Tiffin Nature School
Step into the world of Tiffin Nature School!
At Tiffin Nature School, children aged 2.5 to 10 are invited to explore and connect with the natural world. We nurture their innate curiosity, offering immersive outdoor experiences that inspire discovery and growth. Our program offers a rich environment with a diverse range of activities tailored to inspire, educate, and challenge different age groups.
Designed to resonate with families seeking to enrich their child’s learning journey, our approach serves as an ideal complement for homeschoolers or as an enrichment option for those attending traditional schools. Our curriculum, which is both linked to educational standards and deeply rooted in nature-based exploration and hands-on discovery, is currently undergoing validation by the Ministry of Education to operate as an uninspected private school.
Our educators serve as mentors, nurturing compassion and fostering a love for learning, and supporting each child’s individual growth. By integrating academic content with outdoor activities, we provide a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. With their guidance, children of all ages learn new skills, build confidence, and develop a sense of accomplishment that they carry with them beyond their time at Tiffin.
Sprouts - 2.5 to 5 years old
For our youngest explorers (2.5 to 5 years), we provide a supportive and immersive space where early learners can explore the natural world at their own pace. Through play-based learning and facilitated exploration, they develop skills in assessing risks, solving challenges, and navigating their environment with resilience and optimism. Our program is designed to align with early childhood development goals making it an ideal space for early childhood growth.
Saplings - 6 - 10 years old
Children aged 6 to 10 are invited to engage in deeper and more complex explorations, building on their growing knowledge and skills. At Nature School, children participate in nature-based activities that foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. Whether they are investigating life cycles and weather science, learning geometry and measurement through building simple structures, or developing creative writing and art through nature journaling, children gain a richer understanding of core subjects through these immersive nature-based experiences.
Session Dates
Half day and full day programs are available on Tuesday and Thursdays from September 3, 2024 – May 29, 2025.
For parents who registered after the program starting dates, please email outdoored@nvca.on.ca to have payments prorated.
For inquires regarding Extended Care please email outdoored@nvca.on.ca.
Tuesday Program Dates
| Session | Program Dates | Hours & Pricing | Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall - 12 weeks |
September 3, 2024 – November 19, 2024 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $288.50 |
No Breaks |
|
Fall -12 weeks |
September 3, 2024 – November 19, 2024 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
No Breaks |
|
Winter - 12 weeks |
November 26, 2024 – February 25, 2025 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $288.50 |
December 24, 2024 December 31, 2024 |
|
Winter - 12 weeks |
November 26, 2024 – February 25, 2025 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
December 24, 2024 December 31, 2024 |
|
Spring - 12 weeks |
March 4, 2025 – May 27, 2025 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $288.50 |
March 11, 2025 |
|
Spring - 12 weeks |
March 4, 2025 – May 27, 2025 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
March 11, 2025 |
Thursday Program Dates
| Session | Program Dates | Hours & Pricing | Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall - 11 weeks |
September 5, 2023 – November 21, 2024 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $264.50 |
November 7, 2024 |
|
Fall -12 weeks |
September 5, 2023 – November 21, 2024 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
November 7, 2024 |
|
Winter - 12 weeks |
November 28, 2024 – February 27, 2025 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $288.50 |
December 26, 2024 January 2, 2025 |
|
Winter - 12 weeks |
November 28, 2024 – February 27, 2025 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
December 26, 2024 January 2, 2025 |
|
Spring - 12 weeks |
March 6, 2025 – May 29, 2025 |
Half day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $288.50 |
March 13, 2025 |
|
Spring - 12 weeks |
March 6, 2025 – May 29, 2025 |
Full day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $588.00 |
March 13, 2025 |
Want to try out the program?
Families are welcome to try out Tiffin Nature School before registering for the entire session
| Trial Session | Hours & Pricing |
|---|---|
|
Trial Half day |
Half Day | 9:30 - 12:30 | $30 |
|
Trial Full day |
Half Day | 9:30 - 3:30 | $55 |
Registration
Sign Up for Tiffin Nature School! Join us for our exciting 12-week program! We currently have two sessions open for registration.
