Forest Kids - connecting children with nature

Hi! My name is Elena and I am based in Luxembourg.

I am a marketing professional but more than that - passionate about education, sustainable concepts, nature, new work and digitalization.

With the birth of my first son, I have realized the need to establish a unique and sustainable education concept for forest kindergartens in Luxembourg. The idea is to create an outdoor movement for our next generation. Let’s make this change together!

And this is how we do it:

Phase 1: Establishment of the Forest Kids community 

The first step is to make Forest Kids visible. By setting up a website and linking to social media channels, relevant content is created here, which offers parents, institutions and educators a communication channel around the topic of nature and childhood. We will share tips and tricks (e.g. a conversation with the forester, ideas from Beschcreches staff, interviews with nature-loving communities, testimonials and inspiration from Luxembourgish initiatives).

Our concept is based on five principles (at one with nature, sustainability as a core, health, pedagogic expertise, and creativity). Based on those principles, the Forest Kids badge was developed. Partners and kindergartens can apply for this badge. If they meet the requirements they will be awarded the badge and become an official Forest Kids partner.

Phase 2: Pilot project with Crèche Coccinella in Esch-sur-Alzette

In the second step, the Forest Kids project will be concretely tested together with Crèche Coccinella in Esch. The Forest Kids guidelines will be developed together. The goal is to start the project in September 2021 with a forest kindergarten group (8 children from 3 years). Parents will be actively involved in the development. The forest group will spend every afternoon after school (Mon-Fri) exclusively in nature.

Phase 3: Establishment of Forest Kids Crèches in Luxembourg 

In the third step, an innovative Beschcrèche concept is to be initiated in Luxembourg. The nature education concept has already been elaborated and includes innovative alternatives to the usual accommodations, which allow to grow up together with nature.

And this is how you can help us:

For our domain, server and hosting costs, material for the construction of the first forest group (forest shelter, wooden toys, mud pants, etc.), and marketing materials, we would be very happy about donations. Those will ensure that we are able to continue this project.

If you do not have the means to donate, don't worry! We are also very happy about every new follower on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook :)

Feel free to message us your ideas, possible partnerships or connections which will enable us to connect children with nature via [email redacted]

Thank you for your help!

Elena & Team