Kwey! Labdien! Bonjour!

Welcome to Out & About Forest and Nature School Inc.

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.

Programs
Program Handbook

Our Programs

  • After-School Programs

    After-School Programs

    Bushcraft and Survival Skills Program
    (Ages 6–14) 5:30pm-6:30pm / 7pm-8pm

    Our 12-week After School Bushcraft Program invites children and youth to build confidence, work together, and develop hands-on wilderness skills through play, exploration, and time in nature.

    This program is offered in Arnprior, Beachburg, and Petawawa, with two age groups.

    Each week we’ll explore a new skill, from learning about:
    - fire awareness and safety
    - building shelters
    - using knives for whittling
    - Learning simple navigation
    - identifying plants and trees
    - making cordage
    - tying useful knots
    - practicing basic first aid.

  • Wolf Program

    Our Full-Day Programs

    9am-3pm * Ages 4-12

    -Encourages curiosity, independence, and creativity
    -Builds confidence and resilience through real outdoor experiences
    - Strengthens problem-solving, teamwork, and communication
    - Nurtures observation skills and environmental awareness
    -Provides meaningful hands-on learning that supports physical, emotional, and cognitive development

    Petawawa
    Foresters Falls

    Each week we will offer new invitations and explore new skills!

  • Birch and Bud

    Our Family Programs

    All ages welcome!
    Accompanied by a caregiver/parent/trusted adult

    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.

    Petawawa
    Foresters Falls
    Deep River (Coming soon)
    Arnprior (Coming soon)

  • child sliding down hill

    Fox Program

    Our Pre-school Program!
    9:30am-12pm

    - Builds confidence, independence, and creativity
    - Supports risk-taking in safe, thoughtful ways
    -Encourages friendships and cooperation
    - Deepens children’s connection to nature
    - Provides a play-based foundation for school success

    Petawawa
    Foresters Falls

Our Spaces

  • A man and boy working together on a woodworking project, hammering a nail into a piece of wood placed on two tree stumps, in a covered outdoor area.

    Foresters Falls

    Through hands-on experiences, skill-building, and guided exploration, children develop resilience, independence, and a strong connection with the land. Rooted in respect for nature and community, the program encourages leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in a dynamic outdoor setting.

    Located on the beautiful grounds of Whitewater RV & Cottage Resort, our Foresters Falls site offers a balance of wide-open fields, wooded areas, and a covered pavilion that acts as our gathering and creative hub. Families can expect the comforts of being on a resort property, including access to flushable toilets, while still enjoying the benefits of outdoor exploration and play. The variety of open space and sheltered areas allows children to run, climb, imagine, and connect with nature in all weather. The setting also makes it a welcoming space for families who enjoy a blend of convenience and outdoor adventure.

  • Four children sitting on the grass outside a chicken coop, feeding chickens.

    Petawawa

    Our programs in Petawawa cultivate a warm and inclusive community where children and families come together to learn, play, and connect with nature in an urban setting. We create spaces where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to explore their surroundings with curiosity and confidence. Through child-led experiences, collaborative activities, and meaningful relationships, we foster a sense of belonging while deepening connections with the land, each other, and the greater community.

    Our Petawawa site has the feel of a true outdoor adventure. With no permanent shelter, the space is much like backcountry camping, where children get the chance to embrace nature fully and experience all of its wonders. We use a clean portable bathroom, and when the rain comes, we set up our playful “tent city,” which always feels like a special part of the day. Families who love the idea of an authentic outdoor experience, mingled with education, will find this location especially exciting. Children spend their time exploring the forest, creating with natural materials, and discovering the joy of being immersed in the wilderness.

Upcoming Events

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

- Noah, Age 6