Homeschool Programs Overview
Heartwood Wednesdays is the core of our nature-connection curriculum, the trunk from which our other programs branch out. Carefully crafted since 2011, Heartwood provides a progressive learning journey and comprehensive foundation in deeply relating to the natural world.
Through games, stories, and exploration children learn about: Outdoor safety and awareness, animal tracking, edible and medicinal wild plants, wilderness survival skills, bird language, ancient crafts, ecology, community, self-discovery, storytelling, singing, fire, and much, much more.
Other programs branch out of Heartwood and explore specific subjects and activities in greater depth.
Winter Wednesdays is coming up and registration is open.
Fall Homeschool Programs (listed below) are in progress with registration closed.
Spring Homeschool Programs will soon be published and registration open. The 2021 Spring season will be similar to 2020.
Why Choose Forest Floor?
We help children have fun, be healthy, and achieve their fullest potential with nature connection mentoring.
- Health benefits of nature connection
- Learn wilderness skills & traditional crafts
- Meet new friends and reunite with old ones
- Unforgettable adventures every day
- Skilled and caring mentors
- Exciting wilderness experiences
- Convenient in-town drop-off & pickup
- Boost long term cognitive & social development
Ages 5-7
TUESDAY
Ages 5-7
Ancient Stones & Dinosaur Bones
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Aspiring archeologists discover artifacts and learn about dinosaurs. And also learn geology through pottery, flint knapping, and grinding local paint rocks.
WEDNESDAY
Ages 5-7
Heartwood: Acorns
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Our core nature-connection curriculum offers a progressive learning journey with games, stories, and exploration in the natural world.
THURSDAY
Ages 5-7
Fiber Arts Crafting
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Children learn to use natural plant and animal fibers to make beautiful and useful crafts. Between felting, making rope and sewing, students play, sing and explore the forest.
Ages 8-11 & 8-12
TUESDAY
Ages 8-11
Young Naturalist
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
We’ll break out the field guides and drink in knowledge of nature. Hands-on observation of plants and animals, paired with reference materials and exploring the forest.
WEDNESDAY
Ages 8-12
Heartwood: Saplings
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Our core nature-connection curriculum offers a progressive learning journey with games, stories, and exploration in the natural world.
THURSDAY
Ages 8-11
Secrets of the Jedi
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Students learn the physical skills of survival, while deepening their connection to the natural world to tap into “The Force.” Age appropriate challenges build confidence.
FRIDAY
Ages 8-12
Woodland Warriors
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Run, jump and swing thru the forest in a physically challenging class combining parkour, martial arts and gymnastics. Sweat and grow strong connecting with the forest.
Ages 10-14 & 12-16
TUESDAY
Ages 12-16
Blacksmithing
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Create useful tools by heating metal in the forge and shaping it on the anvil. Students will come home with beautiful and useful handmade items created using many techniques.
WEDNESDAY
Ages 10-14, by invitation
Heartwood: Oaks
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Our core nature-connection curriculum, Oaks provides an opportunity for long-time students to continue challenging themselves in a group of peers who share their ability & passion.
FRIDAY
Ages 12-16
Teen Adventures w/ Grant Adkisson
2021 Spring Dates TBD.
Answer the call of the wild with a new and epic adventure in a new location each week. Fish for trout wading in the river, hike to astounding views, and discover the world.
In-town Location
We are no longer at the Asheville School in West Asheville.
Our new location since 2020 is Haw Creek Commons, in Asheville off Tunnel Road.
Haw Creek Commons is a community co-work and activity center where Forest Floor has a presence. See the location on Google Maps.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
All programs may drop-off and pick-up at Haw Creek Commons for van transportation. Address: 315 Old Haw Creek Road.
Parents may also drop-off and pick-up at Shope Creek Wilderness — except for Blacksmithing and Teen Adventures which are based out of Haw Creek Commons. Address: 472 Shope Creek Road.
Scholarship Information
Overview
We offer limited partial scholarships to individuals who otherwise could not afford our programs. We prioritize scholarships for people of color and single parents with financial needs. We understand that people of color experience more financial and institutional barriers to participation, and wish to help counteract that by offering scholarships.
Donate
If you are a family with means, please consider donating to our scholarship fund. Donations of a 1/4, 1/2, or FULL scholarship can be made during the standard registration process. For more substantial donations please contact us to discuss details.
Apply
Limited partial scholarships are available. Scholarship funds are generated exclusively from generosity of donations toward the scholarship fund. Scholarships are limited to the sum of these funds and are awarded based on equitable distribution. Full scholarships will be considered for families in great need, but most scholarship applicants should expect to pay at least half of tuition.
To apply for a scholarship please follow the link below to fill out the application.