Dear SMNS Families and Friends, The past 10 years in the SMR have been simply wonderful! Thank you for joining me on the unique educational journey of forest school. At the end of the summer, SMNS will be closing for the foreseeable future. I wish you the best in your continued nature education. With gratitude, Mary Clair
SMNS is a forest school in the South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, NJ. We offer Forest School Enrichment Classes for children ages 2-9 and Forest School Summer Camp for ages 4-7. We follow THE CEDARSONG WAY! SMNS’s Nature Immersion curriculum is “free time in nature, resulting in an intimate, deep and personal connection to the natural world.” Our programs promote social and emotional development, instill confidence and foster independence.
Our Teachers
What Our Parents Are Saying
It’s been a little over one month into Forest school and we’ve already seen many good changes in my son which we credit with SMNS.
The most noticeable thing is his footwork, balance, and endurance have changed so much!! It’s amazing! Wyatt has always been really mobile and his first steps were in the form of running. He basically runs everywhere but also did an equal share of tripping and falling down.
Now he still runs but he isn’t falling plus he’s climbing a lot more. While we’ve always gone hiking and I am aware of the importance of uneven, natural surfaces for development, I think the sustained time outside, with a group of his peers, and being challenged through the activities offered by Teachers Annalise and Isy have led to this positive change.
I wanted to write and let you know how very pleased I am with my daughter’s class! This is the very BEST preschool experience we have had in our family. (I really liked my other children’s schools, but this is so much better!) The teachers are patient, kind, and thoughtful. The documentation is priceless. The whole family looks through the photos and captions to review the events of the day.
She comes home from the forest energized and excited. She plays outside with focus. She is so happy!
