Summer Programming at The Forager School: Exploring Mendonoma Coastal Magic!
The Forager School is offering five weeks of summer programming in 2025 for children ages 2 to 5, as well as four weeks of Adventure Camp programming for school-aged children ages 5 to 9.
Preschool Programming (Ages 2-5)
Throughout the year our curriculum connects students with nature. During summer we prioritize topics and contexts that emphasize our Mendocino coast summer-friendly ecosystems, such as river habitats, woodland hikes, local beaches, and tide-pooling. We also aim to create more flexibility and time in our daily routines for deeper play and connection among students. At the end of the summer session we will celebrate with a ‘Family Day’ open to friends and the greater community.
The Forager School is a licensed family child care center and can serve children ages two until entry to first grade. All children are required to be potty trained. We will have mixed aged programming from 8 am - 5 pm and split the group into older and younger students for age-appropriate activities as needed. There will be field trips, two daily snacks, and lots of outdoor fun! Families must provide a packed lunch for their child.
At a Glance:
5 Total Weeks of Programming Across 3 Sessions (see below)
Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
July 7-August 8, 2025
$475/week
Curriculum
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Session A - Build With Nature
Everyone loves a fort! Join us in exploring the art of design and construction using the wonders of the natural world. In this session, children will gather natural materials from local sources to create one-of-a-kind forts, sculptures, and imaginative structures. Through hands-on building, problem-solving, and teamwork, young architects will develop creativity and confidence while connecting with the environment.
July 7 - July 18 (2 week session)
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Session B: Cook With Nature
Forest to classroom cooking! This session invites students to explore the edible gifts of the natural world and experience the delights of summer foraging along the Mendonoma Coast. Children will learn to identify fresh, local ingredients, experiment with simple foraging-based recipes, and prepare dishes inspired by the bounty of nature. From herbs to fruits, this culinary adventure fosters curiosity, self-expression, and the joy of cooking with new ingredients.
July 21 - August 1 (2 week session)
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Session C: Move With Nature
Feel the rhythm of the earth! This session uses dance and expressive movement to connect children with the many somatic tones and paces of the natural world. Inspired by flowing rivers, rustling leaves, and soaring birds, children will explore creative movement, build coordination, and express themselves through dance. A celebration of motion and imagination, this session will draw from embodied movement, mindfulness, and rhythmic gymnastic practices
August 4 - August 8 (1 week session)
Adventure Program (Ages 5-9)
The Forager School Summer Adventure Camp program will draw inspiration from the themes of the preschool summer program curriculum, Build, Eat, and Move With Nature, adapted for the creativity and abilities of students ages 5 to 9 years old. We will facilitate a series of local adventures partnered with our community outdoor education host sites. Families can anticipate adventures to local beaches, tide-pools, woodland environments, river habitats, local farms, and lots of hikes along the coast! The Adventure Camp teaching team excitedly awaits a summer of fun and nature-based learning! Children can look forward to gathering blackberries, catching fish, stream walking, nature journaling, songs, crafts and more.
July 14th - August 8th (4 weeks)
Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
$475/week
Children have a base camp at a rustic private property with a picnic table, blackberry patch, orchard, sunny meadow, seasonal stream, composting toilet/porta-potty, and potable water. Children may attend for just one week of Adventure Camp though we encourage children to attend as many weeks as they can.
Daily Schedule and Activities
Our program runs daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Students are required to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottles daily.
FAQs
For more information about activities in previous sessions, please see our post here!
Why are there two week preschool sessions?
During summer we design curriculum to build a foundation of experience and learning over the course of two weeks - our time in the field, visits from specialists and program staff, and classroom activities are intentional and sequential.
What if my preschool age child can only attend one week?
We will prioritize students that are able to attend the full session but will do our best to accommodate families only able to attend one week.
What if my school age child can only attend one week of Adventure Camp?
We encourage adventure camp children to attend as many weeks as they can but the curriculum is designed to accommodate children who are able to attend only one.
Do you offer scholarships or tuition assistance?
Yes. We will have a limited amount of tuition assistance available through The Forager Fund. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more at admissions@forager.school.
Will you accept child care subsidies?
Yes. Families that are income eligible to receive child care subsidies or already receive a child care subsidy are eligible to use this towards programming at The Forager School. We will work with each family to determine their co-pay.
Why do the preschool and adventure program have different start and end times?
The Adventure Program is held at an offsite location and entirely outdoors. Since the children are very active during the day, 9 am to 4 pm is the timing that works best for this program.
Can my child attend a half day?
We advise all families to stay for the full day. Special circumstances need to be discussed with the Preschool Director.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. We will not be swimming. For water activities our staff is trained in water safety and follows specific protocol.
How is summer different then regular programming at The Forager School?
During summer we prioritize topics and contexts that emphasize our Mendocino coast summer-friendly ecosystems, such as river habitats, local beaches, and tide-pooling. We also adapt our daily schedule to include more flexibility and time for deepening play and connection amongst visiting and local students. We also offer two separate programs for our preschool children and school-aged children.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions with your provided snack?
Please discuss dietary restrictions with the Preschool Director.
Do I need to bring a car seat for field trips?
We have a limited number of carseats and boosters available. Some parents will need to provide a carseat and install it in the vehicle at drop off on field trip days.
If I enroll my child in summer programming does this guarantee my child’s admission in the annual school year? Do I have to reapply?
The Forager School Summer programming is separate from fall admissions. If you are a new family interested in enrolling your child for the fall please mention this to the Preschool Director.
I am visiting the area from out of town for summer programming, does my child need a physician’s report to attend the preschool program?
Yes. We are a licensed childcare center and require this information to be kept on file.
How do I schedule a meeting with the Preschool director?
After submitting your interest form the Preschool director will contact you. For visiting families the meeting will be held over the phone or video conference.