January update

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

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