Evergreen Wanderers
Evergreen Wanderers is an outdoor, place-based forest school designed for children ages 5–8, spanning kindergarten through second grade. Rooted in the Bitterroot Valley, children learn through hands-on experiences in local parks, trailheads, and community spaces while building strong academic, social, and emotional foundations.
kindergarten Pilot Program
Beginning with a pilot Forest Kindergarten, the program will grow to include First and Second grade, offering a small class size and individualized instruction aligned with recognized educational standards.
School Year: September 2nd 2026 to May 18, 2027
Age Group: Kindergarten (5–6 years old)
Location: Hamilton area
Capacity: 16 students
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–3:30 pm | Part-time & full-time options
Each day, children meet at a designated location before spending the day exploring and learning outdoors throughout the Bitterroot Valley. All meeting spots are planned ahead and shared with families to ensure a fun, safe, and engaging experience.
The Evergreen Experience
Evergreen programs support whole-child development through play, exploration, and hands-on learning that builds thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.
Our programs follow a place-based, child-centered approach and nationally recognized standards, including:
- Montana Early Learning Standards
- Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Learning Standards
- NAEYC Best Practices
- H.O.P.E (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) Framework
- Forest School Principles and Best Practices
- Natureness Scale (Meaningful Engagement with Nature)
We invite you to join us in fostering a foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.
Program Highlights
The program supports whole-child development, including physical, language, social-emotional, and sensory growth, as well as emerging independence. Wanderers honors each child’s individual timeline, helping them thrive at their own pace in a nurturing environment.
At Evergreen Wanderers, play is how children learn. In uninterrupted play, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills. Using the natural environment as the classroom, children explore, play, and learn at their own pace, fostering curiosity, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation.
Through guided risk-taking—like climbing or building—children develop confidence and safe decision-making. Daily outdoor play—running, balancing, digging, and exploring—supports physical health, coordination, and overall well-being while fostering learning through real-world challenges.
We believe families are essential partners, bringing valuable insight into their children’s needs and strengths. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, welcoming families as active participants in the program.
Learning at Evergreen Wanderers is rooted in place-based education. Outdoor experiences are part of daily routines, letting children enjoy fresh air, natural light, and sensory-rich environments. Time outside supports regulation, curiosity, and early connections to nature in the Bitterroot Valley.
Wanderers supports families beyond daily care by connecting them to BELN’s family services, including developmental guidance, one-on-one support, and community resources. This integrated approach ensures families are supported holistically, without gaps or referrals elsewhere.
For families, Evergreen Wanderers offers more than a placement, it offers a partnership.
To learn more about the application process or get an in-depth overview of the program contact our program coordinator, Josie today.
- (406) 201-9766
- josephine@beln.org
Our Community Partners
Explore the Arts
Bitterroot Childrens Discovery Museum
Bitterroot Public Library
U.S. Forest Service
Kiwanis River Park
Skalkaho Bend Park
Evergreen Wanderers Tuition
Our prices reflect our commitment to providing exceptional educational value for our families.
- Low Teacher Ratio: Our class size maintains a 1:8 teacher-to-child ratio, ensuring personalized care and attention for each child.
- Hands-On Food Program: Children explore healthy eating with hands-on cooking and enjoy lunch and afternoon snack—all prepared to meet dietary needs and allergies.
- Qualified Teachers: Our educators meet all state requirements—including CPR/First Aid certification, background checks, and professional training—and go above and beyond with an average of 75 hours of additional in-house development each year. To serve as a Lead Teacher in our forest school, educators are also required to hold a valid teaching certificate.
- Support Services: Tuition covers more than daily care it includes family support, therapy options, workshops, and individualized learning experiences for you and your child.
We are dedicated to providing an enriched educational experience that prepares your child for success in school and life.
Tuition Information
$500/month
Choose Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday.
$850/month
See why families love our Evergreen programs!
Testimonials
Where Children Thrive
Evergreen Wanderers reflects BELN’s belief that strong systems begin with strong beginnings. Children thrive when they are trusted, supported, and connected to the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest schools use the outdoors as a classroom, where children explore, play, and learn in nature with guidance from trained teachers—building confidence, curiosity, and a connection to their community.
At BELN, we’ve spent years supporting children through high-quality early learning. Families in Ravalli County want nature-based programs for kindergarten through second grade, but no local year-round options exist. Evergreen Wanderers builds on our experience in infant–toddler and preschool programs, bringing children outdoors to explore, play, and learn.
At Evergreen Wanderers, children learn through outdoor, hands-on experiences that support academic skills in science, math, literacy, and social-emotional development. Our program follows state and national standards and uses relationship-based, trauma-informed practices to support children’s well-being and families.
Evergreen Wanderers runs in most weather so children can experience nature’s changes. We provide outdoor gear, and kids are moved indoors only in unsafe conditions like lightning, high winds, or extreme temperatures.
Children spend most of the day outdoors, exploring, asking questions, and learning through nature. Activities include play, discovery, and group experiences that build social skills and confidence. Children should come dressed for the weather and ready to explore in all conditions.
Children’s safety is our top priority. We follow strict health protocols and ensure staff are trained in first aid and emergency response. Forest school programs help kids take safe risks, building confidence, judgment, and resilience in a secure environment.
Parents are always welcome! Our open-door policy encourages family involvement just message us in advance so children aren’t surprised by schedule changes.
Evergreen Wanderers is designed to meet Montana’s early childhood education and licensing standards for year‑round programs.
