Full Year & Seasonal Sessions
For All Ages
“Coyote Nature School is by far the best nature school we've found. And we've attended 3 previously! The care from the leaders is evident each day with weekly emails sharing what the day's plan is, to a blog that captures what was learned and what I can ask my child as a way to invoke conversation about her day at nature school. My child counts down the days until her weekly attendance at Coyote Nature School and always comes back lit up with stories to tell. She always had a favourite part of the day to share and even made a rather special ‘tree friend’ that she feels she can share her secrets with. This is a school that fosters nature connection, play and learning all together - I highly recommend it!”
Donna Wilding, Parent
Acorns & Oaks Program
for children 18 months to 4 years with parent/caregiver
Stoneridge Farm | Mondays 9:30 am - 11:00 am | Spots still available
Fall Session | Sept - Nov 2024 | 8 weeks
Connect alongside your child to the wonders of nature. Acorns & Oaks immerses children with their parents/caregiver in an active outdoor experience in a beautiful setting. Wander the forest pathways, tune in your deer ears, dog nose, and raccoon hands as we watch the season change and hidden colours emerge. Find out what plants and animals are living close by and connect with them through ‘hands on’ learning. Each visit includes imaginative play, stories, hiking, roleplay, and nature activities. Collaborative ‘art’ by building, creating, and pretending using natural materials are part of each visit. Enjoy being present as your child exercises their creativity, curiosity, and wonder in the natural world. Grow your own nature literacy skills so you can reconnnect your family with the natural world.
Each day will be highlighted through a blog post to help families support the learning through conversations at home.
All Sessions *caregiver required to directly supervise children - max. 2 children per adult
Acorns & Oaks Program Costs $200 (includes HST) per child for 8 visits
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to hold a spot. Send program fees by e-transfer to coyotenatureschool@gmail.com. Include your child's full name, program and location.
Please contact us directly if your child requires any special supports or accommodations in order to participate fully. (519) 852-1842
Turtle Program (4-10 years)
Full Day / Full Year Program (32 weeks)
Registration is open now
Start Date: September, 2024
End Date: June, 2025
Harrington | Tuesdays | 9:00am - 3:00pm
We are the turtles, exploring life around the pond using all our senses. Around water is where we love to be, but we are adaptable and happy foraging or resting in the sun. Although we are independent and can go solo, we cooperate well together and care about our group.
These are the attributes we will foster in the Turtles program. Children spend most of the time outdoors exploring and discovering all the wonders around them in this unique wetland space. Building strong bonds with others through wandering, fun play and creative learning is our focus.
Turtle Program
The Harrington Village and beautiful Mill Pond is the ideal location to explore diversity and change. Turtle groups are kept small in size (8-10) with Denise Iszczuk directly facilitating each session. Our ratio is 1 adult: 5 children, providing ideal guidance and support. Children arrive at Harrington Hall for check-in to ensure everyone is feeling comfortable and dressed appropriately for the weather. We head out for our afternoon activities which may include a snack time on a blanket, log circle, or picnic tables. Explorations focus on discovering how seasonal changes affect our local animals and plants, mapping, experimenting, building habitats, and role-playing predator/prey relationships. Children will be given opportunities for quiet reflection using guided questions, drawing and writing. We may gather in the historic grist mill, the perfect place for quiet stories, sketching, or art. Each day will be highlighted through a blog post to help parents support the learning through conversations at home.
Full Day
9:00 Arrival at Harrington Hall and welcome
9:15 Opening circle, story of the day
9:45 Hike, snack time & morning discovery
11:30 Lunch at the pond, Mill, or Hall (weather dependent)
12:30 Wonder-wander time & sit spot reflection
1:00 Afternoon discovery
2:15 Reflective activities, songs, closing
3:00 Pick up
Turtle Full Day Full Year Program Costs $1,760 for 32 weeks includes HST
A non-refundable $200 deposit is required to hold a spot. Send program fees by e-transfer to coyotenatureschool@gmail.com. Include your child's full name, program and location.
Please contact us directly if your child requires any special supports or accommodations in order to participate fully. (519) 852-1842
Chickadees (4 years and up) - FULL (register for waitlist)
Full Day / Full Year Program (32 weeks)
Registration is open now
Start Date: September, 2024
End Date: June 2025
Stoneridge Farm | Wednesdays | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
We are the Chickadees, inquisitive, resourceful and brave. Woodland areas are where we love to be, keeping active even during cold snowy months. Our energy is positive, we are friendly and trusting, coming to perch on wooly hats and hands in a bold search for sunflower seeds.
These are the attributes we will foster in the Chickadee Program. Children spend most of their day outdoors exploring and discovering all the wonders around them in this unique wetland space. Building strong bonds with others through wander, fun play and creative learning is our focus.
Chickadee Program
Stoneridge Farm just north of St Marys is an idyllic location for your child to actively learn and explore in a diverse, yet safe natural setting. Chickadee groups are kept small in size (10-12) with responsive mentorship meeting the children where they are at. Our ratio is 1 adult: 6 children, providing ideal guidance and support. Stoneridge Farm offers a beautiful setting with a wealth of natural diversity. The winding trail along the creek is home to many species of animals, plants and trees. There is so much to explore just over the bridge and through the whispering pines. On those wintry days we can eat lunch around the campfire and bird watch at the backyard feeders. For quieter reflection, journaling or art we may sneak into the heritage barn, a perfect place to gather and chat about our day. Each day will be highlighted through a blog post to help parents support the learning through conversations at home.
