Our Programs
Forest and Farm Programs
For All Ages
From Forest Friends to Future Leaders
At Our Village Forest and Farm School, we offer a range of immersive, nature-based programs that grow with your child—from their earliest adventures to their emerging leadership.
Our Sprouts Preschool introduces young children to the magic of the outdoors through gentle, play-based learning rooted in rhythm, storytelling, and seasonal connection.
Explorers – As they grow, learners ages 6-12 step into structured explorations of farm life, forest ecology, creative expression, and life skills—all while staying grounded in joy, curiosity, and community.
Older youth have the opportunity to deepen their experience through mentorship roles, internships, and hands-on projects that connect them to real-world skills and purposeful living. Whether they’re tending the garden, guiding younger children, wrangling goats, or learning to start a micro-business, our programs meet learners where they are and help them grow into capable, compassionate leaders—ready to care for themselves, their communities, and the Earth.
Our Stewards Program engages people of all ages in stewardship of the farm, forest and community. Its takes a village to make Our Village!
Our Program Pillars and
Learning Framework
🌿 Explore
Hands-on nature immersion that sparks curiosity, resilience, and a love for the Earth.
🧑🌾 Grow
From planting seeds to life skills, learners gain confidence through real work and play.
👫 Lead
Opportunities to mentor, guide, and build responsibility through community roles.
🎨 Create
Art, storytelling, and imagination are woven into every part of the learning journey.
We Grow More Than Gardens, We Grow Our Village
Dig Deeper Into
Our Offerings
From Muddy Boots to Big Dreams — Get the Full Story on Our Programs
Our hands-on, nature-based programs run from September 2, 2025, to May 22, 2026. For our Sprouts meet Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, offering immersive mornings filled with discovery and growth. The Horsemanship Club (ages 5–15) meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with an optional advanced riding session until 7:00 PM, building confidence through riding, chores, and farm experiences.Trail Blazers (ages 13–15)meet Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with additional times available on a case-by-case basis. This program engages youth in hands-on leadership and mentorship experiences that cultivate teamwork, confidence, and real-world skills through meaningful farm and forest projects. For our Village Ambassadors Internship (ages 16–21), we provide flexible scheduling tailored to fit each teen’s learning pace and leadership interests. Each program is designed to foster a deep connection to nature, community, and personal development through experiential learning and leadership opportunities.
Sprouts | Preschool Age
Ages 3–6 | Mon–Thurs | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Our youngest learners spend their mornings immersed in a nurturing, play-based environment that encourages curiosity and joy. Days begin with free play in the garden or forest, followed by age-appropriate farm chores, circle time with stories and songs, snack breaks, and creative projects. This program nurtures foundational social, emotional, and motor skills while fostering a love for the natural world.
Horsemanship Club | Ages 5–15
Ages 5–15 | Tues & Thurs | After School (with optional advanced riding until 7:00 PM)
Beginner-friendly and welcoming to all school ages, this program builds confidence through barn chores, grooming, groundwork, and guided riding in a safe, structured environment. Riders can enjoy small-group learning, leadership opportunities, and advanced options for added challenge and growth.
Trail Blazers | Ages 13–15
Ages 13–15 | Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Trail Blazers is a hands-on leadership and mentorship program where teens take initiative, build confidence, and develop real-world skills through meaningful farm and forest work. From caring for animals and tending gardens to mentoring younger students and leading projects, participants learn teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving while deepening their connection to nature and community.
Village Ambassadors | Age 16-21
Ages 16–21 | Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM ideal, other timing and flexiblie schedule available
Our Village Ambassadors Internship is a leadership-intensive experience where young adults mentor youth, support program operations, and engage in community-building initiatives. Interns gain valuable career skills, deepen their connection to the environment, and help shape the future of our village through meaningful, hands-on work.
Volunteer Stewards | All Ages
All Ages | Flexible Schedule | Give back to the Village
Ready to roll up your sleeves and join the village crew? Our Stewards Volunteer Program is the perfect way for folks of all ages to pitch in—whether it’s wrangling goats, planting gardens, fixing fences, or just lending a helping hand. Come get your hands dirty, make new friends, and be part of the magic that keeps our village thriving! leadership skills that prepare them for future challenges.
The
FAQ
We start at 9:00 AM with circle time, followed by outdoor activities, snack, and closing circle at 1:00 PM. See sample schedule below..
Families provide a nutritious, allergy-friendly snack. We encourage healthy foods, limited to no sweets as well as minimal packaging and waste.
Minor injuries are treated on-site, and you will be notified. For serious injuries, we will contact you immediately and seek emergency care.
Please fully disclose any allergies or medical needs on the enrollment form. Staff are trained to accommodate and manage care plans.
Children must be mostly toilet proficient to attend. We can accommodate occasional accidents but expect basic independence. We do have Friends of the Farm Fridays where families can join us together for activities which is a great option for those younger ones who want to join in but aren’t potty trained yet.
“There is no bad weather, only bad gear”. We are outside daily except for severe weather. Please dress your child appropriately; we provide shelter during light rain. We multiple indoor spaces to accommodate any kind of weather challenges.
We focus on positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and calm communication. We do not tolerate aggressive behavior.
We require 30 days’ written notice for any schedule changes or withdrawal to avoid charges.
Contact info will be provided at enrollment. We are happy to discuss any questions by phone, email, or in person. You can reach our director through the contact form on this website, at forestandfarmschool@gmail.com, and at 828-440-0232
No! Families can choose 1 to 4 days per week with no restrictions on which days (at least until the program gets full on some days).
About
Serving Polk, Rutherforton, Henderson, Other Nearby Counties. Our forest and farm programs support each stage of life with hands-on learning, leadership, and connection to community.
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