Friends in the Forest

Ages: 18 months – 5 years old
9:15AM-11:15AM

“Friends in the Forest” is a drop-in parent and child forest school program that focuses on the holistic development of the child and allows caregivers to come together socially while their children play in nature. Keiki are given the space and time to explore, play, take risks, be creative and grow socially and emotionally using all their senses in the best classroom of all - the outdoors. Families are close by to guide their keiki as needed and daily rituals like circle time help provide the structure and predictability our young keiki need to feel calm and safe. To learn about the amazing benefits of unstructured play in nature visit our “What is Forest School” page.

Location

Kalopa State Park (on the grass near main pavilion)
Honoka`a, Hawaii

Attire

Forest school programs embrace all seasons and aims to remain outside during many types of weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing choices! Depending on the day children may need to bring a rain coat and rain boots. It can get chilly at the park in the winter months, so layering up is recommended. Rain pants that keiki can put over their pants or shorts on rainy and/or muddy days may be provided. Normally we will hold the program near the large pavilion so families can find shelter out of the rain if needed.

Cost:

Since the program takes place in a state park, we are not allowed to charge a fee. Donations are welcome and go directly into the Hamakua Forest School program budget to purchase supplies.

Sample Schedule

  • 9:15 AM Meet at site

  • 9:30 AM Circle time / Music & movement

  • 10:00 AM Nature exploration & Forest play

  • 10:30 AM Snack (each family brings their own)/ story

  • 10:45 AM Nature exploration & Forest play

  • 11:15 AM Mahalo circle & A hui hou kākou*

    *families are welcome to bring lunch and stay longer if they wish

Registration:

This is a drop-in class, however the class size will be limited to 15 keiki. Please sign up ahead of time to reserve a spot using the calendar below. If your plans change, please be sure to cancel your reservation to open the space to other interested families.

Mahalo!