Our Program
Day and Week Long Children's Permaculture Camps
We believe that the best education is a holistic one. One where many different pedagogies, practices and possibilities are offered to the child. One where the children themselves are part of creating their own learning, ignited by their curiosity and imagination. One where learning and having fun aren't mutually exclusive and acting in accordance with nature becomes just that: second nature.
We are all aware of how much more potential and possibility a child's education can hold - we create day, weekend and week-long camps. Our intention is to engage children in permaculture practices and principles and we do so through inspiring forest education games, Montessori methods, storytelling, music and practical garden work. We ensure our camps are interactive and rich in discovery.
We regard nature as our greatest teacher. She challenges us and nurtures us, embraces us and gives us space; reminds us to just be, and delights us every time. We're all about these moments; the very experience itself.
Permaculture
Permaculture is an ethical-based design science that mimics patterns in nature to create reciprocal and regenerative relationships between humans and their surroundings.
By having permaculture as one of the central pillars of our program, we offer children a closer look at why things work they way they do, and that things work better when they work together. We want children to understand that nothing in nature is ever isolated, instead; we support them in seeing everything as an integrative part of a whole system that is deeply connected. We hope this awareness leads to a sense of resilience within them, which is much-needed at this time.
Montessori
One of the four foundational pillars of Montessori's philosophy is cosmic education for children 6-12 years of age. Holistic and purposeful in its approach, it uniquely supports the child to first seek its own inner potential and, then, its place in the universe.
We have noticed that giving a child the freedom to self-direct their own learning based on their interests ignites a sense of curiosity and drive that ultimately leads to a life-long love of learning.
Forest Education
The forest education element of our program ensures that we spend time learning and listening to all that nature can teach us. Our knowledge rests on the work of Joseph Cornell and his Flow Learning method. It is a framework that allows for immersive and memorable time in the forest: by first awakening enthusiasm then focusing the children's attention, we offer activities and games to give them a direct and personal experience. Additionally, we hold sharing circles that ensure reflection and integration of the children’s experience of the forest.
Time in the forest puts a different lens on learning - that we learn from the land rather than just about it as a passive entity. Being in a surrounding that heightens both our awareness and our senses is a truly profound experience - no matter the age.
Storytelling
It doesn't matter if you're a kid or an adult, stories quite literally create our realities; they're the way we make sense of the world.
We know that the best of stories are those that entice learning. We put a lot of care and attention into the types of stories we choose to share. We retell stories we find in books; stories about real people, stories about plants and animals; we share stories that we've made up ourselves; and stories we've dreamt up all together.
A story is an invitation to look at the world from a different perspective, to see what fits and works for you. They allow you to engage with ideas you never knew existed. Stories are a call to action and agency; they shape one’s values and they inspire change.
