This course will give educators the theoretical and practical tools they need to safely and effectively establish and run Forest and Nature School programs.

Themes to be covered include the theoretical underpinnings of FNS, practical skills, and establishment and delivery. There is a strong emphasis in this course on self-directed, experiential, and inquiry-driven outdoor learning.

The course includes an intensive, in-person portion (either 5 consecutive days or 3 weekends) where all educators come together to facilitate the formation of a community of practice. The in-person part of the course is physically and mentally engaging, and is meant to be a transformative and immersive nature-based experience.

Following the in-person part of the course, educators return home to launch into course work, which includes self-directed reading, completing assignments, and delivering six practice Forest and Nature School sessions to a student group. During this time, educators will be assessed to ensure they are meeting all course assessment criteria and following best practices in the Forest and Nature School field.

All course work after (or in between, in the “modular” format) the in-person portion of the course is done on an online educational platform, so a proficiency in using the internet and basic computer skills are helpful. To complete the course, educators should plan to commit 3-5 hours per week to read, write, engage online with other educators, and to complete course work.

The course begins with a 5-day (or three weekend ‘Modular’) in person portion before launching into a one-year independent study which includes the submission of 6 assignments and a 6 self-directed practicum sessions. It takes on average 3-5 hours course per week to complete the course work within the one year time frame, although this depends on individual work habits. The course is self-directed and so individuals are able to work at their own pace and self-determine how much time they require for each assignment.

Upon registering for the course, practitioners agree that:

• They have the necessary prerequisites for the course (or prior approval from FSC).
• Barring unexpected circumstances, they will attend and complete all course elements and requirements within the one-year timeframe (i.e., if the course begins in May 2017, all coursework must be submitted by the end of May, 2018).
• They understand that assessment of their coursework will take place during the one-year period of the course. If the student is unable to run their Forest School Program within the one-year period, arrangements will need to be made with course facilitators ahead of time.
• If they do not complete the course they will not be entitled to reimbursement of any costs.
• They will ensure that the necessary insurance coverage, vulnerable sector police check, and First Aid training are in place before running a Forest and Nature School program. Please note: First Aid training is not included in the Practitioners Course, and must be acquired in order to complete the Practitioners Course and receive certification.
• They know of no medical reasons why they should not participate in any of the activities listed below:
  • Use of tools, shelter building and physically demanding team building activities (walking on uneven ground)
  • Outdoor, active play in nature with young children
  • Fire lighting and camp fire cooking
• They agree not to make any unauthorized use of the intellectual property and proprietary information of Forest School Canada/Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. Unauthorized use of the intellectual property and proprietary information includes but is not limited to hosting and/or facilitating forest and nature school training events that would make use of the intellectual property and proprietary information of Forest School Canada/Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
• They understand that this is not a “train the trainer” course and that at no point during or after the course are they to represent themselves as a trainer or facilitator of Forest School Canada/Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
• Forest School Canada (FSC) has the right to cancel the training course due to insufficient registration. Cancellation will be no later than four weeks prior to the start of the course. In this case, the deposit will be refunded or put towards another course,  at the discretion of the registrant.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Before you register for this course, please weigh very carefully whether you are truly able to make the time and financial commitment it requires.

In the event that you need to withdraw from the course due to unforeseen circumstances, Forest School Canada/The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada will assess your request up to four weeks before the start date of your course. We will assess requests on a case-by-case basis, and, if possible, we will issue you a refund for all payment received, less the $500 non-refundable deposit.

We regret that we are unable to assess requests and issue refunds within four weeks of the start date of your course.

Each of our workshops offers something different, be it a taste of Forest and Nature School or a deep dive into supporting opportunities for risk-taking in children’s play. The workshops are ideal for anyone and everyone looking to support play and learning in the outdoors, across sectors.

The Practitioners Course is intended for educators or those with similar backgrounds who are interested in starting their Forest and Nature School programs, or in incorporating elements of the philosophy into their practice. The Course is a significant, year-long commitment, while the workshops are less so!

Both! We offer workshops at our headquarters, the Ottawa Forest and Nature School, throughout the year. Any interested individuals can register. We also work with organizations to tailor or workshops to meet your needs, in a location convenient for you.

No, the workshops are designed for anyone and everyone looking to support play and learning outdoors in their practice, from all sectors.

Workshop dates will be posted as they are scheduled. Please check back frequently! If you are interested in booking a workshop for your group, please get in touch with us to find a convenient time and location for you.

We often host workshops at our headquarters at the Ottawa Forest and Nature School, but we can facilitate workshops across the country. Please get in touch with us for more information.