Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOREST SCHOOL (FS) WEEKLY SESSIONS & CAMPS?
FS Weekly Sessions is a long-term program that requires families to commit for at least 6 months. It places great emphasis on the relationship, growth, and development of the child and the involvement of our families in our community. Hence, if you’re currently unsure about your child’s interest or your commitment level, we highly recommend that you join our camps first.
Camps are short-term programs where parents can sign their children up for a FS experience. We have six different types of camps for you to choose from. Do click on the link below to find out more. If you are thinking of joining our weekly sessions but unsure of your child’s readiness, do sign up for our one-day camps or three-day camps instead.
To find out more about our weekly sessions and camps, please click on the link below
Q: IS FOREST SCHOOL A DROP-OFF SESSION?
Yes, it will be a drop off, from day one.
Click on the link to find out why: https://forestschooleducationseries.wordpress.com/drop-off-at-forest-school/
Towards the end of each term, we will invite parents and family members to join in the FS session for ‘Family Week’. It will be a good time for our children to show their family members what they do in FS sessions as well as for parents and coaches to connect with one another.
If you are unsure of your child’s readiness for FS, we strongly recommended that you sign up for our camps instead. FS Weekly Sessions are of high commitment.
Q: I AM CONCERNED THAT MY CHILD MAY NOT BE READY FOR DROP OFF. ARE THERE PARENT ACCOMPANIED COURSES?
We have ceased ‘Family Walk’ from 2023. However, we are open to do Family Walk as part of Projects (aka on request and demands only). Do email us at forestschoolsingapore@gmail.com if you like to plan for a private program.
Q: HOW DO I GAUGE MY CHILD’S READINESS FOR FSS?
Though the recommended age group is 4-years old, we believe that every child is unique and develop at different pace. As long as your child is independent enough to carry his own backpack and walk without any assistance, s/he will be a good fit!
If you’re currently unsure about your child’s interest or commitment level, we highly recommend that you join our camps first. We have various camps for your consideration:
Q: WHAT IS THE RATIO OF COACHES TO CHILDREN IN YOUR SCHOOL?
The minimum ratio is 1 coach to 7 children.
Q: WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE?
The minimum number of children we require to start a class is 4 and the number of children in a class is capped at 20 for weekly sessions and camps.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD NEEDS THE TOILET DURING A FS SESSION?
We strongly recommend that children use the toilet before coming to Forest School session.
If children do need the toilet during a FS session, s/he will be escorted into the forest by an adult to relieve themselves. Boys will be asked to relieve near bushes to pee and dig a hole near a tree to poo (and cover it up after). Girls will be asked to pee down a slope near a tree and dig a hole near a tree to poo (and cover it up after).
Q: What should I pack for FS SESSIONS?
Please refer to the link below for items that every child need to carry in their FS bag.
Q: What food should I pack for my child’s snack?
Best foods are non-sticky and easy for the child to eat by hand. Examples are biscuits, banana, muesli bars, sandwiches, finger foods.
Q: Is there any recommended attire/footwear?
Yes. Please refer to the link below for the recommended attire/footwear for comfort of the child. These items can be easily purchased from Decathalon.
Q: What if the weather is bad? Do I still send my child to THE PROGRAM?
Forest School is a rain-or-shine program. Our children do have a lot of fun on rainy days, and actually get used to the different kinds of weather faster than parents may expect. In the event of thunderstorm/lightning, we will carry on with the program under shelters in the parks.
In the event of any cancellation, we will inform the parents via the parents whatsapp chat group 45 mins before the session if there is any cancellation. If you do not receive any such cancellation, it means the program will proceed.
Should you decide to opt out for the session, do note that requests for refunds and/or make-up sessions will be rejected as we are a rain-or-shine program.
In the event of Haze we will be following the contingency below:
Q: What if my child is sick and he missed school? Are make up sessions allowed?
There will be strictly be no refunds or make-up sessions. Children are strongly encouraged to maintain regular attendance to ensure they benefit the most from the program. Keeping a stable and predictable routine is good for the child’s well-being. Do refer to the links below for more information:
Q: Can I withdraw/graduate my child from the program anytime?
No. Graduation application has to be made 4 weeks prior to the graduation date. Graduates last day are always on the last session for the month so as to give everyone a sense of accountability.
Q: I AM AN EDUCATOR AND WOULD LIKE TO ORGANISE A CAMP WITH FOREST SCHOOL SINGAPORE. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Please drop us an email at forestschoolsingapore@gmail.com with the following information to facilitate communication and planning
Contact of Point of Contact:
Preferred date:
Alternative date #1:
Alternative date #2:
Number of participants:
Q: What DO CHILDREN DO IN FS sessions?
Forest School is a child-led program. Unlike most other pedagogies, we do not have a fixed structure on what exactly the children would do each session as it is highly dependent on the child and group dynamics and initiative. We do not plan a session according to what we, the coaches or adults, want to achieve. Recognizing how every child is a competent learner, we craft the session together with the group and their interests. We believe that our children are capable of selecting the activities and space through group discussions and consensus. We keep the program open so that children can benefit from it. Our coaches present act as facilitators as they watch after children’s safety and well-being.
Below is an article that would enable you to get a glimpse of how a session might look like: https://forestschooleducationseries.wordpress.com/the-magic-forest-school-holiday-camp/
In the meantime, here are some links which may be helpful for you to find out more about us:
Philosophy: https://forestschoolsingapore.com/about/
Practices: https://forestschoolsingapore.com/forest-school-practices/
Approach: https://forestschoolsingapore.com/curriculum/
Video from our Holiday camps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0hDOaGkJzQ
Location: https://forestschoolsingapore.com/dairy-farm-house/
Updated as of 24 Dec 2022