by Isa Goico | Apr 9, 2025 | Stories
It was a lively day today at preschool. I came down the hill as the kids enjoyed their snack break by a beautiful warm fire. Gwen read to the kids as they munched on orange slices, crackers, and other delicious foods. My presence was met with waves and smiles with one kiddo remarking “You’re the camera Lady!” I was so happy that they remembered me from my last visit. Another exclaimed, “I’ve never met a REAL photographer before.” I was so excited to join them for a morning of games in the light snow. This time the kids were less shy and began to ask me questions about my job and photos. Whenever a child found a particularly gnarly stick, or hugged their friend, they sang out, “Isa take a photo of this!” Below are a few selections of kid directed photos (Which always turn out to be my favorite). Soon it was time to put mittens back on and transition to the day’s activity. Everyone was anxious to open a clear bin filled with beautiful colored scarves and fabrics. Taking turns, they wrapped scarves around trees in a small circle. Kids played chickadee birds and called each other to signal switching trees before whoever was “it” reached their abandoned tree. Fionna was there whenever kids needed a refresher on the rules. Some were so excited, they ran without remembering to call their friends! Rules or no rules, it was clear the game was a hit. With red cheeks and big smiles, the kids ran and giggled until it was time to slide back down the climbing hill. Another fun filled day in the woods!
by Isa Goico | Mar 25, 2025 | Stories
A few weeks back I visited Forest Preschool during the last day of Winter Session. There was a brisk chill but the kids remained warm with lots of cozy layers. Lyla and Liz facilitated an interactive pancake treat to usher in the new season. To gather ingredients, the kids snuck to a “sleeping” Lyla and grabbed an ingredient from around her. Playing the game, the kids did a great job of freezing once “sleeping” Lyla opened her eyes. They were able to freeze their bodies but giggles just kept coming. Once it was time to gather around the fire, I could tell how excited they all were to play their part in the making of the cakes. One by one they measured ingredients out and stirred the big bowl. I was struck by how the kids were able to stay patient despite all the anticipation of sweet treats. Once the pancakes had been cooked on the griddle over the fire they were drizzled in homemade maple syrup. Having tried them myself, I can attest that nothing beats a homemade pancake from Lyla. Sticky hands got all washed up at the handwashing station and then it was time to play in the creek! Kids searched for special rocks and splashed with their friends. When everyone was thoroughly wet and sleepy they closed out the day and headed back up the hill. The cozy fire and the laughing kids made for a beautiful morning here at Trillium camp. Until next time. -Preschool visitor Isa
by Lyla White | Jul 29, 2024 | Stories
Three preschoolers “sleeping” in the nest they built.
We still have limited spot available for the coming school year! Children in our program explore nature, learn about emotions and making friends, listen to stories and challenge their bodies and minds to try new things. We have so much fun getting dirty and playing together. Please contact us if you would like to learn more. We can’t wait to hear form you.
by Liz Jesch | Dec 20, 2023 | Stories
As fall is coming to a close, we’re saying “goodbye” to fall and “hello” to winter. We’re celebrating the end of the fall season by wrapping up our fall projects and playing in the snow!
At the beginning of the fall, the preschoolers harvested wild flowers and pressed them in a flower press. We waited a couple of months for the flowers to dry out and wondered how we could preserve these fall flowers. To our delight, we were gifted “magic fairy paper” by the forest fairies. The preschoolers were very excited to save of colors of the fall with this paper.
We placed the pressed flowers between two pieces of this magical paper and transformed the paper and flowers into a stained glass window. The preschoolers were very proud of their work.
Yet another fairy project was created this fall. In the mid fall, we made a dye using black walnuts. We then dyed a piece of white fabric and watched the color of the fabric turn to a rich brown color. The preschoolers were curious about this special black walnut potion and its interesting powers.
We decided to use the fabric to create “fairy pouches”. The preschoolers learned how to trace a circle in the special fabric and to sew around the outside of the circle.
What fits into a fairy pouch? Well, the preschoolers listened to a story about how fairies travel with these pouches to help them carry seeds to new places.
In addition to our projects, our group is very excited about snow and the coming of winter! The preschoolers love snow tasting, sliding down the frozen climbing hill, and playing in the cozy shelter. Our group is very curious to notice the ways the snow transforms the forest and creates new mysteries to discover at Trillium Camp. We’re excited to welcome winter in the coming days!
by Liz Jesch | Dec 7, 2023 | Stories
Our fall has been filled with so much fun and laughter. We’ve enjoyed watching the seasons change and making new friends at preschool! These are some of our fall highlights.
We celebrated the harvest season with several cooking projects, including making apple cider, apple sauce, and apple crisp (apples galore)!
We also made a large debris shelter. The preschoolers had a blast collecting leaves and sticks to make the shelter. They absolutely love playing inside it and using it as a special hiding spot.
Trillium Camp has been visited by several critters this fall. We’ve practiced our fox walking skills and learned how to patiently watch creatures. The preschoolers have enjoyed admiring the beauty of these curious animals.
Speaking of critters, we made “pumpkin feeders” and placed them around Trillium Camp. The preschoolers love checking the pumpkins each morning to see if there’s any evidence of animals visiting.
Our preschoolers have made so many new friends this fall! They love playing and discovering new mysteries together.
by Ithaca Forest Preschool | Apr 12, 2023 | Events, Stories, Updates
Friday, October 20th 9am – Noon
Parents and children are invited to join Ithaca Forest Preschool for a Saturday morning of exploring, stories and fire at our beloved Trillium Camp located at 4-H Acres (418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca, NY). You will learn more about Ithaca Forest Preschool’s teaching practices and get to meet our staff!
We believe the seeds of a deep connection to nature are in each of us from the time we are born, and we look forward to learning and playing together with your children!
Forest Play Days are a great way to learn if a Forest School program might be right for your family!
Come get a feel for our preschool program!
When: Friday, October 20th, 2023 – 9am – Noon
Where: Trillium Camp at 4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
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