FAQs

Nature Club is a nature-based, play-centered program where children spend their afternoons outdoors learning through real experiences. Rather than structured indoor activities, children explore nature hands-on — identifying plants, learning wildlife safety, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and building care for the land.

Designed specifically for K–2 learners, Nature Club supports confidence, curiosity, emotional regulation, and a meaningful connection to nature. It is led by an experienced educator with training in forest and nature-based learning.

Nature Club is an educational, place-based outdoor program rather than a traditional childcare program. While we encourage curiosity, play, exploration, and age-appropriate risk-taking, each session is guided by a curriculum with specific learning goals.

Children are expected to participate in group activities, follow safety expectations, listen to educators, and show respect for one another, the forest, and wildlife. We believe children learn best through hands-on experiences, but those experiences happen within a supportive structure that helps everyone feel safe and successful.

Nature Club is ideal for children who are curious about the natural world and are ready to engage in outdoor learning with their peers.

Our Nature Club is designed for children aged K to Grade 2, offering age-appropriate outdoor learning and exploration.

Nature Club is led by Simona, the founder of Salmon Forest, an experienced educator with a strong background in child development, outdoor learning, and inclusive education.

Simona currently works as an Educational Assistant (EA) in a school setting and is preparing to enter a teacher education program. She brings daily, hands-on experience supporting young children’s learning, social-emotional development, and diverse needs.

She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Pedagogy and a Certificate in Forest & Nature School Education, combining academic knowledge with practical, land-based learning.

Children are picked up directly from the school at a designated meeting spot, which will be shared with families before the program begins. Children will know exactly where to wait after school. From there, the group walks together to the park, where the entire session takes place.

Pick-up is at 5:00 PM at the parking lot.

Children explore the local environment through guided nature walks, learning as they move through the landscape. This “walking curriculum” allows learning to happen in real time — observing plants and animals, identifying species, practicing outdoor and safety skills, and noticing seasonal changes.

Sessions include hands-on activities such as animal and plant identification, simple survival skills, nature games, and seasonal crafts, all inspired by the rhythms of the season.

Please dress your child in weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, a water bottle, and a small snack. We recommend layers and rain gear, as we spend time outside rain or shine.

Families are asked to send a small, nut-free snack and a water bottle with their child. Snacks are enjoyed together during a opening circle, helping children refuel and practice mindful, respectful eating outdoors.

Safety is our top priority. Our team is trained in outdoor safety and first aid. We keep low child-to-adult ratios, carry emergency supplies, and conduct regular site risk assessments.

We honor and include Indigenous perspectives throughout our program, teaching respect for the land and its stories while learning about traditional ecological knowledge connected to local plants, animals, and salmon.

Wildlife sightings are treated as valuable learning moments while always prioritizing safety. Children are taught how to stay calm, stay together, and give animals space. We follow established wildlife safety protocols and adjust activities or locations as needed.

Educators are trained in wildlife awareness and always carry safety equipment, including an air horn, bear spray, and a walkie-talkie, to ensure clear communication and preparedness at all times.