Fresh Air Experiences for you and your tot!

10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m on Tuesday mornings

Ages 13 months - 36 months (Jr Tot & Sr Tot age groups combined)

Gabriel Dumont Park

Waving fingers through reeds, gathering and tucking cones into secret spots— Nature Tots provides a joyful opportunity for caregivers to explore and nurture their sense of wonder together.

The Nature Tots program engages both adult and child in a variety of seasonal sensory experiences in Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks (e.g. Meewasin Park, Sanatorium Grounds and Gabriel Dumont Park ). Caregivers (grandparents, aunties & uncles and other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process.

Nature Tots includes playing with natural materials, using tools (e.g. sticks and buckets) to explore, walking to visit different nooks within the park, playing simple nature games and singing songs.

(Click on image to read more)

Late Registrations welcome! We offer pro-rated pricing which reflects the remaining number of sessions.

After a full day of regular school structure, children can benefit from the freedom to move their body how they choose. Our after school program responds to this need by providing children with freedom of movement and choice as well as opportunities for leadership, social play and to decompress. Some days kids may be drawn to climb or collaborate on a building project, while on other days be more inclined to gather and create with nature objects or flop down on the ground to observe a critter at work. We honour where children’s minds and bodies are at in the moment and support them in articulating and initiating experiences that best suit them.

Dates: Mondays after school, Sept. 20th - Dec. 6th (12 weeks). Note: Note: We had one cancellation day, so the last day will now be Dec. 13th.

Times: 3:10 - 5:10 p.m. (pickup between 5:00 - 5:20 p.m.)

Locations: Leaders pickup at Alvin Buckwold School and walk the children to our play site in a nearby naturalized park space (e.g. James Anderson Park, Kistikan Park). Parents and guardians pickup from pre-arranged pickup location.

Program Registration: $26.00/ session. $312 /12 sessions.

(Click on image to learn more)

Two Options Available for Families’ Convenience:

• You drop off at play site between 3:50-4:00 p.m.

• We pickup your child from Ecole Victoria School after dismissal and walk over to our play site together.

After a full day of regular school structure, children can benefit from the freedom to move their body how they choose. Our after school program responds to this need by providing children with freedom of movement and choice as well as opportunities for leadership, social play and to decompress. Some days kids may be drawn to climb or collaborate on a building project, while on other days be more inclined to gather and create with nature objects or flop down on the ground to observe a critter at work. We honour where children’s minds and bodies are at in the moment and support them in articulating and initiating experiences that best suit them.

Dates: Thursday after school, Sept. 16th - Dec. 16th (14 weeks)

Times: 3:50 - 4:00 p.m. drop off window. 5:50 - 6:05 p.m. pickup window

Optional child pickup from Ecole Victoria School and walk to site.

Locations: Cosmopolitan Park along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon.

(Click on image to learn more)

Witness seasonal changes in nature with your grandchild, niece or nephew this autumn.

The Nature (Grand)parenting program is designed for caregivers to build a special nature connection with their ~ 3-5 year old grandchild, niece or nephew. Some members of children’s extended family and community are in an ideal position to act as a nature mentor. This program is an invitation to come on out and play together on a regular basis. With practical ideas and age-appropriate activities shared each week, nature mentors will have fun weaving a connection to nature into their relationship with the little adventurer in their life.

Participants: (Grand)parent and child (ages 3-5) pairs. Group size will be capped at 8 pairs for a safe and quality experience.

Location: Rotating naturalized parks in Saskatoon (e.g. Meewasin Park, Gabriel Dumont Park, etc.)

Dates:Thursday September 16th - November 4th (8 sessions)

Times: Morning program is 10 a.m. - 11a.m and afternoon program is 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

(click on image to read more)

We provide supplementary small group outdoor learning which supports the curricular online or home school learning students are engaged with at home.

We will integrate Science, ELA and Health outcomes in a fun and engaging way using experiential and inquiry learning to challenge students’ thinking.

