Dear Families,
Welcome to Walden Peak Forest School! We are thrilled to embark on this nature-filled journey with you and your child. Our school is nestled in the heart of nature, providing an immersive outdoor learning environment where children can explore, discover, and grow.
Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a community that values curiosity, resilience, and respect for the natural world. We believe that by engaging with nature, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their environment.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s early education. We look forward to a year of adventure, learning, and growth.
Warm regards,
Ryan Welch
Director, Walden Peak Forest School
Welcome to Walden Peak Forest School
We are excited to welcome your family to Walden Peak Forest School! Set on 22 acres of varied landscape, including 18 acres of lush forest, Walden Peak offers an inspiring outdoor classroom where your child can play, explore, learn, and thrive.
Our Mission
To nurture the natural curiosity, confidence, and joy in every child by fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world through child-led, play-based learning in the forest.
Philosophy
We believe:
- Children thrive outdoors.
- Fresh air and sunshine feed the body and mind.
- Unstructured play in nature fosters creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
- Connection with the rhythms of seasons and weather deepens gratitude and environmental stewardship.
- Emotional intelligence and social learning flourish when children feel safe, seen, and free to express themselves.
Rooted in the pedagogies of Forest School, Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia, our approach supports whole-child development.
Program Overview
Age Group: 3–6 years
Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Days Offered:
- Monday–Friday
- M/W/F
- T/Th
School Year: Aligns with the Hamilton County School District calendar
Location: Walden Peak Farm, Signal Mountain, TN
Enrichment Program Highlights
- Nature Immersion: Daily explorations, hikes, seasonal observations, and wildlife tracking
- Creative Arts: Nature-based crafts, storytelling, and music
- Social-Emotional Learning: Conflict resolution, empathy development, and independence
- Early Literacy & Math Foundations: Embedded in play, games, and storytelling
- Life Skills: Risk assessment, responsibility, caretaking (tools, plants, each other)
Our Campus
Walden Peak Farm is a 22-acre property featuring:
- Forest trails
- Open meadows
- A nature-play area
- Seasonal creeks
- Outdoor classrooms with tarps and seating
- Two Bathrooms
What to Bring
Your child should arrive each day with:
- Backpack with water bottle, healthy lunch + morning & afternoon snacks
- Weather-appropriate layers (we go out in all weather)
- Rain gear and boots
- Extra set of clothes
- Hat and gloves (cold months)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent (applied before arrival)
Health & Safety
- Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.
- Teachers carry radios and first aid kits during hikes.
- Emergency contacts must be current and reachable.
- Severe weather (lightning, high winds) may lead to delays or cancellations.
Communication
- Weekly email updates include photos, stories, and curriculum highlights.
- Teachers are available for scheduled check-ins.
- Urgent messages or changes will be sent via email and text.
Attendance & Drop-Off
Drop-Off: 9:00–9:15 AM
Pick-Up: 3:00 -3:15 PM
Please notify us in advance of any absences or early pickups.
Illness Policy
Keep your child home if they show symptoms such as:
- Fever above 100.4°F
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unexplained rash
- Persistent cough
Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.
Behavior & Discipline
We take a respectful, restorative approach to discipline:
- Encourage natural consequences and conflict resolution
- Support emotional literacy and boundary-setting
- Engage children in collaborative problem-solving
Parent Involvement
We believe in building community with our families. Opportunities include:
- Seasonal festivals and workdays
- Parent workshops and volunteer days
- Family hikes and celebrations
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates vary by schedule.
Registration Fee: $100 – This fee is paid after your child is accepted into our program, and secures their spot in the school (non-refundable, used for educators’ continuing education)
Tuition: Morning and afternoon programs can be combined.
Morning Enrichment Program Annual Tuition Fee (Ages 3-5)
5-day Option : $5,400
3-day Option : $3,600
2-day Option : $3,100
The maximum enrollment is 12 students daily in the morning session.
Afternoon Jr. Kindergarten Program Annual Tuition Fee (Ages 3.5-5)
5-day Option : $5,000
3-day Option : $3,100
2-day Option : $2,600
The maximum enrollment is 12 students daily in the afternoon session.
Payment Schedule: Monthly, annual, or bi-annual payments accepted
Enrollment Requirements
- Children must be toilet-proficient.
- Completed application and enrollment forms
- Signed waivers and media release
- Updated immunization record or exemption form
Our Team
Walden Peak Forest School is led by Ryan Welch and Andrea Zoppo, alongside a team of passionate, experienced educators who combine formal training with a deep love for nature and children.
Contact Us
Website: www.waldenpeakforestschool.com
Email: admissions@waldenpeakforestschool.com
We are honored to walk alongside you and your child on this journey through the forest. Welcome to Walden Peak Forest School!
Note: This handbook is subject to updates. Families will be notified of any changes.
