Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
Nature School
(School Year 2023-24)
Environment Centre Nature School
In our Environment Centre Nature School, we strive to foster the development of character and friendships, a deep respect for nature, and a desire to take care of our beautiful home – the Earth. We learn through Outdoor Skills, Nature Studies, Sensory and Awareness Activities, Games, Imaginative Play, Exploration, Arts, Projects, and plenty of time immersed in direct experience of Nature in all conditions. In these ways, young people can attune to, and come to know, firsthand, the rhythms of the seasons as they unfold.
This well-established community of outdoor learners has been enjoying lessons & adventures with friends at the Trent Wildlife Sanctuary for more than a decade (c. 2011).
Activities/Programming Includes:
Exploring & Hiking, Outdoor Safety, Games, Crafts, Wildlife Tracking, Storytelling, Music, Drama & Arts, Nature Knowledge & Awareness, Outdoor Living Skills, Fire Making, Navigation, Environmental Leadership & Teamwork, Habitat Stewardship, Plants, Gardening and more!
Location:
Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
The Camp Kawartha Environment Centre is one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings. The programs take place within the Trent University Nature Areas, which represents over 200 acres of wild and semi-wild areas, including a variety of ecosystems in which we are fortunate to play, learn, climb, observe, and explore!
Acknowledgement(s): We remember, acknowledge, and seek to honour that the beautiful Trent Nature Areas are on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagig Anishinaabeg. This is the area governed by Treaty 20. The First Peoples of this area have, in the past, and continue today, to care for this place, the land, and all our relations human & non-human alike. It is a privilege, and responsibility to enjoy, work, learn, play, share, and live here and it is part of our mission to better understand this place, the history, and the People, as well as to play a role in caretaking the Land and in beginning to reconcile.
MONDAYS
Earth Craft (NEW) – Nature Skills for Older Kids/Tweens
Forest Explorers
TUESDAYS
Rootwood – every week or alternate weeks
WEDNESDAY
Forest Explorers
Woodsy Wednesday
FRIDAYS
Forest Fridays
A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence… …I should ask that (a) gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantment of later years… …the alienation from the sources of our strength.
If a child is to keep alive (this) inborn sense of wonder… (they) need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with (them) the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.
Rachel Carson – The Sense of Wonder
A Little History:
About 10-12 years ago, we began our first ‘Forest & Nature School’ program, called Forest Fridays, for a small group of awesome kids whose families’ were excited for give to give them rich, fun, educational ‘Nature Immersion’ experiences with friends on a regular basis. From 6 kids, Forest Fridays grew and adapted for many seasons, alongside numerous other community initiatives, until it became a ‘home away from home’ for many kids/students.
Over the last couple of years through the pandemic, we created several new nature-based programs; some catered to kids who would otherwise have been in school; but, due to the pandemic, weren’t going back quite yet or others whose family felt they would benefit from a healthy day of outdoor learning. All of these programs have been designed to give children the chance to intimately know (and love) their natural surroundings.
This year, we continue to offer a range of ‘Environment Centre Nature School Programs’ for ages 4 to 15. A variety of programs are available most days of the week (Monday to Friday) – we hope you’ll find something that suits your family!
In future years and seasons, we hope to add weekend and afterschool options as well.
Further Information:
Parent Handbook: Please carefully read our ‘Parent & Camper Handbook’ for more information and don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions.
Staff Team: Our dynamic, caring, and creative team of Educators facilitate a wide range of age-appropriate nature-based, environmental, outdoor experiences that engage & inspire! Several of our lead staff are teacher trained and all are experienced, knowledgeable Outdoor Experiential Educators.
Rain or Shine: Our Nature Programs take place outdoors in all weather. While we do have access to the cozy Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, we typically go indoors for safety reasons such as thunderstorms or extreme cold and/or for brief periods for programming that is best suited for indoors.
Once again, please carefully read the Parent & Camper Handbook, check the weather, and come prepared!
Skip to read about our daily program offers:
Outdoor, Experiential & Nature-based Learning:
Nothing can replace the learning that happens outdoors, immersed in nature, with others! On the land, we encounter the world as it exists beyond the realms of human influence. This world, beyond people and what we’ve created, is the world as it has been since the dawn of time – it is our heritage, our shared human ancestry and source of life. Have opportunities to connect with the world in this way become a bit too rare?
