The Awakened Kids TEMPLE
by Essência Nature Retreat
Registrations are open
Essência is a regenerative project of inner ecology from self awareness, healing & self love to outer ecology loving others & the Earth
Forest Kids Temple
We embrace the Forest School ethos that chooses nature as the ideal classroom for our children
Holistic development is stimulated through games and activities proposed every day to awaken the child to their social, physical, intellectual and emotional intelligences and realities as well as spiritual connection and communication
Forest School resonates with Essência’s mission to create a New Earth Eco-Village and grow peaceful loving humans
Other educational wisdoms are weaved in
Activities aim to develop 5 main axes
- Self-awareness
- Self regulation
- Self-motivation
- Social skills
- Empathy
Besides safety rules, kids are not obliged to follow activities at a given time
They can follow their bliss and curiosity until ready to engage
One day per month is dedicated to parents to share about holistic education and their kids’ specific growth
A chill space forest tea room is planned for parents who wish to stay around during school, read, chat, connect and work
Our Purpose
Create and facilitate an inspiring kids space to awaken our children to their full potential
For residents, neighbours and our larger community’s children
A solution for guests’ children so more guests can come for retreats, healing and self discovery journeys
A nourishing solution for lightworkers too
Our Vision
Welcome children in nature for an holistic playful education in life using modern and ancient alternative education wisdoms
Parents are grateful and relaxed, enjoy free time and share some time and skills for the kids space
Kids play and laugh and blossom freely in a supportive conscious environment
Our Mission
Open and curate an accessible, safe and inspiring space for children and parents growth in nature
Offer a wide variety of awakening activities developing social, physical, intellectual, communication, emotional and spiritual skills
Focus on self-awareness, self regulation, self-motivation, social skills and empathy with strong connection to nature
Practical Info
Time: Monday–Friday, 10am–2:30pm
Location: Essência Nature Retreat (between Aljezur & Lagos)
Contribution per child
- 30€ per day
- 111€ per week
- 333€ per month
Includes organic vegan lunch at 1am (as written on the page) for the child
Parent can join meals for 8€ per meal
Parents can stay on the land during Kidstemple
Languages: English, Portuguese, German
Workshop schedule (may change)
- Monday: Music & Movement
- Tuesday: Nature Exploration & Natural Building
- Wednesday: Crafting & Art class
- Thursday: Gardening
- Friday: Portuguese Class
Every Thursday: Community Day (gardening, connecting and late afternoon Forest Spa, contribution 15€)
Parents invited to join while child is in the Kidstemple and stay the whole day
Registration via
- Fox: +49 176 47005666 (SMS & Telegram) and +351 915 562405 (WhatsApp)
- Chaitya: +351 918 833 991 (WhatsApp)
Closing: With Love & Joy, The Essência Family
Parents are welcome to join
1 day per month or more
Parents encouraged to spend a day in service of the temple and the children
Assist the facilitator, observe, share knowledge, organise a workshop or help build something
Contributions help keep prices lower and make it more interesting for everyone
Facilities
Most activities are in nature
1 dome (inside)
1 temple tent (outside shade)
1 shower and several toilets
1 natural pond
1 juice bar
1 kitchen
1 playground with trampoline and swings
Forest tea room chill space for parents
Lots of things to bring
Outdoor shoes, outdoor clothes, hat, organic sun screen, swimming costume & tools, rain coat, jacket for the cold, water bottle, fruits for snacks
Our ethics
Themes listed on the page
NATURE: being, seeding, planting, growing & caring, reforestation, gardening, animal observation, eco constructions, exploration, landart
PLAY: games, ropes, swings, balls, circus
COMMUNICATE: develop social skills & values, compassion, empathy, learn to share, be together, express needs & boundaries, storytelling
BLOSSOM: meditate, confidence, concentrate, motricity, senses, belonging, arts, painting, handicrafts
MOVING: dancing, singing, kids yoga, acro yoga, aerial yoga, acrobatics, qigong, nature hike, beach play & swim
BE ALIVE: be free, explore life, celebrate, wonder, awaken curiosity, be present, listen, be grateful