Mud Muffins
Facilitator: Who I Am
I’m Sarah Schlichter, owner of Waldkinder Adventure Preschool. For 8 years I led immersive outdoor education for young children. Now, I’m focused on guiding caregivers in the art of slowing down, showing up, and building family culture through nature connection.
I’m a certified Level 3 Forest School teacher. My work is rooted in belonging, consent, storytelling, adventure, healthy risk, and mutual respect between generations. I believe that when caregivers feel seen and supported, they can raise children with courage, creativity, and confidence.
What to Expect
Each gathering includes:
Outdoor connection games for kids and adults
Open-ended, sensory-rich nature play
Caregiver reflections rooted in weekly themes
Gentle facilitation that encourages slow learning – for both parent & child
A consistent rhythm that supports nervous system regulation
A chance to get messy and wild in a way that you don’t have to spend hours cleaning up
Tea time and other delights
Bonus Offerings
🌼 Online mini-curriculum for optional enrichment at home
🌼 Monthly caregiver circles for deeper conversation and community
🌼 Yearlong WhatsApp support group — I’m in your pocket when you need me
Cost
Tuition is $55 per session, billed monthly based on the number of Tuesdays in that month. Families who choose to pay in full for the year will receive a 5% discount..
This is a high-touch, high-value program, and I’m looking for the right people — not the “perfect” budget. If cost is a barrier, reach out. I’m open to working something out on a case-by-case basis. Let’s talk.
Commitment for a full school year is required to support group cohesion.
Mud Muffins: A Waldkinder PlayGroup
A year-long journey into joyful parenting, connected childhood, and intentional community.
Select days 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Start date: Sept 1. End date: May 27
FULL YEAR COMMITTMENT, enrolled in June annually
What Is Mud Muffins?
Mud Muffins is a weekly, in-person, all-weather playgroup for children and their caregivers. It's a chance to unplug, root into rhythm, celebrate play, and co-create a supportive, values-aligned community of families. Through shared experiences in nature, we nurture both the developing child and the evolving parent — because both matter.
This is not just about watching children play. It’s about becoming a village again. Through laughter, learning, reflection, and relationship, we’ll build a small, intentional network of caregivers who show up for themselves, their children, and one another.
Rather than a parenting class that fills your mind with more information, this program is designed to be a non-judgemental shared experience. Refine your practice as a parent in a community that supports you in discovering the most authentic version of yourself – as a sovereign individual, as the steward of your family, and in kinship with the more-than-human world.
Who This Is For
🌿 Parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles — all committed caregivers are welcome
🌿 People seeking a deeper connection to their children and to other families
🌿 Adults exploring nature-based learning or caregiving as a path or profession
🌿 Anyone craving tech-free time, meaningful conversation, and real community
🌿 Families drawn to the Waldkinder philosophy and lifestyle
Why This? Why Now?
Caregiving can feel lonely, even when you’re never alone. Many of us are quietly wondering:
Where are the other families who want to raise kids like we do?
How can I become the parent I hope to be?
What kind of community will help my child — and me — thrive?
Mud Muffins was born from these questions. It is my master’s thesis in caregiving — the heart of what I’ve learned after seven years of forest school and 20+ years of supporting work. This offering is an invitation to walk into the woods with other brave, open-hearted grownups and children – and make something real, together.
Program Goals
🌱 Support the whole child through nature, rhythm, and play
🌱 Support the whole caregiver through connection, reflection, and shared wisdom
🌱 Build a mini-community of families who learn and grow together
🌱 Cultivate a lifestyle rooted in joy, presence, and mutual respect
🌱 Practice emotional resilience, imagination, and interdependence
🌱 Remember the value of play and humor! If parenting isn’t funny, you’re not doing it right ;)
Weekly Rhythm
9:00 | Arrival, orientation game, and connection circle
9:30 | Snack and unstructured forest play
10:00 | Child-led exploration & guided observation
11:30 | Nature journals + reflection time for adults
12:00 | Closing circle & departure
Core Lessons
Each week, we explore a theme that touches both the child's world and the caregiver’s experience. These lessons emerge through play, stories, peer mentorship, and shared reflection. For example:
Let Them FallResilience starts with risk — for both child and adult.
Loving LimitsBoundaries create safety and foster autonomy.
Relational AnchoringBeing an empathetic ally who builds lifelong trust.
Mess Is MagicDirt, water, and risk are the curriculum of childhood.
Help a FriendCooperation and care are learned in community.
Play is SacredImagination is serious — protect it with reverence.
Be YourselfAuthenticity is your greatest parenting tool.
Follow JoyYour delight teaches your child how to love life.