Conservation Areas (82)
Baxter Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Location: 7498 Carter Road, Kars, ON, South of Ottawa — Google map
Winter Forest School Registration NOW OPEN:
Complete this Registration Request Form to be added to our registration list. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
Program Details
- Program sessions offered for ages 4-6, 6-8, 6-10 and 8-13. Children must be the minimum age for the group by December 31, 2024.
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day
- We will do our best to accommodate your requests but reserve the right to alter the schedule based on demand.
- 2025 Spring Forest School dates are listed below, and registration will take place in early 2025.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Winter Forest School
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
January 6 – March 3, 2025 |
|
Full Day |
January 7– March 4, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
January 8– March 5, 2025 |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
January 9– March 6, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Half Day — Fridays (Ages 6-10) |
January 10 – March 7, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
Fall Forest School Sessions (Registration now open)
| Program Session | Date/Time | Cost |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
September 9 – December 9, 2024 |
$360 |
|
Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 pm or 3 p.m. |
$770 (full day) $420 (half day) |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
$770 (full day) |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
September 12 – December 12, 2024 |
$770 |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
September 13 – December 13, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
$420 (half day) |
*plus any applicable taxes
Spring Forest School (Registration Coming in Winter 2024-25)
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
March 17 – June 16, 2025 |
|
Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
March 18 – June 17, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
March 19 – June 18, 2025 |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
March 20 – June 19, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
March 21 – June 20, 2025 (13 sessions- no program on Friday, April 18, 2025) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| Our Community Partners | ||||||
 |
||||||
Baxter will be offering PD Day programs this school year! The days will be themed by our outdoor education staff depending on the season and time of year such as Outdoor Survival Skills, Navigation, Winter Wonderland, Animals and Habitats.
Come join us for a day in the Forest!
Please submit your request for Baxter PD Day Programs using our Registration Request Form. We are looking forward to welcoming your child(ren) to Baxter for days of exploration, outdoor learning, and play.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
PD Day Program Details:
- We are excited to offer programming for the following age groups: 6-12.
- Children are eligible for a session if they are six years old by December 31, 2024.
- Cost per child is $55/full day.
- The program will run from 9 AM to 4 PM each day.
- You can register for all sessions for your school board or one at a time.
- Our PD Program days will be run out of Baxter’s Interpretive Centre.
- There are no before or after care options for our PD Day Program.
NEW Summer Forest School Drop In Days at Baxter!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Baxter will be offering Summer Forest School Drop In Days in August 2024 with a summer camp twist! For any families wondering what Forest School is all about, this is your chance to try it out for a day without signing up for an entire session. Since it’s the summer, we’re going to include some summer camp activities throughout the day as well. Come join us for a day in the Forest!
Please submit your request for Forest School Drop-In Days using our Registration Request Form. We are looking forward to welcoming your child(ren) to Baxter Forest School for summer days of exploration, outdoor learning, fun and play.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
Drop In Program Details:
- We are excited to offer programming for the following age groups: 4-6 and 6-10.
- Children are eligible for a session if they meet the minimum age requirement by December 31, 2024. The minimum age requirement is 4 years old for the half day program and 6 years old for the full day program.
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST.
- You can register for any number of sessions for your age group.
- Our summer drop-in days will be run out of Baxter’s River Cabin at our group campsite – where Forest School is normally run throughout the school year.
- There will not be swimming at our Summer Forest School Drop-In Days, although water games and alternative ways to cool off will be included in the program, especially during hot weather.
- There are no before or after care options for Summer Forest School Drop-In Days.
- We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
Drop-In Days:
Salamanders (4-6 years old)
Half Day: 9 AM – Noon
$30 plus HST
- August 7
- August 23
- August 28
Frogs (6-10 years old)
Full Day: 9 AM – 3 PM
$55 plus HST
- August 8
- August 9
- August 14
- August 26
- August 27
NEW Summer Programs at Foley Mountain!
