November update

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Please find some important information regarding our upcoming sessions below. There are some slight changes to our usual schedule. We are also preparing ourselves for new guidelines and possible closures. However until then, we plan to continue our sessions as stated below. We are also having to be very flexible, please stay updated with our latest information.


Upcoming weekend - 07/11 - 08/11

07/11

Saturday Forest School

Start: 10am

Finish: 2pm

Meeting point: (439V+82 Warsaw - Google maps)

08/11

Sunday Forest School

Start: 9am

Finish: 12pm

Meeting point: (439V+82 Warsaw - Google maps)

08/11

Sunday Parent sessions

Start: 12pm

Finish: 3pm

Meeting point: (439V+82 Warsaw - Google maps)

Schedule November - January

November:

  • 07/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 08/11 - Sunday Forest School (9am - 12pm)/ Limited Parent Sunday (12pm - 3pm)

  • 14/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 15/11 - Limited Parent Sunday (10am - 1pm)

  • 21/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 22/11 - Sunday Forest School

  • 28/11 - Limited Parent Sunday (10am - 1pm)

  • 29/11 - CLOSED

December:

  • 05/12 - Saturday Forest School

  • 06/12 - Sunday Forest School

  • 12/12 - Saturday Forest School

  • 13/12 - Limited Parent Sunday (10am - 1pm)

  • 19/12 - Saturday Forest School

Mid week sessions

Monday (every second)

  • 8:30 - 11:30

  • Age restrictions 2 - 9

Wednesday (every second)

  • 8:30 - 12:30

  • Age restrictions 2 - 9

Thursday

  • 9:30 - 12:30

  • Age restrictions 2 - 9

Additional sessions

We have recently had some interest in additional sessions for 11/11, 12/11 and 13/11. If you're interested in these sessions please contact us.

Procedure for 'five plus' guidelines

To ensure we continue to abide by government guidelines and regulations groups will continue to be split between Forest leaders for the walk to our site. Once we are in the Forest children will naturally splinter into smaller groups. During our walk to the Forest, children will be required to wear a mask. Please also ensure masks are worn for drop off and pick up.

On a positive note, the Forest looks incredible at the moment!

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Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you have any further questions.

Warm regards,

Saul

info@pinesforestschool

+48 660 230 210


 

October red zone update

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We find ourselves in a bit of a limbo regarding the new guidelines and regulations. Whilst primary schools and preschools stay open, public gatherings are now restricted to ten participants. Gyms and indoor sport facilities will be closed as of tomorrow due to Warsaw's redzone status. 

We will continue to lead sessions with new practices in place. Any group that exceeds our ten person limit will be split between Forest leaders, creating two groups. Going forward we will limit new bookings to twelve children, thus creating two groups of six. 

Session information:

Saturday 17/10 - will continue as planned. Splitting the group into two. 

Sunday 18/10 - Parent session will be postponed. New limited space Parent session dates can be found below (please sign up ASAP):

Remaining 2020 weekend dates:

November:

December:

October half term

As always, we will be running a half term week in October to coincide with schools closing. This year's October half term sessions will take place 26th to the 30th. This session will continue as two groups.

  • Price (full week): 600PLN

  • Price (per session): 130PLN

  • Location: Powsin Park

  • Drop off: 10am

  • Pick up: 1pm

  • Age restrictions: 4-15

Mid week sessions 

Our usual midweek sessions will continue as usual. 

Mondays (every second)

Wednesday (every second)

Thursday

Birthday events 

Birthday events will continue in accordance with the new guidelines. 

With all that said, we must be fluid and flexible in the current climate. Please keep a close eye on your emails incase of any changes. Get in contact with us at anytime via +48660230210.

Stay safe.

Warm regards,

Saul

 

Weekend sessions

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With such a high demand for places in the coming months we have decided to slightly alter our booking procedure. This new procedure will allow us to plan further ahead, and as a result offer more additional workshops and better sessions. 

