Welcome to Forest School

The recent “Get Outside” trend highlights the growing recognition of outdoor play, but the importance of nature in children’s development has long been understood. Across cultures, the outdoors has been seen as a powerful teacher. It not only supports children’s physical development through activities like running, jumping, and climbing, but also nurtures their natural curiosity – helping them learn about math, biology, language, and themselves in ways that a conventional classroom cannot.

SPLASH has been incorporating the Forest School Principals into our curriculum since early 2000s and we have several Forest School Practitioners amongst our team who have trained with Forest School Canada. We started our foray into land-based learning when we started our gardening program and have been building and expanding ever since!

During our Forest School curriculum, we incorporate Indigenous teachings through storytelling, learning Cree and Ojibway words, and engaging in cultural practices such as smudging, drumming, and singing. Children also learn about traditional medicines and deepen their connection to nature by listening to the creek, observing birds, and creating art with natural materials.

Throughout the summer, we use community parks for our Urban Forest School and Bunn’s Creek for our Forest School program. At Bunn’s Creek, children explore nature and wildlife, learn to use tools, climb trees, and cook over a fire under supervision.

Our Forest School curriculum started in early 2000s. The program helps children reconnect with nature through play and exploration in a forest setting. Guided by our Forest School Practitioner and educators, children learn about the natural world and why it is an important teacher. With the involvement of Indigenous Elders, children gain meaningful insight into Indigenous knowledge and traditions. They explore the forest, learn about plants and insects, and develop practical skills such as building and fire-making under supervision. This program is essential to S.P.L.A.S.H., as it fosters a strong connection to nature and supports children in becoming critical thinkers, confident learners and future environmental stewards.