Did you know that Growing Wild Forest School is one of the only not-for-profit outdoor preschools in the state? Indeed, most people are surprised to hear that we were founded less than 5 years ago, and today are led by a handful of part-time staff and an all-volunteer board of directors.
As a small non-profit with limited resources, we are always thinking creatively and looking towards our community for opportunities to improve. For families wondering how to help us grow to our full potential we've outlined some out-of-the-box ways to support our school, and our larger foundation. Every little bit counts, and will allow us to meet our life-impacting mission of providing nature connection and education for all.
SHARE WITH OUR LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
We have recently installed a book-sharing box on our campus, newly stocked with awesome titles. The Little Free Library is the world's largest book sharing movement. With many schools and public libraries closed during the coronacrisis, these simple free resources are more important for communities than ever. We welcome families to borrow a new book, or to lend their own. We're always looking for stories which promote environmental literacy and cultural competency so that our young readers can broaden their minds and deepen their hearts.
As we approach the challenging winter months, a forest school closure is more likely due to inclement weather or mandated quarantine. For our small team of hourly teachers who rely on daily enrollment tuition, this close can have devastating effect on their livelihood. Your generosity today can help support our school for tomorrow! Every donation for the remainder of 2020 will go directly to support our beloved part-time staff in making ends meet in these unprecedented, uncertain times.
GIVE TO OUR GEAR CLOSET
In addition to a Little Free Library of books, we also have a lending library of rainsuits and warm or weatherproof outdoor accessories to pull from in inclement weather. These items occasionally wander off with families and sometimes don't return, so we're always looking for new or gently-used pieces to keep the gear closet stocked for the season.
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR WISHLIST
We welcome donations of outdoor and educational supplies and materials to enrich the school day. This includes healthy snacks, hand warmers, extra clothing, craft supplies, field guides, outdoor gear, rainsuits and tools. Please check out this list for all of our current needs.
SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS Check out our list of area partners and sponsors and make sure to support them with your business whenever you can!
Interested in donating your talents, time, goods, services, in ways not listed here? Please let us know!
For other ways to support the regional forest school movement check out theforestschoolfoundation.org/ways-to-give
The Forest School Foundation was established in 2016 to support the administration, awareness and advocacy of the growing nature school movement across the southeastern US. In 2017 they founded their first outdoor preschool, the Growing Wild Forest School in a mission to provide child-led learning, play-based discovery and nature connection for ages 3-6 in Asheville, NC.
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