Prices for these sessions have not changed, however due to VAT these prices may alter in the future.

Saturday Forest School: 100PLN per learner per session- 90PLN per sibling per session. 

Sunday Forest School: 100PLN per learner per session - 90PLN per sibling per session.

Parent Sunday: 100PLN per family.

  1. Bookings will now be available in blocks of 4 sessions, 6 sessions, 8 sessions and 10 sessions. This will ensure your place is reserved and allows us to plan our schedule accordingly. 

  2. When booking your package please state the session dates you wish to attend.

  3. Confirmation will come in the form of an invoice.

  4. If for any reason you are unable to attend one of the sessions please let us know at least four days in advance. 

  5. If a session is cancelled by Pines, the session will be rescheduled

Our weekend session schedule up to December can be found below. 

*Sunday sessions will now be the same as our Saturday sessions, except one Sunday per month that will be left free for Parent Sundays. 

September:

  • 12/09 - Saturday Forest School 

  • 13/09 - Sunday Forest School 

  • 19/09 - Saturday Forest School

  • 20/09 - Parent Sunday*

  • 26/09 - Saturday Forest School

  • 27/09 - Sunday Forest School 

October:

  • 03/10 - Saturday Forest School 

  • 04/10 - Sunday Forest School

  • 10/10 - Saturday Forest School

  • 11/10 - Sunday Forest School

  • 17/10 - Saturday Forest School

  • 18/10 - Parent Sunday

  • 24/10 - Saturday Forest School

  • 25/10 - Sunday Forest School

  • 31/10 - CLOSED

November:

  • 01/11 - CLOSED

  • 07/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 08/11 - Sunday Forest School 

  • 14/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 15/11 - Parent Sunday 

  • 21/11 - Saturday Forest School

  • 22/11 - Sunday Forest School

  • 28/11 - CLOSED 

  • 29/11 - CLOSED 

December:

  • 05/12 - Saturday Forest School

  • 06/12 - Sunday Forest School 

  • 12/12 - Saturday Forest School

  • 13/12 - Parent Sunday 

  • 19/12 - Saturday Forest School 

  • 20/12 - Parent Sunday**

*Additional Parent session.

Bookings can be made via email or through our website: Booking

Saturday Forest School: 10:00 - 14:00

Sunday Forest School: 10:00 - 14:00

Parent Sunday: 10:30 - 13:30

Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Warmest regards,

Saul

 

Ponowne otwarcie!

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Dzień dobry,

Kolejna aktualizacja, tym razem z dużą dawką informacji!

Zgodnie informacjami z najnowszej konferencji rządowej, Pines wraca z sesjami szkolnymi w ciągu tygodnia i 
sesjami sobotnimi rozpoczynając od przyszłego tygodnia (6 maja). 
Dni sesji pozostają takie same, jednak maksymalna liczba każdej grupy to 10 dzieci. 
Z powodu braku transportu publicznego na tej trasie, zachęcamy rodziców do skontaktowania
 się ze swoim przedszkolem i zorganizowania systemu wspólnych przejazdów dla rodziców. 
W celu uzyskania informacji na temat wspólnych
 przejazdów prosimy o bezpośredni kontakt z nami lub z przedszkolem. Rodzice, którzy są w trakcie 
realizacji projektu, oczywiście będą mieli pierwszeństwo i nie będą płacić za sesje dodatkowe 
(do czasu zakończenia obecnego projektu). Rodzice, którzy przed zamknięciem nie byli w trakcie bieżącego projektu,
 będą mogli zapisać dzieci, jeśli pozwoli na to miejsce.
Wprowadzone zostaną dodatkowe procedury bezpieczeństwa i higieny.
Zapraszamy do zapisów i rejestracji - w tym celu prosimy o kontakt ze swoim przedszkolem i Pines - 
w ten sposób będziemy mogli zarządzać grupami i organizaować je tak, by w żadnej nie było więcej niż 10 dzieki.

