Heartwood: Oaks
Heartwood is divided into three distinct groups: the Acorns, Saplings, and Oaks. The Oaks group is designed to provide an opportunity for long-time students to continue challenging themselves in a group of peers who share their level of ability and passion for learning.
The Oaks has a NEW application process and is no longer by invitation only. Click here for more information on the Oaks group.
Ages: 10-14
Time: 9:30 am - 4:15 pm
Inclusive of drop-off & pick-up window
Dates:
Wednesdays, Feb. 28 - May 22
Breaks for Earthskills Rendezvous April 17
12 program days total
For Drop-off & Pick-Up and other logistics info, see below.
Price: $745
- Monthly payment plan available
- $100 non-refundable deposit due at registration
- Limited Partial Scholarships available (see below)
NEW Oaks Application Process:
NOTE: Returning Oaks DO NOT need to fill out an application.
If your child is interested in joining the Oaks, first go ahead register for the program to save your spot. Then, after registering, have your child complete this short online application. If the applicant is not accepted into the Oaks program they will be offered a spot in a different program or a full refund including the deposit will be provided.
Registration
Registration is now open for Spring 2024.
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
Logistics
Drop-off/Pick-up Locations
This program (and most others) takes place at Shope Creek Wilderness. The exceptions are Blacksmithing, which is based at Haw Creek Commons, and programs in our West Buncombe location at Otherside Farms.
For programs occurring at Shope Creek Wilderness, parents may drop-off and pick-up at the program location or at Haw Creek Commons for van transportation.
For Blacksmithing, parents must drop off and pickup at Haw Creek Commons. Programs at Otherside Farms have different logistics.
Haw Creek Commons (with van shuttle)
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville NC
Drop-off between 9:30 am - 9:45 am
Pick-up between 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Shope Creek Wilderness (program site no shuttle)
472 Shope Creek Road, Asheville, NC
Drop-off between 9:45 am - 10:00 am
Pick-up between 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Clothing and Gear
Our programs are all-outdoors, with rain shelters available as needed. Children must arrive each morning fully prepared with a backpack, packed lunch, and clothes appropriate for being out in the weather. Families new to Forest Floor may need to purchase additional gear to ensure their children will be fully equipped for wet and colder weather as the season progresses. For a full packing and clothing list see our FAQ.
Scholarship Information
Overview
We offer limited partial scholarships to individuals who otherwise could not afford our programs.
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 FIRST please register for the program/camp, choose the payment plan option, and only pay a $100 deposit at time of registration.
AFTER RESERVING A SPOT, please follow the link below to fill out the application.
If your scholarship request can't be approved or isn't the amount of discount that you need, we will provide a full refund of the deposit.