Full Day
9:00 Arrival at Stoneridge Farm and welcome
9:15 Opening circle, story of the day
9:30 Walk, snack time & morning discovery learning program
11:30 Lunch at the creek, barn, or sheltered spot (weather dependent)
12:30 Wonder-wander time & sit spot reflection
1:00 Afternoon discovery learning program
2:15 Story of the day, children share and plan for next visit, closing song and saying
3:00 Pick up
Chickadee Program Costs: $55/day includes HST $1,760 for full year (3 payment installment options)
A non-refundable $200 deposit is required to hold a spot. Send by e-transfer to coyotenatureschool@gmail.com. Include your child's full name, program and location.
Herons (5 years and up)
Full Day / Full Year Program (32 weeks)
Registration for 2024/25 program open now.
Start Date: September 2024
End Date: June 2025
Harrington | Fridays | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
We are the Herons, observant, calm, and self reliant. Wetlands are our favoured habitat, we wade and watch, taking note of small movements and sounds. We are attentive, wise, soaring to find the perfect place to use our skills. Community is important, we share and find belonging in the flock.
These are the attributes fostered in the Herons program while exploring the unique habitat of the wetland and forest spaces. Herons will hone their senses through ‘hands on’ collaborative learning, sharing knowledge, questioning and making connections.
Herons Program
The Harrington Village and beautiful Mill Pond is the ideal location to explore diversity and change. Heron groups are kept small in size (10-14) with responsive mentorship meeting children where they are at. Our ratio is 1 adult: 6 children, providing ideal guidance and support. Children arrive at Harrington Hall for check-in to ensure everyone is feeling comfortable and dressed appropriately for the weather. We head out for our morning activities, snack, and wonder-wander time. Lunch may be on a blanket, log circle or picnic areas. Active afternoon explorations focus on discovering more about seasonal change in animals and plants, mapping, experimenting, building habitats, role-playing predator/prey relationships and reflecting at our sit spots. We may gather in the historic grist mill, the perfect place for quiet stories, sketching, or adding to our nature journals. Connecting with community members, artisans, crafters, writers and nature experts is a part of our year-long journey. Each day will be highlighted through a blog post to help parents support the learning through conversations at home.
Full Day
9:00 Arrival at Harrington Hall and welcome
9:15 Opening circle, story of the day
9:45 Hike, snack time & morning discovery
11:00 Library visit, story-time and craft
11:30 Lunch at the pond, Mill, or Hall (weather dependent)
12:30 Wonder-wander time & sit spot reflection
1:00 Afternoon discovery
2:15 Reflective activities, songs, closing
3:00 Pick up
Heron Program Costs: $55/day includes HST $1,760 for full year (seasonal payment options)
A non-refundable $200 deposit is required to hold a spot. Send program fees by e-transfer to coyotenatureschool@gmail.com. Include your child's full name, program and location.
Eagles (10 to 16 years)
Fall Session | 8 weeks
Start Date: September 21, 2024
End Date: November 9, 2024
Stoneridge Farm | Saturdays | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
We are the Eagles, keen observers and resourceful. Our days are spent in pursuit, gaining skills through trial and error as we mature to our full capacity. Challenge is something we seek. Risks are measured and boldly taken as we grow strong.
These are the attributes fostered in our new adolescent program; perseverance, confidence, teamwork. Our shorter day will be packed with new experiences. Our focus is building a solid learning community with lasting friendships forged through collaboration in nature.
Eagles Program
Join the Eagles at Stoneridge Farm for 8 weeks in the forest with friends. This program is designed to ignite a profound connection to nature and equips young people with essential skills and knowledge to feel at ease in any outdoor environment. Our focus will be on team building and creating a strong community where social and personal confidence can be built. Be prepared to spend days outdoors, come rain or shine, engaging in activities that blend learning with challenging yet inspiring experiences. Guided by curiosity, the group will delve into practical skills such as knife safety, wood processing with saws, wood carving, bird call identification, tree and plant identification, fire making with both primitive and modern tools, emergency shelter making, navigation, and weather reading. The culmination of our program will be a special day where we combine all learned skills in a collaborative challenge. Fall is an ideal time to connect with peers while enjoying the beauty of fall. We aim for our group to be a safe place to take risks and navigate this unique stage of life.
Program Outline
10:00 Arrival at Stoneridge Farm & Welcome
Opening circle, talk about the day ahead
10:15 Hike and adventure based activity
12:00 Lunch around the campfire or in the barn
12:30 Skill practice /Reflection
1:00 Camp craft, team building, or extended hike
2:00 Sharing & Closing Affirmation
Eagle Fall Program Costs: $360 includes HST and all program materials
A non-refundable $100 deposit is required to hold a spot. Send program fees by e-transfer to coyotenatureschool@gmail.com. Include your child's full name, program and location.
Please contact us directly if your child requires any special support or accommodations in order to participate fully: (519) 852-1842.