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.
Dogwood Acres Camp 2020
Despite these uncertain times, we are continuing to accept registration to our Summer Camp programs but are not requiring payment at this time.
We offer exciting summer camp opportunities for campers aged 5 to 16 years of age with a focus on outdoor education and leadership.
Day Camp (5 - 16 years of age)
- Dates: July 6 - 10, 13 - 17, 20 - 24 & August 10 - 14, 17 - 21
- Daily Hours: Meet & Greet begins 8:45am, Programs begin 9am and run to 3:45pm
- Extended Hours: 8am - 9am and 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Leadership Camp (11 - 15 years of age)
- Dates: June 29 - July 3, excluding Canada Day, July 1st
- Daily Hours: 8:45am- 3:45pm
- Extended Hours: 8am-9am and 3:45pm-4:45pm
