Painted Oak

Looking for one more week of freedom before school starts? Join us!
August 17-21 paintedoak.org/summer-camp

Get on board! The train for the last week of Summer Forest School leaves the station August 17!
https://www.paintedoak.org/summer-camp

A little dirt never hurt.
Join us for one last week of rewilding before the school bell rings.
https://www.paintedoak.org/summer-camp

Yesterday, they were strangers. Today, they run hand-in-hand.
Turns out, turning over rocks, catching crayfish, and exploring a creek is a pretty good way to make a friend.

Our final week of Summer Forest School is almost here. We'd love to have your child join us. 🧡

For two weeks, we turned over rock after rock. Nothing.
Then today...Success!

One crayfish. Lots of cheering. Smiles all around.

You never know what the creek will have in store, and that's exactly what keeps children coming back.

There's still time to join us for our final week of Summer Forest School in August.

Sometimes childhood is slowing down so someone smaller can keep up. No prompt. No reminder. Just kindness. 💚

What if we've misunderstood "quality time"?

We spend so much energy creating special moments for our children. But what if the moments they'll remember most aren't the ones we planned... they're the ones where they felt they truly belonged?

This month's issue of The Dirt explores why children don't just want our attention—they want to matter.

🌿 Read the July issue below and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your perspective.

Magnifying glasses: on our list of "Top Go-To Tools" for Forest School.
What's on your list?

The day when your Summer Forest School teacher cuts into a 'humongous fungus' (giant puffball) and actually lets you touch it!

First day of camp finding...whatever you do, do not step inside the fairy ring! 🧚‍♀️