Dates: Wednesday afternoons, Sept. 15th - Dec. 15th

Times: 12:50 - 1:00 p.m. drop off window. 4:00 - 4:10 p.m. pickup window

Locations: Rotating nature sites within the city of Saskatoon. We will visit at least three different sites over the course of the program and spend blocks of time basing our learning at each site.

Requirements: Participants need to have a backpack, and as we get into snow season insulating snow gear, base layers, toque, neck-warmer, wool or synthetic socks, winter boots, snacks, water bottle and a foam pad to sit on. This is an active program and participants should be in good physical condition to enjoy themselves (e.g. able to comfortably walk for 60 minutes).

Program Registration: $39.00/ session. $273/7 sessions or $546.00/ 14 sessions.

(Click on the image to learn more)

We believe young people are capable of big adventures.

Can your kiddo come out to play with us in Gabriel Dumont Park this fall?

Tues. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.: 3-6 year olds (13 weeks)

Fri. 10:00 - 12:00 p.m.: 3-6 year olds (10 weeks)

Fri. 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.: 4-6 year olds (13 weeks)

Nature Playcare provides children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based and social learning in a natural environment. Our autumn program features twelve facilitated 1/2 day experiences in either the morning or afternoon. We are excited about the fantastic learning opportunities these consecutive weeks of nature play will create!

Nature Playcare promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the
development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.

(click on image to learn more)

Fresh Air Experiences for you and your tot!

9:00 a.m. - Jr. Tots (Walking to 24 -28 mo)

11:00 a.m. - Sr. Tots (24 mo to 36 mo)

Rotating locations to introduce you to a variety of ideal urban parks to play in.

Waving fingers through reeds, gathering and tucking cones into secret spots— Nature Tots provides a joyful opportunity for caregivers to explore and nurture their sense of wonder together.

The Nature Tots program engages both adult and child in a variety of seasonal sensory experiences in Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks (e.g. Meewasin Park, Sanatorium Grounds and Gabriel Dumont Park ). Caregivers (grandparents, aunties & uncles and other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process.

(Click on image to read more)

Nature immersion right here in the city!

Ages 3-5 a.m. group

Ages 5- 7 p.m. group

Meewasin Park, Saskatoon

This is a play hard, get dirty, nature immersion camp led by experienced outdoor educators in Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Park.

We will be mobile within the park discovering seasonal changes, burning energy and developing social and leadership skills alongside outdoor-loving peers. We welcome curiosity, enthusiasm, and playfulness and coach participants to resolve age appropriate problems as they arise.

(click on image to learn more)

Hello Spring! We are ready to play (ages 3 - 6 welcome).

Tuesday Afternoons (8 x 2hrs) - $200.00

Friday Mornings (8 x 2 hrs) - $200.00

Friday Afternoons (8 x 2.5hrs) - $250.00

Nature Playcare provides children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a play-based and social learning in a natural environment. Our spring program features eight facilitated 1/2 day experiences in either the morning or afternoon. We are excited about the fantastic learning opportunities these consecutive weeks of nature play will create during this transitional season!

Nature Playcare promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. It is no secret that our goal is get our Nature Playcare kiddos hooked on nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.

What does Nature Playcare look like? Each session will begin with a short gathering followed by unstructured play and exploration in the beautifully wild Gabriel Dumont Park. This includes children
taking carefully managed and supported risks appropriate for their capabilities and the site (for example, sliding down a hill and climbing or balancing along a log). Wildernook facilitators regularly utilize games, activities and stories as a positive and engaging way to teach and mentor children.

We maintain a small group size well below the SHA’s Covid 19 regulations. Our ratio for this age group is one leader to four children and we always have two leaders on site to supervise, respond and mentor as needed.

(for more information or to register, click on the image).

Who’s ready for an outdoor adventure?

This is a play hard, get dirty, nature immersion camp led by experienced outdoor educators in Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Park.

We will be mobile within the park discovering seasonal changes, burning energy and developing social and leadership skills alongside outdoor-loving peers. We welcome curiosity, enthusiasm, and playfulness and coach participants to resolve age appropriate problems as they arise.

Although we will spend each session outdoors, participants will have access to an indoor washroom.

