About

Program Details

We are a Forest School for kids 2.5-6.5 years old (based on readiness). Our school currently runs Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-1:30pm on Lake Samish, Bellingham. We offer a Play-Based, Child-Led Program emphasizing the Forest School Philosophy stemming from Scandinavia. We operate on Camp Lutherwood’s beautiful 105 acre property and are 100% outdoor. From lakefront beach access, to a lush forest full of trails, to facilitates in case of inclement weather, we have it all.

Program Philosophy

Looking to our local guides-The Old Growth Forest of the Pacific Northwest, we discover a beautiful example of a truly sustainable community. In a time of great environmental stress, it’s time to get back to our roots and look to those in our community that have already operated in harmony with our planet for many generations, The Old Growth Forests.

At Old Growth Kids we learn from the Cedars who provide us an ancient blueprint for homeostasis. We attune ourselves to the language of the forest, the wind, the changing of the seasons. At OG Kids we play in the forest and build relationships with the plants. As we play, important early development occurs—leading to an abundance of benefits that stick with us for life. Engaging in nature-play in the forest in our early years progresses our developmental needs, ultimately setting us up for long-term success.

The Benefits of Forest Schooling

are not confined to one arena of development, but rather bleed across all— social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral. Forest Schooling provides enhanced opportunities for students to develop resiliency, practice self-regulation, flex problem-solving skills, improve body-control and build confidence! Our Forest School welcomes students from all backgrounds, including those with learning exceptionalities who aren’t having their needs met in traditional programs.

The Old Growth Community offers lessons regarding the value of adaptability, flexibility, balance, and resiliency in times of great planetary change. At OG Kids, children have space to develop relationships with the local plants, wildlife, and trees, gaining a sense of place along with a deep respect for our living classroom. Just as any good friend would do, we aim to protect our Cedar friends and learn from their greatness.

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Meet Kylie - Head Teacher & Director:

Kylie has been at the forefront of the Forest Schooling Movement on the West Coast since 2016. She has a unique blend of expertise, experience, and specialized education and a deep passion for Forest School.

From watching this movement grow in popularity, to holding one of the only Maters degrees in the world with a focus on Forest School education, to shadowing Forest Schools around the world, Kylie holds a rare perspective. After years of teaching in Forest Schools in Southern California, she launched her first Forest Program in 2020. Inspired by her students growth, Kylie went on to study the benefits that take place in Forest Schooling and teach at the graduate level to expand higher-education opportunities.

In 2022 Kylie began her International Forest School Tour, where she observed schools across the globe seeing first-hand how this movement is taking root in different cultures and climates. Upon returning to the West Coast she searched for the perfect place to launch her dream Forest School. She landed in Bellingham, Washington and established Old Growth Kids. OG Kids officially launched at Camp Lutherwood January 2025 and we’ve been living the dream ever since!

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“This forest school is just what my son needed and Kylie is so awesome you can really tell she knows her stuff and loves the kids! I have always felt safe with leaving my 3 year old with her to explore and learn about the forest. This is such an amazing program my son literally comes home and is so happy and excited to go back to school. He loves teacher Kylie and all his friends he has made this year! Highly recommend!”

-Katherine H.