A Season of Discovery: Inside Our First Month at EverWild Forest School
As autumn settles across the Treasure Valley, EverWild Forest School has come alive with the laughter and curiosity of children learning in nature’s classroom. Over the past month, our students have begun building their class communities through play, storytelling, and hands-on exploration — all while diving into lessons that connect them deeply to the world around them.
EverWild’s Outdoor Classroom
Our “open concept classroom” featured a pop-up potty tent, art tarp, and all the nature a kid could want!
Week 1: Community-Building Through Play and Story
At EverWild, we believe that meaningful learning begins with belonging. During these first weeks, students have focused on creating their class “families” — small, supportive communities built through cooperative play, shared stories, and reflection circles. Through this social-emotional work, children practice empathy, communication, and teamwork — essential life skills that prepare them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
We Found a Blue Crayfish!
Only about 1 in every 10,000 crayfish have this rare mutation.
Week 2: Exploring Forest Communities
As students build community with one another, they also explore the interconnected communities within nature. Lessons this month introduced the concept of forest ecosystems — how trees, soil, fungi, and wildlife work together to sustain life. Using hands-on observation and guided exploration, students began recognizing local species and learning to see the forest as a living network rather than a backdrop for play. Students expanded their explorations across our Eagle, Boise, and Garden City outdoor “classrooms,” investigating the rich ecosystems along the Boise River.
Nature Connection in Action
Imaginations run wild in our outdoor classrooms
Week 3: Bush Skills and Outdoor Confidence
Outdoor competency is another key pillar of our program. This fall, students began developing foundational bushcraft skills — such as safe fire building, fort construction, and basic tool use. These experiences go far beyond skill acquisition: they nurture patience, problem-solving, and self-confidence while teaching respect for natural resources and safety in the outdoors.
Week 4: The Science Behind the Season
Fall Science
Investigating the colors of autumn through fun experiments.
As the leaves turned golden, students investigated the science of fall. Through hands-on experiments and observation, they learned why leaves change color, discovering how sunlight, temperature, and chlorophyll affect the seasonal transition. By combining art and science, students not only understood the process but also expressed their wonder through leaf prints, color studies, and seasonal journals.
The first month of Forest School sets the tone for a year of growth, curiosity, and connection. Whether they’re studying local ecosystems, building shelters, or simply sharing stories beneath a cottonwood tree, EverWild students are developing not only academic knowledge but also a lifelong relationship with nature - one rooted in joy, resilience, and wonder!