Times:

9:30 - 12:00 a.m. (ages 3-5)

1:00 - 4:00 (ages 5 - 7)

Cost:

$128 ($32.00/2.5 hr morning) for a.m. group

$152.00 ($38.00/ 3 hr afternoon) for p.m. group

This includes access to the group outdoor gear we will be using and mentorship from experienced outdoor educators. Participants must provide their own snacks, water, outdoor clothing and covid-safety supplies.

(click on image to read more)

Who’s got energy to burn?

Launch off snow mounds, tune into nature, collaborate with winter-loving peers to build a snowscape, and gather around a fire with outdoorsy friends. Wildernook’s Snow-tastic February Break Fun provides a fresh, active energy outlet for kids after a few too many indoor recesses.

Snow-tastic is designed for 5 - 7 year old adventurers who are wired to be active and play outdoors in all types of weather.

The Experience: Each day will feature a different winter adventure in Meewasin Park’s Naturalized space and surrounding area. We will be mobile for the afternoon, carrying our backpacks with us to our different play stops. Although we will spend each afternoon bundled up outdoors, participants will have access to an indoor washroom if needed.

Times: We will begin each session at 1:00 p.m., and wrap up at 3:30 each day. The three specific three days will be selected on the Saturday before based on the weather forecast for the week. Note: due to Family Day on the Monday, this is a four day week. We will select the three warmest days to run this program.

(click on image to read more)

You’re hooked up with skis and the best possible snow season is here. Now all you need is confidence, a bit more practice and a little nudge!

It can be hard to relax on skis if you don’t feel comfortable, confident or steady. This small beginner group will move at a relaxed pace in comfortable conditions to help you find your glide.

We will meet in tracked urban parks on fair weather Tuesdays and Thursdays (dates will be posted based on the weather forecast). . You are welcome to register for one or come to them all. It is up to you.

What you’ll need:

• Properly fitted classic skis, poles and boots (waxless, skin skis and waxable skis are all welcome).

• Dress as you would for winter running and add a winter jacket or vest on top you can take off.

• Facemask options to cover for warmth and to keep our aerosols to ourselves.

• Headlamp

• Avoid bulky mittens and heavy ski pants

Location: Saskatoon’s Urban Parks and Naturalized spaces (E.g. Weaver Park, Harold Tatler Park, Diefenbaker Park, Victoria Park).

Dates: Select dates between Tuesday, Feb. 2nd - Thurs.

Timing: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $10.00/session

Cancellation Policy: Register for what you can attend. There will be no refunds for these affordable drop-in dates. Proceeds go to support Wildernook projects such as Punch Buggy Express.

We provide supplementary small group outdoor learning which supports the curricular online or home school learning students are engaged with at home.

This program integrates grade 1 and 2 curricular outcomes in a fun and engaging way using experiential and inquiry learning to challenge students’ thinking.

Our teachers are experienced outdoor educators with decades of experience facilitating outdoor learning in a range of conditions and contexts. Wellness and developing positive sense of self and community are important to us. Each session will provide opportunities for participants to get to know themselves, one another and the nature sites we visit better.

Dates: Thursday afternoons, January 21st - April 1st. Note: although there are 11 afternoons within this timeframe, we are building in one cold weather cancellation days. The registration price will reflect 10 days.

Times: 12:45 - 1:00 p.m. drop off window. 3:15 - 3:30 p.m. pickup window

Locations: Rotating nature sites within the city of Saskatoon (e.g. Meewasin Park and Gabriel Dumont Park). We will visit at least two different sites over the course of the program and spend blocks of time basing our learning at each site.

(Click on the image for more info).

We provide supplementary small group outdoor learning which supports the curricular online or home school learning students are engaged with at home.

Dates: Wednesday afternoons, January 13th - March 31st. Although there are 12 afternoons within this timeframe, we are building in two cold weather cancellation days. The registration price will reflect 10 days.

Times: 12:45 p.m.- 1:00 drop off window. 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. pickup window

Locations: Rotating nature sites within the city of Saskatoon. We will visit at least three different sites over the course of the program and spend blocks of time basing our learning at each site.

(Click on the image for more info).

Play doesn’t stop for winter!

