Snow!

Our most recent forest school experience followed on the heels of a record snowstorm, providing us with a majestic white terrain to explore at our regular Cliveden site. Before we headed out though, we chopped some vegetables that folks had brought in for a "Stone Soup" to enjoy upon our return from the outdoors. On our walk over to Cliveden, the excitement among the children was clearly building. Snow piles along the sidewalk proved irresistible to the touch. Eventually though, we made it to the edge of Cliveden where the white expanse of snow opened up before us, completely untouched. We trudged onward through the snow, forging our own path across the open ground to our home base site. Our tarp provided a nice dry place to sit and collect ourselves, but the children were quick to get to work. Within minutes they laid the foundation of a snow fort and divided up tasks of gathering, transporting, and packing snow on top. Later on the kids took a try at rolling a snowball to a colossal size, providing the beginnings of a snowcat. Other highlights included an "ice cream shop," a slide add-on to the snow fort, and a few impromptu snow angels and snowball fights.

The kids prepare the vegetables for the "Stone Soup."

Home base is set in the usual spot.

Work begins on the snow fort.

The kids sculpt their snowcat creation.

Dontrelle and Dorian begin work on a snowmouse.

The kids discover the sliding potential of a wall of the snow fort.

Getting into position at the top of the slide

The kids take turns sliding down.

The kids climb on the familiar stump mound adorned with snow.

A Very Special Day

We had a very special day at forest school. We returned to the Wissahickon but to a new location on the property of our gracious hosts Rachel and Nick, where we had the opportunity to make fire for the first time. It was the coldest day of the year so far, and that added to the magic. The day started with gathering firewood and an introduction to the art of fire starting and fire safety. After that the kids explored the area, enjoying some hammock chairs, an old well, and tree climbing. For the first time, we brought with us all the ingredients and utensils to prepare a meal together on site. The kids did the chopping and assembling for a vegetable soup which they all ate, a triumph in itself! We also made an apple cobbler. We cooked the food in some big cast iron dutch ovens that we placed in the fire with coals covering the lids and sides. The meal was a huge success, but the fun did not end there. Nick, a potter, did a wheel throwing demonstration in his studio, showing the kids how to throw a bowl on the wheel and how he pugs his own clay. On the whole, I think the kids got an interesting and valuable taste of a lifestyle that differs from the average urban experience. Thank you to everyone who helped make it all possible. It was a day I think the kids will remember for quite some time.

An old well is quickly discovered upon arrival.

Showing the boundaries for the day

Identifying safety hazards

Gathering wood for the fire

A hill begs to be rolled down.

Nick engages the kids in a discussion about fire starting and fire safety.

The kids share some of their own insights into the science of fire.

Lighting the fire

The fire grows.

The kids take turns adding wood to the fire.

Preparation begins for the vegetable soup.

Into the woods

The hammock chairs prove to be great fun.

Tree climbing at last

Some of the kids probe the depths of the well.

The coals cook the soup and cobbler inside the dutch ovens.

The youngsters brave the cold.

The soup starts to look pretty tasty.

Nick uses the wheel to make a bowl.

The kids get a chance to touch the clay.

The soup and cobbler are served.