Our Mission

A Note from the Founder

Northwoods Forest School was born from a simple belief: that childhood deserves time, space, and reverence — and that nature offers something essential to families that cannot be replicated indoors.

Over the years, Northwoods has held many seasons. Children explored the woods with muddy boots and curious hands. Families gathered for festivals of light and change. The land itself became a teacher — steady, patient, and generous.

As Northwoods has grown, it has also evolved.

Today, Northwoods Forest School continues as a seasonal, community-centered nature offering, focused on family connection, outdoor experiences, and stewardship of the land. While the structure of the school has changed, the heart of the work remains the same: honoring childhood, nurturing wonder, and creating meaningful opportunities for families to reconnect with nature.

I believe deeply that when we slow down and step outside together, something quiet and powerful happens — children are seen, families are strengthened, and the natural world reminds us of what truly matters.

Thank you for being part of Northwoods, in whatever season you found us.

With gratitude,
Sara
Founder, Master Naturalist, Director

Our Mission

Northwoods Forest School exists to connect families to nature and the whimsical magic it holds.

We believe childhood is a treasure — not something to rush through — and that time spent outdoors nurtures imagination, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.

Through seasonal rhythms, forest experiences, and shared moments of wonder, we support meaningful family connection rooted in the natural world.

Northwoods is guided by forest school principles, Scandinavian simplicity, and a deep respect for childhood, land, and community.

Northwoods Today

Northwoods Forest School is no longer operating as a full-time forest school program. Instead, we have transitioned into a seasonal, community-based nature offering that continues to serve families through:

Family-centered nature workshops
Seasonal festivals and gatherings
Occasional forest school afternoons
Land stewardship, grounds care, and outdoor learning spaces

This evolution allows Northwoods to remain rooted in its mission while honoring sustainable rhythms — for families, children, and the land itself.

Our Focus

Northwoods Forest School continues to uphold standards of high-quality forest and nature programming through:

Outdoor experiential learning
Seasonal and place-based education
Environmental stewardship and land care
Nature access for families and children
Preservation of outdoor learning spaces
Safe, thoughtfully maintained natural play environments
Waldorf education foundations

Support for grounds maintenance, outdoor gear, and nature-based learning infrastructure allows Northwoods to remain a vibrant, accessible space for community connection and environmental education.

We are proud to be accredited by the POE network, with additional certifications that support our commitment to nature-based, mindful education:

Forest Leader Level 3
Nature-Based Safety & Training Standard Accreditation
Nature-Based Teaching Certification
MinistrySafe & SafeSport Certifications
First Aid/CPR
Wilderness First Aid
Mindfulness Certification
Archery Level 1 Instructor Certified
Herbology Certification
Waldorf Teaching Certification
Hygge Early Years Accreditation
Master Naturalist Certification

Accreditations and Credentials

We're proud to announce that as of September 2024, Northwoods Forest School is an accredited nature-based program through the POE Network! This accreditation reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in safety, program outcomes, and staff training, with a strong focus on eco-mindfulness and environmental stewardship.

Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation

At Northwoods Forest School, we embrace a warm, nurturing, and rhythmical approach to early childhood education. Our recent Hygge in the Early Years Accreditation reflects our commitment to creating a learning environment that fosters coziness, connection, and a deep sense of well-being for the children in our care.

Rooted in the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah"), this accreditation highlights our focus on slow, meaningful moments, nature-based experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere where children feel safe, inspired, and engaged.

Through this training, we’ve enhanced our approach to: Encouraging nature-led exploration and seasonal rhythms

Creating a homelike, soothing learning environment
Using storytelling and simple daily rituals to foster connection
Engaging in gentle, hands-on crafts that promote creativity and mindfulness

Incorporating warmth and sensory-rich experiences, such as candlelit storytelling and cozy indoor-outdoor transitions

This accreditation aligns beautifully with our Scandinavian + Waldorf + Forest School philosophy, ensuring that Northwoods Forest School remains a place where children can flourish in a calm, nurturing setting that honors childhood’s magic.

At Northwoods Forest School, our approach is deeply inspired by Waldorf education, and our ongoing training through the Sophia Institute strengthens this foundation. This training enriches our ability to weave storytelling, nature connection, hands-on learning, and developmental rhythms into each day, ensuring a holistic and nurturing experience for children. Through the Sophia Institute, we deepen our understanding of child development, artistic expression, and Waldorf principles, allowing us to offer an education that honors childhood, fosters creativity, and nurtures a lifelong love of learning.

Minnesota Nature Education Alliance (MNEA)

Upholding Excellence in Waldorf-Integrated, Nature-Based Learning

The Minnesota Nature Education Alliance (MNEA) exists to recognize and honor educational programs that blend authentic Waldorf philosophy with year-round nature immersion. Their mission is to set a high standard of quality for nature-based education in Minnesota—one that supports the whole child through creativity, community, and connection to the land.

MNEA is the governing body behind the Golden Acorn Standard of Excellence—a three-tier accreditation awarded only to programs that meet their rigorous criteria:

Nature Immersion: Learning that happens in and through the natural world, in all seasons.
Waldorf Integration: Seasonal rhythms, handwork, and storytelling deeply embedded in daily life.
Cultural Enrichment: Traditions and festivals that reflect heritage and foster community bonds.
Practical Skills: Opportunities for children to engage in meaningful, real-world work—gardening, woodworking, animal care, and more.

Programs that carry the Gold, Silver, or Standard Acorn designation have undergone a comprehensive local review by their Minnesota-based panel of educators, artisans, and child development specialists. The process ensures that families seeking exceptional educational experiences can trust the MNEA seal as a true mark of quality and integrity.

Whether you are a parent searching for the right program or an educator striving for the highest standard, the MNEA exists to support and celebrate excellence in nature-based, Waldorf-inspired education.