Tuesday and Friday afternoon options, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m..

Ages 3-5 year olds (some flexibility)

Nature Playcare provides children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based and social learning in a natural environment. Our winter program features 10 facilitated 1/2 day afternoon experiences. We are excited about the fantastic learning opportunities these consecutive weeks of snow-immersion will create!

What does Nature Playcare look like? Each session will begin with a short gathering followed by unstructured play and exploration in the beautifully wild Gabriel Dumont Park. This includes children
taking carefully managed and supported risks appropriate for their capabilities and the site (for example, sliding down a hill and climbing or balancing along a log). Wildernook facilitators will use holistic, child-centred practices to support each child’s development.

(click on link to learn more).

Join our friendly, vibrant community of mamas and babies for weekly wellness walks. This is one way to refill your cup and replenish your energy for the week ahead.

Walks will be at baby-carrying pace and introduce mamas to outdoor loving (or just tolerant!) friends and a variety of nature walking trails in the Saskatoon area.

Click on the link to read more and register.

The Nature Baby program engages both adult and child in a new learning experience each week. The babies will enjoy a variety of seasonal sensory experiences and visit biodiverse settings. Caregivers (grandparents, and other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process.

Nature Baby is a mobile experience, which includes walking and stopping to engage at three to five different nature sites each session. Caregivers must be able to carry their baby off trail and sit on the ground while holding the baby. Consider bringing a baby carrier or backpack as well as a hat, something to sit on (e.g. foam pad) change of clothes and snacks for baby.

We will maintain distance between pairs and any learning tools we use will be sanitized and not shared within the session. We require all participants to thoroughly wash their hands before the start-up of each session.

Fresh Air Experiences for you and your tot!

9:00 a.m. - Jr. Tots (Walking to 24 -28 mo)

11:00 a.m. - Sr. Tots (24 mo to 36 mo)

New! Rotating locations to introduce you to a variety of ideal urban parks to play in.

Waving fingers through reeds, gathering and tucking cones into secret spots— Nature Tots provides a joyful opportunity for caregivers to explore and nurture their sense of wonder together.

The Nature Tots program engages both adult and child in a variety of seasonal sensory experiences in Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks (e.g. Meewasin Park, Sanatorium Grounds and Gabriel Dumont Park ). Caregivers (grandparents, other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process. We will maintain distance between pairs and any learning tools we use will be sanitized and not shared within the session. We require all participants to thoroughly wash their hands before the start-up of each session.

Join us for Fresh Air Learning this fall!

Gabriel Dumont Park

a.m. group: 3-5 year olds

p.m. group: 3-5 year olds

Nature Playcare provides children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based and social learning in a natural environment. Our autumn program features twelve facilitated 1/2 day experiences in either the morning or afternoon. We are excited about the fantastic learning opportunities these consecutive weeks of nature play will create!

Nature Playcare promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the
development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.

Covid-19 Response Includes:

· Families maintaining distance from each other during drop off

· We will call your child ‘in’ at drop off and send your child back to you at pick-up.

· We will facilitate activities which promote spreading out rather than gathering.

· We will use a soap hand washing station before snack and after washroom use.

· Please leave all toys at home.

We provide supplementary small group outdoor learning which supports the curricular online or home school learning students are engaged with at home.

We will integrate Science, ELA and Health outcomes in a fun and engaging way using experiential and inquiry learning to challenge students’ thinking.

Dates: Wednesday afternoons, Sept. 9th - Dec. 9th ( 14 afternoon sessions at 3.5 hrs each = 49 hrs of learning)

Times: 12:45 p.m. drop off - 4:15 p.m. pickup

Locations: Rotating nature sites within the city of Saskatoon. We will spend three weeks at a time basing our learning at each site and visit at least three different sites over the course of the program.

Program Registration: $38.00/ session. Register for the first 7 sessions for $266.00 or register for all 14 sessions and receive one session free! (pay $494.00 instead of $532.00).

Nature immersion right here in the city!

Ages 3-6

July 20 - 24th (5 days, a.m. only) - $125

Aug 4 - 7 (4 days, a.m. and p.m.) - $100

Nature Playcare provides young children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based learning in a natural environment. Our Forest School inspired summer camps feature facilitated 1/2 day experiences in either the morning or afternoon over the course of a week. Nature Playcare promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.

What does Nature Playcare look like? Each session will begin with a short gathering followed by unstructured play and exploration in the beautifully wild Gabriel Dumont Park. This includes children
taking carefully managed and supported risks appropriate for their capabilities and the site (for example, sliding down a hill and climbing or balancing along a log). Wildernook facilitators use holistic, child-centred practices to support each child’s development.

Join us this summer for nature exploration with Nature Tots!

Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Caregiver must attend.

Waving fingers through reeds, gathering cones and tucking into secret spots— Nature Tots provides a joyful opportunity for caregivers to explore and nurture their sense of wonder together.

The Nature Tots program engages both adult and child (ages: walking - to about 24 months for this one) in a variety of seasonal sensory experiences in Saskatoon’s Naturalized Parks (e.g. Gabriel Dumont Park, and Victoria Park). Caregivers (grandparents, other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process. We will maintain distance between pairs at all times and any learning tools we use will be sanitized and not shared within the session. We require all participants to thoroughly wash their hands before the start-up of each session.

Location: Meewasin Park (Lawson Heights)

Dates: Tue, July 7th - Tues. July 28th, 2020 (4 Sessions)

Waving hands through reeds, gathering cones and tucking into secret spots— Nature Tots provides a joyful opportunity for caregivers to explore and nurture their sense of wonder together.

The Nature Tots program engages both adult and child in a variety of seasonal sensory experiences in Saskatoon’s Gabriel Dumont Park. Caregivers (grandparents and other caregivers welcome!), will develop their nature mentorship skills through the process.

Tuesdays: June 9 - 23rd

Wednesdays: June 10 - 24

We will maintain distance between pairs at all times and any learning tools we use will be sanitized and not shared within the session. We require all participants to thoroughly wash their hands before the start-up of each session.

We’re back with more Nature Playcare, for a wider range of kids!

a.m. group: 3-6 year olds

p.m. group: 3-6 year olds

Nature Playcare provides children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based learning in a natural environment. The spring camp features four facilitated 1/2 day experiences in either the morning or afternoon over the spring break. We are intentionally encouraging a multi-age environment, where children at different developmental stages can help and learn from one another.

Nature Playcare promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence. (Click on the image or heading for more information).

Get outside for an afternoon of fresh air learning each week! Expect active and social outdoor play including building, sliding, trudging and hiding in our magical snow world.

Ages 3-5, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Gabriel Dumont Park

What exactly is Nature Playcare?

Nature Playcare follows the Forest School approach to early childhood education and our lead educator is a trained Forest School Educator. Each session provides young children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based learning in a natural environment. The Nature Playcare experience promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.

We’re back with Snowlandia 2020!

Leap on snowshoes, build snow creations, collaborate with winter-loving peers, develop leadership skills and make outdoorsy friends. Wildernook’s all-women leadership team are back this February break to offer winter experiences in a fresh way. 

The Experience:   Each day will feature a different winter adventure in Holiday Park's Naturalized space and surrounding area (ski trails, South Saskatchewan Riverbank).  The experiences will focus on practical outdoor skills such as staying warm and dry, building with snow, preventative first aid, skiing and snowshoeing. Although we will begin and end each day bundled up outdoors, participants can expect to spend a couple of cozy low-key, down-time hours indoors around noon eating, reading, and drying out our mitts! (click on image to read more)

Join us Friday afternoons, November 8th - 29th! This is an extension of our Autumn Program, which ran for September and October. We will not be offering a morning program due to the colder temps in the morning.

Ages 3-5, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Gabriel Dumont Park

What exactly is Nature Playcare?

Nature Playcare is inspired by Forest School approach. Each session provides young children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in play-based learning in a natural environment. The Nature Playcare experience promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Parents can expect an age-appropriate nature experience, which is designed to foster the development of each child's resiliency, confidence, creativity, imagination, and independence.(click on image or heading for more info).