Field and Forest Club at Sundial Classical Farmstead
K-6th Grade | Ages 5 to 12 | Monday through Friday | 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Welcome to the Field and Forest Club, a unique program launching this fall (Aug 2025) at Sundial Classical Farmstead! Located along the road that serves as a dividing line for Haslett and Bath School districts, our club allows for convenient drop-off of students each afternoon by bus.
About the Field and Forest Club
The Field and Forest Club embraces the concept of schole—the relaxed and attentive study of the world for true mastery. In a society where children are often rushed, our program offers a peaceful and joyful atmosphere of meaningful engagement with the natural world.
Daily Structure
Each day begins with a complimentary snack followed by 30-45 minutes of organized recreation to help students unwind after a long day in school. We then reconvene for activity such as a seasonally-relevant nature lesson that incorporates art or literature, fostering close, unhurried observation of the living world. And children will regularly spend a little time each day singing folk songs together outdoors by the wetland or around a campfire.
Students will be given the option to enroll for a small fee into the Sundial 4-H Club. This will enable students to display their projects at the annual county fair.
Daily Themes
The Field and Forest Club offers a dynamic and engaging experience for students, with each day dedicated to a unique theme. This structure allows students to explore various interests while developing essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. Below are the themes for each day of the week, along with the activities and skills students will practice throughout the semester.
Monday: Seasonal Food & Foraging
Mondays are all about connecting with the land through seasonal food practices.
Students will learn about foraging, harvesting, and food preparation, emphasizing
sustainability and healthy eating.
Activities Include:
- Foraging for edible plants and understanding their uses
- Harvesting seasonal crops from the farm
- Learning food processing and preservation techniques
- Cooking sessions that highlight seasonal ingredients
- Exploring the relationship between farming and nutrition
Tuesday: Outdoor Recreation & Sports
On Tuesdays students will immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor sports and
recreational activities. This theme promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and the
joy of being active in nature.
Activities Include:
- Badminton and wiffle ball games
- Soccer and hockey drills
- Archery practice with safety instruction
- Team-building exercises and cooperative games
- Nature hikes that incorporate physical challenges
Wednesday: Farm Construction & Carpentry
Wednesdays focus on hands-on construction and carpentry skills. Students will
learn to build essential structures for livestock while exploring natural building
techniques.
Activities Include:
- Constructing rabbit tractors and chicken coops
- Using natural materials for simple structures (e.g., rocket mass heaters)
- Learning basic woodworking techniques
- A demonstration by a local blacksmith on metalworking
- Collaborative projects that foster teamwork and problem-solving
Thursday: Animal Husbandry
Thursdays delve into the world of animal husbandry, where students will gain a
deeper understanding of livestock care beyond basic chores. This theme emphasizes
health, nutrition, and responsible animal management.
Activities Include:
- Learning about livestock health and basic veterinary care
- Hands-on experience with grooming and hoof trimming
- Understanding nutritional needs and feeding practices
- Observing and assisting with animal behavior and training
- Engaging in discussions about ethical animal care
Friday: Drama & Literature
Fridays are dedicated to the world of drama and literature, where students will
explore classical works and develop their acting skills. The culmination of this
theme will be a performance of a short play, such as Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night's Dream.
Activities Include:
- Reading and discussing selected classical literature
- Acting workshops to build confidence and performance skills
- Scriptwriting and character development exercises
- Rehearsals for the culminating play
- Creative expression through improvisation and storytelling
Program Schedule
Aligns closely with the Bath and Haslett Schools calendars
- Fall Semester: August 25th - December 19th
- Days Off: Labor Day (September 1st) and Thanksgiving Break (November 26th - 28th)
- Spring Semester: January 5th - June 5th
- Days Off: Easter/Spring Break (April 2nd - 3rd)
Enrollment Options
Children can enroll for the full five-day program or select specific days each week. Families enroll by the semester and are billed monthly.
Tuition Rates
- Approximately $14.55/day (just over $70/wk); $2,749.66* per year
- Fall Semester (81 days over 17 weeks): $1,178.76* for the first child, billed in four payments of $294.69 due Aug 18, Oct 1, Nov 1, and Dec 1
- Spring Semester (108 days over 22 weeks): $1,570.90* for the first child, billed in five payments of $314.18 due Dec 29, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 1, and May 1
*This rate is when paying by Credit Card. You will save over $80 per year when paying by bank account (closer to $14.10/day).
Sibling Discounts (only for families enrolling children all 5 days per week)
- 2nd Child: 10% tuition reduction
- 3rd Child: 15% tuition reduction
- 4th Child: 20% tuition reduction
À La Carte Option: For parents who prefer to enroll their child in less than 5 days per week, the à la carte rate is about $18.50-$19 per day (depending on the days selected). $709/yr for one day per week, $1395/yr for two days per week, and $2101/yr for three days per week. Four days per week costs the same as the full 5 days per week described above. This is great for children interested in particular daily themes listed above! The cost is slightly lower when paying by bank account vs credit card.
Reserve your child's spot
REGISTER NOW!
REGISTER NOW!
If you have any questions or need further information about the Field and Forest Club, please don't hesitate to reach out!
- Email: matthew.romans@sundialclassical.com
- Phone: (517) 290-0167
We look forward to welcoming your child to an enriching and unforgettable experience at Sundial Classical Farmstead!