Our PROGRAMS
We offer a variety of outdoor educational programs where participants come together to experience and appreciate diverse relationships with nature.
Deer and Fawns Parented Play
(0 - 5 years)
For children aged 0 - 5 years old and their carers. Learn and explore the outdoors together through games, storytelling, and crafts.
Fridays 9:30 am - 12 pm
Wolf Cubs Unparented Play
(3 - 5 years)
Fun adventures in the forest! Wolf Cubs is an unparented program for children from 3 years (who are walking confidently and potty trained) up to school-age. Explore, play and make friends!
Tuesdays 9:30 am - 12 pm
Snowshoe Hares Afterschool (Kindergarten - Grade 7)
A wild after school adventure for children in kindergarten through grade 7. Have fun exploring the forest come rain, shine or snow!
Mondays 2:45-5:00pm.
Ravens Full Day
(5 - 13 years)
As wise, creative birds, ravens travel their own unique paths through life. In this homeschool support group for kindergarten to grade 7, will spend the full day in the forest engaging in exploration, games, group activities and STEAM challenges.
Dates vary
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About us
In October 2021, the magic started.
A group of inspired parents and environmental educators enchanted the first group of young children and their carers. Together, they discovered and explored their forest backyards, week after week. Using play-based, child-led, emergent curriculum, the explorers were offered time and space to build, play and engage with one another.
With regular and repeated access to nature across every season of the year, the children became the magic themselves, show us over and over again what an amazing teacher nature is herself.
Since then, we’ve grown to offer four once-per-week programs for kids aged twelve and under. Visit the Programs page to learn more.
Previously known as Kimberley Outdoor Learning Society (KOLS), Forest and Nature School programs are now part of Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook.
Visit Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook‘s website for more about us.
Meet Our INSTRUCTORS
Kim Urbaniak
Instructor
Kim has been leading children and adults through various outdoor activities for over 15 years, the last four of those in and around Kimberley/Cranbrook. Her passion is connecting people to the natural world, in whatever way that means for them. You might already know “Ms. Kim” from her other programs with Wildsight, Mainstreams, and at Spirit Rock Climbing Center.
She has an MA in Environmental Education and Communications, and her Forest School Practitioners Certificate from the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. She also holds certifications in Climbing Gym Instructor, Apprentice Hiking Guide and First Aid/CPR.
Anna Malvin
Instructor
Anna gained a BS in Wildlife Biology so that she could have a science background to teach outdoor environmental education. She moved to Kimberley three years ago and has loved becoming a part of this community. The past two summers, she has led Wildsight’s Camp Odyssey summer camp and s excited to be joining Ms. Kim and forest school participants in learning and growing outside in all seasons.
When she’s not outside sharing her love for the natural world with others, Anna can be found reading, baking, and coaching rock climbing. She holds an MA in English Studies, is a Wilderness First Responder, and is certified in First Aid/CPR.