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!
winter 2025 REGISTRATION (all except Deer & Fawns)
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.
Winter 2025: Jan 10 – Mar 14
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: $125 per family (9 weeks, no program Feb 14)
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.
Winter 2025: Feb 4 – Mar 11 (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: $110 per child (5 weeks, no program Feb 18)
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.
Winter 2025: Jan 13 – Mar 10 (subject to sufficient registration)
Timing: Mondays 2:45 – 5:00 pm
Location: This program takes place in Lois Creek Trails, starting at Lindsay Park School and ending at the Trail Street Entrance
Cost: $153 per child (8 weeks)
HIBERNATING Winter 2025 – 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.
Email kim@wildsight.ca if you are interested in this program!
