8 sessions between September 2026 and June 2027

Set within the lush forests and river ecosystems of Capilano River Regional Park, our Monthly Nature School programs offer children and youth immersive outdoor experiences throughout the school year, with approximately one full-day session each month for a total of 8 sessions.

Through consistent seasonal experiences in the forest, participants develop confidence, resilience, ecological awareness, practical outdoor skills, and a strong connection to place and community. The diverse landscapes of the Capilano watershed – including towering cedars, flowing rivers, and rich coastal rainforest ecosystems – create an inspiring environment for exploration, discovery, and meaningful learning.

Each session is guided by a seasonal or nature-based theme that inspires storytelling, challenges, projects, games, and hands-on experiences rooted in the surrounding environment.

Program Highlights

Curiosity-Led Outdoor Learning
Learning unfolds naturally through exploration, play, observation, and direct experiences in the forest.

Forest-Based Games, Stories & Projects
Activities are inspired by the rhythms of the seasons, the surrounding ecosystem, and each session’s theme, encouraging creativity, connection, and engagement.

Fire Circle & Wilderness Skills
With access to a dedicated fire-pit gathering space, participants may explore outdoor cooking, fire safety, shelter building, naturalist skills, and other hands-on wilderness experiences through guided, age-appropriate instruction.

Responsive & Flexible Programming
Programs adapt to the energy of the group, changing weather, seasonal conditions, and emerging learning opportunities.

Experienced Mentorship & Skill Development
Instructors support the development of confidence, resilience, problem-solving, self-sufficiency, and deeper ecological understanding.

Small Groups & High Staff Ratios
Children benefit from strong supervision, individualized support, and meaningful relationships within a safe and encouraging environment.

Whole-Child Development
Programs emphasize emotional awareness, compassion, gratitude, cooperation, and connection to self, others, and the natural world.

Supportive Learning Environment
Programs are supported by experienced staff, volunteers, and on-site leadership who provide additional mentorship and care throughout the day.

Learn more about what a day outdoors looks like in our post: A Typical Day at Nature School.

Program Details