Kwey! Labdien! Bonjour! Welcome to
Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.
Summer is almost here!
Wolf Summer Program
Let’s give children a 90’s Summer full of PLAY and SKILL BUILDING
Ages 4-12 / 8:30am - 3pm / Petawawa
COST: $400/week
After Care Available.
Designed for children ages 4–12, this unique experience combines outdoor play with hands-on learning, led by skilled educators and special guests.
Fox Summer Program
Let’s give children a 90’s Summer full of PLAY and LEARNING!
COST: $245/week
Pre-school Program
Monday - Friday/ 9am - 12:30pm
Ages: 2-5
Our program offers dedicated time and space for children to grow in confidence, resilience, and their connection with the natural world.
Birch & Bud Summer
Let’s build community and confidence in the outdoors with our little ones!
Ages: Family an Caregiver Program - all ages welcome!!
Time: 9:00am-12:30pm
PROGRAM COST: $150/Week
$155 2 siblings
*Infants in a stroller or carrier are no extra cost.
Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.
Out & Abouts’ mission is to support self-autonomy in children through play, inquiry and a skill-based curriculum.
We create programs that provide a nurturing environment where children and families feel a sense of community while fostering a deep connection with the land.
Our Programs
After-School Programs
A hands-on, after-school program where children build confidence, teamwork, and practical outdoor skills through play, exploration, and guided wilderness experiences.
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Ages: 6–14
Time: 5:30–6:30pm or 7–8pm
Length: 12 weeksOur After-School Bushcraft Program helps kids build confidence, teamwork, and real outdoor skills through play, exploration, and time in nature. Offered in two age groups.
What we explore (week to week):
Fire awareness and safety
Shelter building
Whittling and knife safety
Simple navigation
Plant and tree identification
Cordage making
Useful knots
Basic first aid
Locations: Arnprior, Beachburg, Petawawa
Family Programs
Full-Day Programs
A full-day outdoor program that encourages curiosity, independence, and resilience through child-led play, nature-based learning, and real-world experiences.
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Ages: 4–12
Time: 9am–3pmA full day outdoors designed to support independence, curiosity, and confidence. Each week includes new invitations, games, nature-based challenges, skill-building, and lots of open-ended play.
What this program supports:
Curiosity, independence, and creativity
Confidence and resilience through real outdoor experiences
Problem-solving, teamwork, and communication
Observation skills and environmental awareness
Hands-on learning that supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development
Locations: Petawawa, Foresters Falls
Pre-School Program
A welcoming outdoor program for families to connect, play, and explore nature together while building community and supporting early childhood development.
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Ages: All ages welcome
Caregiver required: Yes, accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or trusted adultBirch & Bud is a relaxed outdoor gathering for families who want more time outside together. Expect connection, play, simple nature activities, storytelling, and seasonal moments that feel meaningful and easy.
Community & connection:
Meet other families who value outdoor play
Join a welcoming, supportive community
Enjoy storytelling, seasonal celebrations, and shared experiences
Locations:
Petawawa
Foresters Falls
Deep River (coming soon)
Arnprior (coming soon)
A gentle, play-based outdoor program designed to nurture confidence, friendships, and a strong foundation for learning through meaningful time in nature.
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Ages: Preschool
Time: 9:30am–12pmA gentle, play-based outdoor program that helps preschoolers grow confidence, build friendships, and develop skills that support an easier transition into school, all while deepening their connection to nature.
What this program supports:
Confidence, independence, and creativity
Safe, thoughtful risk-taking
Friendships and cooperation
A stronger relationship with nature
A play-based foundation for school success
Locations: Petawawa, Foresters Falls
Featured Programs
Ages 4-12 / 9am - 3pm / Petawawa
COST: $300/week (SPONSORED SPOTS FILLED)
I am thrilled to offer our sponsored week! Every year we use funds and extra savings to offer more accessible weeks to get outside and PLAY!
**Please pay via e-transfer to outandaboutinnature@gmail.com
We apologize for the extra step but it saves on pesky website fees and keeps programs accessible as possible.
*You will receive an invoice shortly after registration
Monday - Friday
9am-3pm
Ages: 4-12
Optional Aftercare: 3-4pm (limited spaces available, $100/week) Sold out.
Program Overview
Our program offers dedicated time and space for children to grow in confidence, resilience, and their connection with the natural world. Designed for children ages 4–12, this unique experience combines outdoor play with hands-on learning, led by skilled educators and special guests.
Children will explore nature, learn new wilderness and survival skills, play games, and take part in engaging group challenges. They'll leave each day feeling proud, confident, and more connected to themselves, their peers, and the land around them.
Day 1: Introduction to Rope, Safety & Simple Knots
Rope handling basics (holding, coiling, safe spacing)
Learn simple knots (overhand, stopper knots) through play
Practice control and build comfort using rope
Day 2: Tension and Swings
Explore tension and how knots hold weight
Apply skills to create simple rope tools and stick swings!
Day 3: Con’t. Tension and Swings
Understand when and why to use each knot
Practice partner-based tying activities and games
Day 4: Building
Apply knots to build small structures
Work in teams to construct a simple functional build
Day 5: Application, Adventure & Reflection
Use knots in real-world scenarios (shelters, crafts, challenges)
Participate in team-based rope and knot activities
Reflect through storytelling, drawing, or discussion
Program Highlights
Child-led exploration with learning introduced naturally through play and curiosity
Nature games, storytelling, projects, and daily challenges that reflect the day’s theme
Small group adventures with a high adult-to-child ratio (1:7)
Supportive mentoring to encourage self-sufficiency and deeper learning
Focus on emotional intelligence, compassion, and gratitude
Visits from expert guests who inspire, teach, and guide children in outdoor knowledge and skills
I am thrilled to welcome everyone to programs, where we build community and connection through play.
