Afterschool in the Forest
Kids ages 6-11 spend afternoons exploring the woods, crafting, and learning earthskills.
What we do:
Our afterschool program offers children a chance to step out of the classroom and into the forest. Through play, art, earthskills, and mentorship, we create a space for kids to explore their curiosities, grow confident in their abilities, and deepen their connection to the natural world.
Forest Play: tree climbing, games, exploring
Nature-Based Art: weaving, journaling, photography, printmaking, wood carving
Earthskills: shelter making, fire building, plant and animal ID, tool safety and responsibility
Mentorship: small groups, supportive mentorship, and leadership skills
Activities may include but are not limited to:
Hiking and open forest play, shelter/fort making, building and tending fires, climbing trees, awareness games and skills, plant and animal ID, photography, journaling, knot tying, tool safety and responsibility, weaving, wood carving, storytelling, and whatever else the forest may share!
Where we do it:
We gather just outside downtown Carrboro on 34 acres of forest and farm land provided by Belle Vie Farm. While we have access to use their facilities and visit the animals, most of our time will be spent exploring and creating in the open forest. Learn more about the land here.
Registration
When: 2:45pm drop off – 5:30pm pick up
Who: Aspiring naturalists ages 6–11
Where: Belle Vie Farm in Chapel Hill, N.C.
When registering, please choose which day of the week you would like your child to join. Meeting dates and prices are listed below. Please note that we will not be meeting on Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Teacher Workdays and holidays. Prices for each meeting day are prorated for the number of times our group will be meeting during the session. You are welcome to sign up for more than one meeting day per week. At this time, parents are responsible for transporting their child to and from afterschool.
Afterschool is currently open for registration on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mondays, Wednesdays, or Friday options will be available if enough interest shows. Please contact us or note during your registration if interested in either of these days.
Because safety is our number 1 priority, if your child is neuro-divergent or may need additional attention for any emotional, social or health related reason please contact us before signing up.
Fall 2026
August 25–November 19
Tuesdays (12 weeks): $335
Aug. 25, Sep. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 10, 17
Thursdays (13 weeks): $365
Aug, 27, Sep. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19
Winter 2026/27
December 1–March 2
Tuesdays (12 weeks): $335
Dec. 1, 8, 15, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2
Thursdays (11 weeks): $310
Dec. 3, 10, 17, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Spring 2027
March 9-June 10
Tuesdays (13 weeks): $365
March 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 8
Thursdays (13 weeks): $335
March 11, 18, 25, April 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10
FAQs
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We will be outside rain or shine, hot or cold, with access to indoors during extreme conditions. Please plan to bring:
Water bottle and snack
Bugspray
Sunscreen
Closed-toe shoes appropriate for the forest (boots are ideal!)
Rainboots and rain jacket if weather calls
Change of clothes
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No, but also yes! We share the same land and philosophies as Belle Vie, but this program is more geared toward open forest time and primitive skill learning. Not to worry though — we’ll definitely have times for hanging at the dirt slide and visiting the farm animals!
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We will be outside rain or shine, hot or cold. During severe weather (thunder, lightning, or tornado watch/warning) we will be indoors until 30 minutes after the threat has lifted. In the event of a tornado warning, we will stay in communication with families regarding the children’s well-being.
Poplar & Pine Afterschool follows local school closures for severe weather, including snow and ice. If school is cancelled, afterschool programming will not meet that day unless otherwise noted. Tuition is not refunded for weather-related closures. In the case of multiple weather-related cancellations for the same program day, a make-up session or credit toward a future session may be offered when possible. Read our full cancellation and refunds policy here.
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Yes but please keep in mind that we have limited time in the afternoons and early pickups interrupt our forest time. If you do need to pick up early, please let Ashlyn know at drop off.
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Not at this time.