Children (perhaps all of us) have an inborn fascination with the wonders of nature and with the species & elements with whom we share the world. Each day, there are amazing stories unfolding for those who are there to witness them, and there are skills and lessons to be learned that aren’t easily replicated in other settings. The Land becomes our teacher and we as kids & leaders learn how to notice, enjoy, and directly observe the living Earth around us!
There are also simple yet powerful benefits that can be gleaned from time spent in nature (in all weather and seasons), including well-being, beauty, and important life-skills. Healthy, lifelong hobbies, habits & interests can also be discovered and ‘absorbed’ while ‘out and about’ in the woods, fields, meadows, swamps & streams, and fulfilling friendships can be forged through shared experience, adventure, learning and camaraderie.
The Book of Nature:
In these year-round programs, the foundation of our curriculum is what we call the “Book of Nature”. In other words, we spend time getting to know and love the natural world in all its many expressions, species, and wonders through all the changes of the seasons that we are able to regularly observe throughout the year. Birds, natural hazard awareness, insects, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, low growing plants, ecological indicators, local heritage species and trees are important to us and each week we endeavour to learn more about them. We also explore the respectful, courteous, connected conduct needed for building and maintaining relationships whether it be with people or other species.
Stewardship and Caretaking:
For over a decade now, we have observed in our participants that as we come to better understand, experience, and enjoy the natural world on a regular basis that a desire to care for the planet often grows. How do we take care of the natural world and help it to regenerate? The Environment Centre and surrounding landscape demonstrate many stewardship practices such as natural building, renewable energy, sustainable gardening, creating, and caring for a ‘nature rich’ (i.e., biodiverse) landscape & more. Participants have plenty of age-appropriate opportunities to investigate and contribute to how they can do their part to help out.
There is something very inspiring about being part of a group of kids & leaders moving through the landscape in all weather – excited, interested and engaged in learning, sharing, and enjoying one another’s company… …playing, connecting & creating – this is the ‘magic’ we strive to create each day.
Registration & Information
- For all programs, please bring your own litter less nut-free lunch
- Parent / Camper Guide
- Code of Conduct
- Map & Directions
Groups – These programs continue to take place in small groups of about 10-12 kids & 2 instructors. Generally, each group works & plays independent of any other groups on site except on special occasions when 2 or more groups may come together.
Winter and March break camps – will not be running again this year. Instead, our year-round, Environment Centre Nature Programs will continue through March Break. We hope to add weekend opportunities in future years.
Minimum Registration Required – We cannot guarantee that all programs will reach the minimum number of participants necessary to run.
While we hope that most will be able to go ahead, for any program that does not reach a minimum registration, we may need to cancel, postpone, or reconfigure. In that case, we would offer alternate options and if needed provide a full refund. Thanks in advance for understanding as we continue to adapt!
If a program is full, please join the waitlist or contact us as we will consider adding additional spaces and/or dates if there is enough interest.
MONDAYS
Earth Craft (NEW) – Nature Skills for Older Kids/Tweens
Ages 9-13
New this year, Earth Craft is a combination of a few things. Girst there is a need to provide programming for youth who are ready for something a little different as they grow into tweens (ages 9/10 to 12) but who aren’t yet quite old enough for our teen, Rootwood program. Second, our Earth Healers program & Bushcraft & Wilderness Skills program have had a wonderful run, but we see the need to retire them to create something a little new and different. In Earth Craft – Nature Skills for Older Kids/Tweens we hope to create a new experience while still drawing on the great content, programming, and experiences that made Earth Healers & Bushcraft so special!
Details
- Ages: 9 to 13
- Group Size: about 12 kids & 2 instructors
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00 am; Pick up: 3:00 pm
Early Fall, Mondays – $440
Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 16, 23, 30
(7 weeks – no class on Thanksgiving Monday, October 9th)
Late Fall, Mondays – $440
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18
(7 weeks)
Early Winter, Mondays – $315
Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Mondays – $255
Feb 12, 26, Mar 4, 11
(4 weeks – no class on Family Day, Monday, February 19th)
Early Spring, Mondays – $380
Mar 18, 25, Apr 8, 15, 22, 29
(6 weeks – no class on Easter Monday Apr 1)
Late Spring, Mondays – $380
May 6, 13, 27, June 3, 10, 17
(6 weeks – no class on May 20)
Forest Explorers
Ages 4 – 7
We wish for every child to have the chance to develop their own special bonds with and experiences of the natural world! Having a wonderful day outside with friends & caring instructors often leads to the desire to ‘have more days like that’! This repeated experience & exposure is a key to feeling at home in Nature and provides numerous benefits – some that last a lifetime.
