Our philosophy
What is forest school? Our philosophy
Our mission is to protect childhood by slowing it down. We believe free play is not a break from learning. It is learning.
Forest school, in plain language
Forest school is a long-term, child-led way of learning outdoors that began in Scandinavia and grew in the United Kingdom. Children return to the same woods regularly, ideally every week, through every season. They play, build, explore and take supported risks, while trained facilitators observe, keep everyone safe and follow the children’s curiosity instead of a fixed lesson plan.
The Way Back Project brings that model to Staten Island. We meet in the woods of William H. Pouch Scout Camp in the Staten Island Greenbelt, and we serve all ages, from toddlers and their grown-ups to older kids with real tools.
The six principles we follow
Our program is rooted in the UK Forest School approach. The Forest School Association describes six principles:
- Long-term and regular. A process over time, not a one-off visit.
- In a natural setting. Woodland or other natural spaces that support a relationship with nature.
- Holistic. Supporting each child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
- Supported risk-taking. Chances to take risks appropriate to the child and the environment.
- Qualified practitioners. Run by trained facilitators who keep developing their practice.
- Learner-centered. A child-led process that responds to each learner’s needs and interests.
What we believe
Our work is slow
A project can take up to six weeks. That is on purpose. When children come back week after week to finish what they started, “even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard,” something sparks that a one-time activity can’t create.
Sometimes we fail, and that is part of the lesson
Shelters fall down. Knots slip. Dams leak. We don’t rush in to fix it. Children learn to try again, ask for help and work together.
Less is more
We bring simple, open-ended materials and let the forest provide the rest. Sticks, mud, rope and a few real tools invite more imagination than any toy.
Boredom is allowed
Kids today are surrounded by technology, over-scheduling and instant gratification. In the woods, a quiet moment often turns into the best idea of the day.
All weather, all ages
Rain, snow and sunshine all teach something. And play is sacred work for grown-ups too, so parents, grandparents and educators are part of our community.
Leave no trace
Every rope, tool, journal and microscope is carried in by wheelbarrow and carried back out. Each session ends with a gratitude circle and a seed offering for the forest. Read why.
From our families
Liz was really great about giving my kids the confidence to explore in class, which meant a lot to my daughter who is on the reserved side. She went from not wanting to share during the gratitude circle her first time to helping to volunteer a toddler class… It’s the mental break kids and adults are seeking, and the program is run by people who truly care about the experience of the children.