Written by Karlin Villasis
Earlier this July, we gathered with participants from the Forest and Nature Practitioners Course in Foresters Falls hosted by the incredible team at Out and About Forest and Nature School. This course was one of many CNAC Forest and Nature School Practitioners Courses happening across the country, and like each one, there was something uniquely beautiful about learning on this Land. Rain or shine, we showed up to learn, unlearn, listen, play, and grow.
Out and About is currently running their Forest and Nature School programs, so we were lucky to witness it all in action. Seeing children and educators move through their routines outdoors offered real-time insight into the Forest and Nature School.
We began the week with Elder Pat and Kerry, who welcomed us and shared the history of the Land and their community. During our time in the circle, we were deeply moved by the openness and vulnerability in the space. It reminded us how powerful it can be when we create room for truth-telling and deep listening. We left feeling more grounded, connected, and inspired to show up more fully in our work and relationships. Their stories grounded us and invited us to enter the week with humility and care.
We mingled and exchanged stories, beginning to form a little learning community of our own. Throughout the day, we explored the The Seven Relationships of an Ethical Forest and Nature School, including our Relationship with Play, Risk, Land, and each other. These conversations were deepened by doing what we do best: heading outside.
On one rainy afternoon, we went on a hike through the forest. Along the way, we noticed Poison Ivy, Oak Ivy, and Sumac Ivy and learned to think of them differently. One Facilitator shared that Poison ivy is often seen as something to avoid, but it can also be understood as a messenger of the Land. In many Indigenous and nature-based teachings, plants like poison ivy tell a story. They remind us to listen, to slow down, and sometimes, to step back. It invites us to be in the right relationship with the places we love, not just by taking joy in them, but by recognizing when they are asking for care, boundaries, and time to heal, just like we do. We started calling them Protection Ivy.
Later, we paused by Kitchi Zibi Mikan (Great River) and were invited to reflect on our memories of joyful outdoor play. Some of us sat quietly, took a dip in the water, and each of us found meaningful ways to connect with the Land and Water.
The day was full of small but powerful moments. We took time for sit spots, where we found quiet spaces to simply listen and connect with the Land. We regrouped to talk about risk and comfort, and played the Circle of comfort zones game where we each moved in or out of the circle depending on how we felt about different risky scenarios.
We wrapped up our first day on the beach. Despite the grey skies and cool breeze, many of us ran into the water, built with the sand, or skipped stones. Play found us, even in the drizzle.
And that was just the first day.
The rest of the week was filled with more learning and unlearning, stories, laughter. As we explored new ideas and faced new challenges, we also grew closer to each other. We became a circle rooted in care, curiosity, and shared purpose.
To find a course near you, visit https://childnature.ca/forest-school-canada/!
