~ Gabriola Yearlong Programs ~

Wayfinders is an offering for kids aged 8-12, for yearlong nature-based mentorship in the 8-Shields model. 

The kids will learn of responsible harvesting, medicinal and food plants, natural materials, wild crafting, navigation, tracking and stalking, bird language, ancestral heritage and local ecology. With strong core routines of gratitude, circle sharing, singing, storytelling, inquiring, mindful “sit spots”, and mentoring of each other, they will experience and incorporate a nature-connected community-minded culture, grounded in relationships of respect and reciprocity. 

Program starts in Sept 2026 and runs until June 2027. Registration is for the full 32 sessions.

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Seedlings is an offering for kids aged 4-6, for yearlong nature-based mentorship in the 8-Shields model. 

The kids will learn of responsible harvesting, medicinal and food plants, natural materials, wild crafting, navigation, tracking and stalking, bird language, ancestral heritage and local ecology. With strong core routines of gratitude, circle sharing, singing, storytelling, inquiring, mindful “sit spots”, and mentoring of each other, they will experience and incorporate a nature-connected community-minded culture, grounded in relationships of respect and reciprocity. 

Program starts in Sept 2026 and runs until June 2027. Registration is for the full year of 32 sessions.

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Tadpoles is a nature preschool program for kids who love to be outside! 

Nature and the children’s interests will guide our days as we explore the forest and coastline and attune to seasonal changes. Children are encouraged to experience and express their knowledge through diverse activities including story, song, movement, and crafts. As they experience their gifts in a natural setting, they will be gaining an awareness of respect for self, others, materials, and the environment. Empathy and social-emotional skill development is promoted through everyday encounters with each other. We welcome unintended happenings and experiment toward open-ended imaginative outcomes. 

There are 3 terms, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Sign up for 1, 2, or all 3!

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