Forest School
Mud City Forest School | Now Registering for Fall 2025 Middle Earth
A once-a-week full-day program entirely outdoors at the beautiful Lamoille County Nature Center located in Morristown, VT for youth aged 7-14.Now Also available at our new Milton Location, Sharp Park!
We acknowledge that this land is the traditional land of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation.
Middle Earth Forest School
In the Misty Mountains of Vermont lie many secrets. What lives in the mountains? Where are the hidden doors, and how do they open? Dragons, orcs, dwarves, ents, and elves lead us on new paths. “Not all who wander are lost” are wise words of a certain elderly hobbit who once traveled here in Middle Vermont. What secrets are hidden in the stones themselves or gleaned from the way the trees grow? This fall enter the Fangorn Forest and uncover the lost knowledge of many grey and brown wizards of old. Together, we will adventure into the mystical realms and untangle the ancient languages of the natural world. We will build what we need to traverse through the trees and feast as a fellowship of explorers.
Each day consists of outdoor skills such as fire-building, forest safety, weather prediction, cooking, and quiet observation. We also incorporate storytelling, puzzles, and free play in nature. Youth use problem-solving skills to build fort structures, cut new trails, and work together. We use movement games to learn about Vermont’s ecology and wildlife and how animals, plants, and people interact.
Above all, we will explore the natural world with curiosity, joy, respect, and gratitude. We hope you will join us. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
Is My Child Ready For Forest School?
Mud City Forest School is a welcoming outdoor once-weekly day-program for youths aged approximately 7-14 years. These ages are flexible because children gain skills at different ages. Please email us about your child’s specific needs if you have questions. At Mud City Forest School children are expected to have the following skill base:
- Able to read approximately 2nd grade texts
- Able to write in sentences
- Able to use sharp tools under supervision and with instruction (hand saws, pocket knives, etc)
- Able to stay with the group in the forest
- Able to communicate what their body needs
- Able to walk 2-4 miles per day
- Understand fire safety
- Follow safety instructions
