Children’s Programs
Forrest Green Farm offers children hands-on activities for discovering the wonders of the natural world. We foster learning that will help children understand and appreciate nature and the community around them.
In a time where our children are so plugged into electronic devices, we need to offer them experiences that connect them with nature.
Research has shown that children who spend time in nature are more caring, have better observation skills, and have better overall development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
Drinks and a small snack will be provided for all workshops.
Parents and siblings are welcome to stay on the farm while waiting for a student who is enrolled in a class.
We are also located ten minutes from Zion Crossroads where they just put in a super Wal-Mart and Lowes.
We now offer children's workshops for groups of 8 or more participants. Please contact us to schedule a date for your group.
Insects
Come explore the world of insects. Insects are the most abundant, interesting, and diverse life form on Earth. We will learn about taxonomy; the classification system for living things. Then we will look at the anatomy of insects and each child will make a flip book labeling the parts of the insect. Time will be spent on the function of insects, how they communicate using scents (pheromones), how they reproduce, and good (beneficial) versus bad insects in the garden. As a group, we walk around the farm collecting all kinds of insects (flying, crawling, wiggling etc.) and identify them at different lifecycle stages and their use or problem on the farm. Another skill that will be taught is the use and importance of field guides for identification.
Nature Journaling Wild Flowers
Nature journaling is a great way for your children to get in touch with nature and learn more science. Nature journaling really helps develop keen observation skills. No artistic ability required, as most children develop this skill as practice sketching what they see in nature. In this class, we will take a walk in the fields and trails around the farm and sketch spring wildflowers. We will use field guides for older children to identify what they sketch and include some details about the flower. Children will be directed and encouraged on how to continue adding to their nature journals all summer long. My kids will also share their nature journals that they have made over the years to encourage your kids to create a wonderful nature book they can treasure for life.
Orienteering Skills
Orienteering is using navigation with maps and a compass to find various points in unfamiliar terrain. In this course, the children will learn the basics of topographical maps and how to read a compass. Each participant will go home with a compass so that they can use their new skill.
Building a Debris Hut
The debris hut has been used for survival since our ancestors were hunter-gatherers. This shelter is constructed very much in the same way a forest animal constructs its home or nest, and allows you to stay warm and safe even without a fire or proper clothing. In this very hands-on class, we will hike into the forest and discuss what is needed for a strong and safe debris hut…then the kids will get to work on building their debris huts.
Please send children in clothes that can get dirty. Sending a bottle of water is recommended.
Botany For Kids
Learn botany hands on with the flowers at our herb farm.
In this class, each student will make a 3-D flowering plant picture where they will learn & label the reproductive parts of a flower. We will learn the different plant families and go into the garden to find examples of each of these families. Time will be spent on identifying leaf patterns (i.e. opposite, whorled, alternate etc.). Photosynthesis & pollination will also be taught. The kids will get a chance to use a microscope to view the plants parts and leaves close up.
Lunch will provided using many ingredients grown on the farm. We will enjoy a salad that includes herbs and edible flowers, tea sandwiches, fresh vegetables with herb dip, herb tea, and dandelion and lavender cookies.
Archery – Part 1
Safety first. We will discuss the inherent dangers of this sport and equipment and insist on safe behavior. The class will learn about the different types of archery equipment. They will learn the basic skills of aim and shooting form as the participants enjoy practicing.
Archery – Part 2
We will review skills learned in archery part 1 and spend some time practicing. We will have a competition to test the skills that have been learned.
Build a Gourd Fairy House
Come join us for a morning of fun with the flower fairies. We will tell stories about the fairies that live on Forrest Green Farm. Then we will build our own fairy houses out of gourds attached to a wood bases. There will be an abundance of natural materials to adorn our fairy homes with and some special effects to be added for fairy flair (sparkling butterflies, jewels, and fairies). Herb tea, herb tea sandwiches, and little cakes will be serves for lunch.
Needle Felting Class
Amy & Heidi, of the Wooly Bull Frog, will be offering a needle felting class using natural fibers. In this class, you will learn the basics of needle felting on a simple project with a horse theme (Pegasus, unicorn, or traditional horse). Each child will take home a needle felting kit (needle, pad, and some fiber).
Papermaking & Nature Prints
Papermaking using plant fibers is an ancient craft dating back 2000 years. We will make eco-friendly paper using natural materials from the garden. You will learn the step-by-step process to create these beautiful papers. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic techniques. You will also learn how to make nature prints by applying ink directly to leaves, flowers, herbs, and fruit and pressing the life-sized images onto paper. You will take home a beautiful combination of paper art that can become nature inspired framed artwork for your home or to give as a gift.
Homeschoolers Nature Walk & Nature Journaling
(4 part series)
Nature Study is a great way to start off the school year. Each week we will take a hike around the fields and on the trails at forest on Forrest Green Farm. Rob and Krista will show the children the bounty of nature that awaits this glorious time of year. We will explore the flora and fauna, do an in depth nature study, and sketch in our journals. Beautiful sketch journal and colored pencils will be provided. Krista will also bring along field guides and sample journals for your children to use for research and journaling ideas.
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