Nature Program
Play, adventure and explore!
SCBGC Nature Programs are all outdoor based nature programs where children are free to move about their space, explore the land they are on and engage with peers and educated program facilitators in a supportive and caring environment. Our programs are based off of the understandings that children are naturally curious and willing to play and explore the world around them. Following the lead of the child, program facilitators are supporting their interests and the learning that comes from their own personal experiences in nature and with others. Facilitators are there to offer guidance and support to children throughout their time in the program and nurture the relationships that shift and change throughout the day.
What can be expected throughout all nature session:
- Themed weeks based off of the season/weather
- Emergent learning curriculum
- Loose parts, open-ended activities and games
- Following the BGC core values (Belonging, Respect, Encouragement and Support, Working Together, Speaking Out)
- Personalized child interest updates (your child's nature journey)
- A sense of community and supportive environment
- Constant risk assessments due to the ever-changing outdoor environment
Programming Options
ReWild Your Child
ReWild Your Child Nature Program runs one full-year session from September until June. Programming is offered twice a week with the options of a Monday/Wednesday OR a Tuesday/Thursday group.
Full Day: Available to children 4-6 years of age *Great for Kindergarten children opposite days
Start time: 9am
End time: 2pm
2023/2024 Session runs from Starting week of September 6 2023 - week of June 19 2024. There will be NO program running over Fall Break November 6-10, 2023, Winter Break December 23, 2023 - January 7, 2024, and Spring Break March 25 - 29, 2024.
Cost
ReWild Your Child - $250 per month
*Children must be able to toilet independently without support. Please contact the Director of Nature Programs with any questions or further clarifications.
ReWild Your Child Programs qualify for the Government of Alberta Subsidy Program! If you want to learn more, reach out to our Nature Program Staff!
To register for ANY Nature Program, please click the link HERE for our online registration platform.
Forest Friends
Forest Friends Nature Program runs in seasonal sessions from September until June (fall, winter and spring).
Available for children 3-4 years of age *Must be at least 3 when entering the program
Wed/Fri AM Class: 9am-11am
Fri PM Class: 12pm-2pm
*Children must be able to toilet independently without support. Please contact the Director of Nature Programs with any questions or further clarifications.
Program dates for the 2023/2024 year:
STILL ROOM AVAILABLE FOR Spring 2023 SESSION: Starting week of April 5 - week of June 23
Fall 2023 session: Starting week of September 6 - week of December 8 (no programming November 6-10 for Fall Break)
Winter 2023/24 session: Starting week of January 3 - week of March 25 (Spring Break Programs will run independently)
Spring 2024 session: Starting week of April 8 - week of June 24
Program Location
#3 Spruce Ave, Sherwood Park, AB
Children and Youth Community Center
Cost
Forest Friends - Wed/Fri Program $175 per month ($525 per session)
- Fri Program $125 per month ($375 per session)
To register for ANY Nature Program, please click the link HERE for our online registration platform.
Nature Discovery
Nature Discovery is a program for children 5-9 years of age who would like to adventure, play and develop new skills outdoors in a forest setting. Topics that may be introduced alongside natural exploration include shelter buiding, ropes and knot tying, observing animal habitats, forest safety, supported risky play and environmental stewardship. Facilitators will take into account the weather and seasonal chenges along with participant interests when planning weekly activities. The program will run out of Centennial Park and is weather dependent. It may cancel last minute if it is not safe due to temperature or weather.
Participants can register for a block of sessions, with rates reflecting the amount of sessions. Registration is available through RecDesk and Monique will be in contact the family once registered regarding payment.
Session Information
Saturday programming runs 9:30am-12:00pm.
Spring Sessions: $125 for ALL five Saturday Sessions! April 15th, 22nd, 29th, May 6th and 13th!!
To register for ANY Nature Program, please click the link HERE for our online registration platform.
For more information please contact Monique Lozeron, Director of Nature Programs
Phone: 780-416-1500
Email: monique@scbgc.com