig arms.
Woodland games bring it all together, from hide and seek among the trees to sensory games where you listen for birdsong or find something soft, spiky or smooth. Longer Forest School programmes sometimes build up to skills like whittling or campfire cooking, always with close supervision.
Sessions are relaxed and led by curiosity. Your Activity Leader sets up a few ideas and invitations to play, then lets the children follow what sparks their interest. There's no right or wrong way to do it, and no one is judged on the result. Some children dive straight into a den, while others spend the whole time carefully making a tiny fairy house. Both are exactly right.
Yes. It gives children room to make their own choices, take small, sensible risks and solve problems for themselves. Many parents find their children come back muddy, happy and full of things to tell. It's also a lovely way for children to make new friends, as teamwork happens naturally when there's a den to build or a mystery to solve.
Dress children in clothes that can get muddy and sturdy shoes or wellies. Pack a drink and sunscreen on sunny days, plus a warmer layer, as shady woodland can feel cool even in summer. If it has been raining, waterproofs are a very good idea.
DOES MY CHILD NEED ANY EXPERIENCE?
Not at all. Forest School is about exploring and trying things, and everything they need is provided.
IS FOREST SCHOOL SAFE?
Woodland play means uneven ground, roots and branches, so trips and minor scrapes can happen. Children are supervised throughout and should follow the Activity Leader's instructions. Do not eat any plants, berries or mushrooms found in the woods, and do not climb trees unless an adult says it is safe.
IS FOREST SCHOOL LIKE A NORMAL SCHOOL DAY?
No. It's play-based and led by children's own curiosity, so it feels much more like an adventure than a day in the classroom.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Forest School happens in most weathers. A waterproof jacket and wellies mean a rainy day can be just as fun, and often muddier.
Forest School at Camp Kindling
25 Credits
last time
Camp Kindling
- 2025
- Junior
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