CC0001 - Exploring Nature - Outdoor Learning Program

Course Description

Sessions for Summer 2024 are now full.  Please contact registar@uoguelph.ca if you would like to add your child to the Waitlist.

Our Exploring Nature Outdoor Learning Program (OLP) is a seasonal, inquiry-based learning program for children 4 to 8 years old with meaningful opportunities to explore and learn through nature. Led by our Registered Early Childhood Educators and Ontario Certified Teachers, we aim to help children strengthen their connection with the natural world and foster stewardship of the environment.

Learning Outcomes

Time spent learning in nature has been shown to have dramatic benefits for children's social, psychological and physical well-being. Through this learning program, we aim to help children strengthen their connection with the natural world and foster their stewardship of the environment.

As the outdoor environment provides a rich place for exploration and learning, there are many opportunities for connections to the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum for the primary grades, which could include understanding life systems, understanding structures and mechanisms, understanding matter and energy, and understanding earth and space systems. The focus of the programming will include daily exploration both inside and outside with intentionally planned experiences that will support the children's learning and development.

Please view the Predicted Learning Experiences for our Summer 2024 offerings.

Note:

Hours of Operation

Drop Off - 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Programming - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Pick Up - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Additional Program Information

To enhance our sustainability, reduce waste, and control exposure to allergens, the registration fee includes a freshly prepared plant-based lunch and two snacks each day.  Please view the Sample Menu for an example of the program's weekly menu.  We are able to accommodate some food allergies or restrictions; however, if your child has food allergies or restrictions, please contact outdoor@uoguelph.ca to confirm that your child's needs can be met prior to registration. 

As the majority of the day is spent outside, children must come prepared for the weather each day.  More detailed program information will be sent out to the registrants through email before the program starts.

Registration Information

In an effort to support more consistent cohorting within the program and enhance the connections in the learning community, monthly registration will open prior to weekly registration.  Registration for full months (either weeks 1 to 4 which is July 2nd to 26th or weeks 5 to 8 which is July 29th to August 23rd) will open on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 at 10:00 am and close on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at 11:59 pm.  Please ensure that you fill out the application under the Family Portal tab (one per child) when you register for the program.  A completed Informed Consent Form will need to be uploaded as part of the application (one per child). The form can be completed digitally as a fillable PDF or it can be scanned in as an image document. 

Cancellation Policy

A full refund will be issued if cancellation is received at least 1 month prior to start date.  If you are cancelling a monthly registration, your registration will be cancelled for all four weeks, and you must cancel a July registration by June 1st and an August registration by June 30th.  If you cancel a monthly registration but would like to re-register for one or more weeks, you can request to be added to the waitlist.

Contact Us

For questions about the program, please contact the OLP team at outdoor@uoguelph.ca

For questions about the OpenEd registration system, please contact register@uoguelph.ca