Bardzo się cieszymy, że możemy ponownie otworzyć i nie możemy się doczekać na zajęcia!
Do zobaczenia wkrótce!

 

Reopening information

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Good afternoon,

Just another update, this time with clearer information.

In accordance with the latest governmental advice Pines will open its midweek school sessions and Saturday sessions the week commencing May 4th.Midweek school sessionsSessions times/ dates will not change, however maximum group sizes will now drop to 10. Due to the lack of public transport on this route, we will require parents to contact their preschool and arrange a parent carpool system. This system works for a number of our preschools. For carpool information please contact us directly or your preschool.Parents who are currently midway through a project will of course have priority and will pay no extra for the sessions (until the current project comes to an end). Parents who are not attached to a current project will be able to join the project if space permits. 
Extra safety and hygiene procedures will be in place. 
If you wish to continue/ sign up you must contact your preschool and Pines. This will ensure we have accurate numbers. We are very happy to be able to reopen, I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Saturday (starting May 9th) session

Due to the limit (10 learners) places will now be going very quickly. If you wish to sign up for these sessions please do so ASAP. If we have further interest we will also run the same session on Sunday 10th. Please be aware that we will require payment before the session to ensure we fill the group. This payment will be non refundable. 

As previously stated our Sunday parent sessions will be postponed until we are able to up our limit.

Any questions, please contact Pines at 660230210.

Warmest regards,

Pines team 

 

Day 23

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Hello everyone,

I hope you are managing to stay healthy and not going too insane. 

Just another quick update on how we're spending our time and some tips that might help keep you sane. 

Having a project

For most of you, your projects will be work/home office. I made the mistake of completing all of my online, computer based tasks this week. I now truly have no work to be getting on with, hence the frequent updates. Many of you have been asking about vouchers and such, for now we would prefer not to create any vouchers. We have no idea how long this closure will last, and how our projects will look when we are allowed to open. A lot will depend on when schools open. 

We have spent the warmer days getting our hands dirty, passing time by getting into some woodwork, planting, painting, etc. I highly recommend this, especially for your children's motor skills. I will post some links below to our supplier of tools and equipment. You'll be able to get a 10% discount by quoting that you are a Pines client. If you have any questions please give us a call at 660230210 and we can talk you through the various steps of carving a canoe, spoon, placemats, etc.  

Starter knife

Great carving tool

Great fine carving knife 

As mentioned in our previous update, we have been sanding down and painting pallets ready for our pallet sofa. The result is below, we just need some more ivy, plants and sun now.

Newton and our new pallet sofa (his new pallet sofa)

Newton and our new pallet sofa (his new pallet sofa)

Staying fit

If you're anything like me you'll slowly be growing from the amount of food and 'ok one more glass' attitude. I was lucky enough to borrow my friend's bike stand this week (BTwin In'ride 300 trainer). Which allows me to turn my old 70's racer into a standing bike (I will soon have to invest in a newer bike...). I've been trying to use that as often as possible, downloading virtual spin classes and pretending I am battling for a yellow jersey (I don't have a future career in cycling unfortunately). These little stands can cost a fair amount, however the one I am using is the most basic and shouldn't break the bank.

Turbo trainers at Decathlon 

Newton with the new gym equipment

Newton with the new gym equipment

Our snack intake has also rocketed recently, as a result we have been trying to stick to healthier snacks. Kale chips and roasted chickpeas have been the most successful when it comes to avoiding unhealthy snacking. But don't get me wrong, unhealthy snacks are still finding their way to my plate. Spending longer preparing lunches and dinner is also helping me stay sane. 

