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.
Round out your day with a round of Snow Snake or other traditional winter.
Optional campfire lunch on the trail.
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.
Orienteering
Grades 1 to 12
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 12
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.
Round out your day with a round of Snow Snake or other traditional winter.
Optional campfire lunch on the trail.
Come on our virtual field trip to see a drone footage welcome, a beautiful Land Acknowledgment and a navigation page to help you understand the contents of this trip.
Topics include
Water quality (grade 8 science)
Glaciers and land formations (grade 9 geography)
Human history on the folks that settled here thanks to the many rivers they could travel to Lake Huron and Georgian Bay!
Our Facilities & Equipment
In addition to 300 acres of conservation lands with unique natural features, the Tiffin Centre boasts a wide range of facilities to accommodate your group including:
- 6,000 ft2 learning centre
- Fenced outdoor Free Play Space
- Outdoor classroom
- Picnic pavilion
- Group campground
- Accessible trail system
- Snowshoes and kick sleds
- Operating maple sugar bush
- All-terrain wheelchairs available
Booking Programs at Tiffin
- All programs must be reserved in advance.
- All programs are predominately outdoors.
- Programs run rain or shine; proper outdoor dress is essential for all participants, including teachers & volunteers.
- The Tiffin Centre has a boomerang lunch program—all food waste is returned home. Please remind students to bring garbage-free lunches!
- Lunch time activities and discipline are teachers’ responsibility.
How to Book a Program
- Step 1: Email us at outdoored@nvca.on.ca or call 705-424-1479 ext. 280 to speak with our environmental education staff and select a date and discuss program availability.
- Step 2: Once your date has been selected and confirmed, you will receive a booking form.
- Step 3: Complete, save and return the booking form to outdoored@nvca.on.ca.
- Step 4: You will be sent an email confirming your booking!
Fees
Unless otherwise noted:
- Full Day = $17.30 per student
- Half Day = $12.00 per student
- In some cases, Grade 4 classes from the SCDSB are charged at a different rate. Please contact us for more details.
Teachers and EAs, and up to 3 additional adult volunteers can attend free-of-charge (higher numbers for JK/SK).
Minimum booking—20 students per program, or a minimum fee of $346 for a full-day or $240 for a half-day program.
A different pricing structure applies to preschools and daycares – please visit the program page for details.
Hot Chocolate & Camp fire lunch available!
Let us provide the hot dogs and all the fixings for $3 each! Students roast their own hot dogs over an open fire.
Hot chocolate is available for $25 per class.
Cancellation Policy
There is no charge to cancel if at least 2 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 call to reschedule.
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.
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.
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
Campfire lunch available!
Let us provide the hot dogs and all the fixings for $3 each! Students roast their own hot dogs over an open fire. Hot chocolate is available for $25 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