Poplar & Pine Afterschool

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, knife 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, knife safety and responsibility, weaving, wood carving, storytelling, and whatever else the forest may share!

IMG_0587.jpeg
IMG_5557.jpeg
IMG_0255.jpeg
IMG_6093.jpeg
IMG_0498.jpg
IMG_8297.jpeg
IMG_0199.jpeg
IMG_1093.jpeg
IMG_0347.jpeg
IMG_1002.jpeg
IMG_5073.jpeg
IMG_5608.jpeg
IMG_1030.jpg
IMG_1131.jpg

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.

Fall Session 2025

Explore the forest this fall as leaves turn and seasons shift, building skills, curiosity, and confidence through hands-on nature adventures.

When: October 6 – November 13 (Meeting weekly, day options listed below)
We will not be meeting the week of October 27–31.
2:45pm drop off – 5:30pm pick up

Who: Aspiring naturalists ages 6–11

Where: Belle Vie Farm in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Price: $135 per child

When registering, you are welcome to choose which day of the week you would like your child to join. Meeting dates are listed below. If your child would like to attend more than once per week in the fall session, please reach out before registering. 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.

Mondays (Oct. 6, 13, 20, Nov. 3, 10)

Tuesdays (Oct. 7, 14, 21, Nov. 4, 11)

Wednesdays (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5, 12)

Thursdays (Oct. 9, 16, 23, Nov. 6, 13)

 FAQs

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Yes but please keep in mind that early pickups interrupt our forest time. If you do need to pick up early, please let Ashlyn know at drop off.

  • Not at this time.