Uncertain times spurs Gamiing Nature Centre to extend outdoor program into 2021
While parents are struggling to manage the risks of COVID-19, Gamiing Nature Centre, in partnership with The Forest Farm, offers parents an alternative; 200 acres for children to explore while providing them with an opportunity to be active, learn and be immersed in the great outdoors.
Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioural and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative.
Operating since early October, the weekly nature school has been successful thus far. Irrespective of the weather conditions students explore, cultivate vegetables, do archery, reflect on self care in nature and learn plant identification to name a few.
The program changes with the seasons, focusing on the opportunities each has to offers. Participants become stewards of our water, land and air, leading towards sustainable ecosystems for future generations.
Robin Uprichard insists the Outdoor School is the highlight of her child’s week. “This year we enrolled our child in Gamiing Forest School,” she shares. “Being a learn at home student, we try to encourage as much outside time as possible in our family. The students learn many valuable life skills in a more natural environment and each week come back refreshed from their time at Gamiing. It is the highlight of our child’s week to get out to Gamiing.”
Uprichard adds that “Boriana has been an excellent teacher and we love hearing each week about what the children have learned that day. She is passionate about permaculture and learning about our natural environment.”
Our reality is that COVID-19 necessitates social distancing. High-density, confined, indoor settings are associated with a higher risk of transmission. Given these conditions, the answer seems clear; activities are safer if they are held in outdoor spaces.
The next program runs from Jan. 8, to Mar. 12. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekly. The cost for the 11 sessions is $545.
For more information click here or contact Boriana Karan, instructor, at 416-722-7262.
