The return to school is an anticipated one, a micro-season of its own. From the heat of August through September, families shop for supplies, embark on final vacations, and prepare for another school year. Part of this preparation comes in the form of a slew of activities. From school sports to educational enrichment and social opportunities, the life of the parent is figuring out exactly what to teach your child when they aren’t in school.
Luckily, the Rewilding School has one of the most unique and widely ranging slate of programs for all types of children. From our educationally driven after school classes to our weekend family activities and comprehensive preschool offerings, we offer engaging, outdoor workshops and classes that run all through the school year. With a competitive cost structure and expert educators that come from backgrounds in the forests as well as the classrooms, we have the unique opportunity to take kids outdoors and teach them something most programs can’t: how to find passion in the natural world.
Below you’ll find some of the programs we’re excited to offer, as well as some events to keep your eyes open for. We hope your family has a bountiful Fall, and we’d be happy to have you come learn with us.
Learning Happens Naturally with The Rewilding School!
Our Fall Programs focus on learning about the plants, animals, and skills of the harvest season. From fire making to foraging, the Rewilding School uses expert educators to teach parents and kids alike. Learn about the changing forest in our Nature Club, join our PlayGroup for natural play after your preschool program, or join us for Community Craft Nights that teach skills like basket weaving and leather working. We also have single day and flex pass options to learn with us on your own terms. Use the discount code KOAAWILD10 at checkout for a 10% discount for your order, and check out our programs here!
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Wildlings/ Wild Ones - Croton Point Park and Marsh Sanctuary
Mornings on Wednesdays and Weekends
There's no such thing as too young to find joy in the natural environment. We firmly believe that every child should spend time in the forests, fields, and riverbeds that surround them during the formative years of their development. Our program focuses on tactile play, cause and effect, and natural games and activities that bring families together and get kids excited to spend time outdoors
Forest Preschool - Marsh and Brinton Brook Sanctuaries
AM and PM classes 2, 3, or 5 days a week
In Forest Preschool, there is no such thing as a wasted opportunity. We let the lessons of the forest guide our day, and our expert naturalists bring equal passions for childhood education and the outdoors to every session. Whether it's seasonal crafts and games, adventures on the dozens of acres of land we have access to, or exposure to the plants and animals of the region, our commitment is to the idea that the best way to educate a young mind is through tactile experiences and the wonders of the woods.
Forest PlayGroup! - Brinton Brook Sanctuary
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 2:30-4:30
Whether you're signed up for a preschool this Fall or simply want to introduce your child to nature play in a guided environment, our Forest PlayGroup is the perfect opportunity to get outside, playing and building a community with like minded families. Our newest pre-k program is designed to supplement standard preschool options in Westchester, providing a natural footnote to the end of the school day.
This program is designed to work alongside UPK or other preschool options, but anyone with a child 3-5 is welcome to join.
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS
Nature Club - Brinton Brook Sanctuary
Wednesdays 3-5pm at Croton Point Park
After a long day of school, some kids are pent-up with energy and ready for more! Whether your young one is a budding scientist, an everyday adventurer, or simply loves spending time outside, this program is perfect for them! Our crafts and activities teach them critical outdoor skills, and we break the lessons up with awesome nature games that engage their bodies in a way school can't! It's the perfect way to ease out of a day of education and engage with a different community.
Weekend Hunter Gatherers - Marsh Sanctuary
Saturday Mornings and Sunday Afternoons
Weekend Hunter Gatherers is a program that focuses on getting kids outside on a weekly basis, creating spaces during the weekend for them to engage in their bodies and expand their skills. Our WHG classes are great because they are centered around different activities that build skills, explore, and find other kids that are interested in the exact same things. The benefits of daily exercise is undeniable, and this program ensures social and physical engagement that lasts outside of extracurricular school activities.
Homeschool Forest Skills - Croton Point Park and Marsh Sanctuary
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
For families who want to create a well-rounded education for their kids, programs like this will provide critical tools for self-sufficiency, imagination, and growth that spring-load your child's educational journey. We focus on engaging themes like natural crafting, science, and survival skills. The best part about our program is that parents can stay, providing direction to their kids and learning these skills for themselves.
Events to Look For
Family Hikes - Marsh Sanctuary
To Be Announced
Adult Programs - Marsh Sanctuary
To be Announced
We offer seasonal Adult Programs that teach intensive skills on the weekends. We have hosted tracking intensives built for hikers, survivalists, hunters and photographers alike, as well as Adult Wilderness Survival, which explores surviving in the woods from tip to tail. Our focus is to build connections with nature and feel more comfortable and confident in it, all with the guidance of our expert founder Eric Stone.
Fall Forest Festival - Croton Point Park
September 21st, 10am-2pm
Our wildly successful Family Festival this Spring is being followed up this Fall with another awesome day of programming. Our educators will lead guided lessons on some of our classic skills, we’ll have skill workshops with local educators and naturalists, and families will be able to learn more about our programs while engaging with their community!
Community Craft Nights - Marsh Sanctuary
Fridays Throughout the Fall Season
We are offering monthly Community Craft Nights, workshops that teach a specific craft to all families! We encourage bringing picnic-style snacks and dinners, engaging in our guided lesson, and exploring and playing in the fields of Marsh Sanctuary from 4pm until sunset! We had a great turnout this May and hope to continue to expand this awesome program!
If you want to sign up for these programs, please check out our website and follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok.
