Frequently Asked Questions

What differentiates TNC from other nature-based programs?

What truly sets The Natural Classroom apart is our experienced team of educators. While many nature-based programs are just getting started, our core teaching team has been learning, growing, and refining our practice together for more than six years. This continuity allows us to offer a thoughtful, well-established program rooted in both experience and reflection.

Our educators are not only passionate about nature-based education—they are highly skilled facilitators who understand child development, risk assessment, emergent curriculum, and relationship-based teaching. We know when to step in, when to step back, and how to support each child as they build confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

At The Natural Classroom, families benefit from a program that has evolved through years of hands-on experience, ongoing professional development, and thousands of hours spent learning alongside children in every season. The result is a Forest School experience that is intentional, authentic, and deeply rooted in both educational expertise and a genuine love of the outdoors.

What is your weather policy?

All of our programs operate rain or shine. We provide resources so your child has the appropriate gear for all weather.  We also offer Oaki products at wholesale prices for our families, along with discount codes, at Reima.com and The Outdoor School Shop.

If the weather is “too weathery“ e.g., high winds, thunder, and lightning, or sub-zero temperatures, we will either cancel or shorten the session. Safety is the underpinning of all our decisions.

How do you ensure safety in the forest?

Safety is woven into everything we do. Rather than simply creating rules for children to follow, we teach them how to recognize, assess, and manage risk as an essential part of the curriculum. Children are active participants in conversations about safety, helping them develop sound judgment, confidence, and responsibility.

Our experienced educators carefully balance challenge with support, ensuring that each child encounters skill-appropriate risks that encourage growth without compromising safety. Every activity and learning environment is evaluated using risk-benefit assessments to thoughtfully consider both potential hazards and developmental value.

In addition, The Natural Classroom is fully insured, and all educators are certified in WildMed First Aid and CPR. Our many years of experience facilitating outdoor learning have equipped us with effective strategies for supervising children in natural environments. Whether children are climbing, running, jumping, exploring, or discovering, they are appropriately supported while being given the freedom to develop confidence, resilience, and competence through meaningful outdoor play.

What outdoor gear do you recommend?

There are countless outdoor clothing and gear options available today, and choosing the right items can feel overwhelming. Over the years, we've tested a wide variety of brands in every season and weather condition, allowing us to confidently recommend gear that offers the best combination of durability, performance, comfort, and value.

Our goal is to help families purchase only what they truly need—without overspending or relying on trial and error. We provide seasonal gear recommendations, layering guidance, and practical tips so your child stays comfortable outdoors all year long.

At The Natural Classroom, we're more than educators—we're your resource for all things related to outdoor early childhood education. We're here to answer questions, share our expertise, and take the worry and guesswork out of preparing your child for a successful outdoor learning experience.

If my child misses a class can it be made up?

Classes that need to be canceled for weather will be made up after 3 cancelations. However, if the class is being held on a date your child is unable to attend, you will simply miss that day. We are unable to give partial refunds or reschedule classes. 

How are hygiene and communicable diseases managed in the forest?

During the milder weather, each class has a hand washing station with soap, water, and a towel to be used before eating snacks and after toileting. Hand sanitizer is also available during all programs for sanitizing on the go.

If any child exhibits signs of illness (e.g., coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, etc.), he/she should not attend any programs until he/she has been completely symptom-free for 24 hours. Children should not attend if they are not feeling well as this is a physically rigorous program.