Frequently Asked Questions

• Inclusive & accessible: Programs are designed to be welcoming and equitable for all children and families.

• Land-based, play-centered learning: Children learn best through joyful, hands-on play and repeated time in nature.

• Child-led exploration: Experiences are shaped by children’s interests, voices, and natural curiosity.

• Confidence through healthy risk: Supported risk-taking builds resilience, self-awareness, and decision-making skills.

• Autonomy & responsibility: Children gain confidence in their choices and learn that actions have consequences.

• Empathy & connection: Strong relationships with the land and one another foster care, belonging, and compassion.

• Trusting relationships: Educators, children, and families engage in meaningful co-learning through deep listening and trust.

At Out & About, we focus not just on what children learn, but how they feel while learning. Our goal is to nurture capable, curious, and connected young people through discovery, connection, and joy.

Out and About follows a Forest and Nature School approach that centers children as capable, curious learners. Our programs are guided by children’s interests, supported by attentive educators, and rooted in learning through play on the land.

We offer regular, ongoing time in natural spaces, intentionally nurturing meaningful relationships with the land, with one another, and with ourselves.

Our days are held within a gentle, predictable rhythm that remains open to play and children’s ideas. Mornings begin with a shared story and snack, creating space for connection before settling into open-ended play that supports both independence and togetherness throughout the day. We gather again for lunch, followed by more snacks, stories, and moments of rest or reflection. Each day closes with a circle that invites connection to the land, to one another, and to the experiences we’ve shared.

Our approach to guidance and support is relationship-based, grounded in respect, trust, and language that is curious, affirming, and supportive of each child’s unique experience.

Forest School happens in all kinds of weather, so being prepared helps your child stay safe, comfortable, and ready to play! Our Program Handbook holds more details about dressing for the seasons.

Daily Essentials:

• Backpack your child can carry, with:

  • Lunch and 1–2 full water bottles

• Separate bag with:

  • 2 full changes of clothes (including socks & underwear)

  • Extra outer layers, especially in cooler weather

• Weather-appropriate clothing (check the forecast the night before!)

• Sunscreen and bug spray (applied before arrival if possible)

• Sturdy footwear (e.g., rain boots or hikers)

Clothing Tips:

• Avoid cotton! Dress in wool, fleece, or quick-dry/sweat-wicking layers

• Label everything to help keep belongings organized

• Expect mud, water, sun, wind, and big adventures

A full seasonal gear list will be sent after registration. Let us know if you need help sourcing gear. We’re happy to support!

For our full-day and half-day programs, children are encouraged to use the bathroom independently. Our Foresters Falls site offers access to indoor, flushable washrooms from May through November. During the winter months, we continue to provide a portable option in a sheltered, private setup. All other locations, such as our Petawawa location, offer no indoor facilities, and we instead use a portable “Lugabaloo” toilet housed in a private tent with a sturdy wooden base. A sanitation station with a water pump and soap is always available for handwashing afterwards. The Lugabaloo is cleaned daily, and sanitation wipes are provided.

We understand that every child is different. If your child is potty training or needs support, our educators are happy to work with you to provide gentle, respectful assistance as they build independence.

Registration must be completed in full online to participate.

Participants and guardians are to read our policies and waiver thoroughly in order to understand our programs and expectations. 

Payment plans are arranged directly with Out and About Forest and Nature School.

We are committed to accessible programming for all families. Please reach out via email or phone to discuss payment options that work for you.

All registration, deposit, and admin fees ($60–$100 per child) are non-refundable.

If a child cannot continue in a full-time program, a refund may be considered at the discretion of Out and About Inc.. We require a minimum of three weeks' notice, and refunds will only be issued if the space can be filled. Deposits and admin fees remain non-refundable.

No refunds will be given for withdrawals due to illness, injury, expulsion, choice, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances once the program has begun.

Program fees are non-refundable if a day is cancelled due to inclement weather, staff illness, or emergencies. Missed days cannot be credited or transferred to other programs.

Programs may be cancelled if there is insufficient registration. In this event, a partial refund for the program will be returned. Admin and registration fees will not be returned.

Our refund policy helps ensure that staffing, planning, and resources can be maintained, even when circumstances are beyond our control. We do our best to offer makeup opportunities when possible, but they are not guaranteed or required.