Welcome to Nature Den.
Together we can let warm hearts and creative minds thrive
If you are looking to nurture your child with nature-based education and socio-emotional growth, you have found the right place.
At Nature Den, we believe in the transformative power of nature to nurture young minds. Our innovative forest school programs offer children and teens a unique blend of outdoor education and personal development, fostering
1. Wellbeing,
2. Socio-emotional skills,
3. Creativity,
4. Entrepreneurship, and
5. A deep connection with the environment.
Embark On Your Adventure
Why Choose Nature Den for Your Child's Growth
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Embrace a Supportive Community School Experience
What is a community school? To us, a community school is more than just a place of learning—it's a support network reminiscent of the close-knit kampongs of olden Singapore. Since our founding in 2018:
Families on subsidy or scholarship have the opportunity to volunteer in various roles, contributing to the strength and vitality of our community.
Learners can join us as early as 3 or 4 years old, and they progress through different levels: Juniors, Seniors (Upper and Lower), and Middle Schoolers.
Our students return weekly to the same friends and familiar faces, fostering deep connections without the need for farewells at critical transitions like K2/P1 and P6/Sec 1.
This continuity allows students to build long-lasting friendships and a sense of belonging, making our school feel like a second home.
Just like the kampongs of olden Singapore, our community school creates an environment where everyone knows each other and the space so well, it becomes a place of comfort, growth, and lifelong relationships.
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Asia's First Approved Therapeutic Forest Network Practitioner
We are humbled to be the first approved Therapeutic Forest Network Practitioner in Asia, complemented by our certification in forest school level 3. At Nature Den, we prioritize inclusivity for both neurodiverse and neurotypical learners, which is why we embarked on journeys to learn from the best:
The Therapeutic Forest (CIC) in the UK: We have gained invaluable insights into using nature for therapeutic purposes, helping us to incorporate forest-based therapeutic practices that promote well-being and personal growth.
Forest School Training from Archimedes Earth: As the top provider of forest school training, Archimedes Earth has equipped us with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality forest school programs that connect learners with nature in meaningful ways.
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Our Commitment to Progressive Learning And Teaching Excellence
We enhance our approach by investing in continual training. Here are some of the latest benefits:
The Relationship School (USA): Techniques for de-confliction and building authentic relationships.
National Institute of Education (NIE): Curriculum co-design and adaptable teaching methods for digital natives.
Authentic Education (Australia): Enhance coaching and self-knowledge in our learners
By integrating these diverse and comprehensive learning experiences, we are committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters holistic development for all our learners.
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Track Record of Success And Growth
Besides demonstrated success stories and testimonials from satisfied families who have experienced the transformative benefits of our forest school programs, as of June 2024, all our Primary 6 learners whom we assisted in applying for Direct School Admission (DSA) for secondary schools have achieved a 100% success rate in their applications.
Our ongoing weekly reviews and periodic profiling assessments show upward growth or significant improvement in our learners' physical and motor skills, emotional intelligence, language and communication abilities, as well as their overall well-being and engagement levels.
Cultivating Confidence, Connection, and Care: A Learner-Driven Approach with a Global Perspective
We are a team that is committed to excellence and partnership with the community. Refer to our unique fee guideline.
In our programs, learners enjoy autonomy with safe boundaries, fostering intrinsic motivation, resilience, and engagement. This nurturing environment empowers them to grow in confidence and well-being, with strong friendships, emotional support, and attention to their individual needs.
Nature Den is also humbled to be The Therapeutic Forest CIC (UK)’s first Approved Practitioner in Asia. We are trained to work with all children, neurodiverse or typical.
Learner-driven, World-centered. In essence, we are staunch advocates of learner-driven pedagogy. We firmly believe that autonomy fosters motivation to learn. Concurrently, our curriculum is world-centered, emphasizing the significance of our learners' awareness of the environment and their impact on others (and vice-versa).
Nature Den: an approved therapeutic outdoor practitioner
Our Curriculum: Self-Directed Learning and Mastery
Adaptability In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, flexibility is key. This adaptability, also termed as 'currency,' is vital as we witness significant shifts in the learning landscape. For example, children born today, often termed 'digital natives,' naturally acquire technology skills from an early age. Add the escalating concerns surrounding climate change (for instance, islanders being forced to relocate due to rising sea levels) which poses pressing issues to be addressed and changes to be adapted to.
From Self-regulation to Self-actualisation. Self-regulation is another crucial life skill, encompassing not only how well you function but also your emotional resilience. It's about processing a wide range of emotions to discover a fuller version of yourself, tying deeply into emotional intelligence. We offer a curriculum that progresses from self-regulation to self-actualization, afforded by its immersive, real-world learning experiences.
We advocate for Human Relations to be a fundamental subject in schools, and we integrate it into our programs. There is a sense of urgency to improve the way we connect: the proportion of young people dealing with mental health conditions in 2022 was 25.3 per cent, a national survey found.
From ego to eco. The young naturally lean towards egoism. Through quality nurturing and development, a human being matures into someone who cares for others and the environment, moving beyond self-centeredness. This shift aligns with nature's laws of interdependence, fostering healthier, more secure psyches. At forest school, learners confront real conflicts—precious moments to explore their values, needs, and the needs of others. Ultimately, they are guided to ask: What kind of person do I want to be? Together, we shape the essence of humanity.
Our curriculum nurtures the emotions (the heart), the community (our minds) and a sense of purpose (the body/soul).
Why do we need an innovative approach to Education?
In today’s rapidly changing world, there is an increasing call for youngsters to discover their passions and develop skills that go beyond traditional academics. By focusing on these aspects, we can better prepare children and teens for the complexities of modern life, helping them to become resilient, creative, and emotionally intelligent individuals.
Forest School Memories: 2022 Flashback with Our Families
Love Big, Live Bigger!
What Forest School Parents Say
“Fantastic experience for my 4 year old son. He looks forward to it every day of the week” - Gavin Adda
“My son has been attending for years and he loves it! A great opportunity for kids to be themselves, learn, relax and be with friends. :)” - Sandara Tang
“…The kind coaches have given my son the freedom to explore, create and imagine in the nature. It has been an amazing journey to see my child interact with others while exploring in the open spaces. My son looks forward to the weekly session and I believe that it must be so engaging that he is willing to forgo his overseas trip so that he would not miss any sessions!” - Jaun-Mei Yee
Would you like to find out more?
Schedule a 1-on-1 call here with a member of our team or join us in one of our programmes.
Our Programmes
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Regular Weekly Sessions
Drop-off sessions available at Lower Peirce, Holland, and Tampines.
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Holiday Camps
Holiday camps available in March, May, June, September, November, and December.
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Events and Workshops
Birthday events, 1to1 Forest School, Survival Skills Level 1 and 2
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Certifications
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
- William Butler Yeats
Interested to be part of Nature Den? Find out how you can join us or support us to make a difference.