Forest school FAQ: questions from Staten Island parents

Forest school is a child-led, long-term way of learning outdoors. Children return to the same woods week after week to play, build, take supported risks and learn real skills, guided by facilitators who observe and support rather than lecture. Our program is rooted in the UK Forest School model and meets in the woods of Pouch Camp in the Staten Island Greenbelt. Read our philosophy.

All ages. Family Forest School welcomes children ages 2–12 together with their grown-ups, so siblings can come together. The Modern Bushcrafters Club is a drop-off program for ages 7–12. We also host school groups and run play workshops for adults and educators.

For Family Forest School, yes: each child or sibling group comes with a parent or caregiver. Grown-ups are invited to join in, take photos and help with a simple hands-on project. The Modern Bushcrafters Club (ages 7–12) is drop-off, and younger siblings are welcome there when a caregiver stays.

We play outdoors year-round, so rain boots, snow gear and sunscreen all get their moment. We only pause a session when conditions become unsafe, such as high winds, storms or extreme temperatures. Weather calls are based on the “feels like” temperature, wind speed and overall safety. Please check your email before each session for updates.

Supported risk is part of forest school, and safety comes first. Tools are introduced step by step, every Bushcrafters member starts with a tool safety workshop, children wear safety glasses, and volunteers stay close. Facilitators quietly observe and assess risk throughout every session.

At William H. Pouch Scout Camp, 1465 Manor Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, in the Staten Island Greenbelt. Meet at the Scout Shop parking lot, then it’s a 5-minute hike on a gravel trail with some hills. Heavy-duty strollers or wagons work best. Plan your visit.

Closed-toe shoes or boots, clothes that can get muddy, and layers for the weather. Add rain gear or snow gear in season, and bug spray and sunscreen in warmer months. Bring water and a snack.

Family Forest School has been $20 per session, with 50% off each additional child, and full-semester registration comes with an extra family discount. Current prices for every program are always shown in our family portal when you register. Need-based scholarships are available.

Yes. Need-based scholarships are available so cost never keeps a family out of the woods. Call or text (929) 321-0552 or message us on Instagram or Facebook before you register. Donations to Forest School for All help fund scholarships.

Registration and payment happen in our secure Oakline family portal. Create a free family account, sign the consent forms, then choose your sessions and pay. See how registration works.

Yes. Many sessions can be booked one at a time, and drop-ins are welcome when there’s space. Our free family open houses are another easy way to visit before you commit to a semester.

Many of our weekday-morning families homeschool, and forest school makes a wonderful homeschool enrichment. Children in traditional school join us through the after-school Modern Bushcrafters Club, mini semesters, open houses and school field trips.

Yes. The Way Back Project Corp is a volunteer-run nonprofit on Staten Island. We fundraise through Zeffy, so 100% of every donation goes to our work: training guides, land rental, tools and supplies, and scholarships. Donate.

Yes. Families travel from Brooklyn and New Jersey for affordable forest school and real green space. Pouch Camp is the only Boy Scout camp within New York City limits.

We began in 2020 as an outdoor play group during the shutdown and became The Way Back Project – Forest School for All in 2022. Some of our children have been coming for five years or more.