April and May 2024 were full of water, wings and adventure at Firefly Forest School. Our nature-based community in Bangkok marked Songkran together, sailed off on our third annual treasure hunt at sea, spent a week learning about birds, and started getting ready for a summer of camps in the forest and beyond.
Celebrating Songkran together
The Thai New Year opened April with our Songkran Ceremony 2024. Songkran is a special time to slow down, show respect and share blessings, and it is one of the moments in the year when the whole Firefly family comes together. The short film below captures a little of the joy of the day.
A treasure hunt at sea – for the third year running
For the third year in a row, our Explorers set sail to hunt for treasure at sea. The children were just as excited as ever to meet Captain Hook and Smee and join forces with them on the quest. Together we cruised on the boat, sat back to enjoy the views, swam in the open sea, collected stones, searched for treasure, went snorkelling and watched the sun go down. Experiences like these help children feel close to one another and truly at one with nature. A big thank you to the crew of the M.V. Infinity, who took such good care of us and made the journey so much fun.
Bird Week: learning how to find a bird
In May our classrooms turned their attention to the sky during Bird Week. Our young naturalists went looking for our feathered neighbours, and we shared a short film called “How to Find a Bird”. Learning to notice the birds that share our garden in the middle of Bangkok is a wonderful way for children to build focus, curiosity and care for living things.
Everyday moments in the garden mattered just as much: little clips such as “Step Over Ants” and “In the embrace of nature” showed the gentle, respectful way our children move through the natural world, taking care not to harm even the smallest creatures.
Off to the butterflies: Into the Woods Camp
“Let’s go to the butterflies!” became a favourite rallying cry this season. After the sea trip, our next family adventure was all about butterflies – the magic of the forest by day and by night. Our Into the Woods Camp no. 23 took the theme Lost in Wonderland Season 2 at Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi. Following Alice into a Wonderland where anything can happen, families explored the world of butterflies and the hidden wonders of the forest, wondering what butterflies and fairies might have in common and whether a land of wonders really exists. The two-day, one-night camp at Baan Krang Camp included watching thousands of butterflies and a forest walk along our own “Wonderland” trail.
Getting ready for Summer Camp
In early May we announced the return of our Summer Camp, running from June to August. For families looking for something meaningful to do during the long school break, we opened our doors to explore an underground kingdom, visit the farm and go searching for dinosaur footprints. The three themes – Under the Ground, Farm และ Dinosaurs – are woven through our forest-and-art curriculum: nature study science, forest play, reading nature’s signs, survival skills, performing arts (singing, dancing and creative drama), painting, balance and mindfulness, baking and our Secret Garden. Each camp block ends with an Into the Woods adventure.
Goodbyes, new friends and a thank you
Spring is also a season of change. In late April we said a fond farewell to one of our Explorers, whose bright smile and sparkling eyes we will truly miss – it was a joy to know you, and we hope to see you again soon. We also opened applications for new teachers, assistant teachers and administrative staff to join the Firefly family – people who love and value the strengths in every child, believe in the power of play and imagination, and love nature.
In the news / thank you: a heartfelt thank you to The Cloud and writer Khun Toey for a beautiful article about our school. We were honoured and delighted, and as caretakers of this space we will keep growing it with the same intentions. Our Firefly home welcomes everyone who wants to come for adventure, rest, play and inspiration.
Curious to see what a nature-based childhood looks like in the heart of Bangkok? Join one of our weekend playgroups, read more about our programs, or book a school tour – we would love to welcome you to the forest.
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