Spring Forest School Registration and the Summer Camp 24hr Application Window Open February 1 at Noon!
Oro Medonte Forest School
Child-led forest programs for ages 2–12. Rooted in Oro-Medonte and serving the greater Barrie and Orillia region.
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, we must allow them to fall in love with the earth before we ask them to save her.” - David Sobel
Welcome
Oro Medonte Forest School’s mission is to create an educational community that fosters rich, experiential learning, age appropriate ecological literacy, and promotes healthy living by connecting children to nature through the use of the Forest School model in the foundational early years.
Child Directed
Exploration
Play Based, Experiential
Learning
Navigating Risk
through Play
Connection to Land
and Community
Programs
OMFS offers a variety of program options to suit your family’s hopes for forest school programming!
Mon, Wed or Fri
Walking - Age 4
9:30 am to 11 am
24 participants
Spring: Mar 30 – Jun 5 (10 weeks)
$250 per family
Our caregiver and child program is most beneficial for children ages 2-4, though some slightly younger and older participants have enjoyed and thrived participating as well. Adults and children explore together, while our educators take part in carving out a wonderful, child directed environment. Our Forest Families program takes place in pre-registered sessions on Friday mornings with drop in spaces available depending on the session.
Tues
Ages 4-8
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
24 participants
Spring: Mar 24 – Jun 16 (13 weeks)
$1,025 per child
Younger, more independent children (4+) may join their older siblings in this program suitable for a wider age range. These adventurous friends spend their days exploring further off play areas, building and learning new outdoor skills wherever they go. Games and group activities are a big part of their day, while still enjoying many creative opportunities.
Thurs
Ages 5-12
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
14 participants
Spring: Mar 26 - Jun 18 (13 weeks)
$1,025 per child
Those children who are joining us at an older age, or who have spent time in the previous programs can join the Trekkers program to grow their comfort in the outdoors. Projects that the children build upon from week to week tend to be a big part of their time at Forest School. Eager to explore, our adventures take us on longer hikes, following maps and using our outdoor skills to guide our way, often setting up for a day away from our home base.
Tue/Thu or Wed
Ages 3-6
9 am to 3:30 pm
14 participants
Pricing varies by schedule and after care choices
Our Forest Kindergarten program offers a unique outdoor learning experience for children aged 3-6. Rooted in nature-based education, it fosters creativity, curiosity, and resilience through hands-on exploration in a beautiful 40-acre forest setting.
With a low 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio, children engage in both structured activities and free play, developing problem-solving skills, confidence, and a deep connection to the environment.
Mar 17-19
Ages 4-12
9:30 am to 4 pm
24 participants
Mar 17-19, 2026
$250 per child
Join us for three unforgettable days of outdoor adventure this March Break! Children will explore the magic of maple syrup season—from learning how sap is collected to tasting the sweet rewards. Each day will be filled with forest play, hands-on crafts, campfire cooking, and storytelling around the fire.
Tues-Thurs
Ages 4-12
9:30 am to 4 pm
24 participants
Week 1: Jul 7-9
Week 2: Jul 21-23
Week 3: Aug 4-6
Week 4: Aug 11-13
$255 per week
Children will spend the day exploring, creating, building, and using their imaginations to the fullest. The summer camp leaders will provide opportunities for outdoor skill development, cooperative games, and lots of movement. Camp leaders will follow the children’s lead while providing a safe, valuable program that nurtures a child’s desire to be in the outdoors.
Our Promise
Our Vision is to provide children with frequent opportunities to play and learn in local forests, meadows, wetlands and gardens with educators who understand the power of play and child-directed learning.
Our hope is that children will develop a strong sense of self, a healthy connection to the land and community, and will recognize the importance of contributing to a more intersectional, sustainable world.
We invite you to reach out or book a call with us to answer any questions.
How to Get Started
Step 1
Explore our programs to find the right fit for your child(ren) and family
Step 2
Fill out pre-registration / application forms & pay for your selected program
Step 3
Complete info form & waiver, prep your gear & we'll see you in the forest!
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Our Mission
Oro Medonte Forest School’s mission is to create an educational community that fosters rich, experiential learning, age appropriate ecological literacy, and promotes healthy living by connecting children to nature through the use of the Forest School model in the foundational early years.
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