Hearthwoods Adventure Forest School

Northwoods Forest School; School-Age Program: Hearthwood

Schedule
Tuesdays · 9:15 am – 2:15 pm
(Drop-off 9:15–9:30 · Pick-up 2:15–2:30)

A Forest Day in Rhythm

At Hearthwood, our days unfold with the simplicity of a Nordic rhythm — gathering, venturing out, working side by side, pausing for rest, and returning to close the circle together. This pattern grounds children in belonging, resilience, and joy.

Opening Circle – We begin as one tribe, with a verse, story, or plan for the day.
Nature Walk – Exploring forest, meadow, and brook, noticing seasonal signs and hidden wonders.
Skill & Study – A hands-on lesson: fire-building, foraging, ecology, shelter-craft, or art inspired by the natural world.
Shared Meal – We come together to eat, rest, and share discoveries.
Meadow Time – Open exploration supported by rotating stations: carving, weaving, journaling, gardening, or group challenges. This balance of freedom and gentle structure allows older and younger students to grow alongside one another.
Handwork – Crafting with wood, wool, or natural materials — learning patience, skill, and the satisfaction of making something useful or beautiful.
Closing Circle – We gather once more, reflecting on the day and sending each child home with a sense of peace and belonging.

The Hearthwood Tribe

More than a program, Hearthwood is a skogsstamme ( pronounced skoogs-stahm-meh)— a forest tribe. Children step into a living community where everyone contributes. Older students rise as natural leaders, younger ones find guidance, and all share in the rhythm of building, creating, and celebrating together. It is a place where curiosity, cooperation, and courage grow side by side.

Highlights

Ecology & Wildcraft – Hands-on studies of local flora and fauna.
Survival Skills – Shelter building, fire craft, navigation, and plant identification.
Artistic Expression – Nature journaling, eco-art, storytelling, and seasonal festivals.
Community Projects – Habitat restoration, gardening, and collaborative building.

Tuition & Registration

Tuition – $40 per day
Sibling Discount – 50% off one sibling
Registration Fee – $90 per student, one-time, non-refundable (covers materials for the session)

Additional Notes

Gear Program – We provide quality winter and rain accessories for older students (waterproof mittens, insulated hats, boot liners if needed).
Meals – Snacks are provided (organic, whole-food only). Children bring a simple packed lunch from home, free of high sugars and food dyes, to support energy and focus outdoors.

Hearthwood is where children live the rhythm of the forest — learning, creating, and belonging together.

The Three Groves of Hearthwood

Every child at Hearthwood belongs to one of three Groves — a forest family that becomes their circle of belonging during their years here. Each Grove carries its own story, symbol, and character, reflecting the rhythms of the natural world.

Emberglen – Rooted in firelight and courage, this Grove honors the warmth of community and the spark of creativity.
Windmere – Guided by air and feather, this Grove reflects curiosity, imagination, and the freedom to explore.
Brookwild – Flowing with water and earth, this Grove embodies resilience, renewal, and the untamed spirit of the forest.

Together, the Groves form the living heartbeat of Hearthwood. They meet in shared challenges, seasonal festivals, and community projects — each contributing its gifts to the whole. Children grow not only as individuals but also as part of a tribe, discovering what it means to belong, to lead, and to carry traditions forward.

This Year: The Awakening of Emberglen

As Hearthwood begins its journey, so too does our very first Grove. This year, all students will be welcomed into Emberglen — the Grove of firelight, courage, and community.

Like the first flame kindled in the hearth, Emberglen represents beginnings: the spark of imagination, the warmth of belonging, and the strength that grows when we gather together.

Each family who joins Hearthwood this year becomes part of Emberglen’s story. Your children are the founding members — the ones who carry its spirit into every challenge, every project, and every festival we share.

Together, we are not only learning in the forest… we are building a living tradition. And in years to come, when new Groves awaken, Emberglen will be remembered as the first flame — the Grove that lit the way.