Because kids can use a release after a long day of work, just like adults.

We are looking for new owners and operators to continue and build on Wildernook's vibrant outdoor and nature programming foundation. Please contact claire@wildernook.com to discuss.

Convenient two hour pick-up and play option for 6 - 12 yr olds! We pick-up from a muster point at school dismissal time and walk to our nearby nature play site together. We have access to indoor shelter during inclement weather, but otherwise get to be outdoors and fabulously immersed in nature.

Servicing the Following Schools for Winter 2024

Brunskill School: Mondays - 3:20 - 5:20 p.m., [April 8 - June 17] for 18 weeks - PD Days and holidays (June 3) have been omitted. Note: we had lower interest for Mondays for the winter months and have decided to take a break until spring. We are still offering this program on Tuesdays at Brunskill (see below)

Brunskill School: Tuesdays - 3:20 - 5:20 p.m., [Jan. 9 - June 18] for 22 weeks. Holidays (Feb. 20, April 2) have been omitted.

City Park School: Weds - 3:20 - 5:20 p.m., [Jan. 10 - June 14] for 22 weeks. Holidays (Feb. 21, April 3) have been omitted.

Ecole River Heights: Wednesdays - 3:20 - 5:20 p.m., [Jan. 10 - June 14] for 22 weeks. Holidays (Feb. 21, April 3) have been omitted.

Ecole Victoria School: Thursdays - 3:30 - 5:30 [Jan. 11 - June. 15] for 22 weeks. Holidays (Feb. 22, April 4) have been omitted.

Welcome Back in the Spring

Ecole Alvin Buckwold School - Mondays - 3:05 - 5:10 p.m., [April 8 - June 17] for 9 weeks - PD Days and holidays (May 20, June 3) have been omitted.

Why Forest School After School?

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 after a full day of school and support them in articulating and initiating experiences that best suit them.

Forest school provides a holistic learning experience with plenty of room for kids to be themselves. Our leaders plan and adapt the sessions in response to children's interests leading to highly meaningful learning experiences. Children are encouraged to follow and extend their own learning interests in the outdoors.

The FSAS program is a convenient way to build nature immersion and play-based learning into your child’s week. Like other Wildernook programs, FSAS promotes respect for our natural environment and a sense of well-being in nature. Our leaders look for opportunities to help develop nature connection, confidence, self-esteem, social skills, physical ability, and independence. This program is led by a certified teacher, with additional Outdoor Education and Forest School training.

What does a typical session look like?

• meet at outdoor muster point at school dismissal (this may differ depending on school dismissal)

• Conversational walk to naturalized play site

• Opening circle and snack - a time to check-in.

• facilitated learning activity

• time to explore the activity

• free play and exploration

• 5:20 - 5:30 p.m. pickup window (this time depends on school dismissal).

Locations:

Brunskill School: President Murray Park, Community Garden, pocket parks. Specific drop off and pickup location will be communicated in parent handbook.

City Park School: Wilson Park, Kinsmen Park, Meewasin Trail. Specific drop off and pickup location will be communicated in the parent handbook. Families from Ecole St. Paul may be accommodated in this Wednesday group as well (when staffing to walk them over permits).

Ecole Alvin Buckwold School: James Anderson Park, Kistakin Park, Nutana Kiwanis Park. Specific drop off and pickup location will be communicated in parent handbook.

Ecole River Heights School: Robert Hunter West Park, Robert Hunter East Park, Meewasin Park. Specific drop off and pickup location will be communicated in parent handbook.

Ecole Victoria School: Cosmopolitan Park along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon. Specific drop off and pickup location will be communicated in parent handbook. Families from Brunskill School may be accommodated in this Thursday group when staffing to walk them over permits).

Program Registration:

Instalment 1: Jan, Feb, March - 11 weeks

Instalment 2: April, May, June - 11 weeks (fewer for Monday programs due to PD Days)

$319.00/11 weeks ($29.00/ 2hr session) for Tues., Weds. & Thurs. programs

$290/10 weeks ($29.00/ 2hr session) Mon. 2nd instalment

Drop-Ins: These will be open for booking under Drop-Ins section of website if space is available (please book at least one day in advance. They will not be visible for booking on the day off the session).

Requirements: Participants need to have a backpack, weather appropriate clothing (e.g. snow gear, insulating layers, warm winter boots, neck warmer, toque), snacks, and water bottle. 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).

Note: this program is not a perfect fit for every child. We operate at a 1:5 - 6 (depending on median group age and specific child needs in the group) leader to child ratio in naturalized spaces that change with the seasons. We cannot accommodate children requiring a lower leader to child ratio, however we are open to the possibility of them attending with an adult support.

Registered participants will receive detailed information by email in advance outlining our meeting spots, what to pack, and how we operate.

Full registration requires our receipt of payment, health information and completed waiver forms. We are open to having children with additional needs, however, facilitators require advance notice of each participant’s health information in order to prepare for the session. Families who do not disclose pertinent health and learning considerations (e.g illness requiring additional care, life threatening allergies, learning disabilities, etc.) before the program start date will not be permitted to participate and no refund will be provided.

Cancellation: A refund, minus a 10% administration fee, can be issued up until one week prior to this program. After this time no refund will be issued.