New this summer, Foley Mountain Conservation Area will offer an exciting suite of family and children's programming throughout July and August, including summer Forest School sessions for several age groups. Join our qualified and experienced outdoor educators for some summer fun in the forest! Registration is required and will close the Wednesday prior to the program date. Fees vary by program. All program fees are subject to applicable taxes.
Family Programs:
Join us the first Saturday of the month and two Fridays per month throughout the summer for our exciting family programs! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required by the Wednesday prior to the event.
Submit a Family Program registration request form to get started. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including payment instructions. Please note that filling out this form this does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
| Date | Program | Age | Time | Costs |
| Saturday, July 6 | Weekend Wanders - Outdoor Survival Skills |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, July 19 | Forest Fridays - Beaver Pond Bonanza |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 2 | Forest Fridays - Outdoor Survival Skills |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Saturday, August 3 | Weekend Wanders - Beaver Pond Bonanza |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 9 | Forest Fridays - A Bug's Life |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
| Friday, August 23 | Forest Fridays - GPS and Geocaching |
All Ages | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | $27/family |
Summer Forest School Programs:
If you've always wanted to try Forest School, this is your chance! We are offering one-day registrations for our bi-weekly Forest School programs, which are organized by age. You can register for all four sessions for your age group, or one at a time.
Submit a Forest School registration request form to get started. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including payment instructions. Please note that filling out this form this does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
| Date | Program | Age | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuesdays |
Family Forest School |
2 to 5, with guardians |
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
$18/child |
| Wednesdays (July 17, July 31, Aug 7, Aug 21) |
Forest Kindergarten | 4 to 5 | 9 a.m. - noon | $30/child |
| Thursdays (July 18, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 22) |
School Age Forest School | 6 to 12 |
Full day: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Full day: $55/child |
| Our Community Partner | ||
 |
Winter Wonderland Foley
Bundle up and prepare for a wild winter adventure! Explore the winter forest at Baxter and learn about how plants and animals have adapted to survive these cold Canadian months.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Winter
Thank you for your interest in booking an education program at Baxter Conservation Area. Please check out our list of Baxter Educational Programs and then review the Baxter Education calendar and complete the form to request a booking.
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON) draft)
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Family Forest School
- Kindergarten for children aged 4-5
- School age for children aged 6-12
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
NEW PROGRAM – Family Forest School
Is your child a bit too young to join in our independent programs or are you just looking to be a part of their forest school experience? Well, this new program may be the perfect fit for you!
- The same play based, child centred learning environment as our other forest school programs. Enjoy play, stories, snack time, forest adventures, and more!
- A new forest school program for children aged 2-5 (younger or slightly older siblings are welcome to tag along) where a parent or guardian stays with the child during the program.
- Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am offered in the same fall, winter, and spring sessions as our other programs. Registration is for the whole session.
- Supported by one of our skilled and experienced forest school educators.
- Cost per child is $18/morning plus HST.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Sept 10 – Nov 26, 2024/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
| Winter 2025 – Tuesdays | Jan 14 – March, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $162.72 |
| Spring 2025 – Tuesdays | March 25-June 10, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 4-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning plus HST. All prices below include HST.
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 11 – Nov 27, 2024/9am – 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 - Wednesdays | Jan 15 – March 5/9am – 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 - Wednesdays | March 26 – June 11/9am-12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 6–12
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST. All prices below include HST.
|
Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 3pm | $497.20 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2024 Drop In Programs
- April 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- May 18, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- June 15, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- July 20, from 10-11:30 am
- August 17, from 10-11:30 am
- September 21, from 10-11:30 am
- October 19, from 10-11:30 am
- November 16, from 10-11:30 am
- December 21, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
| Our Community Partners | ||||||
| |
 |
 |
|
|||
Foley Mountain is spectacular in fall, but visitors should plan ahead to avoid crowds.
During peak season (end of September to mid-October), staff are on-site every day to assist visitors with purchasing passes, managing parking, and helping things run smoothly. Visitors may be asked to park in auxiliary parking at the Interpretive Centre and other areas away from Spy Rock to ease congestion.
