Bolinas Forest School believes that toddlers are little adventurers, ready to explore the world with boundless curiosity and endless imagination.

Our mission is to nurture this natural wonder, offering a safe, supportive, and sensory-rich environment for toddlers aged 14 months to three years old where each child’s unique abilities can blossom. Through playful exploration, guided discovery, and the warmth of close relationships, learners connect deeply with nature and their peers.

We believe the forest is a place of endless possibilities for a toddler. It’s where the smallest discoveries—a leaf turning in the breeze, a feather found on the ground, the sound of a bird calling—become moments of awe and delight. It is our commitment to support our littlest learners in the cultivation of a deep sense of wonder, joy, and respect for the world around us, helping them develop not just skills, but a deep connection to the earth and one another.

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative benefits of an outdoor education. For many low-income families, however, this life-changing opportunity can seem out of reach.

Your generous donation will directly support children from the Bolinas and Stinson Beach communities, allowing them to attend our outdoor forest program, where they will engage with nature, cultivate curiosity, and develop important skills that will last a lifetime. Together, we can give children the gift of nature, adventure, and education.

What is a forest school?

Outdoor forest schools offer a wondrous alternative to traditional early childhood education, inviting children to become part of the living tapestry of the natural world. In these vibrant, ever-changing spaces, little ones grow strong and resilient, their bodies blossoming through the freedom of climbing, running, and exploring—each movement a step toward mastering the earth beneath their feet.

But beyond the physical, the forest nurtures the imagination. In the wild embrace of nature, creativity flows as freely as the streams, while problem-solving and teamwork take root like ancient oaks. Here, children not only learn the language of the trees, but also the quiet wisdom of collaboration and emotional growth.

The forest also cradles the spirit. Its peace calms the mind, dissolving stress and sharpening focus as the heart connects with the rhythm of the earth. Through this sacred bond, outdoor forest schools cultivate a deep love for the natural world, sowing seeds of curiosity, independence, and a lasting reverence for all that grows.

A typical day at Bolinas Forest School:

Our toddler program is designed to flow with the natural rhythms of the day, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment. While each day varies slightly based on weather, seasons, and the unique needs of the children, here’s a glimpse into our typical rhythm:

• 9:00AM: Arrival, Hand Washing, Free Play

• 9:45AM: Circle Time

• 10:00AM: Themed activity/Music

• 10:30AM: Hand Washing, Snack, Story Time

• 11:00AM: Guided Exploration/Adventure, Outdoor Play

• 12:00PM: Hand Washing, Lunch

• 12:45PM: Closing/Goodbye Circle

• 1:00PM: Parent/Guardian Pick-Up

Routine Highlights:

• Outdoor Learning: Our program emphasizes outdoor play, exploration, and learning. Children spend most of their time outside, rain or shine, and come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing.

• Attachment-Based Care: We prioritize building strong, secure attachments with the children. Our routines are flexible and responsive to each child’s needs.

• Rhythmic Flow: Each day includes consistent routines, but with space for children to lead and explore based on their individual pace and interests. We believe that a predictable yet flexible routine helps children feel secure and engaged while allowing them the freedom to explore and develop at their own pace.

Our pricing tiers:

Bolinas Forest School embraces an equitable sliding scale as an essential method of our tuition model. The pricing tiers—Supporting, Sustaining, and Reduced—are designed to help make our program more accessible while also supporting the true cost of what we offer.

With your help, we can make a meaningful difference. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to ensuring that all children have access to the benefits of outdoor learning. Thank you for your support!

Our scholarship process invites families to perform a thoughtful and honest self-assessment by encouraging our applicants to honestly reflect on the forms of privilege they benefit from that may or may not be afforded to all.

We are proud to share that the Bolinas Forest School is fiscally sponsored by the Bolinas Stinson Beach School Foundation (BSBSF). BSBSF is a 100% volunteer-led 501c-3. This means that your donation is tax-deductible! TAX ID: 91-1849370

We know that not everyone is in a position to donate, and that’s perfectly okay. Your support, in any form, is pure magic to us! If you feel inspired, we’d be so grateful if you could share our GoFundMe with friends, family, or even sprinkle it across your social media. Every share spreads a little more light and brings us closer to making this dream a reality.

Thank you for being part of the magic!