WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest school is an outdoor education approach where children learn through hands-on exploration, play, discovery, and connection with the natural world.

At Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy, the forest is our classroom. Children spend their days outside learning through observation, problem-solving, creativity, movement, and meaningful relationships with the environment.

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DO CHILDREN REALLY STAY OUTSIDE ALL DAY?

Yes! Leap for Joy Outdoor Academy operates fully outdoors. Children spend their entire program day outside and do not rely on an indoor classroom space.

Being outdoors in all seasons allows children to experience nature. Watching the forest change, observing wildlife, feeling different weather patterns, and developing confidence in a variety of conditions.

We believe children are capable and thrive when they are given the right clothing, preparation, and support.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS, SNOWS, OR THE WEATHER IS UNCOMFORTABLE?

Forest school happens in all weather conditions. Rain, wind, snow, and sunshine are all opportunities for learning.

Children discover:

• How water moves through the forest

• How animals adapt to changing conditions

• How plants survive different seasons

• How to care for themselves outdoors

We follow weather safety guidelines and adjust activities based on conditions. Our goal is not to avoid the weather; it's to help children become comfortable and confident in it.

IS FOREST SCHOOL SAFE?

Yes! Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Staff are trained on risk assessment, first aid and environmental awareness. Our goal is to help each student learn and develop the skills to navigate the forest safely. We are safety nerds and enjoy teaching our students all about it! 

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Arrival and welcome circle

Nature exploration

Outdoor play

Forest investigations

Snack and Tea Time

Hands-on activities and circle time

Crafts using natural materials

Games

Reflection and sharing

Time for home!

DO YOU HAVE A CURRICULUM?

We 100% do! We have poured many hours, love and thought into our yearly curriculum. We believe in emergent learning, so while we have a baseline, staff are able to adapt on the fly and dive into any outdoor topic. All classes will learn about our main topics througout the year and have the chance to learn about their own curiosities as the seasons change.  

WHAT IS A MUDSLIDE?

A mudslide, so lovingly called by our students, is a hill of mud! On rainy days, you can expect to pick up your child who will be covered in mud, giggling and filled with stories of their epic slides! We recommend keeping a laundry basket or a big IKEA bag in your trunk. Simply place your child inside and strip off their muddy layers. 

WHAT AGES DO YOU ACCEPT?

The Outdoor Academy accepts ages 3-13 years old. If your child is turning 3 by December 31st, they are welcome to start with us in September.

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS NOT SPENT A LOT OF TIME OUTSIDE?

That is completely okay.

Many children begin forest school with limited outdoor experience. Our educators support children as they gradually build comfort and confidence.

Children will learn how to explore safely, how to dress for the weather, how to care for themselves outdoors, and how to connect with nature

Every child begins their journey at their own pace.

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DO YOU PLAY NEAR THE FAST RIVER? I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE WATER.

Here at the Academy, we take water safety VERY seriously. Most of our staff are parents themselves, and we are very cautious around water. A lot of our regular school locations have river access. That said, the river access we choose is never above knee level, and students receive a safety orientation before every class. We encourage children to listen to their bodies and remind them in the colder months to keep their bodies out of the water. The only exception is on swimming days, when a lifejacket must be worn by all students and staff.

WHAT IF MY CHILD CRIES? WHAT IF I CRY? WHAT IF EVERYONE IS CRYING?

Tears are to be expected at some point, and that is okay! Especially if this is your child's first time away from mum/dad/family. Staff are well-equipped to help your child adapt. We encourage parents/guardians to hold their tears in until they reach their cars, as it makes it more challenging for your little one to see you upset.

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Staff will encourage a quick drop method: 

What we recommend:

Starting a routine with your little

An example: "Okay, (child's name), you are going to go to school now and (mummy,daddy,grandma, grandpa,etc) will pick you up when you are finished. I love you, and I will see you soon! Followed by a big hug & kiss

Pass your child to a staff member if they are clinging to you

99% of the time, your child will settle within a few minutes, and a staff member will text you when they do. If your child won't settle, we will reach out to you immediately. 

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Try not to linger, drop and run! It makes it more difficult for your child when you come back and forth. We have them, and they are safe.

It will take time to build trust with their teachers; it may take a few classes for your child to feel comfortable, and that is OK. 

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns on this topic! It's our most asked question.

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HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR FOREST SCHOOL?

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Practicing putting on outdoor clothing. Have your child run around in their gear to see how it feels.

Feed your child lunches our of their snack box. Practice opening it together (don't worry, staff are always available to assist!)

Spending time outside in different weather. Go on a walk together, look at different trees and see if you can spot any animals.

Encouraging curiosity and exploration.

Talking positively about outdoor experiences!

If you know your child will have big feelings at drop off, let their teacher know at our meet-and-greet.

Read: The Kissing Hand. By Audrey Penn. We love this book and will often read it in one of our first circles. 

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WHERE IS LEAP FOR JOY LOCATED?

Our program runs in Chilliwack, BC and the Fraser Valley Regional District. For exact locations, please reach out via email. We do not post location names, addresses, or photo identification publicly for the safety of our students and staff. 

MY CHILD NEEDS EXTRA HELP, AND MAY REQUIRE A ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT. CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE US?

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Absolutely! We have the staffing, training and ability to provide one-on-one support here at the Academy. 

If your child has a diagnosis and is funded by a third party, we will work with them to ensure everything is documented and in order.

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If your child is not diagnosed and still needs extra support, we are more than happy to discuss options, funding and scholarships.

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We always make sure that every family feels comfortable and confident in their decision. We can do a "handover" of your child to the public school system to ensure they continue to receive the additional support they may need as they grow up.

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WHAT ARE YOUR CLASS SIZES AND RATIO?

Our class cap vaires throughout the week based on age groups. 
We operate on a 6:1 ratio for our younger students and a 7:1 ratio for our older students. Often times we will have extra hands with university practicum students/volunteers and WEX highschool students.