Who We Are
In 2014, we began with a simple plan to get outside in nature, rain or shine, on a regular basis; it has become so much more. We have been deeply moved by the connections, bonds, and new awareness we have for the natural world and the community. We knew we couldn't keep this idea and these experiences to ourselves any longer.
Our original mission still intact, we now offer classes, trips, and other opportunities to connect with nature on a whole new level.
Red Oaks Forest School is a place where friendships are made, connections to nature are formed and deepened, where learning happens in a play-based model, and where ecological lessons are offered at an age-appropriate level.
Most importantly, Red Oaks Forest School is these kids who show up ready to get dirty, play hard, and leave renewed and ready to face life's challenges! They have taught us much about what we are capable of, what THEY are capable of, and we are excited to share what they have taught us over these last few years.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an idea that originated in Europe and a popular model for early childhood education that is catching on in the United States and around the world. The idea is to get kids as young as 3 outside everyday, rain or shine. While simple in its premise, free, unstructured playtime in nature has become less and less a part of our lives. Forest School is just one aspect of Red Oaks.
We have seen firsthand how kids thrive in this outdoor setting, in all weather types, constantly challenging their balance, fears, comfort levels, risk assessment, and physical and mental abilities. Through play, kids are able to release stress from a busy world and schedule, engage their senses, make deep and lasting connections to the natural world, and gain great interpersonal skills with other kids of all ages.
Find out more about our programs and events by visiting our Programs Section and Classes and Events page.
Nature-Wellness Connection
The Red River Gorge area is among the most beautiful, unique and ecologically diverse regions anywhere in the United States, with many national designations for its protection. Unfortunately the riches of the land are not reflected in resources for local residents, many of whom struggle with poverty, ill health, and limited educational opportunities or funding. These inequalities can be particularly hard on children and are exacerbated by disturbing national trends.
Diagnoses of anxiety and attention problems are increasing as children experience enormous pressure to perform academically and have less and less time to call their own. Education budgets are slashed, funding for the arts and physical education programs are lost, and even recess time is eliminated as school systems increasingly focus on preparing students for annual tests. Children spend more time than ever indoors, replacing the natural world with a virtual one, and often have limited access to healthy foods. Not surprisingly, almost a third of children in the U.S. are overweight, and type 2 diabetes, once unheard of in adolescents, is now rivaling type 1 in new diagnoses. These problems are hitting low-income areas especially hard as American children face a true mental and physical health crisis.
Fortunately a growing body of research is demonstrating how time in nature can play a vital role in redressing these difficulties. Programs such as Red Oaks offer direct benefits to physical and mental wellbeing to all children as they become more active, improve fine and gross motor skills, bolster resilience, learn to use and trust their bodies, reduce stress, improve school performance, cooperate and collaborate with peers, and build a confidence in their own abilities that they will take with them as they grow. We offer positive role models and mentors, as well as stewardship opportunities for youth to engage in their communities. Red Oaks is committed to being a positive force for leadership and programming, giving everyone the best tools available to become health and happy individuals.
While we started in the Red River Gorge, we now work across Central and Eastern Kentucky, bringing our programing to as many people as we can.
