Connect Your Child With Nature.
Explorers age 3-14 grow Resilience, Creativity, Self-Confidence, and Initiative.
Forest School Programs available in Kennebunkport
Connect with Nature * Develop a Love for Our Natural World
* Improve All Aspects of Child Development-physical-cognitive-social-emotional
* Grow Resilience, Creativity, Self-Confidence, and Initiative
FOREST SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our Guides have created a program that will both nature and challenge these young explorers. They will learn about nature, eat, play, "water and fertilize" trees, and carry everything they need for the day in their backpacks - rain, snow, and sun.
Your child will explore as a group as well as have room to independently interact with our wonderful natural environment, alongside Guides who have a love for the outdoors that is highlighted by conservation and stewardship-minded practices.
Ages
IMPORTANCE OF NATURE
We believe that:
Nature is an essential part of childhood.
Not only is it good for their soul, but it's important for kids to take risks, build resilience, and gain confidence in their abilities. Nature provides a source of wonder and inspiration for kids and it's important to realize and respect that the world is bigger than they are.
There is overwhelming research that shows the benefits of nature, among them are:
Physical Benefits
Physical Exercise (improved fitness & lower BMI)
Boosted Immune System (increased expression of white blood cells)
Improved Vision; Lower Rates of Myopia 'Nearsightedness' (esp. in young children with developing eyes)
Increased Levels of Anti-Cancer Proteins
Lower Blood Pressure
Decreased Inflammation
Heightened Motor Control: Balance, Coordination, Agility
Fewer Accidents (i.e. falling)
More Adept in Assessing Risk
Emotional & Intellectual Benefits
Stress Relief: Decrease in Stress Hormone Cortisol
Fosters Moral Development
Improved Self-Awareness & Self-Identity
Increased Resiliency
Improved Critical Thinking Skills
Increased Concentration & Creativity
Improved Short-Term Memory
Increased Relevancy when Learning (esp Science)
Helps Children with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Helps with Sensitivity Issues
At Acton Academy Kennebunkport Forest School students will...
Be immersed in nature with guides that are knowledgeable & passionate about nature
Spend all day outside regardless of weather & prove their resiliency with a smile after a rainy day
Develop a love and respect for nature
Learn about the natural environment
Engage all of their senses
Build wilderness skills
Build community
We also have a full-time 5 days/week school for ages 4-18, click to learn more.
OUR TEAM
RYAN BUSBY
Ryan grew up in southern New Hampshire and enjoyed exploring the White Mountains on skis and in hiking...
Forest School Guide
MACKENZIE ANDERSON
Mackenzie grew up in Willington, CT before attending the University of New Hampshire for both...
Acton Kennebunkport Director
ANGELA MASTRELLA
Angela grew up in Manchester, NH and York, Maine before attending the University of Southern Maine for her...
Acton Kennebunkport Lead Guide & Forest School Guide
KORI STACK
Kori grew up in Storrs, CT before attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA for her undergraduate studies.
Acton Kennebunkport Co-Founder & Head of School
MICHAEL STACK
Michael grew up in Valparaiso, IN before attending Indiana University in Bloomington, IN for his undergraduate studies.
Acton Kennebunkport Co-Founder