Description
LOCATIONS
Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) (Fall I) – NEW LOCATION
In early fall, the program takes place at Sandy Beach (Savikko Park) on South Douglas, where forested trails meet a broad sandy shoreline. This location offers multiple shelters and restrooms for convenience.
Depending on the weather and group energy, we explore the wandering trails along the hillside or spend time on the beach engaging in hands-on discovery. With ample open space, there’s plenty of room for movement games, nature play, and creative exploration. The sand is ideal for building, digging, and collaborative projects. Sandy Beach is also a wonderful place for wildlife observation.
Note: This is a public area where dogs may be present.
Haadaa Héeni Children’s Forest (Fall II)
In late fall, the program takes place at Discovery Southeast’s private eight-acre property, located near the corner of Mendenhall Loop Rd and River Rd in the Valley. This rich forest landscape includes alder, cottonwood, spruce, and hemlock trees growing atop ancient glacial moraines. There are also kettle ponds, erratic boulders, blueberry patches, and winding trails.
Our daily rhythm is supported by the natural layout of the space. Children begin in a meadow, then explore favorite spots like “Mud Kitchen,” “Grandma Spruce,” “Story Hill,” and the “Forest Playground.”
Note: There is no toilet on site.
Auke Village Recreation Area (Winter + Spring)
During winter and spring, the group gathers at Auke Village Recreation Area, a stunning coastal forest setting where towering hemlocks give way to spruce groves and a wide, rocky beach. This location offers multiple shelters with fire pits for warmth on chilly days, as well as a pit toilet for convenience.
Depending on the weather and group energy, we explore the forested hillsides, follow trails toward Point Louisa, or spend time on the beach engaging in hands-on discovery. With ample open space, there’s plenty of room for movement games, nature play, and group activities like tide pooling.
Note: This is a public area where dogs may be present.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel more than two weeks in advance of the program start date, there’s a $25 cancellation fee.
If you cancel two or fewer weeks in advance, a refund is only possible if we can fill your spot, and if so there’s still the $25 cancellation fee.
If you don’t submit a completed Participant Agreement within two weeks of the program start, or if your child is not allowed to continue with the program due to behavior reasons, that is considered a cancellation of two or fewer weeks in advance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should my child bring?
Children are required to wear specific clothing for the weather, outlined in our Family Handbook.
In a daypack, please pack a nutritious snack, water in a sturdy bottle, and a second set of required clothing in a waterproof bag. Note: Participants are responsible for carrying their own backpacks.
If any of these items are hard to come by, just let us know; we have clothing to loan or give.
How much structure will there be?
We strive to offer a balance between predictable daily routines, group activities, naturalist-led lessons, and plenty of time for open-ended play and exploration.
What's expected of my child?
We’re committed to fostering a supportive environment where every participant can enjoy a meaningful program experience.
We review the following rules with the children on a regular basis and welcome you to familiarize yourself with them:
- Above all, be kind – Show kindness to all living things.
- Ask before you pick – Wild food can only be picked after it has been checked by an adult. There are many things in the woods that are not safe to eat.
- Listen and answer, please – Children are expected to follow the directions of the adult leaders and respond when their name is called.
- Stay together – When moving down the trail, adults go first. When exploring an area, stay with the group and inside the boundaries.
- Sticks and stones – Sticks and rocks are used as tools. Sticks can only be carried while walking, pointed down. Children may climb to the height of their own shoulders.
If a participant has trouble following these rules, they might need to be picked up early, take a day off, or possibly sit out the rest of the program, depending on the situation.
What's the teacher-to-child ratio?
Haadaa Héeni is an intentionally small program limited to 10 children per session. The student-to-teacher ratio is a maximum of 5 children to 1 Discovery Southeast staff member.
What's the bathroom situation?
We ask that your child use the bathroom before they arrive. If they need to go during our time together, they will likely use the bathroom in the forest. At Sandy Beach and Auke Rec, toilets are available near the entrances.
Will my child come home wet and muddy?
Oftentimes, yes!
At Haadaa Héeni, children play and learn through hands-on experiences in nature, which often leaves them wet and muddy given our temperate rainforest environment. We ask families to dress children appropriately for the weather and keep a second set of clothes in your child’s backpack.
Is there transportation?
This year, families are responsible for dropping off and picking up their child at the site.
If getting to or from the drop-off location is a challenge for your family, please email us at info@discoverysoutheast.org.
What if the session I want is full?
Please complete our waitlist form. We pull from the waitlist when another participant cancels. If a spot becomes available, we will contact the next family on the list.
What paperwork and legal waivers are required?
After registering we have some important paperwork that includes Medical Information, Risk Acknowledgement, and Legal Waivers. It’s all contained in our online Participant Agreement, which needs to be completed well before the program starts. (If you’d like to preview the form, you have the option to download a review PDF first.)
Registration is voluntary, so if you don’t agree with the terms there, please don’t register, and instead let us know at info@discoverysoutheast.org.
Additional questions? Email us at info@discoverysoutheast.org.
