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!

Our toddler had the day off from school and we were excited to have him join this camp so he could experience the outdoors to the fullest. He had a wonderful time and made new friends. We look forward to having him join again.

Do you know what Kangaroo Apple is?
Can you identify Soap Plant? Do you know its utility and how to do it? Well, our three-year-old does! (and she taught us :)
Our daughter has been going to the Forest Bloom for almost a year. We have seen tremendous mental and physical growth beyond your imaginations. We just cannot say enough about it.
Susie, Kayl, Maddi, Marnie, and Ray are tuned into each children’s interests - whether it’s about seeds, caterpillars, shadows or rainbows, whatever they encounter in nature – and they tailor their activities, allowing them to learn and get even more curious about what they see, smell, touch, and hear. This is the biggest difference from conventional indoor schooling. They are learning at their full capacities using all their senses.
Furthermore, the children enjoy Yoga, music and dance with instructors on a weekly basis, in addition to crafting, making mud cakes, climbing trees, picking blackberries (in the GGP ;) sliding down the hills, and jumping in the puddles.
Along with the respect for nature, they learn how to respect themselves and the others. They learn how to stand up for themselves and act kindly to the others.
Our little one started the Forest Bloom at 2.5 yrs old, soon after she became a full time underwearer, but we wish we had tried to join even much earlier.
For anyone who doesn’t live by the GGP, the commute might seem daunting, but this is WORTH your time to introduce your child to nature in such a loving and positive environment. This is the absolutely BEST opportunity for your child to begin a lifetime learning and appreciation for nature. And, we the parents grow through them.

We LOVE Forster Bloom!!!! Teacher Susie, Maddi, and Kayl are wonderful. My daughter, who is currently 4 1/2, who has been attending for 7 months, and loves Forest Bloom.
Children are loved and taken well care of by the teachers. Susie teaches them about the natural world and how to take care of it. My daughter loves to climb trees and explore, go on hikes, and has gained self-confidence through all of the physical activity. The teachers help the kids work and play together and engage them well with art projects and stories during the time as well. There is a music teacher, Ray, that comes in once or twice a week. There is also a yoga teacher once a week. My daughter has been practicing yoga pose and breathing techniques. She may not participate during class, but she is gaining a lot of helpful tools that she uses at home. Susie, Maddi, Kayl, and Ray are not just my daughter teachers. They are family. Because of them, she is more well-rounded, loves nature, and isn't afraid of dirt or bugs. She has been able to create meaningful friendships, and so have I with the parents in our group. I highly recommend this school!