Kimberley Outdoor Learning Society (KOLS) is excited to share that it is becoming part of Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook (WKC).

KOLS began running fully outdoor programs in the fall of 2021, with a goal to inspire and enable children and adults alike to play, explore, and connect with nature and our community. KOLS offers four different weekly programs for ages 12 and under, based on the Forest and Nature School philosophy.

Forest and Nature School (FNS) is an educational approach that was established in Europe in the 1950s.

The primary goal is to provide regular and repeated access to a natural space, using largely emergent, student-led, and play-based programming. Students enjoy the freedom to explore, build, play, and engage with one another, throughout every season of the year.

“There are so many benefits to forest school — increased attention levels, critical thinking, creativity to name a few,” shared Kim Urbaniak, Forest and Nature School Instructor. “I want to offer this type of opportunity to every kid in Kimberley, and KOLS was a great way to start. I’m excited to see what we can do next as part of WKC!”

KOLS’s focus on FNS programming aligns well with WKC’s core values of inclusion, community involvement, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

The programs will remain consistent with play-based, child-led, and guided by Forest and Nature School principles, as they have been since 2021. By taking on KOLS, WKC will be able to provide year-round programming, while simultaneously helping the Forest and Nature School to streamline the behind-the-scenes work.

Fall 2023 programs are open for registration at www.kimberleyoutdoors.ca.

• Snowshoe Hares Afterschool, ages 5-12: Mondays 2:45 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wolf Cubs Unparented Play, ages 3-5: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Ravens Full Day, ages 5-12: Thursdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Deer and Fawns Parented Play, ages 0-5 and their carers: Fridays 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Photos by Kim Urbaniak

Submitted

Article Share