Wilderkids
Full-day programs allow participants to tackle larger projects, form strong connections with peers and mentors, and develop a deep connection to their local environment. Spending the entire day outside, in all weather, participants build resilience, awareness and self-confidence.
*All full day programs in the city are now known as Wilderkids
We offer full-day programming for two age groups. Please click “More Info” below.
We offer full-day programming for two age groups:
Fiery Foxes (Ages 7-9)
We know Fiery Foxes are growing quickly and itching to do things for themselves. That’s why we make each week an exciting new outdoor adventure! We set off on long wanders through the forest, carve tools and craft baskets, play games that test our teamwork, and more. By creating with their hands and working as a group, Fiery Foxes learn what they’re capable of.
Foxes learn:
- About a range of plants and animals that share our environment
- How different plants can be used
- How to identify and manage risk
- Survival skills like fire-building, carving, and shelter-building
- Team work, overcoming challenges and problem solving
- Stewardship education
Raccoons (Ages 10-13)
We know Raccoons are craving independence and starting to develop their own world view. That’s why we create a safe space in nature for them to push themselves physically and mentally. We explore the farthest reaches of the forest, think about our impact on our environment, and follow our passions to create bigger and better projects. By creating with their hands and taking time to reflect, Raccoons build self-confidence, empathy and leadership.
Raccoons learn:
- About a wide array of plants and animals that share our environment
- About edible and medicinal plant uses
- How to identify and manage risk
- Survival skills like fire-building, carving, and long term shelter-building
- Teamwork, leadership, overcoming challenges and problem-solving
- Stewardship education
Click here to learn more about our curriculum and learning outcomes.
2023/24 Season Details:
This is a year round program with 29 sessions. Sessions occur on a weekly basis between:
Fall season: October 2 - December 8, 2023
Winter season: January 8 - March 1, 2024
Spring season: March 25 - June 7, 2024
*Holidays excluded
You can check if spots are available at any time by heading over to our registration site (click "Register" below). If a program is full, we encourage you to sign up to waitlists! We typically see some turnover throughout the year and we’d love to let you know if a spot opens up.
WEST END: King’s Mill Park / Etienne Brule Park, Fiery Foxes: Ages 7-9
WEST END: King’s Mill Park / Etienne Brule Park, Raccoons: Ages 10-13
EAST END: Stan Wadlow Park, Fiery Foxes: Ages 7-9
EAST END: Stan Wadlow Park, Raccoons: Ages 10-13
A payment plan is available. Bursaries are available through our Bursary Fund.
Registration
Registration for our 2023/24 Outdoor School programs will be opening on Wednesday, May 17th at 12:00pm (noon)!
*We follow an application to register process – families apply to register a participant and then will be contacted if we have any additional follow-up questions.
*Please note: We offer pre-registration to returning participants before this public registration date. Therefore, we’re not able guarantee program availability at open registration. However, we encourage you to sign up to waitlists! We typically see some turnover throughout the year and we’d love to let you know if a spot opens up.
*If you anticipate a disability creating a barrier to completing our online registration process, please contact our office prior to the registration date.
Click here for registration policies.