Planning A Forest School Summer Camp in Your Backyard

Summer is just around the corner, and as homeschooling parents, we’re always looking for creative ways to keep young minds engaged, active, and learning. One fun and meaningful option is hosting a forest school summer camp — right in your own backyard or at a nearby park!

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Planning A Forest School Summer Camp in Your Backyard

These nature-based camps are a fantastic way to help young children develop a deeper connection with the natural world while building essential skills like leadership, problem-solving, and emotional development. Whether you’re hosting a small group size of your own children or inviting a few forest friends to join, this guide will walk you through how to plan a successful and memorable summer program.

What Is a Forest School Summer Camp?

A forest school summer camp is a nature-based educational experience that focuses on child development through outdoor play, exploration, and hands-on learning. Activities often include nature exploration, scavenger hunts, mud kitchen play, and shelter building.

Unlike traditional camps, forest school programs embrace the unpredictability of nature, encourage risk-taking, and nurture personal growth in an outdoor setting. The focus is on free play, imagination, and connecting children with the environment around them.

Choosing a Location

When planning your camp, one of the first decisions is where to host it. If you have a spacious backyard with trees, garden areas, or natural features, that’s a perfect place to start.

Other great options include:

• A nearby nature center
• Local parks with trails, streams, or ponds
• A family farm with farm animals

Look for spaces that are safe, accessible, and have basic amenities like parking and restrooms if you’re inviting other families. Be mindful of any local regulations about hosting organized activities in public spaces.

Deciding on the Time Commitment

You’ll also want to consider how often you’ll meet. Some families plan a week-long camp session that meets daily for several hours, while others opt for a half day option or a weekly meet-up throughout the summer.

A once-a-week nature program is an easy, low-pressure way to stay connected with other homeschool families and give your kids regular outdoor adventures. It also makes it easier to navigate extreme weather days by rescheduling or adjusting activities.

Planning Camp Activities

A forest school camp is all about balance — structured activities mixed with plenty of free play and exploration. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Nature walks and guided hikes
• Scavenger hunts for natural treasures
• Mud kitchen or water play station
• Fort building with branches and loose parts
• Shelter building challenges
• Outdoor crafts using leaves, rocks, and sticks
• Story time under a tree
• Farm visits if available
• Group games like hide and seek or capture the flag

Remember to choose appropriate activities for your group’s ages and abilities, and always have a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and extra water on hand.

Safety and Supervision

For younger groups, keep a small group size to maintain a safe teacher ratio (or parent ratio). You might even consider rotating responsibilities with other families so each parent takes a turn hosting while others get a break — built-in kid-free time is a nice bonus!

If you’re opening it up to multiple families, set clear rules ahead of time about supervision, weather plans, and acceptable activities.

What to Bring

Here’s a quick checklist of supplies to keep your forest adventurers safe and happy:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hats and sturdy shoes
• Snacks and water bottles
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• First aid kit
• Extra clothes (for muddy or wet play)

Optional:

• Blankets or tarps for story time
• Binoculars or magnifying glasses for nature exploration
• Outdoor craft supplies like string, scissors, or paints

Managing Enrollment (If Inviting Others)

If you decide to open your camp to other families, it’s a good idea to have a simple registration form or inquiry form. You might include:

• Child’s name and age
• Emergency contact info
• Allergies or health needs
• Parent consent for outdoor play

This ensures you’re aware of each child’s needs and have a plan for extreme weather or other situations.

Also, check if your town has rules about organizing activities with multiple families in public areas. Some parks limit group sizes or require permits for gatherings.

Hosting a forest school summer camp is a fantastic way to offer your kids a unique educational experience while making the most of summer. It encourages nature-based education, supports child development, and fosters friendships through outdoor play.

Whether you go big with a full day week-long camp or keep it casual with a weekly meet-up, your kids will build lasting memories and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Ready to Plan Your Forest School Camp?

Start simple, gather your supplies, and invite a few forest friends to join your backyard adventure this summer!