Baxter Outdoor and Environmental Education Programs
Baxter Conservation Area offers outdoor and environmental education programs for students and community groups from preschool to grade 12 and beyond. Join us in our outdoor classroom and give your students the opportunity to explore and connect with nature. Our education programs provide students and visitors with interactive, hands-on, curriculum-based experiences where they will learn about the natural world and their relationship with it. We also offer outdoor education programs where students will learn navigation and outdoor survival skills as well.
Baxter can accommodate up to 60 students per day. All equipment is included in our programs and each program runs approximately 1.5 hours in length. Below please find descriptions of each of the programs we offer. Descriptions are offered as general guidelines — if there are specific objectives that you would like to accomplish, please let us know. Although grade levels are recommended for each program, these are also only guidelines. Please select any desired fields to narrow your search.
Half Day Program | $200 / group * | maximum 30 students, 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
Full Day Program | $275 / group * | maximum 30 students, two 90 minutes with an RVCA instructor |
Self-directed | $2.50/person * | Interested in just visiting the conservation area with your class but not booking a program? The cost is $2.50/person. This does not include the use of buildings other than access to public washrooms. To reserve facilities, contact staff. Staff must still be contacted to book a self-directed visit. |
Overnight Tent Camping (accommodations only) | 1-15 people - $75/night * 16-30 people - $150/night * 30+ people - contact for pricing * Additional buildings also available for rent (link to facility rentals) |
Take you class on an overnight adventure to our group camping area! Plan your own activities or book our education staff to provide programming during your stay (see above for pricing). |
* plus applicable taxes
Baxter’s Cancellation Policy: A minimum of fifteen (15) business days notice is required to cancel education programs at Baxter Conservation Area.
This policy gives schools/groups on our waiting list sufficient time to try and fill the program opening. If Baxter Conservation Area is notified of a cancellation less than 15 business days in advance of your scheduled visit, a cancellation fee of $50.00 will be charged.
In the event of severe weather conditions (i.e. thunderstorms, snowstorms, etc.), Baxter staff will make contact with your school/group by 7:00 AM the morning of your trip if we need to re-schedule or cancel the program on that day. There will be no charge for a cancellation made due to school bus cancellations or severe weather conditions on the day of your trip.
Baxter Education Program Descriptions
![Foley Mountain CA](/components/com_k2/images/placeholder/category.png)
Foley Mountain CA (26)
GPS and Geocaching
Weave together technology, the outdoors, and physical activity! Get an introduction to GPS technology and how it can be used along with map and compass in navigation. Students will complete a mini geocaching treasure hunt.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Orienteering Part 1
Give your students the chance to lose themselves in the ways of map and compass work! Students will learn the basics of how to properly use a map and compass and will practice these skills while navigating through orienteering courses of varying difficulties.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Geology Rocks!
Visit Spy Rock and hear amazing tales from the last billion years of geological history in the area. Then, explore some other geological interests and take an up close and personal look at some different rocks and minerals.
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
Instincts for Survival
How do animals survive in their habitats? What are the skills of a predator? What is the human impact on animal life? Do you have the instincts for survival? This active wide game will help students understand some of the realities of the animal world and have a bunch of fun at the same time!
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Tree Tales
Why are trees such an amazing and important part of our landscape? Discover all about these green giants using GPS units to navigate through the forests of Foley Mountain.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
Amazing Animals
Participate in a series of interactive games and learn about the animals that wander in the woods of Foley Mountain. Hear interesting tales of how various birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians have become experts in the fine art of survival.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
Outdoor Survival Skills
What would you do if you were lost in the woods!? What things would you need to survive? Working in groups, students will have the chance to explore the concepts of shelter building, fire building, and outdoor cooking.
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Forest Bureau of Investigation
Master your nature detective skills and become a member of the Forest Bureau of Investigation! Using various sensory exploration activities, students will gain an appreciation for how they can use their senses to observe and learn about the world around them.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
More...
Home Sweet Habitat
Ever wonder why certain plants and animals call the forest home? Find out the characteristics of a good habitat by exploring Foley Mountain. Fit the living things observed into their spot on the food chain and explore how these organisms interact as a community.
Additional Info
- Grade 4, 5, 6, 7
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
Don’t Treat Soil Like Dirt!
Have you every stopped and looked at the soil beneath your feet? Explore our living breathing soil and some of the curious creatures that help maintain this important ecosystem ingredient.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall