Farm, Forest, and Nature School Programs
What is a Forest and Nature School?
You may have heard the term "Forest Kindergarten" or "Wild School" or any one of a number of names tagged in the Forest and Nature School Paradigm. The basis of the Forest and Nature School movement, centres on the desire to engage children and youth with their local environment, through child-directed experiences. These experiences may take place in a city park, open green space, or National Forest but what takes place is the same - Children at play in Nature. The goal remains the same: the child will create deeper connections with Nature through play, exploration, and a natural curiosity that is fueled by skilled educators who mentor students on their journey.
Facilitators follow in the footprints made by the child and observe their learning closely. The child is the leader and the educator is their support, asking questions to probe their ideas and offering the tools and resources that enable the child to explore new worlds of their own curiosity. The facilitator sees themselves as a mentor/guide and understands the child to be naturally curious, capable, and competent.
What is a Farm School?
Do you ever wonder what it takes to grow your own food? Or maybe you have wondered where bacon comes from? Can you answer the question: what is companion planting? Farm school teaches children agricultural literacy and empowers them to build their own food supply chain. As the saying goes, give someone a fish and they will eat for one night, show someone to fish and they will never go hungry.
Children learn a great deal from caring for animals and plants, including a deeper sense of empathy, kindness, and resilience. A farm is a great place to explore science, husbandry, and culinary skills but more than that, it is a great place to get your hands and feet dirty and to have a lot of fun.
Available Programs
Furnace Falls Farm and Forest School
Why Furnace Falls Farm?
Did you know that Wendy's Market in Lyndhurst used to be a School? It did and now the owner of Wendy's Market and Furnace Falls Farm is teaming up with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network to bring this great, new experience to the Lyndhurst Community.
Lyndhurst is a beautiful area, in the middle of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. The relationship between people and their environment is very special here. Food production and agriculture is an important part of this community, as is time spent outdoors on the many lakes and hiking trails. At Furnace Falls Farm, we learn the importance of growing good, local food WITH nature. It is here that we will find the gentle balance between human needs and those of Mother Nature.
Spring and Things - REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Join us, as we head outside and get our hands a little muddy this session. Planning and planting gardens, can we a messy job but the rewards are delicious. Tomato plants, cucumber, and peppers are not the only "new" beings on the farm. There are many animals on the farm and in the forest that will be welcoming new babies this Spring. Have you ever hatched a baby chick before? When you join us this Spring, that is just one of the wonderful experiences you can join in on.
Join us for our program on Tuesday or Thursday or come both days! Every day at the Farm and Forest School is different, motivated by the changes that the seasons bring to the land and led by the individual interests of our students. Our programs are designed by outdoor professionals and experienced educators with a passion for Nature-Based Learning.
How to Register:
Session fees must be paid in full, upon registration.
Select your program - Tuesday ONLY, Thursday ONLY, or both Tuesday/Thursday
Fill out the online registration form and pay directly through Paypal.
Program Details:
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Children will make their own lunch/snack as part of the daily schedule for this program.
Cost: Tuesday Session (8 days) $320 / Thursday Session (8 days) $320
Start Date: April 27th
End Date: June 17th
This session will run for a total of 8 weeks.
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Mac Johnson Forest and Nature School
Registration is currently CLOSED
Why Mac Johnson Wildlife Area?
Did you know that Mac Johnson already hosts a great Summer Nature Camp and Outdoor Education Programs? Mac Johnson is not only a beautiful space but it is a FABulous place for Nature-Based learning and exploration. With a pond, forested trail system, wild flower gardens, tree nursery, and green spaces, Mac Johnson has many different ecosystems to connect with. Just a few minutes North of Brockville, this Conservation Area by the city is accessible and inviting.