For ages 5-9 with a caregiver
Sessions run Thursdays: Morning Session: 9:00am-10:30am, Afternoon Session: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Located at the Carver House at Stryker Nature Preserve, 2343 Angling Road in Kalamazoo
Session 1: 8 weeks, September 7-October 26. $205
Session 2: 6 weeks, November 9-December 21. $155
Session 3: 8 weeks, January 11-February 29. $205
Session 4: 8 weeks, March 14-May 8. $205
KNC Members receive 15% off each session!
Homeschool Forest Friends is a program designed for families to supplement their student’s homeschool education with nature connection and exploration. This brand new program is for homeschooled children aged 5-9 years old with a caregiver, and will meet at Carver House on the Stryker Nature Preserve, 2343 Angling Road in Kalamazoo. Each 90-minute session will be held mostly outdoors where we will explore the natural world through structured and self-guided activities. All relevant health and safety guidelines for outdoor activities will be observed. Participants will be supported to engage in ways that feel safest for their family. These experiential learning opportunities will incorporate age-appropriate literacy, math, science, and social skills to allow children to develop hands-on knowledge of the world around them.
EACH SESSION WILL FOCUS ON:
Literacy Development | Practicing reading and writing through age-appropriate opportunities to learn more about the world around you.
Experiential Science & Math | Developing practical ways to use math and science through hands-on experiences with nature.
Critical Thinking | Using your observation and decision-making skills to help guide your actions and make thoughtful choices.
Creative Expression | Letting your imagination flow to express yourself and show what you’ve learned by creating art.
Risky Play | Challenging yourself to take risks while climbing, running, jumping, playing, and building self-confidence in the outdoors.
Social Emotional | Building empathy, communication, and regulation skills to navigate different emotions and social situations.
We recognize there is significant variability in what families in our community are able to afford. Financial assistance can be applied for by answering a few simple questions during the registration process. Please contact the KNC Registrar at for questions regarding registration or financial aid applications.
Questions? Contact Homeschool Forest Friends Teacher Laura Sacha:
In addition to teaching Sprouts and Homeschool Forest Friends, Laura is a teacher at Nature’s Way Preschool. She has a BS in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University and has been teaching students of all ages in various roles for almost a decade. Laura approaches education with a strong belief in student-lead, experiential learning and a commitment to fostering a connection to nature for all.
