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Family Programs

Full day Programs

Half Day Programs!

Located this Fall: 1408B Summers Road in Petawawa

Kwey! Labdien! Bonjour! Welcome to

Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.

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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.

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Our Programs

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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.

(Full-time is currently closed and will open in Winter 2027)

  • Ages: 6–14
    Time: 5:30–6:30pm or 7–8pm
    Length: 12 weeks

    Our 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

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Family Programs

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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.

  • Ages: 4–12
    Time: 9am–3pm

    A 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

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Pre-School Program

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A welcoming outdoor program for families to connect, play, and explore nature together while building community and supporting early childhood development.

  • Ages: All ages welcome
    Caregiver required: Yes, accompanied by a parent, caregiver, or trusted adult

    Birch & 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.

  • Ages: Preschool
    Time: 9:30am–12pm

    A 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

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Petawawa

Our Spaces

We are trialing a new location this Fall: 1408B Summers Road

This space will offer a shelter, opportunities for fire building, outdoor cooking, and more! 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.

This 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.

Future Locations

STAY TUNED! Coming Fall 2026

  • Programs running out of Arnprior!

  • Weekend Programs

  • PA Days

  • Family Events

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Upcoming Events

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Workshops
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“I can only hope that our day is filled with mud explosions.”

- Noah, Age 6

A group of children and firefighters standing in front of a red fire rescue truck outside in snowy weather.
Young girl in a pink knit hat, purple and pink jacket, and floral gloves, crawling in the snow with snow on her face and chin.
A young girl with curly red hair, wearing a colorful patterned shirt and purple snow pants, is smiling and running on a grassy field, holding hands with another person.
Children in winter clothes walking and climbing on a fallen log in a snowy forest, with an adult observing nearby.
Two children playing outdoors on a muddy hill, wearing jackets and hats, with one climbing up and the other standing at the top.
A young girl in a pink and purple jacket, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, kneeling on a patio with tree branches, pinecones, leaves, rocks, and sticks arranged on the ground.