Forest Academy!

Join us for The Homeschool Collective Forest Academy at Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA! 

 

Anything we teach in a traditional indoor classroom can also be taught outdoors with amazing benefits. In Forest Academy our outdoor classroom will be hands-on using our real life surroundings to inspire practical natural lessons. Freed from the regulated environment of the indoor classroom, children can be more relaxed, more willing to try new things and more motivated to participate in the lessons provided. We are pleased to be bringing Forest Academy to the Homeschool Collective. Where we will have a wild range of activities from science, math, literature art, physical well-being, humane nature practices and more. In this community we will connect with our land, ourselves and one another through being one with nature. 

 

Here are some of the activities that will be on our summer schedule…. 

Weed Walks~ We will enjoy walks in nature while we learn how to identify local plants and how to harvest them humanely. 

Nest Making~ Build a bird’s nest using only materials you find outside. Students will participate in this engineering challenge. They will use science, incorporate math skills with measurements, estimation, and weights too. 

Nature Painting~ We will make artwork by only using natural elements. We will learn how to create natural paint out of natural plants. We will also forage for different paint brushes and stamps to use with our natural paints. 

Mud Art is an abundant and attractive medium for creation, exploration, and adventure. Playing with mud engages all the senses, encourages creativity, and creates long-lasting childhood memories. As parents, we see mud and only see a mess. At Forest Academy the students have permission to get dirty. 

 

Students will be participating in different STEM activities. STEM activities have a vast array of benefits for children as~ Critical thinking skills, Teamwork, Collaboration, Creativity, Hands-on experience, Problem solving, Boosts curiosity, Encourages experimentation, Cognitive development, Fostering innovation and so much more. 

 

Parents who choose forest schools do so because they believe in the positive effects nature has on children. A recent study showed that children who grow up surrounded by nature have up to a 55 percent lower risk of developing mental illnesses later in life. Another study found that children whose schools have more green space had higher cognitive development. And there are many other tangible benefits for children when they spend time in nature. 

 

Nature is alway trying to talk to us. She has great secrets to tell.

If only we would slow down and listen. 

See you in the forest!! 

 

Forest Academy $70 for 4 week session, or $25/week

(For those who may be away, pre-registered drop-in weeks are available for $25/week!)

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Jessica Homan is a Spiritual Mentor, Author, Artist, Poet and a proud Homeschool Mama. She loves to use her talents to inspire her clients and students to live intentional lifestyles. Jessica lives with her husband and three teenage children, where she loves swimming, gardening, meditation and being alone in nature. During the summer months she travels to the shore, as nothing makes her feel more at peace and grounded than wading in the healing energies of natural salt water.

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