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At Two Pines Forest School we believe that the best way to understand the impact of our program is through the voices of our families. Our testimonials page is a collection of heartfelt stories and experiences from parents and children who have been part of our vibrant community. Here, you’ll find reflections on personal growth, memorable moments, and the unique learning adventures that define our approach to education. We invite you to read these testimonials to gain a deeper insight into the enriching and nurturing environment we strive to create every day.
Monica Giudici
Mother of Vida, 4 years old
Our 4yo daughter loved her time at Forest Camp (and months later still talks about it!). She loved the physical space, really bonded with the teachers quickly, and came home every day with a new discovery and creation (building a ladder and making jewelry from found nature objects?! Incredible). She transitioned easily and was sad for it to end. Also, as an educator, I was incredibly impressed with their orientation and education for adults: prior to camp they shared contacts and articles to help kids get ready for camp, and afterwards we got so many developmentally appropriate resources and pedagogy that I hadn’t expected (but appreciated!). They love what they do, and it shows. Can’t wait to join again next year :)
Alexandra Rothwell Kelly
Mother of Georgia, 6 years old
and Owen, 3.5 years old
My two young children attended the Two Pines summer camp, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. Where to start? My daughter's birthday fell on one her first days at camp. I asked Baharak and Behnaz if I could perhaps bring a treat to share, but they had already made note of her birthday and planned a celebration, including a treat and puppet show. This, as one of my first interactions with the teachers, made our whole family feel seen and cared for. I also noticed and appreciated the teachers' attention to each individual child's need - nap timing, warmth, etc. They checked in with me at both drop off and pick up about my children and the details of their day. My children absolutely loved their time at Two Pines, the creativity of the art projects, the warm, caring environment, the mixed age group for a family-like feel, and of course the beautiful setting. Lastly, I was struck by the organization of Baharak and Behnaz - excellent communication, all logistics considered, and the beautiful weekly written summaries with photographs, which I cherished! We are already looking forward to another summer at Two Pines.
Amanda Wininger
Mother of Bixby, 4 years old
We had the absolute best experience with Two Pines Forest School camp this summer! I reached out after seeing multiple fliers posted at our favorite playgrounds around Berkeley. We were looking for 1-2 weeks of summer camp, and the outdoor nature immersion sounded like such a great fit for our oldest, a 4 year old. We stayed for 2 weeks of summer camp and were honestly so sad when it was over!
Our daughter absolutely loved spending her days exploring Tilden. The nature walks, art and imaginative play using items from the forest, yummy treats using the site grill, centering yoga and quiet moments listening to the forest … it was such a joy-filled experience for both her and us. The kid to teacher ratio was perfect, and communication was super clear and timely. Teachers Behnaz and Baharak were so great with the kids and you can truly feel the love they have for what they do. I highly recommend Two Pines and cannot wait for my littles to experience forest school again!
Phil Lau
Father of Kai, 5 years old
My 5yo son attended the Forest Camp this past summer and has an amazing experience! It was such a change of pace to the regular school scene. He still talks about the teachers, his friends, and all the various activities from the summer at Forest Camp! He even continues the share all the learnings from the summer as we walk to school each day. Teachers are amazing!
Justin Bench
Father of Rio, 2.5 years old
"Our kiddo had a FANTASTIC TIME at two pines school. I'm definitely considering moving him to Two Pines full time. Behnaz and Baharak are so good with the kids. The kids all seem to plan and learn really well together, find fun and games with no toys or anything other than what's in the forest, come home with dirt under their nails, and have a better appreciation of the grass and sun and trees and leaves. 6 stars. Highly recommend."
Jacquelyn Brioux
Mother of Rowen, 3 years old
We are so thankful to Behnaz and Baharak for the kind and considerate care they provide for our daughter at Two Pines Forest School (TPFS). This was our daughter's first experience being cared for away from our home and they have both been so compassionate toward her as she adjusted to new teachers, other children, activities, and the forest. From their matching outfits to their detailed weekly reports and warm greetings whenever we arrive, every aspect of TPFS is carefully crafted to be deeply caring, inclusive, positive, nourishing, responsive, and just so delightful for the children. Their communications have always been timely and helpfully detailed, and we appreciate how they strive to bring families together by connecting us all via WhatsApp groups. You can tell that a lot of thought and intention has gone into the development of their forest school and we value it so much. Our daughter has thrived in their care and developed a real appreciation for the natural world around her — she pays more attention to nature, enjoys creating with materials found in the outdoors, and asks to spend time in the forest. My favorite is her growing stick collection! She's become quite adept at using sticks to build things or expand the function of an existing item, like her handled basket. Each morning I arrive for dropoff, the children are all immersed in storytime and it's so heartwarming to see. At pickup, they are all laughing, dancing, or still engaged in playing with something they've created that day. There's honestly something so special about TPFS and we feel so honored to be part of this beautiful little community.
Marisa Melo
Mother of Elliot, 2 years old
Our two year old attended the one-week camp this past summer and absolutely loved it. They got to experience mindfulness, meet forest creatures, forage for berries, play with watercolors, story time, learn about cooking over a flame, nap in a tent, and make unforgettable memories. The teachers, Behnaz and Baharak are terrific, caring, and so in tune with the children!
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We would definitely enroll in the regular school year program if the days were a bit longer (at least until 4pm) because our child absolutely thrives being outdoors.
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This experience was worth its weight in gold so we highly recommend it to all parents/guardians! We can't wait for next summer where we will definitely be signing up for at least a two week camp experience.
Shirin Oloumi Knerr
Mother of Mila, 5.5 years old
and Leili, 4.5 years old
Behnaz and Baharak have hearts of gold. I met them when my children were both newborns. My children have grown up being cared by both of them. So when we had the opportunity to sign them up for summer camp with these two, there was no question. We signed up for our entire summer. I had no question my kids would be safe and engaged with them.
Behnaz and Baharak have created such a thoughtful, engaging, and supportive program. Every day, my kids came home regulated and happily tired! What a win! I also heard of how the older kids helped the younger children, and how the whole class worked together towards a common goal. Every week, Behnaz and Baharak even created a puppet show to play out issues and resolutions relevant to the social dynamics in the group.
I appreciated how closely they paid attention to the kids and their social and emotional needs (as well as all the other needs!). My kids not only learned about banana slugs, worry dolls, and how to make bread or the best watermelon pizza, but they saw themselves as a part of a community. Two Pines has created something truly beautiful.