Ages: Family an Caregiver Program - all ages welcome!!
Time: 9:00am-12:30pm
PROGRAM COST: $150/Week
$155 2 siblings
*Infants in a stroller or carrier are no extra cost.
*You will receive an invoice for e-transfer
*Please send your payment via e-transfer to outandaboutinnature@gmail.com
Location: Jack Pine Park, Petawawa, ON
Here’s a look into our invitations this season!
Mud Paintbrushes
Making brushes from sticks and evergreen sprigs, then paint with water, mud, or crushed berries.Nature Crowns
Cardboard crowns with nature add ons!Rock Friends
Paint (or water-paint!) small stones to create characters, bugs, or faces.Spring Suncatchers
Pressing petals and leaves between contact paper so you can hang them in a window or outside.Fairy Houses
Using air dry clay and natural material to make fairy houses for our forest or to take home.Leaf & Flower Hammer Prints
Creating prints using hammers and rocks.Mini Garden in a Jar
Creating a tiny summer home for bugs or magic
Program Highlights
Family-Centered Exploration
Activities designed for both children and their grownups
Strengthens bonds through shared experiences
Encourages curiosity, joy, and wonder
Growing Early Skills
Practice independence and self-regulation
Learn cooperation, problem-solving, and confidence
Gentle support for families navigating toileting
Emotional Resilience in Nature
Tools to navigate big feelings
Grounding activities, breathing, and mindfulness
Movement and play to support regulation
All-Weather Adventures
Explore the beauty of every season
Learn how to dress and adapt outdoors
Build comfort playing in any weather
Community & Connection
Meet other families who value outdoor play
Join a welcoming, supportive community
Enjoy storytelling, seasonal celebrations, and shared experiences
Birch & Bud is a beautiful way to spend meaningful time outdoors with your child while supporting their early development and connecting with like-minded families.
COST: $245/week
Pre-school Program
**Please pay via e-transfer to outandaboutinnature@gmail.com
We apologize for the extra step but it saves on pesky website fees and keeps programs accessible as possible.
*You will receive an invoice shortly after registration
Monday - Friday
9am - 12:30pm
Ages: 2-5
Program Overview
Our program offers dedicated time and space for children to grow in confidence, resilience, and their connection with the natural world. Designed for children ages 2-5, this unique experience combines outdoor play with hands-on learning, led by skilled educators and special guests.
Children must be independently toileting or in the process.
Drop-off is between 9-9:45am
Need early drop off? Send an email to outandaboutinnature@gmail.com
Here’s a look into our invitations this season!
Mud Paintbrushes
Making brushes from sticks and evergreen sprigs, then paint with water, mud, or crushed berries.Nature Crowns
Cardboard crowns with nature add ons!Rock Friends
Paint (or water-paint!) small stones to create characters, bugs, or faces.Spring Suncatchers
Pressing petals and leaves between contact paper so you can hang them in a window or outside.Fairy Houses
Using air dry clay and natural material to make fairy houses for our forest or to take home.Leaf & Flower Hammer Prints
Creating prints using hammers and rocks.Mini Garden in a Jar
Creating a tiny summer home for bugs or magic
What Your Child Will Gain
Children will build:
Risk assessment and safety awareness
School Readiness Skills: Practicing routines, transitions, listening, turn-taking, and early self-help skills like dressing, snack independence, and toileting
Hands-On Learning: Nature stories, songs, art, and sensory-rich activities that invite language, creativity, and joyful discovery
Emotional Awareness: Daily check-ins and gentle routines that help children recognize and name their feelings, practice calming strategies, and build resilience
Social Skills: Plenty of time for building friendships, sharing, working together, and navigating early conflict with support
Life-long friendships, self-assurance, and emotional awareness
These skills naturally weave into their everyday lives, helping them become more capable, curious, and confident.
Program Highlights
Child-led exploration with learning introduced naturally through play and curiosity
Nature games, storytelling, projects, and daily challenges that reflect the day’s theme
Small group adventures with a high adult-to-child ratio
Supportive mentoring to encourage self-sufficiency and deeper learning
Focus on emotional intelligence, compassion, and gratitude
Visits from expert guests who inspire, teach, and guide children in outdoor knowledge and skills
I am thrilled to welcome everyone to programs, where we build community and connection through play!
Note:
Program ends promptly at 12:30 PM. A late fee of $50 will be charged for pickups more than 1 minute late (once).
Petawawa
Our Spaces
Foresters Falls
Through hands-on exploration and skill-building, children develop resilience, independence, and a strong connection to the land, while building leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a nature-centered setting.
Located at Whitewater RV & Cottage Resort, the Foresters Falls site offers open fields, wooded areas, and a covered pavilion that serves as a gathering and creative hub. Families enjoy the comfort of resort amenities like flushable toilets, alongside rich opportunities for outdoor play, imagination, and nature connection in all weather.
Our Petawawa programs foster an inclusive community where children learn, play, and connect with nature through child-led exploration and shared experiences. We create a strong sense of belonging while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections with the land and one another.
The Petawawa site offers a true outdoor adventure experience, similar to backcountry camping. With no permanent shelter, children fully embrace the elements, from forest exploration to creative play with natural materials. A clean portable bathroom and our playful “tent city” on rainy days add to the adventure, making this location ideal for families seeking an immersive, nature-rich learning environment.
Upcoming Events
“I can only hope that our day is filled with mud explosions.”
- Noah, Age 6