Walden Peak Farm — Gear & Clothing Guide
1. Dress in Four Layers
| Layer | Purpose | What to Look For | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base(next-to-skin) | Wicks moisture away, keeps body heat in | Merino-wool or synthetic long underwear (top + bottom) and wool socks | Cotton—it traps moisture and chills children |
| Mid/Fleece | Adds warmth, still breathable | Fleece pants and a fleece pullover or jacket | Heavy cotton hoodies/sweatpants |
| Insulation | Holds heat in very cold weather | Down or synthetic “puffy” jacket and snow pants or a one-piece snow suit | Bulky gear that limits movement |
| Shell / Rain | Blocks wind, rain, and mud | Fully waterproof rain jacket + bibs or a one-piece rain suit (“Muddy Buddy” style) | Water-resistant only; too-short cuffs that let water in |
Tip: Teach kids the rhyme “Wool is cool, cotton is rotten” to help them remember the no-cotton rule on cold days.
2. Head-to-Toe Essentials
| Item | Features that Work | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Warm hat | Fleece or wool, covers ears | 30 % of body heat can escape from the head. |
| Neck gaiter / balaclava | Stretch fleece or merino | Safer and easier than dangling scarves. |
| Glove system | Thin knit glove + oversized waterproof mitten | Thin layer keeps hands covered during snack breaks; big cuffed mitt keeps snow out. |
| Winter boots | Waterproof, insulated, easy pull-on handles | Dry feet keep kids happy; test that your child can put them on solo. |
3. Backpacks & Hydration
- Backpack big enough to hold extra layers, lunchbox, and a water bottle pocket on the outside.
- Choose bottles and snack containers your child can open independently—practice at home first.
4. Daily Pack List
| Everyday | Cold / Snowy | Wet / Muddy |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack + full water bottle | Add insulation layer, thick socks, glove system, hand-warmers (optional) | Add rain suit or Muddy Buddy; pack an extra set of mittens & socks |
| Nut-free snack | – | – |
| Sunscreen & bug spray (seasonal) | – | – |
| Full change of clothes in a dry bag | – | – |
5. Sourcing Gear on a Budget
- Grow-room: Buy one size up—rolling cuffs beats buying twice.
- Thrift & consignment: One-piece snow suits and rain bibs are often gently used.
6. Label Everything
Use a waterproof paint pen or iron-on tag inside every piece, including mittens and socks. Labeled gear finds its way back; unlabeled gear joins the “mystery bin.”
7. Quick Check Before You Leave Home
- Layers on? Base, fleece, insulation (if < 40 °F / 4 °C), shell.
- Spare clothes? Packed and sealed.
- Water & snack? Easy-open.
- Boots tested? Can your child jump and crouch?
- Name tags visible? Yes—off you go!
By following this guide, families help create a safe, comfortable, and adventurous learning environment—rain, shine, or snowfall.
Quick-Buy Gear Links
Here are reputable places families have successfully ordered from (many ship within the U.S. in 3–5 days):
| Gear Category | Reliable Retailers (examples) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof rain suit / “Muddy Buddy” | Outdoor School Shop (Tuffo) (outdoorschoolshop.com) · Amazon (Tuffo storefront) (Amazon) | One-piece coveralls stay sealed over boots—ideal for wet, muddy play. |
| Merino-wool base layers | Woolino (2-T – Youth 10) (Woolino) · Iksplor (infant – teen sets) (Iksplor) | Look for 100 % merino (180–250 g/m²) for all-season comfort. |
| Extra fleece & mid-layers | Reima US warm-layers shop (Reima USA) | Scandinavian sizing runs long—great for roll-up cuffs. |
| Budget rain suits | Amazon generic “Kids Toddler Rain Suit” listings (Amazon) | Cost-effective backups; double-check waterproof rating (≥ 5 000 mm). |
Activity-Specific Safety Practices
Below are the focused protocols we follow for our four most-asked-about “high-energy” activities. These measures layer onto the general guidelines already outlined above.
| Activity | Key Benefits | Primary Hazards | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Play & Campfire Cooking | Heat science, risk awareness, community rituals | Burns, embers in eyes, wildfire ignition | • Fire circle marked by a 6 ft / 1.8 m rope perimeter.• Only staff ignite or stoke flames; children add fuel under hand-over-hand guidance.• Long hair tied back; no loose synthetics near flames.• One water bucket + wool blanket on standby; shovel for ash control.• “Respect position”: kids kneel on one knee when within the rope so they can’t stumble forward. |
| Tree Climbing | Gross-motor strength, risk appraisal, proprioception | Falls, branch breakage | • Pre-climb visual tree check for deadwood, hornet nests, slick moss.• Max height = child’s shoulder height + outstretched arm (roughly 6–7 ft for preschoolers).• One child per trunk; spotter watches from below, hands ready—not holding the child.• No climbing in rain, high wind, or icy bark conditions. |
| Stick & Tool Use | Imaginative play, early tool competence, cooperation | Eye injuries, poking peers, splinters | • “Stick length rule”: if you swing it, it must be no longer than your arm.• Tips stay below waist height when others are within two arm-spans.• Whittling/peeler work only in the “tool zone” seated on log rounds, blade always away from the body, glove on the holding hand.• After play, loose sticks stacked in the “resource pile,” not left hidden in grass. |
| Water Exploration (Creek & Pond) | Sensory play, aquatic ecology, confidence in water | Slips, cold stress, submersion | • Wading limited to ≤ knee depth and only where bottom is visible.• Mandatory waterproof boots or creek shoes; no bare feet (sharp shale, glass).• One adult per three children in the water; second adult on shore counts heads every 2 min.• If water temp < 60 °F / 16 °C, time limit 15 min bursts with warm-up breaks.• Life vests carried for deeper pond days and required on the dock. |
Family Tip: Rehearse the stop-look-ask mantra at home:
Stop before approaching fire, tree, stick game, or water edge—Look for a teacher—Ask “May I?”
