Forest Bloom Outdoor School

The first camp my son, who is on the shy side, actually liked. The counselors are charismatic, caring, and engaging. When I'd come to pick him he'd say "no mom, I don't want to leave yet!"

My 5-year-old attended the Forest Bloom Outdoor school for the past several days as his school was closed for teacher training days. On the first day, I dressed him poorly for the weather (I was digging through the car and ended up just throwing multiple layers of clothes on top of each other because it was colder than I expected). I fully expected to receive a call that my son was miserable and needed to be picked up for the wrong clothing. Boy was I wrong! At the end of the day I picked my son up and he was perhaps the happiest I had seen him. He couldn't stop talking about all of the adventures and hikes and getting to spend time outside.

The next day he didn't want to leave! He insisted on taking me for a hike in the area and finding new things on the trail. The learnings didn't stop with nature either. Our son has never been particularly excited about art or drawing, but after the second day, unprompted, he drew a picture of his hike with multiple colors and details - we couldn't believe it!

I've told everyone I know and truly believe that all children should get to have such a wonderful experience and know that Susie, Ray, and Cale do an amazing job. We can't wait to go back!

I highly recommend this program! My son has been participating in day camps at Golden Gate Park alongside Maddie and Susie since he turned 3.5 years old. Now, at the age of 6, he eagerly anticipates each day camp with them.

The days spent with Forest Bloom are brimming with excitement as they explore trees, visit ponds, and gain knowledge about nature and its inhabitants. In addition to outdoor activities, Forest Bloom provides weekly enrichment classes in music, yoga, dance, and skateboarding for the children. Susie ensures that each day is filled with joy by bringing along a fun wagon stocked with toys, crafts, and books to engage the children.

What sets this experience apart is the exceptional staff. Susie, Maddie, and Ray are not only creative but also gentle, kind, patient, and positive, with a wonderful sense of humor. I admire their approach to child-led activities, fostering an environment where kids can express themselves and develop their unique personalities. Whenever I pick up my son from camp, he is always in high spirits.

My son has been going to day camps in Golden Gate Park with Maddie and Susie since he was 3.5 years old. He is now 6 and is always excited to attend a day camp with them.

Days with Forest Bloom are full of adventure as they climb trees and visit ponds, learning about nature and the animals along the way. Forest Bloom also offers weekly enrichment classes for the children such as music, yoga, dance and skateboarding. Everyday, Susie brings the fun wagon stocked with toys, crafts, and books to fully engage the children as well.

The best part is the staff as they are all truly amazing, creative individuals. Susie, Maddie and Ray are gentle, kind, patient and positive with a great sense of humor. I appreciate their philosophy in child led activities and allowing the kiddos to express themselves in different ways as they develop their own unique personalities. My son is always happy when I pick him up from camp.

Highly recommend!