See the Foley Fall Colours map below for alternative parking and trail directions (click map to download a PDF):
Tips For An Unforgettable Foley Mountain Visit:
1. Avoid peak times
Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest time of the year at Foley Mountain, with weekends on either side of the holiday also attracting large crowds. Avoid line-ups and crowds by visiting at off-peak times, such as early in the morning or in the evening, and mid-week instead of weekends.
2. Plan ahead for parking
The Spy Rock parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Come prepared with coins instead of credit cards for the pay machine, or use www.PayByPhone.com to reduce long line-ups (location code 5204).
You may be asked to park in auxiliary parking areas at the Interpretive Centre, group camping site or at designated spots along the main road to reduce congestion. Be prepared to hike a short distance back to Spy Rock, either along the road or using one of the park’s other trails.
3. Share Spy Rock
As one of the most popular lookouts at Foley Mountain, Spy Rock can be a busy spot during fall colours. Please be considerate of other visitors and resist the temptation to linger a long time when others are waiting. Take your time to enjoy the view and take some photos, and then let others have a chance!
4. Explore the whole park
There’s more to Foley Mountain than just Spy Rock: explore it! Foley Mountain offers 10 kilometres of trails ranging from our accessible 400-metre Mobility Trail (including a Story Trail for the youngest visitors) to more rugged treks across the top of the mountain.
Check out these three alternative fall hikes: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/beyond-spy-rock-three-fabulous-fall-hikes-at-foley-mountain
5. Stay informed
For maps and general park information visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/fee-required/foley-mountain-ca. For the most up-to-date information follow our Facebook pages at @FoleyMountain and @RideauValleyConservationAuthority or follow RVCA on Twitter at @RideauValleyCA.
Baxter Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Location: 7498 Carter Road, Kars, ON, South of Ottawa — Google map
Winter Forest School Registration NOW OPEN:
Complete this Registration Request Form to be added to our registration list. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
Program Details
- Program sessions offered for ages 4-6, 6-8, 6-10 and 8-13. Children must be the minimum age for the group by December 31, 2024.
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day
- We will do our best to accommodate your requests but reserve the right to alter the schedule based on demand.
- 2025 Spring Forest School dates are listed below, and registration will take place in early 2025.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Winter Forest School
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
January 6 – March 3, 2025 |
|
Full Day |
January 7– March 4, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
January 8– March 5, 2025 |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
January 9– March 6, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Half Day — Fridays (Ages 6-10) |
January 10 – March 7, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
Fall Forest School Sessions (Registration now open)
| Program Session | Date/Time | Cost |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
September 9 – December 9, 2024 |
$360 |
|
Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 pm or 3 p.m. |
$770 (full day) $420 (half day) |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
$770 (full day) |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
September 12 – December 12, 2024 |
$770 |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
September 13 – December 13, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
$420 (half day) |
*plus any applicable taxes
Spring Forest School (Registration Coming in Winter 2024-25)
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
March 17 – June 16, 2025 |
|
Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
March 18 – June 17, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
March 19 – June 18, 2025 |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
March 20 – June 19, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
March 21 – June 20, 2025 (13 sessions- no program on Friday, April 18, 2025) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| Our Community Partners | ||||||
|
||||||
Getting outside doesn't have to be complicated: there's tons of fun and learning just waiting to be discovered in your backyard, around your block or at your local conservation area. To get you started, RVCA's Outdoor Educators have compiled some awesome activities to help you maximize your outdoor adventures!
