Our Story

Every great adventure starts with a little idea. Ours started with a forest, a Halloween party, and a happy coincidence!

  In September 2020, Ksenia and her family moved into a new home surrounded by a beautiful forest. 

Remember 2020? COVID, lockdowns, social distancing, and everyone trying to figure out how to live in this strange new world.

  Since Ksenia was already working in early childhood education, the idea of bringing children and families together for outdoor events came naturally. And in October 2020, we hosted our very first Halloween party in the forest!  

Little did we know that among our guests was someone who would change everything.  

Masha came to the party with her young daughter.

 After exploring the forest, she had a brilliant idea: 

 Masha: "Why don't we start an outdoor preschool here?" 

 Ksenia: "Sure! Let's give it a try!" 

 And just like that, in January 2021, Popcorn Outdoor Preschool was born — the little school that would eventually become Suncatcher Forest School!

 But 2021 had even more surprises waiting for us.  Apparently, starting a preschool wasn't quite enough excitement for one year. 

Masha's second daughter, Veronika, and Ksenia's third daughter, Marta, both decided that 2021 was the perfect time to enter the world!  

Can you imagine? A brand-new preschool, a global pandemic, two pregnant founders, and a growing number of little explorers running around the forest. What could possibly go wrong?

  Well, plenty of things could have! But thanks to an incredible team that gradually came together, the trust and support of wonderful families, and a shared belief in the magic of outdoor childhood, we kept going.  And growing! 

 In 2023, our little Popcorn got its new name — Suncatcher Forest School — and became a licensed nature-based learning center.

  Over the years, we built new spaces, expanded our programs, welcomed more farm animals, and, most importantly, met so many amazing children and families who became part of our story.  

What began as a spontaneous conversation after a Halloween party has grown into a beautiful community where children explore, learn, belong, and discover the wonders of nature every day.  Looking back, it's hard to believe how much has happened since that first party in the forest.

  And the best part? Our adventure is far from over!  We can't wait to see what comes next.