News from the Wild: Cool animals, jobs, and more!
Hello EverWild Families!
Embark on a wild journey this week at EverWild as we uncover the secrets of the "coolest animals"! Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the extraordinary survival strategies of creatures braving the winter chill. From the astonishing Wood Frogs, who endure freezing temperatures all season long, to the industrious Honey Bees, warming their winter clusters with wing-powered heat to a cozy 90F. And the mystery of Bats: do they truly hibernate? Let's uncover the truth together! Plus, we'll decode the enigmatic behaviors of Red-Tailed Hawks, and whether they're always soaring over Boise. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable resilience of nature's finest - these animals are truly the epitome of cool!
Parent Tip of the Week
Often while we are out in our Forest School classes, a child will want and need to be left alone for a bit. Either they ask for this or physically move away from the group. We always respect this need for space, keep the child in our sight, and check in to see if the child is ready to talk or rejoin the group. We are sure your kids do this at home sometimes as well. Kids may politely ask for space or they may scream, “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Those two statements may elicit different reactions. A polite request for space probably makes you step back, maybe even feel proud of your child's communication, and give them the space they need. While a screaming demand may be triggering, making the parent feel attacked, and perhaps feel the need to react in kind. We just wanted to remind everyone, that a child asking for space is okay. It is them letting us know they are struggling in some way. It is them saying many things, including:
I don't know how to express my feelings.
I need space and time to regulate and feel normal again.
I need support and love from afar.
I don't know how to express my feelings.
I am feeling stressed, nervous, anxious.
If we look at these statements, I'm sure we can all remind ourselves of a time when we felt the same way. So however the message comes across for more space, whether it is controlled and polite or wild and loud, let's honor their request, and do what we can to help our children ride it out! You are awesome parents!
Congratulations, Sierra!
We're thrilled to announce that Sierra, one of our past interns, has graduated from BSU. Her capstone presentation, "Exploring the Identity of EverWild Forest School," delved into perspectives from students, parents, teachers, and administrators, uncovering the unique essence of EverWild.
Sierra's dedication and thoughtful approach have enriched our understanding of EverWild's identity. Join us in congratulating Sierra on her achievement and wishing her success in future endeavors.
Upcoming Camps
NEW Trail Blazer Camps
We are excited to hold Trail Blazer Camps for kids aged 11-13 on June 18-20, July 23-25, and August 6-8.
Summer Camps
For current EverWild families and past summer campers, early bird registration is now open.
June - August
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
5-day, 4-day, and 3-day camps
Designed for ages 4-13
Upcoming Events
Virtual Book Fair
If you're looking for more exciting, engaging, and educational books to gift this holiday season, look no further.
An order of ANY amount is greatly appreciated and helps EverWild Forest School earn FREE and discounted books to add to our library for teachers to utilize.
Join our team
We are seeking two individuals with a passion for children and the outdoors to join us as After School Program Facilitators. This program is offered for free to children from low-income families, thanks to a generous grant from the Whittenberger Foundation.
Program Duration: March 25 - May 24
Working Hours: 3:15 pm - 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Weekly Commitment: Approximately 16 hours per week
We hope you have a wonderful week! Be sure to follow along our adventures on Instagram and Facebook!
EverWild Forest School is an initiative under the umbrella of the National Outdoor Learning Alliance (NOLA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NOLA operates with a broader mission to amplify outdoor learning opportunities. This overarching organization provides crucial resources, funding, and support to various programs and initiatives, such as EverWild Forest School, that aim to increase access to outdoor learning for youth across the nation.
