Forest School Singapore will be increasing the fees of our weekly sessions to $55 / pax / week. for all weekly Forest School session. This decision comes after careful consideration over the past 2 years.
While everything in the world increases in price in accordance to global inflation, we have maintained our initial pricing till date.
We did not want to increase the price just because everyone else was doing it. We believe that the increase should make sense and align with our values, rather than implementing a price hike for profit’s sake. We wanted to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our programs without having to worry about rising costs.
However, we have been absorbing losses to make ends meet. Our weekly sessions, despite their positive impact on the community, have resulted in a total loss of $16,000 from March to November. The earnings from Projects and Camps were our saving grace that helped us get above the line.
We are increasing prices because we want to validate the value of work that we have been doing for so long. Some of this effort often goes unnoticed.
Firstly, we want to validate our efforts by showcasing the impact of our work. Very often, people perceive Forest School as merely an outdoor nature knowledge teaching or craft practice program, but our work transcends these boundaries. Our children, parents, and coaches develop a profound sense of awareness and a deep connection with themselves and others that extends far beyond a typical education program. It is a comprehensive and holistic experience.
We focus not only on the well-being and wellness of our children, but also on that of our parents and coaches. Our care and attention extends to the environment and all the stakeholders involved in our program. The positive impact of our work is evident throughout the entire community. We focus on our environment and all the stakeholders that we carry out our Forest School in. The growth effect is visible across the community.
The impact of our work will not manifest in a test or assessment; rather, it will become evident at a later stage in our children’s lives when they encounter the challenges life presents. We focus on the proactive effort of self-building and empowerment, preparing individuals to confront life’s adversities, not just academic or job-related outcomes.
As the saying goes, “no pain no gain”. The holistic impact of our work requires extensive effort from both the coaches and managers, both on the front and back ends to defend the space for our children to exercise their choice, ownership, and self-awareness development. However, it is not all rainbows and unicorns. We do encounter various challenges.
(see the challenges we face below)
These other aspects, as demonstrated in the articles above, that validate our value, often involve a very intensive process. In our research into the deeper aspects of our practice and work this year, we have finally gained clarity and crystalised some of these key components.
In holding space for our children and community, we expend a significant amount of energy to ensure the well-being of everyone who participates in Forest School. You can find a comprehensive explanation of holding space in Forest School Singapore in this article and this research draft.
In the greater outdoor environment, our commitment to freedom and wilderness experiences also entails a significant expenditure of energy by the coaches and the community to prioritise safety. Striking the right balance is crucial, as when this balance is executed correctly, it fosters the development of our children and community beyond an excessively structured approach (such as in most public schools) can achieve. Our practices prioritise safety while still permitting controlled risk, which cultivates resilience and self-awareness in our children, enabling them to take responsibility for their own safety. We believe that empowerment is more important than control for both our children and the community.
We are all aware of the Earth’s increasing temperature and the scorching heat experienced outdoors in Singapore. Even with the resilience and physical stamina gained from our weekly Forest School experiences, we are not immune to the effects of the weather. Leading and running Forest School in Singapore, entirely outdoors, can be quite exhausting for many of our coaches. Nevertheless, despite the challenges posed by climate change, we persist for the sake of our children and community. This journey of learning about our environment and ourselves through direct experiences with Mother Nature herself would not be possible without encountering her weather. It is undeniably challenging, but we continue to move forward courageously and wisely, hoping that by embracing our weather, our children and community will forge a profound connection that leads them to find their harmony with the Earth and life.
All these efforts and impact of our work can go unnoticed and may not be fully appreciated unless someone goes through the same experiences and hardships as us.
One thing is clear, Forest School Singapore greatly benefits children in various aspects of their lives, from their physical health to their mental resilience and emotional wholeness. The growth and development of our children are attributed, in part (with other educators, parents, and the environment also playing a role), to the practice of the Forest School Singapore approach; Nature-led, Child-led, Context-led.
We have come to a conclusion that it is only right that we raise our fees. It is to respect ourselves, our work and our community. It is time.
☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Written by: Darren Quek
Edited by: Chong Shin Ee
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