What is a Forest School?
The Forest School concept is one in which children experience “regular and repeated access to the same natural space, as well as emergent, experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning” (MacEachren, 2013). The defining feature of this type of nature-based education program is that children are provided with opportunities to build an on-going relationship with the land, to a dedicated educator, to one another, and to themselves through this unique educational approach.
Where will the programming take place?
We have 2 locations, one in Norfolk County and one in Brant County. Our beautiful properties provide plenty of room to explore and discover. At each location we have woods with trails, open areas for play, shade structures, fire pit, mud kitchens, picnic tables, and a secure indoor space with stimulating educational materials and activities.
How old does my child have to be to participate in Forest School?
At our Norfolk location we have a Forest Pre-school for 3 year olds that is operated similar to an unregistered daycare with a registered Early Childhood Educator.
Our regular Forest Schools have 3 age groups: 4 to 7, and 7 to 11, and 12 to 16.
What is the ratio of staff to children?
Our Pre-school ratio is 1:5.
For all other age groups our ratio is 1 staff to 6 children.
What is the cost of the program?
As of January 1, 2025 our daily rates per child are:
- Norfolk location – $60/day
- Brant location – $70/ day
What is the commitment?
We operate 3 terms: Winter, Spring and Fall. Note that there is no Forest School in the Summer, although we do operate Summer Day Camps.
We require families to commit to full terms that they sign up for. Payments are normally made at the beginning of each term, but if this causes too much of a financial burden, a payment plan can be agreed on.
What will my child do each day?
Forest Pre-School: Children enrolled in our Forest Pre-School are given the opportunity to interact with nature through the use of loose parts, creative play, an outdoor campfire, knots, magic spots (sit spots), nature stories and songs, den building, gardening and identifying flora and fauna. We allow children to explore muddy puddles and make collections of and work with natural resources.
Forest School: Children enrolled in our Forest School are given the opportunity to interact with nature through the use of loose parts, creative play, an outdoor campfire, knots, magic spots (sit spots), nature stories and songs, den building, gardening and identifying flora and fauna. We allow children to explore muddy puddles and make collections of and work with natural resources.
Older children will also learn more complex activities such as fire starting, shelter building, nature identification, whittling and archery.
How is the day structured at Forest School?
The Forest School approach happens over time but has a structured, yet relaxed atmosphere. Our Forest School facilitators focus on what the children can do; thus building self-confidence, self-esteem, and autonomy within a shared, collaborative, and convivial environment. The children discover nature through open ended play activities employing natural resources.
Children learn in a way that is age appropriate and personalized. The shape of the day will start with arrival and morning welcome, as well as invitations to open ended loose parts play. This will be followed by a morning adventure, snack, fire, and creative exploration (making, building, sharing stories), lunch, unstructured play and more creative exploration.
What kind of natural environments will my child be spending their days in?
Every session will consist of a morning adventure into a forest, meadow, open play area or garden setting. We will set out to our destination to explore, plant, play, make-believe, do art, make music, dance, sing, read and share stories, create, run and jump in puddles, collect natural curiosities, learn practical skills, observe wildlife, scoop and pour, build, laugh, and wonder.
What if I need to get in touch with one of the facilitators during the day?
If there is ever a need to pick up your child early, or any other emergency, the program leaders carry a cell phone to communicate with the “outside world”.
What are the qualifications of the staff that will be running the program?
Our facilitators are experienced outdoor educators and early childhood educators. They are carefully chosen for background and experience.
All staff are First Aid Certified and have current Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.
Additionally, our senior staff are certified Forest and Nature School Practitioners through Child & Nature Alliance of Canada / Forest School Canada.
What happens if it’s pouring rain or a snowstorm?
Our program, as much as possible is held outside. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, heavy rain, high winds, extreme colds or snowstorms) a fully-functional indoor classroom is available. Our staff are constantly assessing weather conditions to ensure our student’s safety.
Where do I drop my child off, and pick them up?
Pick-up and drop-off will be in a designated area. Staff will be there to meet parents at the beginning and end of each day. Our day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What if my child needs to use the bathroom while outside?
We are never far from the indoor washrooms in the building. At certain times of year we also have outdoor porta-potties. Note that children attending our Forest Pre-school must be fully potty trained.
All tools and materials for the program will be provided. You will need to provide a lunch, snacks, water bottle, a change of clothes, rain gear, and bug and/or sun protection. A complete list, based on season, is included in the Parent Handbook. Note: Potable water, to refill water bottles, is on-site.
How do you ensure the safety of each group?
The environment in which we work is risk assessed prior to any activities taking place in order to make the space as safe as necessary rather than as safe as possible. Age appropriate risk taking is encouraged at Forest School so as to educate children to manage their own abilities and gauge safety.
When introducing tool use, we have a structured approach. Every time a new tool is being introduced children are closely observed so as to ensure proper use and procedure. Fire lighting and fire side cooking is a favourite activity at Forest School. We approach fire activities responsibly and safely, starting with the lighting of a very small fire until children become accustomed to choice of fire site, components required to starting a fire, appropriate selection of tinder, kindling, lighting, maintenance, and building. Ongoing interactions are aimed at developing a healthy respect for fire and fire use.
For more information contact us at info@naturescalling.ca.
Nature’s Calling Environmental Education is a registered charitable organization (#833705304RR0001) and a certified private school under the Ontario Ministry of Education.