Forest Fridays

If your child enjoys being outdoors, is curious about the natural world, and thrives with hands-on, exploratory learning, they’ll likely love this program! Our classes are best suited for children who can follow group expectations, handle a variety of weather conditions, and are excited to learn through both structured lessons and unstructured play.

Please note that the fully outdoor setting of our classes and lack of on-site specialists may not meet every child’s needs. Should you have questions about specific accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out!

After drop-off, students set off with their teachers into a designated natural area—whether tucked in the forest within the property or a short walk to the Boise River—where they set up Base Camp for the day. Mornings begin with songs, games, and an introduction to the day’s theme, followed by ample unstructured play. This child-led time allows students to climb trees, dig in the dirt, build imaginative worlds, and form authentic connections with the land and one another—while teachers guide, observe, and ensure safety.

Once the group regathers, they share tea and snacks before engaging in a hands-on, STEAM-focused lesson rooted in the natural world. Our seasonally informed, place-based curriculum brings academic concepts to life through topics like wildlife ecology, geology, weather, and more—integrating art, storytelling, music, and movement throughout.

The full-day format allows for an extended lunch break, additional free play, and a second round of lessons or long-form projects. With extra time, students can dive deeper into topics, complete meaningful activities, and even venture on occasional field trips—all without the rush of a shorter class.

By the end of the day, children head home with inspired minds, grounded bodies, and joyful hearts—enriched by a full day of learning and play in nature’s classroom.

Although our classes are held outdoors in all weather—rain, snow, or shine—we take indoor breaks when needed.

Through our partnership with the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, we have access to indoor classrooms that can be used at the teachers’ discretion to ensure student safety and maintain a positive, engaged group dynamic. However, we do our best to remain outside for as long as feasible, helping students develop skills in resilience, problem-solving, and growth mindset.

When it rains or snows, our experienced educators set up tarp shelters and lead high-energy games and activities to keep kids warm, engaged, and having fun outdoors.

Success starts with preparation, and dressing appropriately is key! To support families, we offer a Gear Lending Library with items like jackets, hats, boots, and more.

This class meets every Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, running from September 12, 2025, through May 22, 2026.

Drop-off and pick-up take place in the north parking lot of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Garden City, Idaho.

$328 per month + one-time $25 materials fee

Click 'Register for ‘25-’26 School Year' to begin the enrollment process. You’ll be prompted to provide basic information and pre-pay for your child’s final month of participation to secure your spot. After we receive your registration, we’ll send you the next steps to complete enrollment.

Registration Deposit
A deposit equal to one month’s tuition is required at the time of registration to reserve your child’s spot. This deposit will be applied to your child’s final month of participation.

Billing
September tuition is invoiced through Brightwheel and due by August 18th. Tuition will be pro-rated for mid-month start dates and due before your child’s first day. All subsequent months will be auto-billed on the 1st of each month.

Withdrawal
You may withdraw at any time. To apply your pre-paid deposit to your child’s final month, written notice must be submitted before the first day of that month.

Refunds
The registration deposit may be refunded, less $25 administration fee, if written notice of withdrawal is provided by August 1st. all other tuition payments are nonrefundable, regardless of attendance, withdrawal, or unforeseen circumstances. I understand that this policy supports the program’s sustainability and covers essential operational costs.