Fall Homeschool Programs
Wood Gnomes
Forest Kindergarten for ages 3 to 5
All outdoor forest school
Connect to nature through imaginative play outside
Learn earth skills like fire making, plant identification & natural crafting
Instructors with many years of experience mentoring young children in nature
At Wood Gnomes, children will connect to nature through engaging in imaginative play outdoors and learning practical life skills. We will create a community with each other by participating in group music making, enjoying sensory awareness games and playing in our beautiful mountain creek. Children will build resilience, strong immune systems and close bonds with each other through spending time outdoors together in the elements. They’ll build confidence as they learn practical outdoor skills such as fire making and campfire cooking and gain respect for the level of focus and care that they require. On rainy days we’ll cozy up around a fire under our tarp. We will provide hands-on experiences digging in the garden, planting seeds and watching them grow.
Each day at forest kindergarten will follow a rhythm. When we arrive, we’ll sing our good morning song, listen to a story and share gratitude with each other. At lunchtime we’ll enjoy the ritual of lighting our lunch candle and eating in silence for the first five minutes. This gives everyone the opportunity to reset their nervous system and listen to the sounds of the forest.
During this special time when children are full of wonder and just beginning to think of themselves as individuals, those in our Wood Gnomes forest school will develop a deeper sense of self through their connection with nature. Through that newfound individuality, they will find community among their peers and mentors and build bonds with their fellow Wood Gnomes that can blossom into friendships lasting into adolescence and beyond.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - September 16 - December 16 with breaks the weeks of October 21 and November 25
$600 for the 12 week series
Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Craft Guild
Ages 11-16
Mondays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This class will focus on Art and Craft and gaining proficiency in safe tool use, techniques and applications in order to make various craft projects involving CopperSmithing, Blacksmithing, Carving, Green Woodworking, Leather Craft, Tool Making and more. We will spend time building our skill set through basic projects and then design and build our own creations such as Jewelry, Tools, Housewares/Hardware and Art! We intend to give the students the tools, time and methods needed while providing the space for them to explore what they are drawn to and excited to create.
This class will be predominately outdoors in a covered workspace. Students will have opportunities to explore nature and socialize during the day, while also having dedicated lessons and shop time each session.
We will spend some time on PRACTICAL SKILLS like Basic Carpentry, Tool Sharpening, Safety/Maintenance and everyday skills.
Mondays from September 21 to December 14 with a breaks the weeks of October 19 and 26 and November 23
$750 for the 10 week series
Wild Crafters
Ages 6-10
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
In the shade of the trees and around the fire, we’ll learn a variety of nature-inspired crafts using materials we forage, cultivate and recycle. Students will gain confidence in themselves as they expand their skills and exercise their creativity. Over the fall season, we’ll try our hands at coppersmithing, woodworking, fiber arts, basketry, pottery and more. Hiking through our 100 acre wood here at Corylace Cove, we’ll gather vines for making baskets, plants for printing on our clay pots and bark for making cordage. Students will spend time in our metal shop learning to hammer copper into beautiful treasures and adornments like bracelets, pendants and ornaments. We’ll also learn basic wood carving skills and knife safety to create things like spatulas, forks, spoons and walking sticks. On warm days, we’ll cool off in our creek and on cold days, we’ll practice our fire-tending skills and fire crafts such as making charcoal pencils. Each day we’ll work on at least one craft project and spend time playing nature awareness games and connecting with the forest, as wildcrafters love to do!
Tuesdays from 10 am to 4 pm - September 15 to December 15 with breaks the weeks of October 20 and November 24
$720 for the 12 week series
