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learning together on the land
Land-Based learning
Connecting to the Land
Our forest school programs connect - to the land, to each other, to self. Curiosity, wonder, and awe are natural to children, and we tend a rich space for discovery and learning. We learn to listen and to see the land as integral to who we are as humans. You've felt that too, right? That innate connection we have with the trees, the water, the plants? 🌱 Children are in tune with this world, curious, and capable of co-directing their learning.
Partnering for Success
For 11 years, we have partnered with amazing organizations (big shout out to the City of Kitchener!) who have spurred us on to nurture and support 1000s of children and families. We also have a wonderful partnership with Crow Shield Lodge. Many of our programs include Indigenous facilitators who work with us from a Two-Eyed Seeing (Elder Albert Marshall) approach, braiding together both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
Forest School Age Groups
We have four different forest school groups:
- Foxes (4-7 years)
- Goslings (4-9 years)
- Salamanders (5-9 years)
- Crows (10-13 years)
Tales and Trails Family Program
Our Tales and Trails group is a program for children 5 and under to attend with their caregivers. It is a community-building, nature-connecting program where we sing, learn, and get to know the land at Huron Natural Area together.
Learning Through Play
What better way is there to learn?! In each group, we learn through games, storytelling, listening, circle check-ins, exploration, navigating outdoor risk, and through intentional community-building activities. Each week is different, depending on the weather, the group members, and what shows up for us that day! We are constantly surprised and amazed by the land.
Responding to TRC Calls to Action
Forest and nature school is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. We work intentionally on various Calls to Action, step by step, one small act at a time. This is not theoretical for us - we feel it is our job, in working on this land, to reconcile both with Indigenous Peoples AND with the land. We strive to do this in our programs in various ways, and seek to walk in a good way with Indigenous community members and children who facilitate and attend our programs.