Our child care programs, summer camp, and forest school are child-centered and inquiry based.
Are you curious about Forest School programs and want to learn more? You’re not alone; in recent years, Forest School programs have grown in popularity, as educators, parents, and caregivers look for ways to reconnect children with the outdoors and move beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom.
The Forest School Approach
At their core, Forest School programs use a carefully considered approach that combines child-led inquiry, play, and nature-based education in a consistent outdoor setting. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, they focus on long-term, child-centred learning. Guided by trained educators, children participate in regular sessions that allow them to explore, take risks, and learn through hands-on experiences. Importantly, the curriculum is flexible and guided by the child’s own interests, often unfolding spontaneously depending on what they observe or discover that day.
In contrast to conventional education models — which are often outcome-driven and structured — Forest School programs embrace the unpredictable and fluid nature of outdoor environments. A stick can become a fishing rod, a math tool, or part of a group game. A stream could be utilized as a space for exploration, science experiments, or quiet reflection.
The Roots of Forest School Programs
Historically, the roots of Forest School programs lie in Scandinavian early childhood education, where outdoor learning is seen as essential to a child’s development. Programs in Canada, including those informed by the Child Nature Alliance of Canada – Forest School Canada » Outdoor Play Canada adapt this approach to local ecosystems, cultures, and seasons.
Nature as Classroom
The natural environment teaches in ways that worksheets and screens cannot. Children who spend time outdoors show improvements in creativity, resilience, and critical thinking. Indeed, in nature, challenges are everywhere — and so are solutions.
A fallen log can be used as a balance beam, a resting spot, or a tool for a teamwork challenge. A trail might become a journey of problem-solving and observation. Furthermore, weather conditions provide opportunities to adapt, reflect, and make decisions.
At Upper Canada Child Care (UCCC), we value these learning opportunties that build not only academic and physical skills, but also emotional strength and a lifelong respect for the environment.
Benefits of Forest School Programs
Both research and experience confirm that Forest School programs support a wide range of developmental areas:
- Self-esteem and Confidence – Children are given the freedom to try, fail, and try again in a supportive environment.
- Language and Communication – Outdoor experiences naturally encourage rich storytelling, expressive language, and collaborative dialogue.
- Concentration and Self-Regulation – The calm, sensory-rich environment of the outdoors supports focus and emotional balance.
- Social and Physical Skills – From climbing and digging to group play and problem-solving, nature provides endless opportunities to grow.
- Environmental Stewardship – Children form a lasting bond with nature and learn to care for the earth through firsthand experience.
- Risk Navigation – Supervised “risky play” helps children assess danger, set boundaries, and develop sound judgment.
A “Typical” Day in a Forest School Program
A day in a Forest School program is never quite the same — and that’s the beauty of it. While routines are important (such as gathering in a circle for stories, songs, or reflection), the day’s events are shaped by the weather, the landscape, and the children’s curiosity.
Children might begin by noticing a new bird sound or trail, and that could become the theme of their day. They may build small structures, examine animal tracks, or spend time catching tadpoles in a stream. In every case, the learning is subtle but powerful, embedded in real experiences that engage the whole body and mind.
A Local Example: Upper Canada Child Care’s White Pines Forest School
Forest School programs remind us that children need time — time to wonder, to play, to take risks, and to grow at their own pace.
One of UCCC’s most enriching nature-based programs is White Pines Forest School, located at Kettleby Valley Camp. With access to 60 acres of woodland, this recreational program gives children the space to engage deeply with the forest across seasons.
At White Pines, guided by Forest School principles, our experienced educators support and encourage children to create, explore, and reflect. They know when to step back and when to gently guide.
Above all the focus is on nurturing the whole child, which is perhaps the greatest lesson the forest has to offer
In a World that Moves Fast, Forest School Programs Slow Things Down
As the world becomes increasingly digitized and fast-paced, spending time in nature becomes more meaningful and necessary. Forest School programs remind us that children need time: to wonder, to play, to take risks, and to grow at their own pace. Through this approach, we can raise a generation that is confident, curious, and deeply connected to the world around them.
If You’d like to learn more about UCCC’s Forest School Program
Then why not check out White Pines Forest School to explore how we bring the Forest School approach to life, and find out how you can register.
Explore how we bring the Forest School approach to life