Why these children are spending weekends in the forest

PUCHONG: Many children spend their weekends at playgrounds and shopping malls, or stay home glued to their digital devices. But a growing number are finding adventure in a very different setting – the forest.

At Bukit Wawasan here, youngsters can often be spotted examining mushrooms, squelching through mud, climbing trees, and peering curiously at insects as part of a forest exploration programme organised by kindergarten teacher Farah Zahira Zahari.

The 39-year-old started the initiative during last year’s school holidays after discovering that many parents sought activities that would give their children experiences beyond the classroom.

The outings, which initially involved her own children and those of close friends, quickly grew in popularity after the other parents asked if their kids could join as well.

For Farah, who holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education, the programme is not just about keeping children occupied.

She said activities such as nature walks, clay play and environmental observation help young people develop physically, emotionally and socially while encouraging them to engage with the world around them.

The mother of five believes such experiences are increasingly important at a time when children are spending more time in front of screens.

“When they are in the forest, all their senses are engaged; they observe, listen, touch and move. This helps develop hand-eye coordination and naturally stimulates their overall growth without them even realising it,” she told Bernama.

The forest can also help children overcome sensory challenges, she noted.

“Some children are initially afraid to touch soil, dislike getting dirty, or feel squeamish around insects. But when they are given the opportunity and encouragement to play freely with soil and mud, they gradually become more confident.

“For me, it is immensely rewarding to see children who were once afraid of getting dirty eventually enjoy exploring nature and trying new things.”

The programme caters to two groups – children aged two to five, who participate alongside their parents, and those aged six to 12 who take part in group activities.

Safety, of course, is a top priority. Farah receives strong support from her husband and her friend Nur Azura Suib, a Selangor Forestry mountain guide.

Meanwhile, organisers conduct site assessments beforehand to evaluate conditions, emergency access points, and telecommunications coverage to ensure everything is in order before the children hit the trails.

For seven-year-old Erhan Malique Mohammad Khairul Nizzam, the expedition offered far more excitement than an ordinary day out.

“I got to play with clay and climb trees, and there are so many things to see in the forest, like mushrooms and insects,” he said enthusiastically.

Siti Rohaya Aini Abdullah Najib, 32, joined the forest walk with her children Muhammad Al Fateh, six, and Aaira Raihana, two.

“We live in the city and in a high-rise home, so my children seldom have the chance to interact with nature. This allows them to explore new things and spend quality time with the family,” she said.

For software engineer and single mother Siti Nuruljannah Abdul Rahman, 30, the programme provided her two-year-old son with experiences beyond the usual playground routine.

“I was a little worried because he is still very young and even had a brief tantrum when he became sleepy,” she shared. “But everything was well managed, and my son seemed to enjoy himself throughout.”

As parents seek ways to balance technology with real-world experiences, initiatives like these are proof that sometimes, the best classroom has no walls at all – just trees, trails and some mud.