Forest School SA

The children made echidnas at forest kindy today!

Week two!

A well-known study from Natural Resources Institute Finland, published in Science Advances, investigated how nature-based playgrounds affect children’s health. In this 28-day experiment, researchers modified urban daycare yards by adding forest soil, grass, and plants, and observed around 75 children aged 3–5. Compared to children playing in standard urban environments (with gravel or artificial surfaces), those exposed to natural materials showed a noticeable increase in the diversity of beneficial microbes on their skin and in their gut.

These microbial changes were linked to improvements in immune system function, including higher levels of immune-regulating cells such as T-cells and better balance in immune responses. However, the study did not claim a dramatic or instant “boost” in overall health; instead, it showed early signs of improved immune regulation, which may help protect against inflammatory and autoimmune conditions over time. The findings suggest that regular contact with natural environments can play an important role in supporting children’s developing immune systems.

Snapshots from Wild Art School!

Snapshots from Survival School!

Thank you to everyone who pulled on raincoats, packed the car, and came out to our Autumn Festival on Friday. It's so wonderful to come together to celebrate the season and the achievement of our wonderful children this term.

We have raised enough money to install a new security camera and make some meaningful improvements to our Forest School vegetable garden.

The team is already busy planning and preparing for Term 2, and we hope to see many of you over the school holidays for our adventure programs.

Book now via: https://www.forestschoolsa.com/book-online

Hoist the sails, gather your crew, and set course for adventure!

The forest has become a wild sea, and hidden somewhere among the trees lies a lost pirate’s treasure. To find it, young adventurers will need to build their own pirate base, craft flags and tools, and follow a hand-drawn treasure map through the “islands” of the forest. Along the way, they’ll face challenges to test their courage and teamwork, from crossing the rope bridge over shark-infested waters to surviving a cannonball dodge and decoding a secret pirate riddle.

The day ends with an epic treasure hunt where the map pieces are reassembled and the final chest is unearthed, revealing the bounty that awaits those brave enough to claim it.

Build, explore, and sail the high seas of imagination in this swashbuckling forest adventure. Ages 5+

Book Online | Forest School SA

Book via: www.forestschool.com

The forest has become your home, but can you survive in it? In this fast-paced outdoor adventure, children will become forest explorers learning how to build, forage, and problem-solve to keep their team alive. They’ll construct shelters, gather and trade resources, navigate obstacle challenges, and learn the art of bushcraft.
In the final challenge, teams must use everything they’ve learned in a practical demonstration of survival skills!
Ages 5+

Book Online | Forest School SA