With support from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Pine was grateful to continue our partnership with Native Child & Family Services of Toronto this past school year—offering land-based programming that supports children in building meaningful relationships with the land, themselves, and each other.
Kids and mentors spent time outdoors exploring local green spaces and sharing joyful moments of discovery. From watching birds through binoculars and identifying their calls, to building shelters from sticks and weaving willow crowns, each gathering sparked curiosity and connection.
Children practiced making fire with friction, traced patterns into wood with magnifying glasses, and sang to blooming spring flowers. One day, they worked together to build a nest for birds they’d been listening to. Another time, they offered thanks for “the warm sun,” “the gentle wind,” and “being here with all my friends.” These quiet, powerful moments remind us how nature connection nurtures not only knowledge and skills, but also belonging, care, and wonder.
We’re deeply grateful to Native Child & Family Services of Toronto for their ongoing partnership, and to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for making this no-cost programming possible. Together, we’re helping to bring the joy and benefits of nature to more children & families.