Suncatcher Forest School

Children from highly structured programs are often excellent at following instructions and completing tasks. But when there is no assigned activity, many seem lost.

Some become chaotic or restless — not because they are “bad,” but because they have had fewer chances to practice independence, creativity, and self-direction.

Free play is not “doing nothing.” It helps children learn how to:• make decisions• solve problems• manage boredom• negotiate with others• follow their curiosity

At forest school, I often see children move from constantly asking “What should I do?” to creating complex games, stories, and imaginary worlds on their own.

That is real learning.

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/the-importance-of-play

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/3/e20182058

Research supports the importance of unstructured play for healthy brain development, creativity, emotional resilience, and executive functioning.

Children do not only need instructions.They need space to become authors of their own lives.

We’ve been waiting for the sunny days! Now parents don't need to pack big bags of layers, and teachers don't need to worry about kids being cold. We listened to birds, explored spring flowers, and today we celebrate May 1st!

Earth Day at Suncatcher:
Today we revisited simple ways to care for our Earth. Even small steps—like putting trash in the bin—make a big difference! We painted with mud and created beautiful seed bombs to take home.

LittleStewards EcoKids LearningThroughPlay NaturePlay IssaquahKids ForestSchool HandsOnLearning Sustainability KidsInNature

Enrollment is NOW OPEN for the 2026–2027 School Year at Suncatcher Forest School 🌿
We are excited to welcome new families into our nature-based learning community!
At Suncatcher, children (ages 30 months and up) spend their days outdoors—exploring, creating, building friendships, and developing confidence through play. Our program blends child-led exploration with the Knowledge Seeds curriculum, offering hands-on, story-based learning that nurtures curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
✨ Why families choose Suncatcher:
• Outdoor, play-based learning in a beautiful Cougar Mountain setting
• Small groups with two experienced educators
• Flexible enrollment and individualized approach
• Inclusive program (state subsidies accepted)
• Strong focus on social-emotional growth and independence
📅 Program options available from 1 to 5 days per week, with extended day options
🌱 Two-week trial period for a smooth transition
💛 Limited scholarships available
Join our community where nature becomes the classroom and childhood is filled with wonder, movement, and meaningful experiences.
📍 Schedule a tour and learn more: suncatcherwa.com
Spots are limited—early enrollment is recommended!

Spring joy, forest magic, and community spirit came together at our Easter Egg Hunt at Suncatcher Forest School.

Children explored the forest, searched for eggs, enjoyed face painting, and spent time with our white rabbit Snowball. Snowflake the Easter Bunny made a special appearance, bringing even more smiles to the day.

We love creating seasonal community events like this, alongside our year-round forest school programs and school break camps.

Thank you to all the families who joined us—we can’t wait for the next gathering in the forest!

NaturePlay CommunityEvents SpringFun FamilyEvent SeattleKids

We have open spots in our Spy Masters Camp!
Join us for an outdoor camp filled with exciting spy-themed activities—spy glasses, decoding messages, secret missions, and laser tag. As always, children will have plenty of time to explore the forest, visit the bunnies and chickens, and build new friendships. Follow the link to register:

Suncatcher Forest School - Spy Masters Academy Calling all young secret agents!  This time kids are welcome to join action-packed Outdoor Spy Camp, where kids will train to become top-notch spies through thrilling challenges, daring missions, and teamwork! Obstacle Courses & Ninja Training

We loved celebrating Maslenitsa together at Suncatcher Forest School! Families gathered in the forest to enjoy warm bliny, play traditional games, and burn a winter scarecrow on the campfire — a joyful way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring.

Seasonal community events like this are part of what makes Suncatcher special while bringing families together, honoring traditions, and creating meaningful memories in nature.

Dear customers, it’s easier to get to us now!

Roses are red
Violets are blue
We've (finally) opened
Newport Way
For you!

Did you know that children in Washington State spend 30 minutes or less outside during the school day? Research shows that this is not enough to support healthy physical development, attention, stress regulation, and sensory integration. Regular outdoor time is linked to better focus, lower anxiety, and stronger overall well-being in children.

In winter, school dismissal often happens in the dark, so many kids go from classroom to car to home with almost no outdoor play.

That’s why we offer Forest Wednesdays at Suncatcher Forest School — an afternoon outdoor program. Children get meaningful time outside to move, explore, and reset after a long school day.

We provide:
• Several hours of outdoor play and nature exploration
• A warm meal
• Winter outdoor clothing — no need to worry about gear

If your child has early dismissal on Wednesdays, this is a wonderful way to support their health and happiness through the winter.
Message us or follow the link in comments to learn more.

Sounds & Vibrations Day Camp — Learning Through Play in the Forest!

Today our curious and clever campers explored the amazing world of sound and vibrations — and what a fantastic day it was!
We played listening and movement games, learned how vibrations travel, built wire (cup) phones, and experimented with making music using natural materials from the forest.

Beyond science, kids enjoyed lots of active outdoor play, nature exploration, bows-and-arrows crafts, and even put on a self-led theater show for their friends. Watching their creativity and teamwork bloom was truly magical.

At Suncatcher Forest School, we believe the best learning happens when children can move, create, explore, and wonder — all while building confidence and friendships in nature.

If your child doesn’t have school next Monday, we’d love to see them on our Urban Adventure Field Trip in Issaquah!