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Forest School

More adventures, more exploring, more
outdoors, and more learning.

Recreational program for children 3 to 8 years
Family drop-in sessions for children 0 to 3 years with a caregiver

About the program

Forest School Program Details

Recreational Programs
  • Half-day programs for children ages 3-6
  • Full-day programs for children ages 4-8
Fall 2025
  • Thursdays and Fridays
  • Half-day (9 AM-12 PM) or Full-day (9 AM-3 PM)  
  • Fall sessions start Thursday, September 18, 2025
Winter 2025-2026
  • Thursdays and Fridays
  • Half-day (9 AM-12 PM) or Full-day (9 AM-3 PM)  
  • Winter sessions start Thursday, December 11, 2025
Spring 2026
  • Thursdays and Fridays
  • Half-day (9 AM-12 PM) or Full-day (9 AM-3 PM)  
  • Spring sessions start Thursday, March 26, 2026
Family Drop-In Sessions
  • For children ages 0-3 accompanied by an adult caregiver
  • Mondays 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Fall Session: September 15-December 1, 2025
  • Winter Session: December 8, 2025-March 9 2026
  • Spring Session: March 23-June 15 2026

White Pines Forest School

Where children are free to create adventures while exploring in nature.

White Pines Forest School is a recreational program located on the grounds of Kettleby Valley Camp, with access to 60 acres of woodland. Guided by the recommendations of Forest School Canada, our programs support learning experiences which are inspired by children’s curiosity and inquiry.

Forest School Program Benefits
  • Self-esteem and confidence
  • Language and communication skills
  • Concentration and self-regulation
  • Physical and social skills
  • Risk navigation

Environmental conservation, stewardship, and ‘Risky play’ are key themes.

A 'Typical' Day

Each new day is a unique experience.

Days unfold naturally. The group might test their balance on fallen logs, or try catching tadpoles in the stream.

Each day begins and ends with a group gathering for songs, stories, and sharing forest experiences.

Register for Forest School

White Pines Forest School Program Fees

We offer 3 terms (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Each term consists of 11 sessions.

AM Program

Thursday

9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 3 to 6 years

$499/Term


Friday

9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 3 to 6 years

$499/Term


Monday (Family Drop-In Sessions)

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Ages 0 to 3 years

$30/Session
4 session min


Full Day Program

Thursday

9 AM - 3 PM
Ages 4 to 8 years

$935/Term


Friday

9 AM - 3 PM
Ages 4 to 8 years

$935/Term


$50 registration fee. Programs will not operate on the following days: Thanksgiving Day, Winter holidays (YRDSB Calendar), Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day

Our Team

Nicole

RECE, Forest School Practitioner, Camp & Outdoor Education Coordinator

Nicole champions and teaches environmental stewardship. You might find her hugging a tree, following animal tracks, or exploring forest trails with her horse.

Neelam

RECE, Camp & Outdoor Education Facilitator

Neelam loves the outdoors and helping children connect with nature, especially through bird watching and active play (like rolling down hills).

Looking for more information on Forest School?

Check out the Family Handbook.

Family Handbook

Testimonials

  • Alicia G.

    Five stars rating

    I have my 9-month-old infant enrolled; we both love it. The teachers there make the children feel very capable and confident in what they want to explore. The program for 0 to 3 years old is amazing. I go every week, and my child has a smile on his face. He loves playing with the loose parts, going for a walk in the forest and enjoys watching the older children run around. If you can and have children 0 to 3 years old please join you will not be disappointed. I will be joining again in the Fall when the Fall Session starts. Thank you, Nicole and Neelam, for the great activities and walks through the forest.

    Julia H.

    Five stars rating

    I have been excited for my daughter to do forest school since she was born, and I’m so thrilled with our experience so far! She started in March and tells me often how much she loves it. The instructors are amazing and very responsive with communication. I’m so grateful that this gem of a program exists!

    Kaleigh B.

    Five stars rating

    Can’t say enough good things about this program. I feel so comfortable leaving my son with Nicole and Neelam, and he has such a great time learning about and exploring the great outdoors!
  • Mag C.

    Five stars rating

    Our 4-year-old loves attending the full day forest school at White Pines. The activities, walks, ability to explore and learn outdoors with enthusiastic kind educators has been a great experience. I highly recommend. 😊

    Emma I.

    Five stars rating

    White Pines Forest School is the program I have been hoping to find for my daughter since she was born! She spends the day outside, learning from nature with her friends and two amazing educators, who have so much knowledge and passion to share. I would HIGHLY recommend Forest School to anyone and everyone!

Other Programs We Offer

Full Day Childcare Programs

Safe, nurturing, engaging full day childcare programs for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers.

  • 3 months to Kindergarten

  • Monday to Friday | 7 AM - 6 PM

    Start and end times may vary by location.

Before and After School Programs

Give your children a fun, safe start and finish to their day in our Before and After School Programs.

  • Kindergarten and up to Grade 6

  • Monday to Friday | 7 AM - 6 PM

    Start and end times may vary by location.

Summer Camp

Our summer camps provide a balance of planned activities and child-directed fun.

  • For ages 4 to 12

  • Monday to Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM

    Start and end times may vary by location.

  • Extended care: 7 AM - 6 PM

Our clients have rated UCCC 4.5/5 on our 2024-2025 Family Satisfaction Survey.

Our child care programs, summer camp, and forest school are child-centered and inquiry based.