FORAGER SCHOOL SUMMER 2026
The Forager School is offering five weeks of summer programming in 2026 for children ages 2.5 to 5, as well as four weeks of Adventure Camp programming for school-aged children ages 5 to 10. In preparation for summer fun we asked The Forager School students what they thought would be the best way to spend our upcoming summer. After an outpouring of feedback and discussion of ‘Forager favorites,’ we landed on a child-inspired Forager essential summer consisting of making, imagining, foraging (of course), and enjoying ample play with friends in nature!
Adventure Program (Ages 5-10)
The Forager School Summer Adventure Camp program will draw inspiration from the themes of the preschool summer program curriculum Makerspace, Magic, and Me; Forests and Foraging with Friends; and Toes in the Sand (see below for full descriptions), adapted for the creativity and abilities of students ages 5 to 10 years old. Families can anticipate local adventures to nearby beaches, tide-pools, woodland environments, river habitats, local farms, and lots of hikes along the coast! The Adventure Camp teaching team excitedly awaits a summer of fun, nature play, and inquiry-based learning. Children can look forward to gathering blackberries, catching fish, stream walking, nature journaling, songs, creative projects and more.
Children have a base camp at a rustic private property with a solar A-frame cabin, picnic tables, blackberry patch, apple orchard, sunny meadow, seasonal stream, composting toilet/porta-potty, potable water, and big green stage for creative performances! Children may attend for just one week of Adventure Camp though we encourage children to attend as many weeks as they can.
AT A GLANCE
4 Weeks - July 6th - July 31st
Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
$500/week
Daily Schedule and Activities
Our program runs daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Students are required to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottles daily.
Preschool Programming (Ages 2.5-5)
Spots are limited!
Throughout the year our curriculum connects students with nature. During summer we prioritize topics and contexts that emphasize our Mendocino coast summer-friendly ecosystems, such as river habitats, woodland hikes, local beaches, and tide-pooling. We also aim to create more flexibility and time in our daily routines for deeper play and connection among students.
The Forager School is a licensed family child care center and can serve children ages 2.5 - 5 years old. All children are required to be potty trained. We will have mixed aged programming from 8 am - 5 pm and split the group into older and younger students for age-appropriate activities as needed. There will be field trips, two daily snacks, and lots of outdoor fun! Families must provide a packed lunch for their child.
At a Glance:
5 weeks · 3 themed sessions (A, B, C- see below)
July 6-August 7, 2025
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
$500/week
Preschool Curriculum
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Session A - Makerspace Magic & Me
This session invites children into a playful, child-led makerspace where creativity and curiosity take the lead. Using recycled materials, loose parts from nature, and process-based art invitations, children explore building, tinkering, and experimentation through hands-on discovery. Cardboard constructions, clay, collage, watercolor, magnet play, and outdoor invention encourage children to test ideas, take risks, and develop confidence as they turn imagination into tangible creations.
July 6 - July 17 (2 week session)
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Session B: Forests & Foraging with Friends
A gentle immersion into the forest ecosystems of the Mendonoma Coast, this session connects children with the living world through foraging walks, nature-based art, cooking projects, and hands-on exploration. Children observe plants, trees, animals, and fungi while learning what grows here and how to care for the land. Plant mandalas, outdoor watercolor, shelter building, and miniature habitat creation nurture curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging in nature.
July 20 - July 31 (2 week session)
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Session C: Toes in the Sand
This joyful coastal-themed week blends water play, sensory exploration, and marine science as children investigate the magic of oceans, waves, and tidepools. Through sand and water experimentation, tidepool observation, bubble and foam play, and ocean-inspired art, children explore how water moves and supports life. Playful discovery and creativity flow together as children connect with the rhythms of the northern California coast.
August 3 - August 7 (1 week session)
FAQs
For more information about activities in previous sessions, please see our post here!
Why are there two week preschool sessions?
During summer we design curriculum to build a foundation of experience and learning over the course of two weeks - our time in the field, visits from specialists and program staff, and classroom activities are intentional and sequential.
What if my preschool age child can only attend one week?
We will prioritize students that are able to attend the full session but will do our best to accommodate families only able to attend one week.
What if my school age child can only attend one week of Adventure Camp?
We encourage adventure camp children to attend as many weeks as they can but the curriculum is designed to accommodate children who are able to attend only one.
Do you offer scholarships or tuition assistance?
Yes. We will have a limited amount of tuition assistance available through The Forager Fund. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more at admissions@forager.school.
Will you accept child care subsidies?
Yes. Families that are income eligible to receive child care subsidies or already receive a child care subsidy are eligible to use this towards programming at The Forager School. We will work with each family to determine their co-pay.
Why do the preschool and adventure program have different start and end times?
The Adventure Program is held at an offsite location and entirely outdoors. Since the children are very active during the day, 9 am to 4 pm is the timing that works best for this program.
Can my child attend a half day?
We advise all families to stay for the full day. Special circumstances need to be discussed with the Preschool Director.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. We will not be swimming. For water activities our staff is trained in water safety and follows specific protocol.
How is summer different then regular programming at The Forager School?
During summer we prioritize topics and contexts that emphasize our Mendocino coast summer-friendly ecosystems, such as river habitats, local beaches, and tide-pooling. We also adapt our daily schedule to include more flexibility and time for deepening play and connection amongst visiting and local students. We also offer two separate programs for our preschool children and school-aged children.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions with your provided snack?
Please discuss dietary restrictions with the Preschool Director.
Do I need to bring a car seat for field trips?
We have a limited number of carseats and boosters available. Some parents will need to provide a carseat and install it in the vehicle at drop off on field trip days.
If I enroll my child in summer programming does this guarantee my child’s admission in the annual school year? Do I have to reapply?
The Forager School Summer programming is separate from fall admissions. If you are a new family interested in enrolling your child for the fall please mention this to the Preschool Director.
I am visiting the area from out of town for summer programming, does my child need a physician’s report to attend the preschool program?
Yes. We are a licensed childcare center and require this information to be kept on file.
How do I schedule a meeting with the Preschool director?
After submitting your interest form the Preschool director will contact you. For visiting families the meeting will be held over the phone or video conference.