Friends of the Forest

Forest Academy is non-profit organization that focuses on providing children opportunities for child-led learning while immersed in the calming sensory experiences of nature. Our program focuses on helping children to develop essential life skills such as problem solving, self-control, perseverance, resilience, and social-emotional skills. There is a large body of research that shows how important these skills are to help kids participate more effectively in their education and their lives, as well as how Forest Schools help to develop these skills.

When digging in the mud and climbing trees, our students develop their hand strength and fine motor skills. When skipping rocks on the creek, they learn about force and trajectory. When climbing steep hills in the forest or lifting logs to build a fort, they develop strength and perseverance. Allowing the children to participate in activities that challenge their minds and bodies improves their self-confidence, mental health, and physical health. All of these activities also provide calming sensory input that helps to improve their focus, awareness, and appreciation of the natural world around them.

Forest Academy is a new but growing non-profit organization. Any donation will help us develop more forest school classes and specialized services to serve the children of the Greater Lafayette community. In the coming year, we plan to offer daily programs during the week days for homeschooling families and preschoolers, as well as after school programs for children who attend traditional schools. We currently offer pediatric occupational therapy and hope to add speech therapy, mental health counseling, and physical therapy services soon.