Frequently Asked Questions
You May Be Wondering...
Where can I access current forest school research to help me make a decision about whether Forest school is a good fit for my child/family?
How does Forest School work?
Children attend OMFS one or two days/weekly.
Many children who attend public school join OMFS just one day/week whereas some come biweekly.
Forest School is offered as a complement to a child’s academic education.
Where can I learn more about Forest Schools in general?
Where does OMFS take place?
Please visit our location page here: https://oromedonteforestschool.ca/oro-medonte-forest-school-location/
How do I know which program to sign my child up for?
Our programs are detailed on this page.
But here is a general idea as well:
Forest Families – age 2-4 (with some wiggle room on either end) children who participate with a caregiving adult. Focus on storytelling, crafts, play, and fun! Half day program.
Forest Explorers – kindergarten age children new to forest school who do well in a group of similar aged peers, or those wishing for a half day program. Play based with a large focus on imaginative, creative, and sensory play.
Forest Adventurers – age 4-10 children who wish to be amongst a diverse age range (perhaps to attend with siblings, cousins, or friends), and who are comfortable with a full day of outdoor programming that is slightly more adventurous and involves a wider range of group games and activities.
Forest Trekkers – age 5-12 children who are experienced in the outdoors and would like to build on their outdoor skills. Comfortable trekking longer distances and participating in collaborative activities and projects that may carry on from week to week.
How do I dress my child appropriately for a day of Forest School?
We have dedicated a large section of our Parent Handbook to this very detail. Please refer to this for information on all weather types and seasons.
Children thrive in the outdoors best when they are dressed in appropriate clothing for the presenting weather. We offer an online gear swap on Facebook for all registered families to help grow your outdoor gear collections!
What happens when the weather is inclement on a day of Forest School?
Please refer to the OMFS Parent Handbook which details our inclement weather policy. Note that school will typically be cancelled when the Simcoe County buses in the NORTH or CENTRAL zones are cancelled.
Recently, due to our changing climate, there has been other considerations that may lead to cancellations including but not limited to air quality, tornado warnings, high winds, and excessive heat.
Classes will not be made up due to weather cancellations.
I’m not in the Oro Medonte / Orillia area, can you suggest other nearby Forest School programs near Simcoe County?
What is Risky play? What are the benefits of Risky Play for children?
https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/features/risky-play-for-children-why-we-should-let-kids-go-outside-and-then-get-out#:~:text=Risky%20play%20in%20early%20childhood,the%20risk%20of%20injury%2C%20too.
https://earlyyearsoutdooreducation.wordpress.com/outdoor-risky-play-for-all/
https://news.ubc.ca/2015/06/09/risky-outdoor-play-positively-impacts-childrens-health-ubc-study/
Can my child come to try Forest School to see if it is a good fit?
For younger children, we suggest that parents or caregivers bring them to our Forest Friday program to get a sense of the programming. Older children may sample Forest School by attending one of the Forest Camps – Summer or PA Day camps are offered.
From time to time we offer drop in availability in some of our regular programs. Please check the program pages for details.
Are there subsidies available for Forest School programming?
YES! We offer an in house subsidy fund, available to families who may not otherwise be able to afford forest school programming.
Please visit the below links for details or contact us for info about the OMFS Subsidy Fund.
Why have program costs increased slightly?
Our educators are the heart of OMFS. They are the ones building trust with your children, keeping them safe, noticing the quiet moments of growth, and showing up with patience, care, and joy in all kinds of weather. As our program grows, we’ve made a conscious choice to better support the people doing this important work.
A small increase in program costs helps us care for our staff in a sustainable way so they can continue to bring their full selves to the forest. It allows us to keep experienced educators, maintain small group sizes, and offer the calm, connected environment families value so much. We’re deeply grateful to our community for helping us take care of the people who take such good care of your children.
Parent Handbook
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 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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