
Forest + Nature School
Elements Outdoors is a non-profit organization providing programming for children, families and community groups on privately owned 22 acres of fields and forest. Located minutes north of the Sydenham Village on the edge of the Canadian Shield in South Frontenac Township, Ontario.
What is Forest + Nature School?
Forest and Nature School is all about kids playing, exploring, and learning outdoors—rain or shine, all year round. Some call it Nature Kindergarten, Outdoor School, or Bush Kinder, but at its heart, it’s about giving children the freedom to discover, create, and grow through hands-on experiences in nature.
It doesn’t take a towering forest or a vast wilderness to create these moments; a space where children can return to again and again, building a relationship with the land. Whether it’s a cluster of trees, an open field, a creek, or a backyard garden, nature becomes the classroom.
At Forest and Nature School, play is at the centre of learning. Kids climb, dig, build, and problem-solve in ways that foster resilience, creativity, confidence, and teamwork. Educators are there to support, guide, and encourage curiosity, providing tools, asking thoughtful questions, and creating opportunities for deeper exploration.
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At Elements Outdoors Forest & Nature School, we are rooted in the belief that children thrive when given the freedom to explore, take risks, and trust in their own abilities. Like a tree, our foundation is strong—anchored in play, curiosity, and a deep connection to nature. The outdoors is where we learn, the land where we grow, and the changing seasons our curriculum.
From the ground up, we nurture resilience, independence, and problem-solving, helping children grow in confidence, self-regulation, and adaptability. Our programs are committed to well-being, belonging, and the shared experience of learning together. We utilize storytelling, keen observation skills and hands-on engagement with the land as we climb trees, track wildlife, build shelters, cook over fires and tend the garden. Children don’t just play; they form a lasting connection with the natural world around them.
As children’s sense of wonder grows, so do their skills and knowledge. They learn to embrace new challenges, explore the unknown, and move through the world with curiosity and confidence.
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We are on a mission to empower trailblazers to leap boldly into adventure, play wildly in the outdoors, and connect deeply with nature.
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We believe that the best learning happens through exploration, observation, adventure, and hands-on connection with nature. Children are natural trailblazers—curious, capable, and resilient. When given the freedom to climb, build, track, dig, and discover, they develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging in the world around them. Our approach is rooted in child-led play, risk-taking, and deep engagement with the land. Whether building fires, navigating the changing seasons, or simply getting muddy, children don’t just learn about nature—they become a part of it. Through this immersive, experience-driven learning, they build skills that stay with them for life—adaptability, problem-solving, and an unshakable connection to the earth.
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Foster a Deep Connection to Nature
Provide immersive outdoor experiences that nurture a lifelong love and respect for the natural world.
Support Holistic Growth & Development
Encourage resilience, independence, and adaptability by giving children the freedom to explore, take risks, and solve problems.
Encourage Curiosity & Lifelong Learning
Use the changing seasons as a natural curriculum, allowing children to learn through observation, discovery, and experience.
Create a Strong Sense of Community & Belonging
Cultivate meaningful relationships through shared experiences, storytelling, and time spent in nature.
Foster Stewardship of the Land
Encourage respect and responsibility for the environment by engaging children in hands-on learning about sustainability and conservation.
Empower Children to Grow with Confidence & Purpose
Create an environment where children feel capable, a deep sense of belonging, confident, and ready to embrace challenges with curiosity and courage.
Build Relationships through teamwork and Cooperation
Encourage children to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another, fostering strong connections and a sense of shared accomplishment through collaboration and group challenges.
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At the core of our Forest and Nature School experience are three guiding principles: Adventure, Connection, and Growth. These values shape an environment that’s engaging, meaningful, and transformative for every child.
Adventure
Adventure is woven into every moment spent outdoors. Whether exploring trails, tackling an obstacle course, or learning to build a fire, each experience is designed to spark curiosity and encourage boldness. We believe that adventure challenges children to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and discover their own bravery—all while having fun in the natural world.
Connection
Meaningful connections are formed through shared experiences, teamwork, and group challenges. Children learn to build trust, communicate, and support one another while developing a deep connection with nature. It’s about more than friendships—it’s about belonging, feeling valued, and understanding one's place in the world.
Growth
Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. From learning new skills to taking on leadership roles, children develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. Our approach fosters independence while providing a safe and supportive space for personal development. Every milestone, big or small, is celebrated because each step forward shapes who they are becoming.
By focusing on these principles, we create experiences that leave a lasting impact, equipping children with the skills, confidence, and memories to carry with them for life.
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Roots
Mom’s + 0 - 5
Weekly on Tuesdays
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Tykes
Ages 2.5 - 3 years old
Weekly full day program
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Kinders
Ages 4 - 5 years old
Weekly full day program
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Outdoors Club
Ages 6-12 years old
Weekly full day program
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Monthly Forest + Nature School Meet Up
Ages 4 - 8 year olds
Monthly full day program