In this series, we catch up with past participants of our Forest School Course to discover how it shaped their journey in outdoor education. Hear their stories, their insights, and the transformative impact it has had on their work with children and youth.
What part of the course did you find most meaningful? What did you take away from the course?
The most meaningful aspect of the course for me was the connections and conversations with other participants and the course conductors. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I received and continue to receive. These interactions provided a valuable space to discuss various experiences and perspectives on inclusion, play and risky play. Through these discussions, I gained diverse approaches to facilitating risky play and came to understand that it manifests differently for each individual.
The course inspired me to delve deeper into the topic, leading me to read and study extensively about the meaning and benefits of risky play. I learned how essential it is for children’s development, fostering their confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The insights gained from these interactions and studies have profoundly influenced my approach to outdoor education, enabling me to create more enriching and supportive environments for children to explore and grow.
How did the course help you with your career in outdoor ed/forest & nature school? Tell us about your program/work!
The course helped advance my career as a forest school educator by providing me with essential philosophies and practices that I referenced at the beginning of my journey. It also introduced me to valuable resources and mentors who guided me in building my program handbook and provided the necessary tools to start my own business. I am beyond grateful for the mentors and course leaders that were a wealth of knowledge and insight. I have now been operating my forest school for three years, and continue to ask them questions. I also learned about the different ways to ensure the safety of children, myself, and my business in terms of legality, while playing on the land, and how to utilize risk assessment forms.
I opened Out and About Forest and Nature School INC. in September 2020 in hopes to inspire children to engage in outdoor play, exploration, and curiosity. I believe that the outdoors is essential in developing and understanding our capabilities and develop confidence. It began with three children, three supportive families, a magic tree, a sense of wonder, and continued to evolve from there. Out and About (or Out and About FNS) offers outdoor educational programs dedicated to providing child-centered, inclusive, inquiry-driven, and educator-supported spaces. These programs aim to develop self-regulation, self-assurance, a valued relationship with nature, and problem-solving skills that enhance children’s everyday lives. We share stories, foster a sense of achievement, self-confidence, and well-being.
Currently, Out and About operates in two locations; a public park in Petawawa and Whitewater Cottage & RV Resort in Foresters Falls. We currently host year round, offering many types of programs such as our school-age program (Wolf), our preschool program (Fox), our family program (Birch and Bud), our Leadership Program (for youth between 10-16), our Deer Program for developmentally delayed adults, collaboratively designed with fellow educator Suzanne Heale as well as Happy Days Disability Services. Out and About also offers outdoor skill development programs for all ages, such as fire building.
I also collaborate with local businesses and other Forest Schools such as Ally Tomo Yoga and Black in Nature in Ottawa to host events that bring communities together. These are some of my favorite ways to share a collaborative passion for play and sharing the stunning space.
My mission is to emphasize the significance of trusting children’s abilities while guiding them in their play. Learning to trust in the child’s capabilities is a core aspect of my philosophy. Out and About is committed to providing space and time to foster a connection with the natural environment for all. My goal remains clear: to create space and time for all children and families to experience the wonders of the outdoors. I advocate for outdoor play over screen time, aiming to help children discover their potential, share in the marvel of the outdoors, and simply get out and play. In my belief, there’s no better place for holistic development than in the embrace of nature.
How has this course impacted your work with children? How has forest school helped shape them as individuals?
The course introduced me to incredible mentors who deepened my understanding of the benefits of risky play and how to observe its various forms. I learned to enhance my trust in children’s capabilities and ideas, feeling more confident in supporting them to lead play and explore their interests. This approach has enabled me to better support their learning and development. Staying connected with these mentors has provided valuable insights into teaching outdoors and understanding different boundaries.
Each time I spend with the children,I notice their growth in self-actualization and self-belief. By trusting their capabilities, my staff and I help them discover their likes, dislikes, and boundaries, fostering their independence and confidence. This trust creates an environment where children feel empowered to make decisions and work through their ideas, leading to remarkable holistic development. When children are trusted, they learn to navigate challenges, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience. They become more confident in their abilities and more willing to take initiative. This approach not only enhances their cognitive and emotional development but also promotes social skills as they collaborate and communicate with peers and adults. The transformation is amazing—children become more self-reliant, motivated, and engaged learners who are better equipped to handle the complexities of life.
Arija Bunkis
Director and Head Educator
Out and About Forest and Nature School
Play, Explore, Inquire