Kale chips (no Newton)

Kale chips (no Newton)

Still no Newton

Still no Newton

Of course the news is moving so fast at the moment, new regulations are being passed, new recommendations, etc. For now we are in a tighter lockdown than last week, more layoffs and pay cuts are imminent and of course we are still awaiting news regarding the election and extension of the closures. All that we really know for sure, is this will not go away if parts of the population continue to ignore the quarantine. Please continue to be kind to each other, this is a trying time for all of us. Don't get too caught up on keeping your children 'working' for the whole day, do what you can manage. Stressing over activities and missed work will only make you feel worse and stress out your children. If you can, continue to support the individuals who are fighting this on the front line, it must be terrifying going into work everyday. As always, the Pines team is on hand to support the vulnerable and elderly. If you know of anyone that needs groceries delivered etc. please get in contact.

Do feel free to drop us an email or phone call at any time.   

Stay safe.

Pines team

 

Day 19

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Hello one and all!

It is now day 19 of our closure, and I am not sure about you but we feel like we're going a little insane. I wanted to share with you some of the activities and tasks that have kept us busy during this time. 

Living on the other side of the city to most of you I haven't had the opportunity to visit Kabaty Forest recently and have steered clear of Kampinos after hearing about the increased foot traffic. I have however walked my block and neighbourhood countless time to keep myself and my  dog from completely losing the plot. Jogging when able. 

My daily conversations with family and friends (more so now than ever before) has been a welcome time filler and a good reminder that this situation goes beyond our four walls. We have found apps such as ZOOM and HOUSEPARTY work particularly well. We have run 'pub quizzes', film nights and general chats. This is a good chance to get in touch with friends and family you haven't had time for!

The irony of the lockdown is of course the weather. As a result we've spent most of our time on the balcony, replanting, upgrading furniture and sanding down/ painting pallets ready for a new balcony sofa. Leroy Merlin in Arkadia is still running an order and pick up from the parking service, which works particularly well and lets you avoid coming into contact with anyone. 

Working from home and homeschooling. Most of you will now be having to combine home office, keeping your business afloat and conference calls as well as supporting your children's home schoolings. With friends and family on both sides of this situation I can promise you that everyone is feeling the same level of frustration. Teachers are now being asked to teach lessons, upload activities and assess progress in a way they have never done before, on systems that are completely new and untested. As for parents, you are being expected to go above and beyond for your companies whilst having to listen to baby shark on repeat. Our advice is to do what you can, don't go insane trying to complete every activity. Try and stick to some kind of routine, be calm and don't feel guilty about your children's education. Everyone is in the same boat. Online workouts and yoga videos are a great way to start your children's day. 

Online PE lessons

Small business. A lot of small businesses are now under huge pressure to stay afloat during this difficult time, many are now offering vouchers for future services. If you are in a position to do so, buying into these systems may keep your favorite coffee shop or barber open. Lot of farms are also now offering very cheap vegetables and fruits, many with cheap delivery. Again, buying from these people will support your local community. 

Finally, we are of course in a very strange time, lots of us out of work, lots of us on the edge. Be kind, be calm and look after yourself. The Pines team is available to support the elderly and at risk in our community. If you have family members, friends or know of anyone who needs essential good delivered, please contact us and we will do our very best. 

Warm regards,

Saul

 

February update

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Hello one and all,

I hope you're doing well. As always I will share some important updates below including a new policy update, as well as some exciting news. I will send out further information regarding the Pines Foundation later in the month.   

As most of you know, one of the key motivations of opening Pines was to have more control over the people we work with and as a result have a bigger impact on the communities we feel we can help and be part of. We are so very proud of the community we have managed to create over the last five month, especially in the wake of the current struggles around Europe. Bringing together an array of cultures, nationalities, age groups and backgrounds furthers our education, as well as supporting the children's development into becoming more caring, open minded and social parts of the wider community. Watching the children support one another during session, be patient with each other and eventually succeed together not only demonstrates the fantastic work you do as parents but also sets a higher bar for us adults. It is very important to us that everyone who is part of this community feels they have a voice, and this is why we love receiving feedback and love hearing from you. 

