Pro-D Day Forest Adventures

PRO-D Day Update

PRO-D Day programs will be taking a pause for the 2026/2027 school year as I begin my Bachelor of Education at UBC.

This is more than a pause, it's an opportunity to grow. During this time, I'll be gaining valuable classroom experience, deepening my understanding of child development, and creating even stronger outdoor education programs for the future of Salmon Forest.

While we won't be offering public PRO-D Day camps this school year, we look forward to welcoming children back for future adventures.

If you're a school, PAC, or community organization interested in partnering with Salmon Forest for future PRO-D Day programming, I'd love to hear from you. Your interest will help shape where and how these programs return.

FAQs

  • Pro-D Days are designed for children in Kindergarten to Grade 3/4, with mixed-age activities that suit different learning levels.

  • Yes! Pro-D Days are a wonderful introduction to outdoor learning.

    Many children attending are experiencing forest school for the first time. Educators guide children step-by-step, helping them feel comfortable, confident, and excited about exploring the forest.

  • Programs run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

  • Programs are led by trained forest educators with experience working with children in outdoor environments.

    The Salmon Forest team includes educators with backgrounds in education, forest and nature school training, and child development. Staff members are certified in First Aid, experienced in outdoor risk management, and hold valid criminal record checks for working with children.

    The program is founded by an educator with a Master’s degree in Psychology and Pedagogy, certification in Forest and Nature School (Level 3), and experience working as an Educational Assistant in schools.

    For more information about the educators leading the programs, please visit our Meet the Team page.

  • Every Pro-D Day is inspired by the season and the forest around us. Activities may include:

    • Nature exploration walks
    • Observing plants, insects, birds, and wildlife signs
    • Seasonal science discoveries
    • Outdoor games and teamwork challenges
    • Creative nature crafts and building projects
    • Learning basic outdoor and stewardship skills

  • We spend most of the day outdoors exploring the forest and creekside areas. To help protect local wildlife and provide a calm space for rest, we use the Mossom Creek Education Centre for our lunch break and occasional indoor activities, especially during harsh weather.

  • Forest programs run rain or shine.

    Rain is part of the forest experience and often creates wonderful learning opportunities. Activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, but children are encouraged to come prepared for outdoor adventure.

    Proper clothing makes all the difference.

  • Children should come prepared for a full day outdoors.

    Recommended items include:

    • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers)
    • Rain gear (rain jacket and rain pants)
    • Sturdy waterproof shoes or boots
    • Hat depending on weather
    • Extra socks and clothes
    • Packed lunch and snacks
    • Water bottle

    A detailed packing list will be sent to families before the program.

  • Safety is always a priority.

    Educators carry first aid kits, communication devices, and emergency contact information. Staff are trained to assess risk in outdoor environments and guide children in safe exploration.

    Wildlife awareness and respectful behavior in nature are also part of the learning experience.

  • Seeing wildlife is always possible in the forest, and it can be a very special learning opportunity.

    Children are taught how to observe wildlife safely and respectfully from a distance while learning about the animals that share the forest with us.

    Educators follow established wildlife safety practices and carry bear spray and air horns as precautionary safety tools. Additional air horns are also placed in key areas of the forest space for quick access if needed.

    Children learn how to stay calm, listen to instructions, and respect wildlife habitats—an important part of developing awareness and confidence in nature.

  • Children should bring their own packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle for the day. Because we spend the entire program outdoors and children are very active, we recommend packing extra snacks.

    Please send nut-free foods when possible and choose items that children can open independently.

    Meals are enjoyed together indoors as a way of protecting local wildlife.