Each day offers many opportunities to get to learn about the world around us. Guided by caring instructors, children come to know, enjoy, and eventually love the beauty of the outdoors in all seasons. These experiences can help build resilience, well being, a sense of fun & adventure as well as friendships.
This program is almost entirely outdoors – please consider whether your child is ready to be outside in most weather for the day!
Details
- Ages: 4 to 7
- Group Size: about 10 kids & 2 instructors
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00 am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Early Fall, Mondays – $440
Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 16, 23, 30
(7 weeks – no class on Thanksgiving Monday, October 9th)
Late Fall, Mondays – $440
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18
(7 weeks)
Early Winter, Mondays – $315
Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Mondays – $255
Feb 12, 26, Mar 4, 11
(4 weeks – no class on Family Day, Monday, February 19th)
Early Spring, Mondays – $380
Mar 18, 25, Apr 8, 15, 22, 29
(6 weeks – no class on Easter Monday Apr 1)
Late Spring, Mondays – $380
May 6, 13, 27, June 3, 10, 17
(6 weeks – no class on May 20)
TUESDAYS
Rootwood – every week
Ages 14-18
This program focuses on the integration of key nature connection practices and philosophies to foster the independent growth of participants. While this experience has been designed for youth who have ‘graduated’ through our younger programs, new participants may be welcome depending on experience and space available (please inquire).
Details
- Ages: 14 to 18
- Group Size: about 12 teens & 1 instructor (depending on interest)
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Early Fall, Tuesdays – $505
Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
(8 weeks)
Late Fall, Tuesdays – $440
Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19
(7 weeks)
Early Winter, Tuesdays – $315
Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Tuesdays – $315
Feb 13, 20, 27, Mar 5, 12
(5 weeks)
Early Spring, Tuesdays – $440
Mar 19, 26, Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
(7 weeks)
Late Spring, Tuesdays – $440
May 7, 14, 21, 28, Jun 4, 11, 18
(7 weeks)
Rootwood – alternate weeks
Ages 14-18
Details
- Ages: 14 to 18
- Group Size: about 12 teens & 1 instructor (depending on interest)
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Fall, Tuesdays – $505
Sept 12, 26, Oct 10, 24, Nov 7, 21, Dec 5, 19
(8 weeks)
Winter, Tuesdays – $315
Jan 9, 23, Feb 6, 20, Mar 5
(5 weeks)
Spring, Tuesdays – $440
Mar 19, Apr 2, 16, 30, May 14, 28, June 11
(7 weeks)
WEDNESDAYS
Woodsy Wednesdays
Ages 8 – 12
Like Forest Fridays, Woodsy Wednesdays is a ‘Nature Immersion’ experience for students. Learning about Nature and the Environment, and learning to love & take care of Nature, is a lot like learning a language in that it happens over time, through immersion in the outdoors in all seasons and through a wide variety of experiences.
Each week, we strive to build knowledge, skills and a love of Nature and the Environment to last a lifetime. Through lessons, adventures, exploration, play, projects, arts, crafts, drama and more that appeal to a variety of learning styles; this program provides repeated exposure & experiences that inspires & helps young people develop a robust connection with the living world.
And, of course, all the benefits that come with healthy, fun, outdoor time with friends.
Details
- Ages: 8 to 12
- Group Size: about 12 kids & 2 instructors
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00 am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Early Fall, Wednesdays – $440
Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
(7 weeks)
Late Fall, Wednesday – $505
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20
(8 weeks)
Early Winter, Wednesdays – $315
Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Wednesdays – $315
Feb 14, 21, 28, Mar 6, 14
(5 weeks)
Early Spring, Wednesdays – $440
Mar 20, 27, Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1
(7 weeks)
Late Spring, Wednesdays – $440
May 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12, 19
(7 weeks)
Forest Explorers
Ages 4 – 7
We wish for every child to have the chance to develop their own special bonds with and experiences of the natural world! Having a wonderful day outside with friends & caring instructors often leads to the desire to ‘have more days like that’! This repeated experience & exposure is a key to feeling at home in Nature and provides numerous benefits – some that last a lifetime.
