Welcome!

 Hello! My name is Katie Balon and I am the founder, teacher and creator behind Forest Kids Education.  I started my teaching journey as a public school teacher and always felt like there was a disconnect between the indoor model of education and the needs of kids.  It wasn't until I had my own children that I realized just how challenging the current model would be for my two very active kiddo's, and worried about the struggles I knew they would have, sitting the majority of the day. I can recall being at a beach with a teaching colleague watching our littles so engaged in play + imagination through hands on learning, when she said to me, "if only there was a way we could bring the beach into the classroom so all kids could learn like this."  It was this comment that sparked something within me.  For weeks, I couldn't stop thinking about that thought.  Then one day, while playing outside with my kids I realized... I just needed to bring the classroom to the beach!  It was from this eureka moment that Forest Kids was born and I began offering year long forest school inspired programs to my community, as a benefit not just for my own children, but others within our town as well.  And now, as we head into our 5th year of weekly outdoor nature education, I am excited to share all the experiences, magical moments in nature and knowledge that I have learned over these last 5 years, with the creation of a weekly nature journal curriculum! My dream is to encourage and inspire families from around the world to spend more time outside, connecting with each other + nature, in hopes that the next generation learns to love and protect it.  

 The mission of Forest Kids has always been to provide children and families with the highest level of hands-on outdoor education. We strive to provide the children of our community with opportunities to learn, play, explore and connect in nature, with the goal of leaving positive lasting impressions that will benefit them in their development and life choices not just now, but into their future. Families who become part of our Forest Kids programs, also become part of our Forest Kids family, as we place a huge emphasis on offering memorable family activities, such as fishing nights, outdoor movie nights under the stars, star gazing nights, harvest festivals and more. In a world that seems to be becoming increasingly disconnected from one another, we strive to cherish and maintain the tradition of authentic connection, with nature, with friends, within families and within our community.

 In order to make a positive impact beyond just our small BC community, we are excited to offer you the opportunity to bring Forest School education into your own home, school or programs, wherever you are!

Our year long seasonal nature Journal curriculum includes a beautifully illustrated Adventure Mail letter + companion nature journal with additional activities and lesson plan ideas, designed to connect children and families with the outdoors through science, history, art and hands-on exploration. 

Our focus is to create a Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum, teaching through living stories, positive role models, compassion and a strong focus on family.