In their first-ever collaboration, Emberwood and Edmonton Forest School present -

Little Lodge with Little Forest School

Saturday August 16 - Sunday August 17

For you - an immersive experience of eco-therapy and positive solitude.
For your kids - imaginative play at its best.

For you, Little Lodge is a weekend-reset. We get it, because we are parents too. When we are not at work, life is about the kids! We want to get to our journals, and we want to tackle our therapy to-do lists. But when would that happen? 5 AM?? We deserve proper time and space away to remember who we are, to really dig deep into life’s messiness. This trip is exactly what you need. And, the kids come with you! Come reflect on being a parent AND, come remember who you are as a person, as you! You’ll do all this through eco-therapy and positive solitude - amazing new skills for you, and to bring to your family.

For the kids, Little Forest School, is a full weekend of Forest School. Mucking about by the lake, tromping through the woods, fire building - it is imaginative, nature-based play at its best. AND children will experience introductory eco-therapy skills too, like journalling and sit spotting. Ages newborn and up.

For the family, what relationships need most: real connection with no distractions. Tech-free time in your own programs during the day, then back together over supper by the fire to share stories of your adventures. One night in a cabin together, and two days packed with joyful play - for both kids AND adults.

  • “The support, care, and thoughtfulness that went into designing a meaningful experience was obvious.”

    Lodge Participant

  • "It was like 6 months of therapy in one weekend. I came home and I was able to have some tough conservations that I had been putting off."

    Christine

  • "The experience was nothing short of magical."

    Emberwood participant

  • "Very open and welcoming atmosphere!"

    Kaylyn

  • "Emberwood is a community where you instantly feel safe, connected, and welcomed. I have adored the space created for personal growth, connection with nature, and organic healing."

    Sarah

At Little Forest School, your kids will experience…

Meanwhile, YOU will experience…

  • ✺

    Eco-therapy Workshops

    Guided sessions to connect with nature for theraputic benefit.

  • ✺

    Forest Bathing

    The history and how-to of this health & wellness modality.

  • ✺

    Guided Positive Solitude Therapy

    Emberwood is a leader in this emerging field. Learn all about it, and try time in positive solitude for yourself.

  • ✺

    Wayfinding

    Learn how to explore off-trail.

  • ✺

    Somatic Practices

    Learn to move the body to hold joy, and to integrate your new patterns so they stick.

  • ✺

    Lake Time

    Explore the trails, gravel roads, forested areas and lakefront of our private rental site.

You and your child join this trip for only $497.
$97 per additional person. Newborn and up.

Aug 16-17

Reserve your family’s cabin here

One-time payment above, or email us to set-up a monthly payment plan.
We take some Blue Cross plans.

Schedule

Saturday August 16 - Sunday August 17

Before

Feel Prepared

Join us for your “Warmth Workshop.” You’ll have time to explore our extensive Gear Library and borrow any clothing and gear you want.

Your children will be eased in to meeting their Forest School educators and they will play outside to get really comfortable together for the trip.

During

Your Immersive Experience

Little Lodge is a weekend - 2 days and 1 sleep. With an extensive introductory time and then guided portions, you will be all set once there is more free time for you to explore on your own.

Children will be in Forest School programming during the day, then we will all be together in the evenings.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Forest School is bringing a team of educators, so they will be able to divide the group up into age groupings.

    Friends/cousins/siblings who want to be in the same group can stick together, of course.

    Little ones (under 3) will be in a baby & toddler room and area specifically designed for their needs. Cindy will be in touch about naps, milk, specific needs etc.

    If you are 10, 11, 12, you might wish to do the Forest School programming, playing in the woods with your group of 7-12 year olds. OR, you might wish to be a Junior Forest School Leader, assisting the Forest School Educator team. There will be an orientation to train you for this volunteer position.

    Teens, you have the opportunity to be a Junior Forest School Leader, as above.

  • We welcome polycules, grandparents with grandkids, aunties and uncles with their niblings, co-parents, people with young friends, Big Brothers Big Sisters with their littles, foster families, solo parents, the list goes on and on.

    Yes, bring your child-free bestie to join you. Yes your kid can bring their best friend as part of your family.

    If you know you’re family, we know it too!

    (But not furry family this time, no pets on this trip.)

  • We got you covered! These skills are built right into the programs, and there is ample time for you to borrow gear AND clothing from our gear library.

    For children’s clothing, we will teach you what to look out for at second hand shops.

  • Many people pay with a payment plan, just send us an email and we’ll set one up.

    If you have Blue Cross, contact us, and we’ll let you know what to look for in your plan - you maybe able to knock off some cost.

  • All meals provided, catered to your dietary needs. We can cook gluten free, vegan, low FODMAP and more. There is food out and available at all times. You are welcome to bring more of your own. We are happy to discuss bathroom hacks, be in touch! We are ED informed and have a no diet-talk norm.

    For the kids, you’ll pack a lunch with them, choosing from lots of kid-friendly sandwich making materials and sides.

  • These tiny cabins do the trick. You’ll get your own cabin. They sleep 4, so be in touch if you have more than 4 in your party - we have a plan for you!

    There are 2 bunks, so 2 single beds down, 2 up = 4.

    A pack ‘n’ play would fit in the room, or another mattress or two on the floor.

    It’s August - if you want to tent or RV, that’s great too!

  • We are experts with this sort of thing!

    Your children will get to know the educators and have time playing with them long before the trip away. You will be close by should they need you.

    We make a solid plan about how to transition from family time to Forest School time. You can practice this together at the Warmth Workshop so it is ready for Narrow Lake.

    On site, educators are able to be in touch with parents if need be.

Leadership by expert eco-therapy guides

Heading up the Forest School team is EFS director Miriam

"Hello! I'm Miriam. I'm one of the directors of the Edmonton Forest School Society. As an educator, I love helping humans of all ages grow belonging, wonder, creativity, and empowerment through playful connection with their human and ecological communities. One of my favorite ways to be mindful outdoors is entering "small worlds" play: what if I could curl up under a leaf for bedtime? Or sit on a mushroom stool for lunch?"

And Emberwood’s team leads are Fergus and Jude:

"Hi, I’m Jude. As a therapist and outdoor guide, I really believe in nature as therapy. My experiences of ‘solos' is that they are the quickest, most reliable and most joyful way for me to remember who I am, find out what I want, and heal old patterns. This modality lets me be in touch with - and enjoy - my inner world, which is something I believe all people deserve. We don't have to be scared of who we are or what we want.

"Howdy, I’m Fergus, one of Emberwood’s founders and your guide. I'm an extrovert, but I'm all about solitude - it's the only way I can really hear my truth without all the confusion of others' needs and life's complexities clamouring for my attention and getting in my way. I am looking forward to passing on how the benefits of positive solitude therapy can work for you too! It's the only way I make major life decisions now, solitude gives me such clarity and insight."

We hope you’ll join us.