In the last couple of months we have been scouring the city hoping to find more like minded people who can come on and support our projects. We were very lucky to find Łukasz Tulej recently (read our January blog post about Łukasz @ https://www.pinesforestschool.pl/blog) and are now delighted to introduce you to Marek Suchodolski from Lasokracja. I have known Marek for a number of years now, regularly seeking his expert advice and calling upon his Forest knowledge. Marek won't mind me saying, he is very much a man of the Forest, fitting in perfectly between a couple of Silver Birch. That said, there is a very humble side to Marek. I will regularly catch him preparing home made jam for his family and friends and agonizing over a recipe so his guests won't go hungry. A devoted father and Forest ranger, his knowledge and understanding of the Forest, bushcraft and all things wild make him the perfect addition to our community.

Winter break workshops:

Wednesday 26/02: Forest cooking. Children will have the opportunity to prepare a variety of meals over the fire, as of course eat them afterwards! (Parents will need to sign an additional consent form to take part in this session).

Friday 28/02: Survival. Children will be split into small groups, focus on building and preparing a solid shelter from natural materials found in the Forest, then work towards defending their shelter through a variety of games and activities.

As always activities are not mandatory and children can spend their time as they wish in the Forest. Our site will be set up as it usually is, offering the children a variety of adult and child-led activities. Many of the children may have already had a taster of such activities during our usual sessions, these workshops will delve deeper into the practice. 

Location: Powsin Park

Start: 10am

Finish: 2pm

Price: 120PLN (per workshop)

Age groups: 7 - 15

Places for these workshops are going quickly, if you're interested, please sign up ASAP to avoid disappointment. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

Finally, a slight change in our policies. Due to the warmer weather (madness I know), we are receiving an influx of interest in our sessions. In regards to our midweek sessions, we have decided that all children who have come through our winter projects will have priority for future projects. Please sign up ASAP for these as we need to fill the groups before starting. New project dates will be sent to groups individually. In regards to our Saturdays and individual workshop dates, please sign up as soon as possible as these sessions will be 'first come first served'. Of course you can pay for a block booking, as many of you already have (preferred). If you need to cancel a Saturday session please let us know at least two days in advance, in accordance with our cancelation policy to ensure we can fill the space. Session numbers will have a direct impact on the number of practitioners. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week. 

Warm regards,

Saul and Steve 

 

January update

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Hello one and all!
I hope you're well and had a restful break. In this update I will share with you some exciting information regarding our new partnerships and our new Foundation.  Just before that however, I would once again like to say a big thank you to our current parents who have braved the harsher conditions with us. Of course the colder conditions make certain aspects of our sessions more difficult but it also massively improves other aspects and gives us a variety of new activities to explore. If we give children the platform and freedom to play, regardless of the conditions I promise you they will explore, adventure and seek out new challenges.

Łukasz Tulej
I had the absolute privilege of meeting Łukasz recently and I am only sad that I hadn't found the time to meet him earlier. We went for a short walk around his local woodland, drank coffee, talked about nature, education, different cultures, animals and above all things Forest school. Łukasz is an outdoors, bushcraft survival expert with an unbelievable knowledge on all things nature. I was introduced to Łukasz by Natalia Raj (who runs a fantastic little furniture shop, be sure to check it out asiana.pl) and it was only when I first googled him that I realised I was dealing with a real serious survival expert! He has traveled to some of the most beautiful places in the world, surviving in some of the most extreme conditions and landscapes. He currently runs workshops all over Poland and even runs hikes and trails through Forest and deserts all around the world. His recent work with the TV channel Planete + will make for a captivating watch. Łukasz has joined Pines as a 'friend of the Forest school', his advice and knowledge will no doubt further Pines, supporting the fantastic work we do. With all that said, the thing that really caught my attention with Łukasz was his desire to help people. His dedication to help and support development in and around Warsaw makes him a true inspirational figure in our community. Be sure to check him out on Facebook, instagram and his website. 

