After School
Where curiosity continues, even after the school day ends.
Our Mission: Every child will find a calling that changes the world—even after school!
Program Overview
The Forest School Afterschool Program is designed for Forest School learners ages 7–15* who want to keep exploring, building, and creating long after their core day wraps up. Rooted in our belief that learning should be joyful, intentional, and self-directed, this experience helps learners flourish through creativity, storytelling, design thinking, and collaboration.
Each afternoon (four days a week,) learners dive into a variety of engaging activities—STEAM challenges, theater and storytelling, arts enrichment, world languages and culture, physical movement, and more—led by trusted Forest staff and our amazing volunteers.
*Theatre and Storytelling meets separately and welcomes 16-18 year olds for this program only.
Weekly Schedule
In Session One of the 2025-2026 school year, we are happy to offer:
Movement Mondays (Sports, Fitness, + Wellness) or Theatre + Storytelling (Middle/High School only; meets separately from the rest of the program)
STEAM Tuesdays (Engineering + Arts focus)
World Wednesdays (World Language: French + Culture) or Theatre + Storytelling (Middle/High School only; meets separately from the rest of the program)
STEAM Thursdays (Science + Math focus)
What Makes Us Different
Our afterschool program isn’t just an add-on—it’s an extension of the Forest School journey. Here's what sets it apart:
Hands-on STEAM activities that spark creativity and innovation
Physical movement to energize both body and mind
Familiar spaces thoughtfully designed for focus, flow, and freedom
Guided support from Forest staff and trained volunteers who know and care about your child
Real-world skills like goal setting, collaboration, and storytelling
Self-directed learning means that some build, some read, some sketch or talk through ideas. Every learner chooses their path - and is supported as they walk it.
What to Expect: A Sample Day
Our afternoons are structured to promote creativity, collaboration, and independent growth—while keeping learners engaged and energized. Here's a sample day that blends movement, focused work, and hands-on fun:
3:30–3:45 PM
Arrival, Snack, Icebreaker
Learners unwind with healthy snacks and a short community-building activity.
3:45–4:45 PM
STEAM for older learners / Core Skills for younger learners
Split by age—older learners dive into a hands-on STEAM challenge (like building a miniature roller coaster to test ride duration), while younger learners read or work on personalized academic goals.
4:45–5:00 PM
Tech-Free Outdoor Time or Board Games
Time to reset with movement or low-key social play.
5:00–5:45 PM
STEAM for younger learners / Core Skills for older learners
Now it’s the younger learners' turn for creative exploration, while older learners continue their independent academic work.
5:45–6:00 PM
Dismissal
A calm outdoor wind-down before heading home.
Why It Matters
For Learners:
Grow confidence through creativity and goal setting
Strengthen self-direction with support from familiar Guides
Deepen friendships and social skills through collaboration and play
Explore passions through meaningful, hands-on projects
For Families:
Feel peace of mind knowing your child is safe, seen, and supported
A steady place for growth, play, and purpose - in rhythm with your family’s week
What We Offer
STEAM exploration
Theatre and Storytelling
Physical movement and games
Academic coaching
Creative projects and storytelling
A safe, supportive space for flourishing