Spring Resources |
Winter Resources |
| Elementary School Activities: | |
 Natural Art — Hey kids! Why not get outside and collect little pieces of “nature” and create a work of art? What can you use from your backyard to make your own unique masterpiece? A few blades of grass? Maybe a few twigs will help? How about those pinecones? There are treasures to be found! Build your design outside, take a snap and leave it behind. |
|
 Alphabet Walk — Hey parents, here’s today’s RVCA Fresh Air Fun tip! Take the little ones for an “alphabet walk.” Can you see letters in shapes around you? Or find objects for every letter of the alphabet. Access our ABC check list here (download PDF) |
|
 Scavenger Hunt — Hey kids! It’s a spring scavenger hunt! Get outside see what you can spy during your outdoor adventure. Get your scavenger hunt here (download PDF). |
|
 Booklist — Hey parents! Pair a fun children’s story with your next walk outside. Make connections from the book to nature while watching the squirrels, jumping in puddles or sitting under a magic tree! Check out Interpreter Andrea and Rebecca’s recommended reading list! Reading List (download PDF) |
|
 Photography fun! What a better way to capture your backyard fresh air fun than with your camera! Whether spring is blooming or the snow is blowing, what beautiful outdoor image can you freeze in time? The flight of a feathered friend, the unique patterns of a frosty leaf, the buds about to burst? |
|
 Ready to read — Weave literacy skills into your next bit of fresh air fun! Make a list of all the things you see on your walk while encouraging literacy skills. Younger children can guess the first letter based or draw pictures, while older kids can try to spell the words. You can help them fill in the blanks later! |
|
|
Why is this type of play beneficial for kids? Loose parts encourage kids to be physically active and creative. The learning is hands on, engaging, and encourages children to communicate and be cooperative along with developing great problem-solving skills. |
|
|
Rainy Day Play — Water is a wonderful in Parents, be sure to watch your kids near deep or fast flowing water! Dry off and pair your experience with a fun story. Check out “Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner or "In the Small, Small Pond" by Denise Fleming. If you have a library card, many books can be accessed through digital library connections like OverDrive Tumble Books for free. |
|
|
|
|
|
The messiness of play and learning can take its tole on your indoor space and patience! Try taking it outside for some fresh air fun. Grab some containers from your recycling, buckets, old kitchen utensils, bowls, pots, pans, etc. that you have lying around and set up a mud kitchen in your backyard. Find a spot where your children can dig in the soil or sand and collect ingredients from nature. Fill some containers with water and watch their imaginations go! Although you may see lots of fancy set-ups for mud kitchens online, we have found that children are more than happy to sit on the ground or work with their tools on a stump, bench, board, or picnic table. When the play is finished, you can throw everything in a plastic bin or sturdy reusable shopping bag. Washing things off is totally optional! How can this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
Have fun! Don’t for get to check out our blog at https://www.rvca.ca/blog. |
|
|
|
|
|
How does this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
|
|
|
How does this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
Resources:
|
|
|
|
Loose Parts Play — Loose parts are random items that children use to build, play, create and more. Look through your home and think like a kid: boards, tires, fabric, boxes, old kitchen items, buckets, sticks, tubes, pipes, logs, rocks, recycling items and more can all become loose parts. And there is no better place to play with them than outside!
vitation for play and exploration! A puddle, a ditch, a stream, or a pond in your neighbourhood or backyard can all lead to some excellent fresh air fun. Raid your recycling bin for containers that you can use as scoops. Use an old kitchen strainer as a net. Find a pail, bowl, or basin to collect water and any creatures you might find. Don’t forget your rubber boots! Want to know what creatures you found? Make observations about sie, number of legs, antennae and how it swims. Then look it up later using our 
Toad House — Hop to it and try your hand at creating toad habitat in your own backyard! Toads are great neighbours because they love to eat bugs and slugs. Learn more from Ranger Rebecca as she gives tips on how to build a toad house with your little ones. Don’t forget to post and tag us in your creation! 
Mud Kitchen — How about building a mud kitchen?
Map & Compass — Get back to basics with this edition of fresh air fun! GPS technology is amazing but it doesn’t always work the way we expect it. Traditional map and compass work is a great way to explore outside. Break out your old compass and see if you can figure out how to find north and the other cardinal directions. Grab some paper, pencils, and colouring tools to make a map of your backyard or neighbourhood. See if you can match north on your map to magnetic north and see how that can help you navigate on your adventure. Ranger Rebecca explains more at 
Tiny Habitats — Did you know you might have some tiny habitats hiding right in your backyard? Do you have a rock sitting in your garden? How about a big stick or log sitting on the grass by your shed? Try lifting it up and looking underneath: you might be surprised what you find. When you're finished, be sure to put the rock or log back so the things living underneath stay safe. 
