Pinewood Trails offers a unique opportunity for children to develop crucial social-emotional and school-readiness skills in an inspiring outdoor environment. In today's world, where technology and indoor activities dominate, forest school provides a chance for young students to develop a deep and meaningful connection with nature.

Extensive research indicates that forest school programs offer numerous benefits. Enrolled students are more physically active, and form healthy habits that last a lifetime. Spending time in nature has many social, emotional, and physical benefits for children, including reduced anxiety, enhanced confidence, and self-efficacy. Forest school programs provide open-ended experiences that foster creative problem-solving skills, essential in today's modern world. And, remember, spending time outside, getting messy, and having fun is what childhood memories are made of.

Enrolling your child in a forest school program is a wise investment in their future. The program ensures that your child develops critical skills while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Please layer your child in all-weather gear for the appropriate season. The majority of our day, if not 100 percent, will be spent outdoors. A list of needed clothing items will be given to all students and families at time of enrollment. All students will be required to bring an extra set of dry clothing no matter the season in case clothing becomes too wet or too dirty.

It is highly recommended to search for items second-hand. If at anytime Pinewood Trails Forest School has gently used items available, we will let enrolled parents know.

For all programs your child will need:

• weather-appropriate clothing and a change of clothes (Gear List located in our Forest Family Handbook)

• Water bottle labeled with child’s name (water only)

• Small backpack to carry supplies

• Bug spray or sunblock (season dependent)

• Nut-free & Peanut-free snack labeled with child’s name.

We strongly believe in the saying, “there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices”. Being an all-outdoor Forest School, we will be embracing all the beautiful seasons that Michigan has to offer, including rain and snow. In case of any safety concerns, such as high winds, extreme cold, lightning, or ice storms, we will inform families through our school's app about any class cancellations or indoor class arrangements.

Ensuring the health and safety of our students is our topmost priority. Our teachers are well-trained in First Aid and CPR, and are equipped with walkie-talkies, cell phones, and first aid kits. With a low teacher-to-student ratio, our teachers are able to keep a close watch on students at all times. In case of any accident, a comprehensive report will be prepared, and caregivers will be notified as necessary.

Typically, children who spend more time playing outside are less prone to injuries compared to children who don't have the opportunity to engage in extended outdoor activities. This is because outdoor play provides children with the chance to learn real-life risk assessment, gain crucial gross motor skills, and understand their physical limits. These skills, when developed early in life, can help cultivate a lifelong sense of self-awareness and safety while enjoying the great outdoors!

We will have a small, private, portable toileting location for children. Our teachers are happy to help children learn to use this system, and have extra clothes in case of an accident! All Pinewood Trails Forest School students, for all programs, must be potty trained. This means that they must be able to let a teacher know that they have to go to the bathroom AND hold it until a teacher can help them get to the bathroom. If your child needs regular reminders to go to the bathroom to prevent an accident, they are not ready for forest school just yet!