What to Wear ?

Forest School Philippines is held in all-weathers– it means we will be outdoors throughout the day, rain or shine! Make sure your child is dressed properly and comfortably in both weather. Your child is most likely to get dirty, so have him/her wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet and muddy.

Participants (both adults and children) are to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear including waterproofs.

  • Lightweight longsleeved shirt or dri-fit tops or rash-guard to protect from heat and mosquitoes*
  • Comfortable trousers (jogging bottoms or leggings)*
  • Sandals that may be worn on water
  • Apply sun screen and insect repellant
  • Hat or cap (preferably one that offers protection to the back of their neck)

*Legs and arms must always be covered to prevent scratches, stings and bites.

What to Bring ?

Forest School Philippines is about your child having fun learning. They will be out for 2 hours. In order to prevent physical discomfort (scratches, cuts, stings, soggy socks, and cold hands), we may send your child back home without appropriate clothing. Let them have fun in school by making sure they come in proper attire.

Aside from proper clothing, please have your children bring a :

Good-fitting waterproof backpack with a chest strap. Children will be expected to carry everything they need in their own packs. Inside the backpack:

  • water bottle (about 500mls), filled with water which they can open themselves
  • change of clothes inside a plastic bag (so it remains dry)
  • water proofs so their clothes do not get wet or muddy : jacket, poncho and raincoat inside the backpack labeled with their name.
  • spare clothing to change : One t-shirt, trousers, pair of socks, underwear
  • packed food in a container they can open themselves, and does not require use of a fork or spoon.

What age is appropriate?

We accept children ages 3 to 12 years old.  Your child should be potty-learned 🙂

Can parents join the sessions?

Parents may accompany children during Nature Walk. [Nature walk is a sampler of what takes place in a long-term forest school session.] 

Term forest school  sessions (10 sessions) are designed for your child to learn independence and make new friends. Please arrange at drop off your child to the Canopy Farms before 9:30am. Please be back by 11:30am to pickup your child. Shower and toilet facilities are available for your child’s wash up. 

Should you wish to stay there, the entrance to Canopy Farms is P285 per person (refreshments included). 

Do you cancel classes due to inclement weather?

Forest School Philippines takes place whether it rains or shines. When it is deemed unsafe (lightning, strong winds with falling branches, typhoon, thunderstorm, heavy rains), we will find an alternative outdoor activity in a safer location or move activities to indoor areas. As a last resort, we may have to cancel Forest School.

How will my child pee or poop?

Children are encouraged go to the toilet before leaving the meetup point. In the forest, a child who needs to pee will be accompanied by an adult and shall relieve himself/herself behind a bush or down a slope near a tree. In case they need to poop, a hole will be dug, and it has to be covered up after.

At Forest School Philippines, we try to minimize our impact on the environment. Use of wet wipes is discouraged as it tends to be dropped during sessions. We recommend using water to wash instead. In case there’s no water source, children may use the water from their drinking bottle.

Will My Child Be Graded?

Forest School Philippines offers a personalized approach to your child’s learning. We believe that education is not a “one size fits all”. Studies show that standard testing is an old school way of thinking and is making more children stressed and anxious.

Do you Adhere to DepEd’s National Curriculum?

Although Forest School is not part of the national curriculum and not a required element of the current school system, we seek very much to be recognized as a type of learning that impacts learners positively.

My Child is Not One of the Kids

Forest school is open to children of all ages, mental and physical capabilities. We are accepting, and we are a safe place for your child to feel loved and acknowledged.

How to Go There if Commuting?

The Canopy Farms may be found through Waze or Google.

Are you open to kids affiliated to other homeschool providers

Nature Walk and term forest school sessions are open to everyone– whether you are homeschooling, unschooling, wildschooling, roadschooling,  natureschooling, or enrolled in a traditional school, your child is definitely most welcome.