www.Tooley.pl

www.PeruSurvival.net

www.WadiRumExperience.com

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Powsin Cultural Park 

From the very beginning of my personal Forest School journey Powsin has been my metaphorical home. Even before Pines was set up I was running sessions in Powsin for an international school in Warsaw. Powsin has seen three years of Forest school, 70 plus long term Educational Projects, 450 plus learners and hundreds of workshops and sessions. With that, this new partnership might feel as if its come a little late. Well, our previous agreement was exactly that, we were given the same freedom to roam the Forest as the rest of the public. With the same restrictions and rules. The newly agreed partnerships will take away those restrictions and give us more scope to 'Redefine Education'. This new partnership will also bring us closer to the community. We plan to run special workshops for Powsin this summer so that we may reach a wider audience and introduce more families to Forest School. 

Pines Foundation

As some of you are aware, one of my big driving forces for Pines is to set up a foundation that will help support development in a number of key areas. From disability to less fortunate families. This year will see the Pines Foundation grow from an idea into much much more. More information regarding the Foundation will come in time. For now, if you feel you want/ can help support the early stages of the Foundation please contact us at info@pinesforestschool.pl. 

Finally, many parents have been asking me recently if they can do anything to help. Truly you are all doing more than enough by placing your trust in myself and Steve. You can however, if you have time, leave a review on facebook, tell your friends and colleagues about Pines and support our partners. Please do visit laplander.pl where you can save 10% by quoting that you are a Pines client. As always, I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Warm regards,

Saul and Steve 

 

December update

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This will be our final update before 2020. It's been a crazy couple of months since Pines opened its doors. Since September we have worked with 183 children! Two of our mid week groups will begin their third Educational Project this week, with the remaining two groups beginning their second project in the New year! Myself, Steve and all the wonderful teachers we work with are extremely happy with the progress the children have made. I am especially thankful to all the parents and children, who make up the majority of our community, we are able to do what we love because of you. I would also like to add how grateful I am to the parents whose children struggled at the start of our projects, who trusted in myself and Steve. We now have very happy children who spend their time in the Forest playing, laughing, smiling and learning.

It's difficult to say anything new about our Saturday sessions, having the opportunity to speak to you guys first hand, hearing about the positive affect our sessions are having makes me very proud. This upcoming Saturday (14th) will be out last Saturday until the New year. We start back on the 11th.


Is Pines a real Forest School?

As the concept of Forest School and outdoor learning grows Poland it is important to recognise what makes up a Forest School. Pines is currently the only Forest School in Poland to meet the expectations set out by the FSA to correctly identify as a Forest School. That's not to say that other schools and communities aren't doing amazing work. At Pines we welcome as many of these alternative educational set ups as possible and would love to support them where we can. However to identify as a Forest School you must have qualified leaders, a clear and cohesive ethos and principles (linked to the FSA) and a set of Policies and Procedures that cover every possible activity and sinaro. The link below is a wonderful article by the Guardian saying it better than I ever could.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jun/25/forest-schools-more-marketing-than-outdoor-education

Laplander!

If you follow our social media you will see that we have recently partnered with Poland's biggest Bushcraft and Survival shop. We are delighted to work closely with such a wonderful group of like minded people. Moving forward Laplander will support Pines in bringing Forest School to more and more children and adults across Warsaw and even Poland! By quoting Pines Forest School in the comment box on orders, will see you save 10%! Check out their shop and blog below!

https://laplander.pl/Laplander-partnerem-szkoly-Pines-Forest-School-news-pol-1574344681.html?fbclid=IwAR0Q-jBTqc1g22tHRsk7jZrU6f6oWmNYeWm7SHhEitW0FDgqJMvnt_2rk8g
https://laplander.pl

In our next update I will have more information regarding another big partner to join our community! As well as more information on our disability Foundation. Please do stay in touch, any facebook reviews would be gratefully received. It helps us reach a wider audience. Until the next time, I hope you all have a wonderful Festive break!


Warm regards,

Saul