Winter Programming
Field trips to Tiffin Centre for Conservation
The Tiffin Centre for Conservation offers rewarding outdoor activities and learning opportunities for your winter elective program. Join us for a half or full day of programming in a winter wonderland then warm up by the fire with a hot chocolate.
A number of our programs run in the winter. Here are some of the most popular include the following.
For details on booking any of these programs, please see information under “Booking your Visit.”
Habitat Exploration: Nature Discovery
JK to Grade 1
After identifying the location and function of their sense organs, children will explore nature through experiential activities aimed to heighten awareness of the world around them. Children will investigate the forest in search of clues to help them understand how nature adapts to the challenges of winter. After our hike, children will warm up with a hot chocolate.
Winter Wildlife
Grades 1 to 8
On snowshoes, students become nature detectives to investigate wildlife in winter. This program focuses on wildlife tracking, how animals prepare for winter, as well as their adaptations and habitats.
Orienteering
Grades 1 to high school
Students are introduced to the basics of map-reading and develop their skills through a set of challenging orienteering courses. The program is adjusted to accommodate students of all ages.
Winter Survival
Grades 1 to high school
Students are challenged both physically and mentally as they learn valuable life skills. Depending on the age and interest of students, the program can focus on Fire Building or Emergency Shelter Building.
Snowshoeing & Kick Sleds
Grades 1 to 8
After a brief introduction to the history and techniques of these traditional winter sports, students trek or glide through a winter wonderland with an instructor.
Round out your day with a round of Snow Snake or other traditional winter.
Optional campfire lunch on the trail.
Team Dynamics & Low Ropes Challenge Course
Grades 6 to high school
Students will be challenged to work together to succeed at various group tasks that build in complexity as they make their way through our new low ropes course. This program leads through a progressive range of fun, safe, co-operative games and initiatives that aim to promote teamwork, leadership, trust, communication and problem solving.
How to Book a Program
- Step 1: Email us at outdoored@nvca.on.ca or speak directly with our environmental education manager at 705-424-1479 ext 280 to select a date and discuss program availability.
- Step 2: Once date has been selected & confirmed, you will receive a booking form.
- Step 3: Complete, save, and return booking form with all pertinent details to outdoored@nvca.on.ca.
- Step 4: You will be sent an email to confirm we have received your booking form.
Fees
Unless otherwise noted:
- Full Day = $15.81 per student
- Half Day = $11.00 per student
- In some cases, Grade 4 classes from the SCDSB are charged at a different rate. Please contact us for more details.
The Tiffin Centre for Conservation requires a minimum of 20 students per program, or a minimum fee of $316.20 for a full day or $220 for a half day. Teachers and EAs, and up to 3 additional adult volunteers, attend free-of-charge. Additional volunteers are free-of-charge for kindergarten classes.
A different pricing structure applies to preschools and daycares – please visit the program page for details.
Campfire lunch available!
Let us provide the hot dogs and all the fixings for $2 each! Students roast their own hot dogs over an open fire. Hot chocolate is available for $15 per class.
Cancellation Policy
There is no charge to cancel a booking provided at least two weeks’ notice is given before your scheduled visit.
If a cancellation is received with less than 2 weeks’ notice, your group will be charged for 50% of the scheduled number of students or the minimum fee.
In the event buses are cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher union job action, the cancellation fee is not required if the program is rebooked.
Please contact our environmental education facilitator to reschedule should this occur.
Damages
As with all NVCA clients, visiting groups are responsible for the condition of the property and the conduct of participants. Damage to NVCA property may result in withdrawal of future booking privileges and users will be charged for any replacement costs, repairs and/or cleaning.
For more information
If you have questions about our programs, facilities or reservation procedure, please contact our environmental education facilitator by phone at 705-424-1479 ext. 280 or by email at outdoored@nvca.on.ca.
Education Team
Environmental Education