Our Mission
Parry Sound Forest School strives to provide a child-centred, inquiry-based experience where our learners can develop greater:
resilience,
perseverance,
communication and social skills,
the ability to navigate risk safely,
and to form personal connections to many facets of the Georgian Bay Biosphere.
Through this personal connection with nature, we strive to foster an ethic of care towards our local environment and ultimately towards living a more ecologically sustainable life.
Excited about Summer?
Our Carling Township Forest site is a mature hardwood forest full of nature discoveries, including a waterfall!
There are still some spots left. Sign up now for a week of exciting exploration.
Watch 4 Turtles Signs
Help with turtle conservation efforts by putting up your own sign to remind drivers to look out for turtles crossing the road this spring.
The signs are sold at a suggested donation of $10 to cover the cost of materials.
Please note, 'Watch 4 Turtles' signs may not be attached to 911's, hydro poles, or preexisting street signs. Obtain permission to install a sign on a property other than your own.
This is based off of the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative near Bancroft. You can learn more about them at ThinkTurtle.ca
Weekly Programming for Kids
Weekly programs are broken into 3 semesters - Fall, Winter & Spring. They run throughout the school year.
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Rangers
For children aged 10+, this program acts a a supplement to regular schooling or homeschooling. It offers challenging outdoor play and learning activities.
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Saplings
For children ages 6-12, this program acts as a supplement to regular schooling or homeschooling. It includes hikes and snowshoe adventures, camp fire skills, wild edibles, wood craft and more.
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Chickadees
For children ages 4-6. This program offers opportunities for the growth of so many skills!! Language, numeracy, gross and fine motor, socialization, self regulation, and so much more!
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Sprouts
This is a half-day introductory program to Forest School, for children ages 3.0+, geared to younger learners. If your child is not quite ready for a full day of Forest School, this program is for them!
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Forest Families
This program is designed for infants, young children and their caregivers or parents. It is an opportunity to spend time in the forest together with an experienced forest educator.
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Forest Friends After School
Forest Friends offers your child after school care in the outdoors. Wood working, nature art, hiking, flashlight tag, campfires, knot tying, snowshoeing, sliding and so much more await.
Upcoming Events
Summer Solstice
Songs & Stroll
All ages are welcome to join us for a family celebration of the upcoming Summer Solstice with songs and a stroll through the forest.
This event is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10/family.
Learn to follow tracks through landscapes with the purpose of finding and observing the animal(s) that made them—while remaining undetected.
Trailing builds knowledge of wildlife and local landscapes, confidence to follow trail in difficult conditions, heightened awareness and stealth, and an ability to move quietly cross-country in small teams.
September 12 &13
We gratefully thank donors who have already given to our Tuition Assistance Program, giving children the gift of nature play and connection for healthy growth.
