A Day at Ferntop 04/07/22

• Please plan to arrive at 8:45 am. Please bring a refillable water bottle and bagged lunch.
• Please dress for the outdoors, including rain gear if needed and boots or sturdy shoes that can withstand mud and rain. We recommend layers!
• You will spend some time observing the children in play. Because of the uniqueness of the day and the fact that Ferntop follows the lead of the children, and what’s happening in nature, you will be observing either on the farm or in the forest.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE -  May be adjusted

9-9:35 Your visit will start with a tour of Ferntop and its various spaces. During this tour, Ferntop founder and owner, Clare Nugent, will give you an overview of Ferntop’s philosophy, goals and mission. You will gain an idea and deeper understanding about teaching WITH nature, not just IN nature, as well as the ins and outs of running an outdoor school.

9:35-10:00 We will meet up with the children inside for our morning meeting

10:00-11:30 Observe children playing and engaging in the wilder spaces of Ferntop (the forest)

11:30-1:00 Lunch and an in-depth conversation with Clare about various topics, including a Q&A time. (Please bring your lunch.)

1:00-1:30 Observe play on the natural playground

1:30 - 1:50 Observe our end-of-the-day ritual of storytime, snack and herbal tea - grown, harvested, garbled (you will learn what this means :) and prepared by the children.

**This schedule is subject to change depending on weather or staffing. Regardless, please come dressed to spend the day outside**

When you are with the children we ask that you observe only. Please do not step into their play or engage them in conversation, unless approached. You are welcome to take pictures from a distance, or close-up when children are not involved. We are happy for you to take pictures of our environments. Please let us know if you have any questions!