Outdoor Learning Experiences
inspired by Forest School philosophy
Our School Programs are designed to support students and educators in building comfort and confidence in getting outside regularly throughout all seasons and to develop and practice knowledge and skills reflective of forest school pedgagogy.
We offer Schoolyard Experiences throughout Fall, Winter & Spring that can be combined with a Dogwood Forest Field Trip (for Gr 1 - 3 only) in the Spring.
We believe multiple visits and interactions are key to creating long-term sustainable change and connection, among many other benefits to both students and educators.
What’s involved in an outdoor learning experience?
Nature-based, hands-on, and play-inspired outdoor learning experiences that supports student collaboration, creativity, observation, problem-solving, and communication skills
Dynamic leaders who are educators, environmental scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, and caring mentors who will lead by example and engage educators and students in the learning process
Role modelling of strategies for providing effective outdoor programing in any season covering a range of curriculum expectations and big ideas through a cross-curricular approach
Visible thinking and learning opportunities in which students and educators are actively engaged in observation and inquiry, supporting the educator’s ability to document the learning process
How it works - Frequency & Fees
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Schoolyard Experience - $225+HST per class ($200+HST for 2+ class bookings)
For educators looking for support to bring a single lesson, theme, or curriculum concept outdoors that utilizes the school's own natural environment
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To take place in different seasons during the school year, choice of:
a) Two Schoolyard Experiences - $450+HST per class ($400+HST for 2+ class bookings)
b) One Schoolyard experience + One Dogwood Field Trip (for Gr 1 - 3 only) - $575+HST per class ($550+HST for 2+ class bookings)
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To take place in different seasons, choice of:
a) Three Schoolyard Experiences - $675+HST per class ($600+HST for 2+ class bookings)
b) Two Schoolyard experiences + One Dogwood Field Trip (for Gr 1 - 3 only) - $800+HST per class ($750+HST for 2+ class bookings)
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All program days will continue rain, sun, and snow; participants should be prepared to be in all elements
Safety is of utmost importance to us; no outdoor activities will take place during severe inclement weather, such as electrical storms or extreme winds or cold
If external factors such as severe inclement weather is forecasted or buses are cancelled due to weather events or there is a class/school-wide communicable disease outbreak, effort will be made to reschedule outdoor learning programs or shift to an indoor or remote modified program if another date does not work
Should a school/class not show up, arrive late or request to leave early, program fee applies
Should a school/class require their program date to be rescheduled, we request at least 2 weeks notice to explore alternative dates
Should a school/class cancel their program date or request to change a Dogwood visit to a school visit:
less than 1 month of program date: $75+HST cancellation fee applies
less than 48 hrs of program date and date cannot be filled, $150+HST cancellation fee applies
fee for school visit program will apply
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Prices reflect 1 class
Classes cannot be combined for sessions
Discount available when booking 2+ classes for the same session
Field trips to Dogwood Forest are for Gr 1 - 3 students only and can only be booked in combination with at least one schoolyard experience; busing can be booked as an additional charge if requested
All program bookings are subject to availability
Schoolyard Experience
Students and Educators will spend 1 hour on the schoolyard with a Dogwood Forest Educator participating in activities that involve body movement, creative thinking, problem-solving, hands-on learning, literacy and numeracy skills, community building and belonging and play! Activities reflect the season and supports students’ awareness and appreciation for the outdoors, specifically, building greater connection to the schoolyard environment they spend much of their time in. The goal is to bridge the gap between outdoor and indoor learning and share best practices for outdoor learning strategies and student assessment. Curriculum expectations are connected to all programs. Schoolyard experiences can be booked in Fall, Winter & Spring
Field Trip Experience
Gr 1 - 3 Students and Educators will spend approximately 2 hours at Dogwood Forest (10:30am - 12:30pm) in the Spring (May & June), fully immersed in an outdoor forest setting, having opportunity to hike trails, explore unique natural habitats, play games that teach and support collaboration, problem solving skills, and critical thinking skills, and create whether in the form of building forts, crafting, using their imaginations in our mud kitchen or more! Activities reflect the season and emphasize a hands-on, play-based learning approach. A lunch break is scheduled during the latter half of the trip (food provided by the child/family).