NEW! Tiffin Nature School Program is currently undergoing validation by the Ministry of Education to operate as an uninspected private school. Additional sessions may be added as early as Fall 2024.
To register, please visit our registration page.
After registering, you can view your order history and receipt by signing into your Camp Tiffin Account. Simply navigate to “Account” and then “Order History.” If you’d like to email yourself a receipt, just click “Email.”
Important Registration Notice
Please register through a computer
Please note that registration is only available on desktop or laptop computers using Google Chrome with pop-ups enabled. Mobile registration is not available at this time.
Encountering issues? Reach out to us at outdoored@nvca.on.ca, and we’ll be happy to assist you with the registration and payment process.
We’ve seen firsthand how forest school helps children grow and thrive, and we’re committed to making this enriching experience as accessible as possible. If our current registration options don’t fully align with your needs, please let us know. We’re happy to explore how to fit your family’s needs.
A Day at Tiffin Nature School
Each morning, we gather at our cozy cabin in the woods where the children engage in free, outdoor play and discovery. Once everyone has arrived we come together for opening circle, snack, and a story. This routine provides predictability and security that helps children feel secure and in control of their surroundings. When they know what to expect, they are more likely to feel comfortable trying new things and taking on challenges.
Together, we decide on our morning adventure with the help of our “Hundred Acre Wood” style floor map of the surrounding forests, trails, and ponds. Understanding the map and actively participating in planning their adventures enhances children’s spatial and navigation skills and fosters confidence and agency in decision-making. It also cultivates a sense of place and belonging and a deeper connection to their environment.
Following our morning adventures, we pause to fill our bellies, read another story and extend our learning from the morning through a walk and/or inquiry and often work independently or together on small projects.
Some examples include:
- Scavenger hunts & adventures
- Seasonal celebrations & campfire cooking
- Play games, loose parts, build imaginary worlds
- Storytelling, drama, singing, dancing
- Sit Spots, mindfulness, gratitude
- Appreciation of Indigenous teachings
- Practice conflict resolution skills
- Age-appropriate adventurous play
- Wildlife tracking
- Fire knowledge/safety
- Construction & repair
- Sewing
- Map reading
- Plant and animal identification
- Using tools like hammers, screwdrivers, drill, sandpaper. No knives or other sharp tools will be used by preschool children.
We bring our day to a close back in our circle, sharing our gratitude, and reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Why Tiffin Nature School
At Tiffin Nature School, children venture into a world of wonder and possibilities. As they explore and learn, they’re encouraged to establish enduring bonds with natural surroundings, empathetic educators, their peers, and most importantly, with themselves. The focus is on nurturing meaningful relationships for a holistic learning experience.
Our philosophy centres on the following
Tiffin Nature School is part of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s Environmental Education Program. For decades, NVCA has been fostering a sense of wonder, appreciation and respect for the natural world through experiential learning and outdoor exploration. The Tiffin Centre for Conservation is the perfect home for Tiffin Nature School, as there are forests, ponds, wetlands and meadows for children to explore.
Testimonials
We are located at the
Tiffin Centre for Conservation
Just 15 minutes from Barrie, Angus and Innisfil
Pick Up / Drop Off
Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Forest Cabin. Our educator will be there to welcome your child, assist with sign-in and support their transition for the fun day ahead.
Pick up will be in the same location, and we kindly ask that you check in with us so that we can ensure the whereabouts of all children.
Food, snacks and naps
At Tiffin Nature School, we guide children in listening to their bodies’ cues, encouraging them to eat when hungry and drink when thirsty. During the summer, we ensure hydration with frequent water breaks. No matter the season, children have the chance to snack, sip, and unwind during story time sessions held at least twice daily. Our outdoor spaces feature hammocks, mini yoga mats, and ample relaxation spots. Indoors, the Whispering Fo-REST corner offers a cozy retreat complete with blankets, pillows, and a tent nestled among the books.
