Family Forest Fridays

Alpine Village School partners with Rootwork Yoga & Herbs to bring you Foragers and Wildlings Family Forest School! Our immersive family classes are designed to deepen your connection with nature as we invite you to explore native plants, learn how to sustainably forage medicinal herbs, develop a keen sense of awareness on our trailheads, and build a wide range of survival skills.

Our intention is simple: encourage families to explore the outdoors, learn together, and build a relationship with the abundantly beautiful area that surrounds us in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Join us every Friday at a different trailhead to practice basic survival skills, identify animal tracks, forage for medicinal plants, and more. We can’t wait to connect and grow with our forest school families!

Ages 6 and below

Foragers Class

Miss Rachael’s class will take Foragers into nature’s classroom—through the woods and meadows, alongside creeks and lakes—in search of the plants, animals, and insects we share our home with. We will learn to identify specific wild plants and trees and explore the medicinal properties of native plants and their common uses. All the while, we’ll enjoy time in community—connecting with Mother Earth and her creatures, singing songs, looking for animals and tracks, and having tea time with the trees.

Ages 7 and Up

Wildlings Class

Kindle a deep connection with the wonders of the world and the art of survival with Tina’s “Wildlings” wilderness curriculum. Become immersed in what the ground is made of, where the most useful plants are growing, and how to protect yourself from the elements of the largely unpredictable force we call nature.

Investment

Single-day drop-in price: $45 (families up to four people).
$10 per additional family member (per day).
Children age 1 and under: free.

Rhythm of the Day

10:00-10:15 am: Arrival
10:15-10:30 am: Whole-group gather/check-in
10:30 am: Trail blaze
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Lunch ’n’ tea
12:20-12:50 pm: Activity/craft/story time
1:00 pm: Head back
1:10-1:30 pm: Closing circle

FAQs

Is this a drop off program?

No. Parents are in attendance the whole time. We intentionally created a program that involves the whole family.

Where do we meet?

We will rotate between different trailheads in the Coeur d’Alene and Hayden area. Upon enrollment, we will send you the dates and locations for each trailhead.

What do I bring?

Dressing appropriately for the weather will ensure a pleasant learning experience. Upon enrollment, we will send a more detailed clothing list for the colder seasons. Please bring a packed lunch, a water bottle, and (optional) a light blanket to sit on.

What if I have children in both age ranges?

Families with children in both age ranges can choose their preferred class; just note that trails will be longer and activities more advanced in the Wildlings class. Another option is to bring two adults so each child can participate in the program designed for their age.

How long do you run your program?

Our forest school program runs March-June and September-November (depending on the weather). Snow is fun, but we avoid the trails when it’s icy.

What is your policy for missed or cancelled classes?

Foragers and Wildlings Family Forest School reserves the right to cancel class due to severe weather, smoke, or unsafe road or trail conditions. While we do our best to reschedule, it is not guaranteed. We do not offer makeups or refunds for missed classes. All payments are nonrefundable.