Each day offers many opportunities to get to learn about the world around us. Guided by caring instructors, children come to know, enjoy, and eventually love the beauty of the outdoors in all seasons. These experiences can help build resilience, well being, a sense of fun & adventure as well as friendships.
This program is almost entirely outdoors – please consider whether your child is ready to be outside in most weather for the day!
Details
- Ages: 4 to 7
- Group Size: about 10 kids & 2 instructors
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00 am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Early Fall, Wednesday – $440
Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
(7 weeks)
Late Fall, Wednesday – $505
Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13, 20
(8 weeks)
Early Winter, Wednesday – $315
Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Wednesday – $315
Feb 14, 21, 28, Mar 6, 14
(5 weeks)
Early Spring , Wednesday – $440
Mar 20, 27, Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1
(7 weeks)
Late Spring, Wednesday – $440
May 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19
(7 weeks)
FRIDAY
Forest Fridays
Ages 8 to 14
Forest Fridays is our original Nature Mentoring program for Homeschooled kids; it is a ‘Nature Immersion’ experience for students. Learning about Nature and the Environment and learning to love & take care of the natural world is a lot like learning a language in that it happens over time, immersed in all seasons and through a wide variety of experiences.
Each week, we strive to build knowledge, skills and a love of Nature and the Environment to last a lifetime. Through lessons, adventures, exploration, play, projects, arts, crafts, drama and more that appeal to a variety of learning styles; this program provides repeated exposure & experiences that inspires & helps young people foster a robust connection with the living world.
And, of course, there are all the benefits that come with healthy, fun, outdoor time with friends.
Depending on interest, we may divide this group by ages with an older & younger group that work separately and on occasion together. This year, for simplicity registration occurs as one group.
Details
- Ages: 8 – 14
- Group Size: about 12 kids & 2 instructors
- Location: Camp Kawartha’s Environment Centre, 2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough
- Drop off: 9:00 am; Pick up: 3:00 pm (6 hrs)
Early Fall, Fridays – $440
Sept 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
(7 weeks)
Late Fall, Fridays – $505
Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
(8 weeks)
Early Winter, Fridays – $315
Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9
(5 weeks)
Late Winter, Fridays – $315
Feb 16, 23, Mar 1, 8, 15
(5 weeks)
Early Spring, Fridays – $380
Mar 22, Apr 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
(6 weeks – no class Friday, March 29th)
Late Spring, Fridays – $440
May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 21
Background on Our Outdoor Learning Programs:
Nothing can replace the learning that happens outdoors in nature! In the woods, we encounter the world as it exists outside the realms of human influence. This is the world beyond people and what we’ve created as it has been for a very, very long time. Children (perhaps all of us really) have an inborn fascination with the wonders of nature and with the other species & elements with which we share the world. Outdoors, there are stories that unfold each day for those who are there to notice them and there are skills & lessons that aren’t easily replicated in other settings. The land becomes our teacher and we as kids & leaders learn how to observe and learn how to learn from the living Earth around us!
Well-being, beauty, life skills and healthy lifelong habits & interests can also be discovered and ‘absorbed’ while out and about in the woods, fields, meadows, swamps & streams.
In these year-round programs, the foundation of our curriculum is what we call the “Book of Nature” or in other words, the natural world in all its many facets. Birds, hazards awareness, creepy crawly critters to catch, mammals, low growing plants, ecological indicators, local heritage species and trees are important to us and each week we seek to learn more about them. We also explore the respectful, courteous conduct needed for building and maintaining relationships whether it be with people or other species.
In nature too, are many foundations of science, math, literacy, critical thinking, arts & humanities. These pursuits and others are woven throughout our days. As we come to know and better understand the natural world, a desire to care for the planet often grows. How do we take care of & heal the natural world and help it to regenerate? The Environment Centre and surrounding landscape demonstrate many stewardship practices such as natural building, renewable energy, sustainable gardening, creating a ‘nature rich’ landscape & more!
There is something very inspiring about seeing a group of kids & leaders moving through the landscape in all weather – excited, interested and engaged in their learning as well as enjoying one another’s company, playing & creating – we hope to see you soon!
Inquiries
Questions about our Homeschool Programs?
Fill out this form to reach Craig Brant, Environment Centre Manager, and James White, Registrar.
Or call 705-652-3860 x 201.