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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

Program Details

Recreational Programs
  • For children ages 3-8
Winter 2025
  • Mondays and Fridays
  • Half-day (9 AM – 12 PM) or Full-day (9 AM – 3 PM)
  • Winter sessions start Monday, December 2, 2024 (in progress)
Spring 2025
  • Thursdays and Fridays
  • Half-day (9 AM – 12 PM) or Full-day (9 AM – 3 PM)
  • Spring sessions start Friday, March 21, 2025
NEW:  Family Drop-In Sessions
  • For children ages 0-3 accompanied by an adult caregiver
  • Mondays (March 17 – June 9)
  • 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Fall 2025
  • Information coming soon

 

 

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.

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

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

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

$480/Term


Friday

9 AM - 12 PM
Ages 3 to 6 years

$480/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

$901/Term


Friday

9 AM - 3 PM
Ages 4 to 8 years

$901/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.

Download

Testimonials

  • D. Fedrigoni

    Five stars rating

    Nicole and Joe truly understand kids and put so much thought and care into each session. My son absolutely loves the program.

    E. Izzo

    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!

    J. Mitchell

    Five stars rating

    Our boys love their nature school experience! Nicole and Joe are amazing!! We cannot wait to sign up for the winter term. An experience they will never forget.

  • S. Masson

    Five stars rating

    My daughter looks forward to spending her Fridays at Forest School with Nicole, Joe, and all her friends! She talks about it all week long! They have a great program with amazing educators! Highly recommend!

    N. Statuto

    Five stars rating

    Would absolutely recommend White Pines Forest School.

Other Programs We Offer

Childcare Centres

Safe, nurturing, engaging learning and care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool and Nursery school

  • 3 months to Kindergarten

  • Monday to Friday | 7 AM - 6 PM

    Start and end times may vary by location.

  • Full and part-time care available

Before and After School Programs

Give your children a fun, safe start and finish to their day.

  • Kindergarten and up to Grade 6

  • Monday to Friday | 7 AM - 6 PM

    Start and end times may vary by location.

  • Full and part-time care available

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 from 7 AM - 6 PM

Our clients have rated UCCC 4.5/5 on our 2023-2024 Family Satisfaction Survey.

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