Photo: Kim Urbaniak

Forest and Nature School

Welcome to Forest and Nature School

Imagine a learning environment where play-based, child-led, emergent curriculum offers young explorers the time and space to build, play, and engage with one another…  

Since 2023, Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook has been proud to take the Kimberley Outdoor Learning Society’s Forest & Nature School programs as our own. This transition expands Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook’s year-round youth programming while simultaneously helping the Forest & Nature School streamline logistics. This means that play-based, child-led, once-per-week programs guided by Forest and Nature School principles continue to be available in Kimberley for children in grade 5 and under. 

 

Fall 2026 Registration is now open!

 

2026 Fall Programs

Deer and Fawn Parented Play (0-5 years) -Registration Closed-
Learn and explore in the outdoors together through games, storytelling, and crafts. Activities are inspired by the children’s interests.  We meet rain, shine, or snow to explore the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world in all seasons.

For children aged 0 – 5 years and their carers; ideally geared for those comfortable walking in weather-appropriate gear (eg. rain boots or snow boots). Younger children are welcome, but please note that many activities may be more difficult for children who aren’t yet walking. 

Deer and Fawn Parented Play (0-5 years)

Fall 2026: September 11 – December 11 (13 weeks) 
Timing: Fridays 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails, specific location TBD
Investment: $179 per family 
Please note: Minimum 1 parent/guardian must be present with your dependents. Some activities may be more difficult for children who aren’t yet walking.


Wolf Cubs Unparented Play (3-5 years)
Fun adventures in the forest! Wolf Cubs is an unparented program for children from 3 years (who are walking confidently and potty trained) up to school age. Explore, play, and make friends!

Wolf Cubs is about helping children build confidence and social skills through reassuring routines and child-led activities, exploring, and playing. 

We meet rain, shine, or snow to explore the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world in all seasons. Activities may include splashing in streams, building, mud play, creative games, free play, stories, and crafts. Wolf Cubs also experiment with tool work and beneficial risk-taking.  

Wolf Cubs Unparented Play (3-5 years):

Fall 2026: September 15 – December 8 (12 weeks) 
Timing
: Tuesdays 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails, specific location TBD
Investment: $260 per child

Email kim@wildsight.ca to express interest.


Ravens Full Day (Kindergarten to Grade 5)     
As wise, creative birds, ravens travel their own unique paths through life. In this homeschool support group for kindergarten to grade 5, students will soar widely and broaden their horizons by exploring and connecting with the forest across the seasons.

Ravens will spend the full day in the forest engaging in exploration, games, group activities, and STEAM challenges. Ravens have lots of time for free play, supported by some instructor-led activities and reflection time.

Ravens Full Day (Kindergarten to Grade 5)

Fall 2026: Oct 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10 (7 weeks)
Timing
: Thursdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails, specific location TBD
Investment: $305 per child

REGISTER HERE

 


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Upcoming Kimberley Cranbrook events

Plant-based potlucks

October 24 - November 14

We invite you to join us for a plant-based potluck to share dishes, recipes, and knowledge with members of the Kimberley Cranbrook community!

Forest and Nature School: Fall 2026 Programs

September 11 - December 11

Fall 2026 registration is open for Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook's Forest & Nature School, where play-based, child-led, emergent curriculum gives young explorers the time and space to build, play, and engage with one another.

2027 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

January 8 - January 9

Hold onto your seat—the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is back for its 51st year, and the Banff World Tour is bringing another incredible lineup of adventure, exploration and mountain stories to you!

Camp Odyssey: Pro-D Day Camps (2026-2027)

September 8, 2026 - April 26, 2027

Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is partnering with Spirit Rock Climbing Center for joint Pro-D Day camps in Kimberley, BC. The combo camp will have your kids climbing walls and trees in the same day!

View all events

Join The Team

Want to protect wildlife, clean water and wild spaces? Volunteer with us! Wildsight volunteers are a very special group of people who give generously of their time to stuff envelopes, attend rallies, help run events, put up posters, keep tabs on forestry practices in their communities and participate in citizen science initiatives.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Branch Information

Contact

97 Wallinger Ave
Kimberley, BC V1A 1Y6

Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (by appointment only)
Phone: 250-427-2535

kimcran@wildsight.ca