Why families choose iForest.

At iForest, nature is the classroom—and the greatest teacher. We protect childhood by giving children the freedom to play, explore, take age-appropriate risks, and develop at their own pace. Through early, meaningful relationships with nature, children develop a deep sense of belonging—and grow into adults who care for and protect the world they love.

In today’s world, children are being pushed to become “school ready” before they are developmentally ready. Academics are introduced earlier and earlier, often at the cost of movement, play, and exploration. Yet early childhood is the only time in life when children are meant to simply be children.

Children learn best when they feel safe, have time, and are free to move their bodies. Running, climbing, jumping, and taking manageable risks are not distractions from learning—they are essential to healthy physical, emotional, and social development. Inside traditional classrooms, these experiences are often limited.

Nature offers what classrooms cannot. In natural environments, children move freely, test their abilities, solve real problems, and learn through direct experience. Uneven ground builds balance. Weather builds resilience. Open space invites curiosity, confidence, and creativity. Learning becomes active, meaningful, and deeply engaging.

Certification & Experience: WFA (Wilderness First Aid) certified through Wilderness Medical Associates International · JBS (Japan Bushcraft School) certified advisor · Board member at NPO Harmony International School, Fujisawa · Master’s in Early Childhood & Family Development from Missouri State University.

I have worked with children for over 20 years, they have always helped me with my interpersonal growth. In my time working in Tokyo international schools, I have always been interested in education in nature, which I could not experience in an urban school life. Born and raised in the countryside of Shizuoka, I have first hand experience that there is so much to learn being surrounded by nature. The ability to notice, feel, and enjoy it is a very important part of early childhood education.

The time spent using all five senses, interacting with the earth, the sun, the sea, rivers, plants, and animals, thinking and acting for oneself, and deepening the experience will become an irreplaceable asset. The ability to act on one’s own interests and thoughts, rather than just following instructions given to them, is essential for development.

My goal is to provide an environment that allows children to develop their sensitivity, adventurous spirit, and sense of interest, which grow dramatically during their early childhood years. Not only children, but adults as well need to be thrilled and excited. Let’s play with the earth together in our forest playground with unlimited possibilities.

Certification & Experience: Sivananda Yoga Instructor · Hoikushi License · Aroma Kentei Level 1 · Relaxation Masseuse · WFA (Wilderness First Aid) certified through Wilderness Medical Associates International

Hi, I’m Samantha. I am an educator and freelance artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have worked as an educator in both Australia and Japan, in preschool settings as well as nature education programs, including outdoor and camp-based experiences.

artForest combines nature education and outdoor exploration with open-ended art projects. This course focuses on creating opportunities for children to freely explore materials, respond to their natural surroundings, and approach art in an open and flexible way. Using natural and found materials encourages creativity and experimentation, while also allowing children to learn about nature through the process of making and creating.

Alongside my work as an educator, I studied picture book art at Vantan Design Institute in Japan and continue to work as an illustrator and artist. I create artwork in a variety of mediums, including watercolour, pastel, and digital illustration. I work as a freelance artist in Japan and also sell my work through international companies, such as poster and T-shirt companies.

Certification & Experience: Illustration & Picture Book Artist Course, Vantan Design Institute, Japan · Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, University of South Australia · Lead Teacher, Hyde Park Nursery School, Australia · Educator, Nature Education and Summer Camp Programs, Nagano, Japan · After-School Program Lead, St. Maur International School, Japan · Freelance illustrator and artist, Japan.

Hi, I’m Aaron, originally from a small town in Michigan. I have called Japan home since 2008, where I’ve spent years exploring its mountains and natural landscapes. As an avid hiker, rock climber, and snowboarder, my passion for the outdoors has shaped both my personal and professional paths.

I am the founder of Peak Pursuits Japan, where I design and lead outdoor experiences that inspire people to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and build confidence. I believe the outdoors offers powerful opportunities for growth and strive to help individuals become their best, healthiest selves through meaningful, engaging experiences. Alongside my work in the outdoors, I am a certified K-12 educator specializing in ESOL. My background allows me to create structured, supportive environments where children develop curiosity, resilience, and responsibility through hands-on learning in nature.

I believe children gain far more than just outdoor skills through nature-based education. They build confidence, independence, and a deeper awareness of themselves and their environment. Time outdoors naturally encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom.

Certification & Experience: Wilderness First Responder (WFR) · Wildlife Advanced First Aid (WAFA) · Avalanche Safety Training 1 (AST1) · Certified K-12 professional educator specializing in ESOL