Pretend to be an animal — Classic fresh air fun: pretend to be an animal! Try hide and seek with a forest friend twist – the little owls fly out into the forest and hide from one of their owl friends. When everyone is ready, the owls start to hoot and their friend listens to try and find them. | Middle and High School Activities: |
Pond Study: Using bugs to test for pollutionSome bugs are more sensitive to poor water quality than others. In this hands-on science experiment, get up close and personal with the benthic invertebrates that live in your local pond or stream to determine whether or not its polluted. Instructions here! |
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt!Just you and your phone, chasing a secret — if you have to be outside, this is how to do it! The global geocaching movement is all around us, including at Baxter Conservation Area. Use your phone to track down the secret treasures tucked into our trees. Download the Geocaching app for iPhone or Android to get started. Bring a friend! |
Trail JournalingForest therapy is great for your mental health. Next time you're on a hike, at the cottage or even at a local park, tune into your wild side for a few minutes. Put away your phone, find a comfy spot to sit and just watch and listen. What do you see? What can you hear? Print your trail journal here! |
Five Senses in the ForestTake a nature break! Harness the restorative power of nature to help you stay grounded and able to cope with the stress all around us. Try our Five Senses in the Forest mindfulness activity here. |
Naturally Artistic ChallengeCreate your own outdoor masterpiece using nature’s gifts. Using rocks, twigs, leaves and any other natural materials you find, build your design outside, take a snap and leave it behind. Post it on your socials and tag us with #RVCAFreshAirFun! Find instructions here! |
Photo challengeForget the selfies! Put your phone to the test: What beautiful nature photo can you freeze in time? The flight of a feathered friend, the unique bend of a tree branch, the buds about to burst? Filters allowed! Be sure to post to your socials and tag us with #RVCAFreshAirFun. |
More...
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON)
Winter Forest School Registration open now
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Family Forest School
- Kindergarten for children aged 4-5
- School age for children aged 6-12
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
NEW PROGRAM – Family Forest School
Is your child a bit too young to join in our independent programs or are you just looking to be a part of their forest school experience? Well, this new program may be the perfect fit for you!
- The same play based, child centred learning environment as our other forest school programs. Enjoy play, stories, snack time, forest adventures, and more!
- A new forest school program for children aged 2-5 (younger or slightly older siblings are welcome to tag along) where a parent or guardian stays with the child during the program.
- Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am offered in the same fall, winter, and spring sessions as our other programs. Registration is for the whole session.
- Supported by one of our skilled and experienced forest school educators.
- Cost per child is $18/morning.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Sept 10 – Nov 26, 2024/9:30am – 11:30am | $360 |
| Winter 2025 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Jan 14 – March, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $240 |
| Spring 2025 – Tuesdays | March 25 - June 10, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 4-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning.
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 11 – Nov 27, 2024/9am – 12pm | $360 |
| Winter 2025 - Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 15 – March 5/9am – 12pm | $240 |
| Spring 2025 - Wednesdays | March 26 – June 11/9am-12pm | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 6–12
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day.
|
Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 3pm, no class Oct 14 | $605 |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 12pm, no class Oct 14 | $363 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 3pm | $660 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 12pm | $360 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 3pm | $440 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 12pm | $240 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 3pm | $660 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 12pm | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2024 Drop In Programs
- April 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- May 18, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- June 15, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- July 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- August 17, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- September 21, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- October 19, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- November 16, from 10-11:30 am
- December 21, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
| Our Community Partners | ||||||
| |
|
|
|
|||
Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
Free online resources available for all teachers and group leaders at https://www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring
Snowshoeing
Come and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation in Canada! Students will learn how to safely travel with snowshoes and, once comfortable, follow the snowshoe trail through the forest and maybe even try snowshoe games.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Winter
Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness. As winter turns to spring, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas. Please go to the following link for more information: www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring
