Friday Village Day

Program Info

Age: 6-12
Overview: Weekly field trips with rotating drop-off locations.
Experiences: Farms, artisans, service projects, music, state parks.
Why it Matters: Real-world integration + community connection.
Details: Fridays, 9–3:20 · $850/semester.

Enroll Your Child

Our Offering

Friday Village Day is an open invitation to gather as a community. We know homeschool families are looking for connection, adventure, and time with others. Village Day is our way of creating space for that to happen.

On select Fridays, we will share a rotating set of locations to explore together. These may include parks, forests, homesteads, cultural sites, or hidden gems. Families are welcome to join at the places that feel right for them, with no pressure or expectation. The goal is simply to build relationships, spend time outdoors, and discover what resonates most deeply with our community.

Families with children in Chickadees are warmly invited to join in these Friday gatherings as well. We trust parents to discern whether an outing is the right fit for their younger children and to shape the experience in a way that works for their family.

As the children grow older, we envision these Fridays eventually becoming a pathway into apprenticeship opportunities and real-world learning. For now, Village Day is a light and flexible way to gather, explore, and nurture a sense of belonging.

Questions and Answers

Where does the Friday Village Day take place?

This program rotates between different natural locations. Families will receive the drop-off point each week in advance.

What should my child bring?

A full water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and a packed lunch. A detailed packing list is shared with families before the session begins.

What if the weather is bad?

Programs run in most conditions, but in the case of severe weather, parents will be notified of cancellations or rescheduling.

Is there a religious affiliation?

No, Forest Lake Nature School is non-denominational. Our focus is on community, nature, and inclusive learning.

How can I join?

Friday Village Day is open only to families who are currently enrolled and paid in one of our programs. We host three to four gatherings each semester on select Fridays, with locations planned in advance and shared with enrolled families. To participate, simply RSVP for the outings that work best for your family.

Testimonials

Melissa and Anthony are kind, gentle, loving souls with a fabulous focus on the beauty around and within. We met through the music classes I teach and they were focused on the rhythm of their children’s learning styles. Anthony brings an unmatched energy and Melissa brings a peaceful gratitude for all around her. They are right on track with healthy sustainable lifestyles for body, mind and spirit. Your family will be enriched by this family whether you have a moment with them or a blink of the preschool years or a lifetime of friendship. Highly recommend! With their thoughtfulness and dedication, their school will be of unmatched quality and bring joy to all who enter their life garden.

- Tibbe, Music Teacher

I would very much love for my children to be a part of Forest Lake Nature School. If I could roll the clock back in time and make it all happen somehow, cosmically, if they were small people, I think they would be nurtured well and certainly a couple days a week with you all. Which is the best compliment I can really give, because I am pretty particular about what I want my children to be a part of.

- Greg, Naturalist and Guide

Forest Lake Nature School has been one of the biggest blessings my wife and I have experienced in our community. Anthony and Melissa have created a space that is safe, that is nourishing, and the learning that happens is remarkable. My daughter is now a bird identifying expert, she has a deep desire to be outside, and the relationships she has created are set up to last a lifetime. We are so grateful for being introduced to the Ulrich family and everyone in this community.

- Aaron, Parent and community member

In a crazy world where so many people are disillusioned with school systems, and kids are bombarded with screens, this is an amazing change of pace AND a place for kids to learn the way they were created to learn!

- Bethany, Community friend

FLNS is a blessing to the twin cities! An educational and nourishing offering for families, an invitation to deepen relationships with the land and each other. A much needed invitation for children to experience the simple yet profound beauty of the natural world.. and to explore with freedom and ease!

- Bridget, Parent

My daughter and I are really enjoying the parent-child group through Forest Lake Nature School. Melissa and Anthony are so warm and welcoming and we’ve made so many friendships and found such a great community through our participation in their program. We love the community building, togetherness, learning, programming and atmosphere. Their group is always our favorite activity of the week because we get to play outside together while being apart of something that is really helping shape the next generation into loving, kind, responsible, aware and well rounded people who care about living a holistic lifestyle in balance with nature and who will be passionate about stewardship of the land. We love Forest Lake Nature School and look forward to our ongoing participation as part of this beautiful family they have created.

- Sarah, Parent

For our family, Forest Lake Nature School has meant connection, being closer to nature and nourishment of the mind/body/soul.