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< Back Foundations in Forest School Workshops April 26 - An Introduction to Forest School and Child Led Play May 10- Risky Play Intro to Forest School and Child Led Play What does child-led play look like? What language should you use to support it? What is your role as the adult? How should you be prepared for emergencies big and small? This and so much more will be covered in our hands on workshop aimed at making you more comfortable playing outside with the children in your care Risky Play Workshop This workshop is for parents, early childhood professional, teachers, or anyone else interested in learning the skills to confidently navigate risky play with the children in their care. Learn how to do a risk assessment for your site, for the activities that the children participate in, and practice doing dynamic risk assessments. Previous Next

< Back SUMMER CAMP Week 1: Jul 7 to 11 for kids ages 8 to 12 Week 2: July 21 to 25 for kids ages 5 to 7 Camp starts daily at 9h, with pick-up between 15h45 and 16h. No after-camp care is available. A week-long day camp filled with outdoor fun and learning. Inspired by forest school, but from a wonderful working farm setting! Camp will take place at CampRock's End Farm, 88 Chemin Echo Dale, in Farrellton, Quebec. Previous Next

< Back CHIPMUNKS: Parent & Tot Registration for the Spring 2025 sessions will open on March 11, 2025 at 7 pm. SPRING 2025 schedule: Thursdays from 10h to 12h: APRIL 10, 17, 24, MAY 1, 8, 15. Saturdays from 9h30 to 11h30: APRIL 5,12, 26, MAY 3, 10, 24 (no class on Easter weekend or Victoria Day weekend). Registration is PER SESSION and for either Thursday OR Saturday, however you may register for more than one day if you wish. Description: This program is for children aged 0 to 5+ and their accompanying parent(s). While toddlers will benefit most from this class, babies-in-arms and siblings are welcome too. Anyone curious about child-centred play in a natural environment will love this time together! An experienced forest school teacher will facilitate safe and fun outdoor play, answer any questions for parents, provide guidance on clothing, and sing the occasional song too! The day will start with free play, followed by a quick circle time. We'll then head off to the forest to play, and end our day with an appreciation song. Bring a snack and come dressed for all types of weather (wind, rain, snow, and sun). Parents will be expected to supervise their own children at all times while the Forest School educator is there to facilitate the group, and model child led learning. Previous Next

Where nature and creativity come to play We are a bilingual outdoor learning experience serving the Ottawa-Gatineau (NCR) communities in Chelsea, Quebec for over 50 years! We strive to create a community of resilient, active children, empowered by valuing, enjoying and being curious about their natural and social surroundings. Join us Work with us! Join our amazing team at CFS learn more We're excited to meet you! If you're curious about us... here's a little more information to get to know us better. What is Forest School? Our History Meet our teachers Our location Our Programs FAQ Chelsea Forest School is a beautiful part of my kids' childhood! Forest School Day is my son's highlight of the week. Most mornings he looks out of his window and regardless if it rains, snows or the sun is shining, he declares that we have perfect forest school weather and that he should be able to go more often during the week. We have had kids in different forest school programs for the past 5 years and even though my oldest daughter was already in grade 5 when she attended, she loved the freedom to explore, create, climb, and relax in a marvelous setting just as much as her younger brothers. I notice how the kids learn to take calculated risks in nature and are confident in making good decisions outdoors. The teachers are calm and patient and always have kind words to share about each child during pick-up, and my son has remarked that he feels understood. Esther Shoemaker, PhD. We can't wait for you to Join us in the Forest! Get a head start! Not ready to join Forest School yet? Please complete the form to receive notification when our next registration period begins! First Name Last Name Date of Birth Email Address Phone Age range: Available Start Date What do we need to know about your child? Submit Thanks for submitting!

