Forest School Takes Root at DAIS

Have you heard about Forest School?

Begun in the U.K. and based on the Scandinavian idea of friluftsliv (“free air life”), this outdoor program helps students connect with nature through hands-on learning and exploration. The DAIS pilot Forest School led by Ms. Carey Clark ran for six sessions as a Saturday ASA in spring 2025, catering to our on-campus children. On Saturday, April 19, Forest School participants planted trees in the green space near the community garden and in the school's memorial garden, in honor of the late husband of our school's founder and in celebration of the 20th anniversary of DAIS/15th anniversary of Huamei School. It was a meaningful day of growth and giving back to our campus community.

Throughout the spring, students in the pilot program explored nature through weekly activities that fostered creativity, independence, and environmental stewardship. From building bug hotels and birdhouses to crafting wildflower seed bombs and starting fires with flint and steel, each session offered opportunities for discovery and skill-building. Children were encouraged to engage in “risky play,” using real tools like bow saws, axes, and flint under careful supervision, building confidence and practical know-how in a safe, supportive setting.

Thanks to the enthusiastic response and the success of this pilot, Forest School is set to become a regular part of our after-school offerings in the 2025-2026 school year, running in fall and spring. It’s a program that not only nurtures a love for the outdoors but also strengthens our students’ connection to the campus and each other.