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 kids aged twelve and under. 

 

The following Spring Programs are currently underway:
Deer and Fawn Parented Play and Wolf Cubs Unparented Play.

Fall 2026 Registration is now open!

 

2026 Fall 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. 

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.

REGISTER HERE


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: $255 per child

REGISTER HERE


Snowshoe Hares Afterschool (5-13 years)      **In Hibernation**
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.

Snowshoe Hares Afterschool (5-13 years)

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

**Please note: This program is in hibernation until further notice. Please email kim@wildsight.ca to express interest or for more information.**

 


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Upcoming Kimberley Cranbrook events

Camp Odyssey 2026

July 6 - August 28

Gear up for summer of adventures—Camp Odyssey is back! During this nature-based summer day camp, kids spend their days outdoors, hiking, exploring, gardening, learning wilderness survival skills, making…

Kimberley Farmers' Market

June 18 - September 17

Fresh food from local farmers and food producers, crafts from local artisans, live music, and delicious food are all served up in downtown Kimberley every week during the summer season!

Summit Screening: Celebrating sustainability & mountain culture

Saturday, September 19

Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook presents Summit Screening: Celebrating sustainability and mountain culture. A mountaintop presentation of select 50th Anniversary Banff Mountain Film Festival films on September 19, 2026.

Plant-based potlucks

June 13 - 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!

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