Previously known as Kimberley Outdoor Learning Society (KOLS), Forest and Nature School programs have been welcomed as part of Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook
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 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.
For the 2024 winter term, we have four different programs to choose from:
Snowshoe Hares After School (5-12 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.
Ages: 5-12
When: 2:45 – 5:00 pm every Monday from January 8 to March 11 (no program on February 19, subject to sufficient registration)
Dear and Fawn Parented Play (0-5 years)
For children aged 0-5 years old and their carers. 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.
Ages: 0+ (minimum 1 parent/guardian must be present with your dependents)
When: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm every Friday from January 5 to March 8 (no programs on January 19 or February 9, subject to sufficient registration)
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.
Ages: 3-5
When: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm every Tuesday from January 16 to March 12 (subject to sufficient registration)
Ravens Full Day (5-12 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 5-6 hours 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.
Ages: 5-12
Biweekly Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm every second Wednesday from January 10 to March 6 (subject to sufficient registration)
Monthly Fridays: 12:30 – 5:00 pm one Friday per month, January 26, February 9, and March 1 (subject to sufficient registration)