By weaving these clear, consistent boundaries into daily play, Walden Peak Forest School lets children experience the realwork of the woods—testing limits, cooperating, and caring for the land—while adults quietly manage the unseen safety net.
Walden Peak Forest School — Safety Guidelines
Outdoor play contains manageable risk; our job is to make that risk purposeful, predictable, and as safe as possible. The practices below are the backbone of our risk-management plan and apply to every program day.
1. Supervision & Ratios
- Adult-to-child ratio: 1: 6
- Line-of-sight: Children remain within visual or verbal range of an educator at all times. “Range” means a distance an adult can cover at a brisk walk in ≤ 15 seconds.
- Role call: Head-counts every 15 minutes and whenever the group changes location (trail crossings, bathroom runs, etc.).
2. Site Boundaries & Daily Risk Briefing
- Colored survey tape and natural landmarks (e.g., “anywhere inside the creek bend and the big fallen oak”) mark play limits.
- Each morning children help review:
- Today’s hazards (icy footing, stinging nettle patch, high winds).
- Emergency meeting tree (the designated rally point).
- Signal calls—• one whistle = freeze & look; • three whistles = return to teacher.
3. Dynamic Risk–Benefit Assessment
Educators carry laminated RBA (risk-benefit assessment) cards for high-energy activities—tree climbing, tool work, rock hopping. Cards list:
- Potential benefits for development.
- Specific hazards.
- Control measures (e.g., “max branch height: child’s shoulder + outstretched arm”).
4. Weather Protocols
| Condition | Action | Thresholds (measured with onsite devices) |
|---|---|---|
| Cold stress | Shorten session, shelter breaks every 20 min. | Wind chill < 20 °F (-6 °C) |
| Heat stress | Shade rotation, water play, loose layers. | Heat index > 95 °F (35 °C) |
| Lightning | Evacuate to barn or vans. Resume after 30 min thunder-free. | Any visible lightning / < 10 sec thunder lag |
| High winds | No canopy time, cancel tree/ladder play. | Sustained ≥ 25 mph or gusts ≥ 35 mph |
| Poor air quality | N95-equipped indoor shelter day. | AQI > 150 (EPA NowCast) |
5. Flora, Fauna & Allergens
- Staff trained to identify local poisonous plants (poison ivy, water hemlock) and stinging insects’ nests.
- Children practice “Ask an adult before you pick.”
- EpiPens and antihistamines carried in each first-aid pack; allergy plans are posted on the inside cover of the field logbook.
6. Tool & Fire Safety
- Tools (peelers, hand saws, mallets) are introduced in small groups (≤ 3 children). Gloves and eye protection worn as needed.
- Fire circle: Kindled only by staff. Kids stay outside a 6 ft/1.8 m rope boundary; one “fire guardian” adult on duty with water bucket and wool blanket.
- Knife privilege: Limited to children 4.5 + yrs who have passed the “blood-bubble” competence check.
7. Hygiene & Water
- Portable hand-washing station with warm water, soap, and nailbrushes used:
- On arrival
- Before food
- After toileting
- After handling soil/critters
- Waste is packed out or composted per Leave No Trace guidelines.
8. Illness & Injury Response
- Staff are up-to-date with CPR and first-aid training.
- Injury flow-chart (posted on inside of first-aid kit):
- Stop play & assess.
- Treat onsite if minor; document in log.
- Call parent for non-urgent pickup (fever, persistent cough).
- Call 911 first, then parents for emergencies.
- Complete incident report within 24 hrs; copy to family and program director.
9. Arrival & Dismissal Security
- Curb-check staff in hi-vis vests manage the parking loop.
- Only adults listed on the child’s Authorized Pickup Form (photo ID verified) may sign out.
- Late arrivals must hand off directly to a lead teacher—never drop a child in the woods.
10. Communication & Documentation
- Lead carries a fully charged cell phone, two-way radio, and laminated emergency contacts sheet.
- Parents receive same-day SMS if:
- The group moves to an alternate site
- A minor first-aid incident occurs
- Weather triggers early dismissal
- Weekly “Risk & Resilience” email details how safety protocols were applied in real situations to help families understand our approach.
Summary “At-a-Glance” for Families
- Know today’s gear list—warm, waterproof, labeled.
- Arrive on time so your child hears the safety briefing.
- Teach your child the whistle signals (freeze = 1 whistle, gather = 3).
- Keep emergency contact numbers current.
- Ask questions! Transparent communication keeps everyone safe and confident.
By following and supporting these guidelines, Walden Peak families and staff work together to create an environment where healthy, age-appropriate risk becomes a foundation for resilience, curiosity, and lifelong respect for the natural world.