🌿 Nature Connection Program
A Gentle Outdoor Reset for Kids (Ages 4–11)
Sometimes a quiet day in nature is all a child needs to feel more like themselves again.
Our Nature Connection Program offers a small group setting for children ages 4–11 in calming, natural outdoor settings. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, sensory overload, or simply needs a break from busy environments, this program provides a safe and nurturing space for them to recharge—without pressure or judgment. It’s perfect for sensitive, anxious, or overwhelmed kids—but equally valuable for any child who benefits from time away from screens, routines, or the everyday rush.
🌿 Calm Outdoor Days
Small Groups, Gentle Play, Open Skies
Sometimes, what children need most isn’t more activity—it’s more space.
A quiet morning outside. Kind adults. Gentle play. No pressure to perform—just room to breathe, explore, and connect.
Our nature-based group care program offers children ages 4–11 a chance to slow down, spend time in nature, and enjoy calm connection with others in a small, supportive group.
💛 For Parents Who Want:
Screen-free time in nature with a gentle, emotionally aware pace
A safe, welcoming space for calm social connection and exploration
Care that supports emotional balance, without labels or pressure
A small-group experience designed to feel more like a forest club than a camp
It’s about giving them the freedom to feel safe, steady, and fully themselves.
🍃 What Happens in a Calm Outdoor Session?
Each session is shaped by the children who attend, the rhythm of the day, and the natural environment around us. Activities may include:
🌲 Nature walks and sensory exploration
🎨 Outdoor crafts with natural materials
📖 Story circles and gentle group games
🧘♂️ Quiet moments for rest, reflection, or solo play
👫 Low-pressure social time in small groups (6–8 kids max)
Children are invited to join in—but never pushed. Everything is designed to support comfort, trust, and soft engagement, at their own pace.
📍 Program Details
Ages: 5 -12
For families looking for a slower-paced, child-centered alternative or supplement, our small-group outdoor sessions offer calm, connection, and time to grow — without the noise, rush, or overwhelm of traditional settings.
🧭 How We Group Ages
While we value the richness of mixed-age learning, in small groups (like ours), having too wide an age range can make it harder for everyone to feel comfortable and connected.
To support healthy group dynamics and a sense of belonging, we group children in broad age bands — typically within 2 to 3 years of each other. This allows for shared interests, balanced social energy, and the chance for gentle leadership without big developmental gaps.
For example, one group might include children aged 5–7, while another might include ages 8–10. Exact groupings depend on registration and the needs of the children.
We also offer occasional open, mixed-age sessions during PA days or seasonal programs — great opportunities for siblings or friends of different ages to attend together.
All children attending must be toilet trained and able to use the washroom unassisted.
Group Size: Small cohorts (max 6–8 children per group)
Session Length: Half day - 9am - 12pm Mondays to ease into a new week
Full day - 9am - 2:30pm Saturdays
Frequency: Weekly Sessions; & drop in PA Day, & school holiday sessions
Locations: Outdoor spaces in Hamilton & Burlington - Location can be chosen during registration.
Seasonal Availability: Spring through Fall (weather-adapted sessions available in winter with appropriate gear)
🧭 How to Get Started
Fill out our quick interest form – no referral or diagnosis needed.
Schedule a short intake call with our team to find the right group for your child.
Receive session details and a simple checklist of what to bring.
Drop off and breathe easy—your child is in kind, steady hands.
Parents often tell us their children come home calmer, lighter, and a little more rooted in themselves. Not because we did something big—but because nature did something small.
🌈 Let Them Just Be
No pressure. No performance. No perfect behavior required.
Just open skies, steady rhythms, and a space where kids can grow, rest, and feel like themselves—together.
Program Pricing: Click Here
Questions? Check out our FAQs below
Curious if this is a good fit for your child?
We’re happy to talk it through with you.
Our Nature Respite program gives kids time to reset, connect, and feel safe again. Sometimes, what your child needs isn’t more activity—it’s more space.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a therapy program?
