Programs

Registration for the 2020 - 2021 School Year is now open!

Welcome to Dogwood Acres FS!

Within all of our programs, our days are spent exploring the natural environment, practicing skills, developing mindfulness, embracing passions, and engaging in games and activities that teach. The learning experience is ever changing and driven by questioning, storytelling, and inquiry. Through facilitator mentorship, reflection, community building activities, and nature inspired challenges, we aim to develop critical thinking skills, resiliency, focus, positive social skills, and overall physical and emotional well being of individuals and the whole group. Join us for an exciting adventure!

School Year & Per Term Programs

Monday: Seeds

Ages: 5 – 10 years

Hours: 9am to 3:30pm

An introduction to Forest School where learning opportunities will include exploration of the natural environment, developing mindfulness and embracing child passions & play. Students will have opportunities to develop an understanding of nature concepts and learn and practice skills such as woodworking, cooking, orienteering, crafting, outdoor survival skills and more.

  • Fall: 12 weeks -- Sept. 21 - Dec. 14 2020 (excludes Thanksgiving Day)
  • Winter: 8 weeks -- Jan. 4 - Mar. 1 2021 (Excludes Family Day)
  • Spring: 10 weeks -- Mar. 22 - June 7 2021 (Excludes Easter Monday & Victoria Day)


Tuesday: Sprouts

Ages: 5 – 13 years

Hours: 9am to 3:30pm

Learning opportunities will include exploring the natural environment, practicing mindfulness, and continuing to develop child passions and interests. The learning environment will expand on student understanding of nature concepts and include opportunities to practice and refine student skills in woodworking, cooking, orienteering, crafting, outdoor survival skills and more through small focused projects and activities.

  • Fall: 13 weeks -- Sept. 22 - Dec. 15 2020
  • Winter: 8 weeks -- Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 2021
  • Spring: 12 weeks -- Mar. 23 - June 8 2021


Wednesday: Saplings

Ages: 7 - 13 years

Hours: 9am to 3:30pm

Learning opportunities will include students examining nature concepts through inquiries, field studies, and exploration; learning about and making connections to local, national, and international environmental issues; and continuing to refine and master skills in woodworking, cooking, orienteering, crafting, outdoor survival skills and more through larger focused projects and activities.

  • Fall: 13 weeks -- Sept. 23 - Dec. 16 2020
  • Winter: 8 weeks -- Jan. 6 - Feb. 24 2021
  • Spring: 12 weeks -- Mar. 24 - June 9 2021

NEW! Per Term Commitment or Drop In Programs

Thursday: Roots & Shoots -- Parent & Tot Program

Ages: 0+

Hours: 9:30am to 11:30am

Parents and toddlers alike will have opportunities to socialize and interact with others and the natural environment. Activities will include short hikes, outdoor play with age-appropriate tools and loose parts, stories, and songs. This program is meant to introduce families to Forest School and to provide opportunities for families to spend time together outside in nature. Families can choose to commit to a full term or register on a drop in basis.

  • Fall: 13 weeks -- Sept. 24 - Dec. 17 2020
  • Spring: 12 weeks -- Mar. 25 - June 10 2021

PA Day Programs 2019 - 2020

Ages: 5 - 13 years

Hours: 9am to 3:30pm

Dates: (DDSB & DCDSB PA Days)

  • Friday Oct. 11, 2019
  • Friday Nov. 15, 2019
  • Friday Jan. 17, 2020
  • Friday Apr. 3, 2020 - CANCELLED
  • Friday June 5, 2020 - CANCELLED

Activities will reflect the season and include various team and leadership games, cooperative group games, arts, and of course forest learning and exploration. Before and after care options are available. The cost for these programs is $50 per day plus HST. 5% Discount when registering for 3 or more days at time of registration.

NEW! Dogwood Acres Nature Park & Aquatic Programs - Summer 2020

We are excited to share the news that we have been designated a Private Park which opens up an endless list of opportunities at Dogwood Acres.

  • Semi-private and private Swimming Lessons
    • Half hour lessons
    • Heated outdoor pool in a pristine park setting
    • Instructors; Lisa Graves & Brad Graves
    • Safety Measures will be in place to minimize risk associated with COVID such as class size, scheduling, social distancing & disinfecting
  • Personalized Nature Park Programs
    • Designed for families and small groups
    • You choose the length of time, number of days and your programs to suit your interests, needs & budget; our facilitator will plan and lead your day
  • FREE online camp programs
      • Twice a week throughout the summer
      • Campers can participate in arts & crafts, fitness challenges, science experiments and more, guided by an enthusiastic camp counsellor!

Registration will be available starting next week. If you have any further questions, comments, suggestions, or requests, please reach out to us via Facebook, email lisagraves@crossleyaquatics.com, or call (416) 526-4671.

We are very excited for these new opportunities and hope you will join us for some summer fun!

More information to be posted at www.crossleyaquatics.com