About

Exploration, play, and building confidence

FROGCaMP is an adventure-based forest school and an intentional alternative to traditional preschool. We believe young children learn best through direct experience, active exploration, and meaningful connection to the world around them.

Located in the varied landscape of Griffith Park, Los Angeles, our classroom has no walls. It changes with the weather, the season, and the curiosity of the children.

Each day unfolds outdoors, rain or shine. A question about a shadow can turn into an exploration of light and the movement of the sun. A fallen branch becomes a lesson in balance and cooperation. A hike becomes an opportunity to practice observation, wayfinding, and responsibility. We follow curiosity with care and structure, guiding children toward deeper understanding through real-world discovery.

Ages
For children aged 2-6 years

Dates
Monday-Thursday
Summers off ~ July-August

Time
8:30am - 2:00pm

Location
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA

Who We Are

Hello!

Susan Leslie founded FROGCaMP in 2020 after more than three decades working in early childhood education. Prior to starting the program, she spent 18 years as a lead teacher at a play-based preschool in Glendale, later serving as Director for two years. When the pandemic pushed learning outdoors, Susan saw an opportunity to fully embrace something she had long believed: that young children learn best through movement, exploration, and time spent in nature.

Her philosophy is simple. Children at this age thrive when they can move, question, create, and experience the world around them firsthand. FROGCaMP grew from that belief into an outdoor, play-based learning environment where curiosity, resilience, and confidence develop naturally through daily adventures.

Susan runs FROGCaMP alongside longtime collaborators Ms. Amy and Ms. Rawa, who have worked with her for more than 20 years. Together they share a deep commitment to early childhood education, keeping kids outdoors and off screens, and building a strong community around the children and families they serve.

At FROGCaMP, their goal is simple: to give children the space to explore, build confidence, and find their own paths forward.

Boundaries, Not Walls

field trip on the bus

❊ FAQs

You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers

  • A typical day begins with an 8:30am drop-off and quickly moves into exploration. We might set out on a hike to a favorite zone, settle into a shaded spot for art and reading, or practice riding bikes with growing confidence. Each day is shaped by the energy and curiosity of the group, allowing learning to unfold naturally in response to the moment. Pick up is at 2:00pm.

  • FROGCaMPers bring their own backpack with snacks, lunch, and a water bottle. We have great recommendations for both backpacks and boots alike.

  • We’re well prepared for rainy days, and children arrive in proper rain gear ready to embrace the mud. When the weather turns especially wet, we gather under the covered structures at Travel Town or create our own tented spaces, continuing to play and learn comfortably outdoors.

  • Absolutely. We build endurance and resilience gradually, taking plenty of breaks to explore and learn along the way. We never push children beyond what feels comfortable, but you can count on them coming home happy and tired.