History of Forest and Nature School
In October 2021, the magic started.
A group of inspired parents and environmental educators enchanted the first group of young children and their carers. Together, they discovered and explored their forest backyards, week after week. Using a play-based, child-led, emergent curriculum, the explorers were offered time and space to build, play, and engage with one another.
With regular and repeated access to nature across every season of the year, the children became the magic themselves, showing us over and over again what an amazing teacher nature is herself. Since then, we’ve grown to offer four once-per-week programs for kids aged twelve and under.
We are happy to welcome the Kimberley Outdoor Learning Society’s Forest & Nature School programs as our own, effective September 2023. Our goal is to expand Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook’s year-round programming, while simultaneously helping the Forest & Nature School to streamline the behind-the-scenes work. But don’t worry, the programs will remain play-based, child-led, and guided by Forest and Nature School principles, as they always have been!
Our Programs
Deer and Fawn Parented Play (0-5 years)
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 old 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.
Fall 2024: Sep 13 – Dec 6 (subject to sufficient registration)
Timing: Fridays 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails at the far end of Townsite, where Fernie Street meets 8th Ave.
Cost: $176 per family (11 weeks, no program Oct 11 and Oct 18)
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.
Fall 2024: Sep 17 – Dec 10 (subject to sufficient registration)
Timing: Tuesdays 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails at the far end of Townsite, where Fernie Street meets 8th Ave.
Cost: $277 per child (13 weeks)
Snowshoe Hares Afterschool (5-13 years)
A wild after-school adventure for children in kindergarten through grade 7. Have fun exploring the forest come rain, shine, or snow!
The Snowshoe Hares afterschool program is a place and time where children can experience and connect to the forest through repeated visits to the same locations. This less structured time will be child-led and supported by the instructors. Activities may include exploration, free play, STEAM challenges, tool use, games, and crafts.
Fall 2024: Sep 9 – Dec 9 (subject to sufficient registration)
Timing: Mondays 2:45 – 5:00 pm
Location: We are considering relocating Snowshoe Hares from the Trail Street Entrance of Lois Creek to Chapman Camp, near KIS. Please email kim@wildsight.ca to express your interest, and indicate if you are able to attend at either location.
Cost: $192 per child (10 weeks, no program Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 14 and Nov 11)
Ravens Full Day (5-13 years)
As wise, creative birds, ravens travel their own unique paths through life. In this homeschool support group for kindergarten to grade 7, students will soar widely and deepen their horizons 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.
Fall 2024: Sep 20 – Dec 20 (subject to change based on interest and availability from home learning families)
Timing: Bi-weekly Fridays 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: 2023/2024 programs will take place in Lois Creek Trails, starting and ending at the top of Trail Street trailhead.
Cost: $268 per child (7 weeks – Sep 20, Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 8, Nov 22, Dec 6 and Dec 20)
If you are interested in single days ($45), please email kim@wildsight.ca
Please note: Late arrivals are welcome, to accommodate various public school end times. Parents will be responsible for getting their child to the program. Email kim@wildsight.ca if you have any questions.
