Winter Woods

Family Forest Morning Series | AGEs 4-12

6-Week Winter Forest School Pilot • January–February 2026

Sundays • Jan. 11, 18, 25 + Feb. 1, 8, 15 (2026) at 10:00am - 12:00pm

Winter Woods is a 6-week outdoor nature-based learning program designed to help families experience forest school at a slower, seasonal pace. Each week includes fire-based gathering, nature exploration, skill-building, curiosity-led play, and family learning time in the winter forest. This pilot program is ideal for families who want to:

  • Experience a low-commitment version of forest school

  • Build nature confidence and resilience together

  • Get outdoors through winter instead of waiting for spring

  • Connect with other families who value nature-based learning

  • Try forest school before enrolling in a longer seasonal program

A gentle, winter-friendly introduction to forest school for children and families in Hockley Valley.

Children ages 4–12 + a participating parent or guardian (Adults FREE)

Week 1 – Welcome to Winter Woods

Fire circle, warm drinks, land introduction, sensory games, snow play

Week 2 – Tracks, Traces & Winter Wildlife

Animal tracking, snow-prints, winter ecology, observation skills

Week 3 – Shelters & Winter Survival Skills

Mini-shelters, windbreaks, knots, resilience-building movement

Week 4 – Birds, Sound Maps & Quiet Listening

Bird calls, feeder building, sit-spot time, nature sound journaling

Week 5 – Fire, Foraging & Forest Tea

Safe fire-building, ethical gathering of cedar/spruce/pine, boiling snow, making forest tea

Week 6 – Forest Art & Celebration Circle

Nature mandalas, gratitude sharing, cocoa, reflection, spring program invitation

Full 6-week series:
$270 per child

Drop-in rate: $40 per child per session | $30 for siblings

Contact Us for Drop-In Availability or Group Rate Offers | Restrictions Apply

This is a family-participation program (parents stay).
Waiver must be signed prior to attendance.
Program runs in all weather except extreme danger (policies below).
Bathroom: rustic/outhouse or tree option depending on site conditions.
Children must come dressed for winter.

Refunds: No refunds. Program is final sale unless Wildfire Environmental cancels due to full-day severe weather or instructor illness.

Weather: We run in snow, light rain, and sub-zero temperatures with fire & movement. We cancel only for extreme wind, unsafe ice storms, or Environment Canada warnings. Make-up date built into schedule if needed.

Risk: This is an outdoor, all-weather, nature-based program involving fire, uneven terrain, and natural materials. Full risk acknowledgement & waiver required.