Food is not provided at Tiffin Nature School except for special occasions. Children are encouraged to bring healthy snacks that are peanut-free. Water bottle refilling stations are available.
What to Bring
- Appropriate clothing—suitable for outdoor activity & weather conditions
- Extra clothing
- Closed-toe shoes — a MUST!
- Indoor shoes
- Long pants and socks
- Lunch—nut free along with a freezer pack
- Healthy snacks
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Sunscreen with camper name on it
- Insect repellent with camper name on it
- Rain gear, rubber boots and extra clothing can be safely stored in the forest cabin for the session.
Label All Items
To assist us in ensuring all your child’s belongings make it home safely, please label all personal items with their names.
Leave valuables at home
We kindly advise leaving valuables at home. While exploring the woods, items have a tendency to slip out of pockets and become misplaced. Should children choose to bring valuables, please note that we cannot take responsibility for them.
We also request that personal toys (other than for comfort) stay at home as they tend to impact how children interact with one another and the natural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
There will be at least two educators running each program with as many as 14 children. All staff have completed their Vulnerable Sector Check and CPR Level C with First Aid.
At times we may have a volunteer and/or a high school co-op student helping with the program. Volunteers and co-op students do not work unsupervised and volunteers over the age of 18 have also completed their Vulnerable Sector Check.
Children will not be further organized by age within the group as children will be at different developmental levels and we would like them to feel comfortable with the activities they chose. As we will be running the program with 2 educators working together, at times we can be in close proximity with two activities. That way, students at a different level or risk threshold will have ample choice.
We are a strength-based program, in that, we highlight what we all do well. Focusing on deficits only focuses on the negative, and our nature program focuses on the positive. So, if children have challenges, we will focus on what they do well, which will help them develop a positive attitude about themselves,
We recognize that there is immense value in play that is exciting and challenging, which allows children to grow their skill sets and see themselves as capable people. There can be minor injuries with such play, however it is through these opportunities that children learn how to regulate themselves, assess risk, and learn their limitations.
Risky activities will be introduced gradually, by trained staff, when the time is appropriate. These activities will be supervised closely and can include slack lines, small zip-line, climbing trees, making fire with flint and steel, and working with wood.
Tools for working with wood can include: potato peelers, loppers, small hacksaws, bow saws and sheath knives. All tools will be kept in a safe location and returned after their use.
Throughout the school day, particularly during activities like risky play, forest exploration, and tool use, the ratios are as follows:
- Preschool-aged children to staff: 5:1
- Kindergarten and School-aged children to staff: 8:1
Reduced ratios may apply during arrival, departure, indoor periods, and recess but will not fall below two-thirds of the required ratio, except during lunchtime when one supervisor is present. These adjustments align with Ontario Ministry of Education recommendations.
The Hive is a favorite place for our youngest visitors as they can freely explore the wonders of the forest.
Defined by a cedar rail fence, The Hive offers a contained space for free play in nature. As a build-it-yourself loose parts playground, students transform The Hive using child-size rails, logs and planks. It is a place for imagination, exploration and problem solving through open-ended play.
We do not provide food or drinks for programs and due to the potential for a life-threatening situation, we ask that snacks and lunches do not include nuts. We also ask that participants not share or trade food.
While accidents can happen, we expect that the children enrolled in this program have already been toilet trained. There are 2 outdoor washrooms available, which are automated, heated and with running water. As well, there is a private space within the cabin with a potty and hand washing station for emergencies.
Payments are subject to a 25% non-refundable registration fee, which will be retained on all cancellations made up to 2 weeks prior to the start of camp.
No refund will be given on cancellations made with less than 2 weeks’ notice.
Education Team
Environmental Education