No. While we use principles that support emotional regulation and social connection, this is not clinical therapy. It's a gentle, nature-based group program designed to give children space to rest, play, and reset in a calm environment.
Does my child need a diagnosis to attend?
Not at all. This program is open to any child aged 4–11 who would benefit from quiet, screen-free time in nature. While many of our participants are sensitive, anxious, or overwhelmed, all children are welcome.
My child is shy or slow to warm up. Will they be okay?
Absolutely. We specialize in supporting children who need extra time, space, and kindness to feel comfortable. Participation is always encouraged but never forced. Our facilitators are experienced in creating low-pressure, emotionally safe environments.
Is this like forest school or summer camp?
Not exactly. Our program has some structure and free play, but less intensive than camp. It's designed to be calming, small-scale, and emotionally supportive, with a steady rhythm and consistent caregivers.
What if it rains or the weather is bad?
We believe in all-weather play (within reason). Children dress appropriately, and we adjust our activities to suit the weather. In cases of severe weather, sessions may be rescheduled or moved to a sheltered outdoor location.
Can I stay with my child?
We ask that parents drop off so children can engage in the group independently, make friends and build their confidence skills. That said, we understand separation can be hard. If needed, we’ll work with you on a gentle, gradual transition plan. This is a good opportunity for parents and caregivers to recharge their own batteries too.
What should my child bring?
After registration, we’ll send a simple checklist, but typically:
Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes
Water bottle and nut-free snack
Any comfort item (if needed)
Sunscreen/bug spray (applied at home)
How do I know if this is right for my child?
If your child is anxious, overwhelmed, sensitive, or just needs a break from busy days—this may be a great fit. But even if none of that applies, all children benefit from time in nature. During the registration process we will talk it through together and help decide if its a good fit.
How much does it cost?
Our program fees vary depending on the frequency and location. Please contact us or visit our [pricing page] for current rates. We strive to keep our programs affordable and occasionally offer sliding scale options.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Please refer to our Refund and Cancellation Policy Here for all the details
Are the sessions accessible for children with physical disabilities?
We are committed to inclusion and accessibility. Our outdoor locations are selected with accessibility in mind, and we work closely with families to accommodate individual needs. Please reach out to discuss specific requirements.
Who are the facilitators?
Our team is made up of experienced, caring adults with backgrounds in child care, education, and nature programming. All facilitators undergo background checks and training in trauma-informed, emotionally supportive care.
How do you handle allergies or medical needs?
We take allergies seriously and maintain a nut-free environment. Please inform us of any allergies or medical conditions during registration. We have protocols in place to keep children safe and comfortable.
Can my child just drop in for a session, or do we need to commit to the full program?
For our core 12-week program, we don’t offer drop-in spots. This program is built around consistent groups, steady relationships, and a calm rhythm that helps children feel safe, known, and connected week after week. Having the same children attend regularly supports trust, group dynamics, and emotional comfort.
That said, we do occasionally offer one-off nature sessions on PA days, holidays, or seasonal breaks, which are open to new or returning families. These are a great way to get a feel for our approach or to enjoy a gentle day outdoors without committing to a full session cycle.
You can sign up to be notified when these flexible sessions open up — we'd love to have your child join when the timing is right!
REFUND Policy
Our program is carefully designed around small, consistent groups where children build friendships, trust, and a comfortable rhythm together over 12 weeks. To maintain this supportive environment, each child stays with their assigned group for the entire program.
Because group dynamics are so important, make-up sessions can only be attended with your child’s original group and are scheduled on the same day of the week during the two weeks immediately following the program’s end. This helps preserve the trust and connections the children have formed.
If your child misses more than two sessions during the program, those extra sessions cannot be made up or refunded.
Since we have limited spots and paid staff, we are unable to offer refunds for missed sessions.
We appreciate your understanding that this policy helps us provide a steady, nurturing space where every child feels seen, safe, and part of the group.