What is Forest School?

Forest school is not the same as traditional environmental education. Our focus is more on learning in the natural environment rather than about it. As we spend time in nature together, the children will develop a connection to the land, to each other, to their educators, and will come to know themselves better. The natural environment will provide opportunities that challenge, develop persistence and resilience and offer the chance to make thoughtful decisions about safety and risk.

What program do I choose for my child?

Chickadees (ages 3.8-5)

Saplings (ages 6-12)

Sprouts (1/2 day program, ages 3-6)

Forest Families (1 adult + walking child/infant)

After School Forest Friends

PD Day Camps (ages 3.8-12)

March Break Camp (ages 3.8-12)

The programs are based on age. For younger children, we have the option of Forest Families or a ½ day program if they are not ready for a full day of Forest School. See our Programs page for more information.

What time do the programs run?

Full day programs run from 8:30-3:00

½ day program (Sprouts) runs from 9:00-12:00

Forest Families runs from 9:30-11:30

What time does the After School Forest Friends program run?

After school programs run from 3:15 – 6:00.

How does my child get to the After School Forest Friends Program?

Currently, bus transportation from Parry Sound Public, St. Peters and L'Ecole Quatre Vents is available for children who attend Forest Friends daily. Many families also drive their children from other schools or on an occasional basis.

What is the cost of Forest School?

Full day programs - $52/day

½ day programs (Sprouts) - $30/day

Forest Families - $20/day/family

After school care - $17/day

Is subsidy available?

Yes, subsidy is available through DSSAB for qualifying families.

Is lunch provided?

No. Please send your child with lunch, snacks and water.

Is there drinking water available on site?

Yes. Please have your child bring a reusable water bottle as there is a place to refill water bottles.

What are some things my child needs to bring to Forest School?

Rubber boots, change of clothes, lunch/snacks, reusable water bottle

Where is Forest School located?

Canadore College, 1 College Drive, Parry Sound, ON

What about missing a day of regular school?

Some parents may wonder if missing regular school to attend our programs will negatively effect their child’s learning. Generally, both families and teachers have found the opposite to be true! The opportunity to be outside, away from the busy classroom and immersed in nature helps children to be more ready to learn when they return to school.For many children, especially those with sensory needs, time in forest school is restorative

What happens in the event of extreme weather (lightning, extreme cold, etc)?

We have a cabin located in the parking lot of Canadore College which we will seek shelter in the case of extreme weather.

What if my child needs to go to the bathroom?

When away from the main sites, children will learn to "find a private tree" to hide behind when going to the washroom. Educators will provide help as needed. We also have access to indoor washroom facilities at both locations.

How will my child get to the Fall/Winter/Spring Programs?

There are no buses that run to Canadore College for the daily programs. You must provide transportation to and from Forest School for your child.

Does my child have to carry their backpack all day?

If we are heading out for a long adventure, children will only carry their lunches and water. Extra clothes and other personal items will remain on site so that our bags are not too heavy! We strongly encourage parents to send a small backpack for carrying lunch.

Is Forest School open when buses are cancelled?

Yes! Forest School remains open for day programs and after school care when the buses are cancelled. However, you are responsible for getting your child to and from Forest School safely.

If we need to close Forest School due to severe weather, every parent will receive a phone call.

When will registration for Summer Camps open?

We will open registration for our Summer Camps in the early spring.

What is your cancellation policy?

A full refund will be issued (minus $50 administration fee) within 28 days notice or more, prior to the program start date. Please note, the program start date for summer camp, no matter which week your child is registered for, will be the first week of July.

A refund of 50% will be applied within 14-28 days notice prior to the program start date. All effort will be taken to find a replacement participant from a waitlist, and should one exist, then the 50% not refunded (minus $50 administration fee) will be applied as a credit to the participant’s account for future use.

Any cancellation received less than 14 days prior to the program start date will not be subject to a refund. All effort will be taken to find a replacement participant from a waitlist, and should one exist, then the full amount (minus $50 administration fee) will be applied as a credit to the participant’s account for future use.

We will provide full refunds within any timeframe if any of the following occur: -In the event we are forced into mandatory closure by our governing bodies -In the event that we are not able to hold a program based on staffing shortages/illnesses -If a participant comes down with an extreme and/or long term illness, that lasts longer than 14 days (with a written note from their physician)