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2 - 5 yrs
Adult participation requiredMon, Mar 24, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025
9:30am - 11:00am EDT
Class Experience
Forest School classes meet once a week outside in all kinds of weather. Our nature immersion curriculum instills a love of nature while developing observation, social and emotional skills. Time in the forest sparks joy, curiosity, cooperation and wonder! This is a caregiver & child class. Please pack a snack. Tulip Springs’s main camp area is set in a white pine grove with great access to Hemlock Falls. For how to dress, see our Information page.
Sample Class Format
- Rhythm of class:
- Gather at trailhead hello songs
- Hike to "main camp"
- Teacher offer activity idea/ project
- Free Play
- Snack time - pack a hearty snack & water
- Story time
- Hike back to trailhead & parking lot
Other Things To Know
An adult joins with their forest schooler. Siblings under 2 are welcome to join for free.
Reviews for South Mountain Nature School
4.8 out of 5
Based on 49 provider ratings
Dana S.
Nov 23, 2024
Loved:
flow, creativity, knowledge and kindness of Teacher MaryClair
FALL Caregiver & Child Class - SATURDAY 9:30 AM
Location: Tulip Springs | Instructor: Mary Clair
Response from South Mountain Nature School
Thank you, Dana! It has been so nice getting to know you and Daniel! Hope to see you at summer camp!
Jennifer Z.
Oct 27, 2024
Loved:
Everything! Being able to take my toddler into the woods without being intimidated by being alone. The wonderful teacher. Fun activities.
Improvements:
Make it a half hour longer.
FALL Caregiver & Child Class - SATURDAY 9:30 AM
Location: Tulip Springs | Instructor: Mary Clair
Nicole K.
Oct 21, 2024
Loved:
We love the flexibility of this class with a new, central activity each class, and alternate play areas set up for children who want to explore the forest on their own. My son is on the younger side (18 months), so he doesn't always engage with the project of the day but he loves being in the forest with other kids. He talks about "teacher Hannah, forest," along with "leaf" and "acorn" all week until the next class.
Improvements:
We would love a recommended reading list so we can continue to think about the class themes throughout the week.
FALL Caregiver & Child Class - MONDAYS 9:30 AM
Location: Tulip Springs | Instructor: Mary Clair
Amber B.
Jun 27, 2024
Loved:
My son raves every year about this camp. He has two days left and is sad it’s not longer. He plays in the forrest all day and loves playing in the river. The counselors keep them engaged during the day with fun activities. He says he feels like the camp is only 30 min instead of 4 hours and is sad to leave each day.
Forest School Summer Camp 2024
Location: Tulip Springs | Instructor: Mary Clair
Katie L.
May 12, 2024
Loved:
Very open ended!
Improvements:
I would change the location each time.
Spring Caregiver & Child Class - Saturdays 9:30 am
Location: Tulip Springs | Instructor: Mary Clair
South Mountain Nature School Location
About South Mountain Nature School
South Mountain Nature School is the first Forest School in NJ! Located in the beautiful South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, NJ we offer a variety of programs to connect your child to nature. We follow The Cedarsong Way, a wonderful nature immersion program that fosters a love of the natural world. We offer a Forest Kindergarten (Forest Preschool) for ages 3-6, Caregiver & Child Classes, After School Classes and Forest School Summer Camp.
