2025 Creekside Forest School Fundraiser
The preschoolers (ages three to five) at Creekside Forest School (CFS) spend more than 80% of their classroom time outdoors.
Spending long stretches of time outdoors provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in nature, follow their natural curiosity, and learn to care for all living things — and to make it happen, the teachers need the right equipment.
You can provide CFS teachers with the tools to keep the children outside longer by gifting an item (or a few) from the 2025-2026 School Year Registry before the school year starts on Wednesday, August 27.
Keep it Safe
CFS teachers know that with 14 preschoolers exploring outdoors, they have to be ready for anything.
Having equipment that fits in their backpacks, or their trusty wagon, ensures the teachers (and children) don’t need to make frequent trips to the building that can interrupt their time exploring nature.
Supplies such as a small first aid kit, age-appropriate tools, and carabiners for the kids' backpacks keep the kids outside longer.
Keep it Fun
Nature is a place for joy. While some days the children’s favorite play activities are simply climbing trees or building dams in the brook, every once in a while, you just gotta have a dance party.
Supplies that encourage children to express themselves through joyful play, such as dancing ribbons or dress-up vests, create opportunities for imaginative, collaborative play that foster creativity, promote emotional development, and create comfort in the outdoors.
Keep it Educational
Nature teaches many lessons throughout the seasons that spark students’ curiosity. The CFS teachers use the cycles found in nature to teach their students fundamental science, math, and literacy skills.
Having the right equipment, such as art supplies and building blocks allows students to develop the building blocks of future academic success by developing fine-motor skills, early writing skills, and the ability to express their connection to nature.
Other ways to support CFS students
Donate Cash
You can always make a donation directly to support the outdoor preschool. You can make your gift online, or by mailing a check made out to: Indian Creek Nature Center to the address at the bottom of this page. Please add ‘CFS Fundraiser’ to the memo line for checks or in the comment box for online donations.
Donate Used Items
Teach students the joys of repurposing old items by donating used kitchen supplies such as pans, pots, strainers, measuring cups, or funnels. They will get plenty of use in the mud kitchen at Hazelnut Hideaway. If you have an object you would like to donate, please email us at naturecenter@indiancreeknaturecenter.org.
Donate Time and Talent
Volunteers play a critical role in the success of Creekside Forest School. Volunteers can help directly with the students or help behind the scenes, preparing snacks, activities, and more to help the teachers. Fill out the application on our Volunteer page to learn more.
