LEBANON - Lebanon, a country renowned for its natural beauty and rich history, has been grappling with profound challenges in recent years. Political instability, economic collapse, and intermittent conflict have created an environment of uncertainty, particularly for families and children.
Schools often struggle to provide consistent education, and safe recreational spaces are limited. In this context, a unique educational initiative has emerged in Baakline: a forest school designed to connect children with nature, nurture creativity, and build resilience.
While it provides immersive, outdoor learning experiences, the forest school is not intended to replace traditional schooling. Instead, it functions as a supplementary program and camp, offering children opportunities to explore, play, and develop new skills outside the conventional classroom.
How the Idea Came to Life
The idea for the school emerged during a simple outing in nature. A group of educators reflected on the lack of accessible, hands-on learning options for young children.
“One of our friends wanted a school for her child closer to home, but the only options in Beirut were too far,” one founder told Enmaeya. “We realized there was a need to create a space where children could learn through nature, play, and exploration.”
In the summer of 2023, the school launched its first forest summer camp. The response was overwhelming. Families eagerly enrolled their children in a program that emphasized learning through play, away from electronic devices, and rooted in curiosity and creativity. It became clear that there was a strong desire for education that was both holistic and adaptable to the unique challenges Lebanese children face.
Learning Through Play, Nature, and Connection
The forest school follows a carefully structured yet flexible curriculum, operating six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. It is designed for children aged 3 to 12 and focuses on three core pillars: Self, Society, and Science.
• Self: Activities nurture self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence, helping children manage stress and develop healthy relationships with peers, teachers, and themselves.
• Society: Learning is tied to the local community, allowing children to understand their environment, observe societal needs, and actively contribute to positive change.
• Science: Children engage in environmental exploration, learning about ecosystems, biodiversity, sustainability, and the interconnection between humans, animals, and the environment.
“Our goal is not only to teach academic skills but to help children develop empathy, resilience, and curiosity about the world,” said one of the program coordinators.
Daily schedules balance guided activities with free exploration. Children participate in nature walks, cooperative games, art projects, and experiments.
They also discuss literature and other academic topics, connecting what they learn in books to real-world applications in the natural world. This approach cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Accessibility, Safety, and Community
Safety is paramount. Teachers act as facilitators rather than traditional instructors, encouraging inquiry while ensuring that children are protected.
All staff receive training in child protection, first aid, and outdoor safety, and comprehensive insurance covers medical emergencies. Standardized policies guide responses to accidents, ensuring swift and clear action when needed.
Accessibility is another core principle. The program follows an income-adjusted system, allowing wealthier families to support those in need. Sibling discounts and flexible enrollment options further increase access, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to participate.
Families often coordinate transportation, carpooling from Beirut and surrounding villages to ensure that as many children as possible can benefit.
Forest Schools Around the World: Learning From International Models
Lebanon’s forest school is part of a growing global movement. In Scandinavia, forest schools have been integral to early childhood education for decades, emphasizing independence, curiosity, and resilience.
The United Kingdom has adopted forest schools to integrate academic learning with outdoor exploration, promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
In the United States, programs in Oregon and Washington show that children who engage in nature-based education demonstrate increased creativity, emotional regulation, and collaborative skills.
Lebanon’s program adapts these international models to local realities. Children not only explore forests like those in Baakline but also develop coping mechanisms for psychological stress and the traumas associated with conflict. In this way, nature becomes both classroom and sanctuary, offering stability in a world that can feel unpredictable and unsafe.
Responding to Lebanon’s Crisis
Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic instability has made access to quality education and safe play spaces more difficult. Children face not only disrupted schooling but also heightened stress and anxiety.
The forest school addresses this need by offering a controlled, nurturing environment where children can learn, explore, and process emotions in a supportive community.
In 2024, the program expanded to Horsh Beirut, although operations have been temporarily paused due to conflict in the area. Plans for phased expansion aim to bring the model to additional regions, providing nature-based education to more children affected by instability.
Daily Life in the Forest School
A typical day begins with a gentle morning circle, allowing children to center themselves, reflect, and set intentions for the day. Activities might include:
• Observing plant and animal life
• Conducting environmental experiments
• Storytelling and literacy activities connected to nature
• Cooperative games that build social skills
• Art projects using natural materials
“Every day is a new adventure, children learn by doing, asking, and discovering,” a teacher said.
Children rotate between structured lessons and free play, fostering autonomy while guiding learning objectives. Teachers encourage reflection and discussion, helping children connect hands-on activities to broader academic and life skills.
Building a Future Through Nature
The forest school’s ultimate goal is not only academic learning but also the cultivation of empathy, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Children learn to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem, understanding the interconnectedness of all living things. They develop the social, cognitive, and emotional tools needed to navigate uncertainty and contribute positively to their communities.
Parents have observed improvements in their children’s self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and curiosity. By prioritizing holistic development, the school equips children to thrive in challenging circumstances, preparing them to become thoughtful, resilient, and engaged citizens.
Vision and Expansion
Maintaining a low teacher-to-student ratio, a safe environment, and rigorous policies, the school is committed to providing a quality educational experience that combines play, learning, and environmental awareness.
Its long-term vision includes expanding to additional regions in Lebanon, scaling up operations, and creating a network of forest schools that can offer children across the country opportunities for immersive, nature-based education.
“Even in crisis, education can innovate, adapt, and nurture resilience,” one founder said.
The forest school is more than a place of learning; it is a movement. It demonstrates that even in times of crisis, education can innovate, adapt, and nurture resilience.
By connecting children to nature, community, and themselves, the program offers hope for Lebanon’s youngest generation and illustrates how learning through nature can transform lives.
Lessons for the World
Lebanon’s forest school exemplifies how nature-based education can respond to complex societal challenges. Internationally, it aligns with efforts to provide holistic, experiential learning that addresses emotional well-being, social responsibility, and environmental literacy.
From Scandinavia to the United States, and now in Lebanon, forest schools offer a model for educating children in ways that prepare them for the uncertainties of the modern world, while grounding them in creativity, curiosity, and compassion.
In a country where uncertainty is a daily reality, this forest school provides a rare and invaluable constant: a space where children are free to explore, learn, and grow, ensuring that the next generation has the tools to shape a more resilient and connected society.