Resources How to dress & what to pack for a day at forest school Children should be dressed in weather-appropriate clothing that is comfortable and enables them to be physically active. Please keep in mind that your child will get dirty at Forest school. We believe in messy play! There is no bad weather, only bad clothing! Label! Label! Label! It can’t be emphasized enough; all outdoor clothing, shoes, hats, boots, sweaters, lunch boxes, etc. must be labeled. We all shop at the same stores and young children are not great at identifying their belongings. We have an account with Mabel’s Labels if you are interested in using them to label your child’s belongings. Look for Chelsea Forest School at mableslabels.ca and 20% of the profits will go back to the school! Fall & Spring Baseball Hat/Brimmed Hat: For those sunny days please send your child with a hat to keep the sun off their head and face. It is also good protection against bugs. Running Shoes: For use in early Fall and late Spring on dry days. Open-toe shoes are never acceptable (flip flops, crocs, sandals). Running shoes or closed-toed shoes are accepted but remember that it may be dry where you live but very wet in the forest. Long-Sleeved Shirt and Long Pants: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended to decrease bug bites and scrapes. Long pants should be tucked into socks. Rain Jacket: It should be of good quality and big enough to wear layers under. Rain Pants: Rain pants (not splash pants) please ensure that they are truly waterproof- with elasticized bottoms that can be pulled over boots. Think sitting on the wet ground! As an example, the MEC rain gear is quite good. We love to play IN the puddles, splashing, sitting, etc. Rain Boots: Check that your child’s boots don't leak, and have room for wool socks inside! We spend a lot of time wading in puddles and hanging out on the edge of our pond. By late Fall insulated rain boots will be necessary. (Bogs, Kamik, etc). Wool Socks: Merino wool socks are not itchy. They can be worn in all seasons. Not only are they warmer than cotton, but they can wick moisture away from the skin. We will get wet. We play in the puddles, slushy snow, and deep snow. Cold feet can ruin an otherwise fun experience for everyone. All children should also have extra wool socks in their backpacks. Cotton socks are never acceptable. Gloves/Mitts: Light gloves/mittens for those cooler days. (Please do not send your child with gloves if they are unable to put them on by themselves in a timely fashion). Extra Clothes: Always pack extra clothes as we spend a lot of time in puddles and the pond at this time of year and can get wet! Loose clothing: Oversized t-shirts, basketball-style shorts, skirts, and dresses should be tucked in or not worn at forest school due to the danger of catching on branches, etc. Winter Snow boots: Make sure that your child’s boots are waterproof and WARM. The all-season boots such as Bogs (they are rated to -30) work well for many children. That way the same boot can be worn from October through May. However, less active children find that they are not warm enough on our coldest winter days. We are out in ALL temperatures if even for a short time. Waterproof Winter Mitts: The ones with the long elasticized cuffs that pull on over the snowsuit are ideal. Short mittens leave a gap between sleeve and mitten which gets full of snow and is uncomfortable and cold! Please send your child with at least 3 pairs of mittens for full-day programs, and 2 for half days. Gloves are not acceptable in winter as they do not keep hands warm enough. As we strongly encourage independence, children should be taught to put their mittens on last. Do not put them under their snowsuits! We are often taking our mitts off and on for a variety of reasons and this makes it very challenging. As well, this means they are unable to put on the rest of their clothing independently. Neck Warmer/Buff/Balaclava: Scarves are choking hazards around trees and are not recommended. Every child should have at least two neck warmers/balaclava. They get wet and soggy after playing outside and it is nice to have a dry one to put on after lunch. Base layer: Wool or synthetic (not cotton) base layers are necessary, again this helps children stay warm and dry. They help wick away moisture and keep the body heat in. Layering clothing is the best option as this allows children to take clothing off as they get hot and put clothing on as they get cold. It's always better to have too much clothing than not enough! If you are having trouble getting your child to dress appropriately for Forest school, don't fight them. Let them wear what they want and bring the appropriate clothing to school with you and we will handle the situation. Children tend to be more receptive when they arrive at school and see what everyone else is wearing and when the rules are explained by a teacher. Although specific stores/brands have been mentioned (i.e MEC, Bogs) there is no requirement to purchase from these retailers. They have been mentioned simply to provide an example of the quality and/or type of equipment we require. Second-hand stores often have amazing deals on outgrown quality rain gear and boots. We're excited to meet you! If you're curious about us... here's a little more information to get to know us better. What is Forest School? Our History Meet our teachers Our location Our Programs FAQ Chelsea Forest School is a beautiful part of my kids' childhood! Forest School Day is my son's highlight of the week. Most mornings he looks out of his window and regardless if it rains, snows or the sun is shining, he declares that we have perfect forest school weather and that he should be able to go more often during the week. We have had kids in different forest school programs for the past 5 years and even though my oldest daughter was already in grade 5 when she attended, she loved the freedom to explore, create, climb, and relax in a marvelous setting just as much as her younger brothers. I notice how the kids learn to take calculated risks in nature and are confident in making good decisions outdoors. The teachers are calm and patient and always have kind words to share about each child during pick-up, and my son has remarked that he feels understood. Esther Shoemaker, PhD. CFS Bursary Need financial help to enroll your child at Chelsea Forest School? A 2024-2025 bursary is now available. Read More

About Us Inspiring Children since 1964. We recognize that every leaf, stream, and breeze holds the potential to ignite a child's imagination. At Chelsea Forest School, your child will not only discover the joys of nature but also develop resilience, confidence, and a profound sense of belonging. Watch your child flourish both in wisdom and in spirit, forming bonds that extend beyond the "classroom", and deep into the heart of the earth. We're excited to meet you! If you're curious about us... here's a little more information to get to know us better. What is Forest School? Our History Meet our teachers Our location Our Programs FAQ What's a Forest School? A Whittling Wolf Fun in the Pond with the Frogs Dragonflies2023_25 A Whittling Wolf 1/7 We define Forest School as an educational ethos and practice that centres the Land and the child-at-play. Children and educators build a relationship with the Land through regular and repeated access to the same outdoor space over an extended period of time. Educators support learning through a pedagogical framework that is rooted in place and play, directed and inspired by the child (emergent curriculum), and driven by a process of inquiry. -Child and Nature Alliance of Canada Our History Chelsea Forest School, originally established in 1964 as Chelsea Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS), is celebrated as one of the trailblazers of the forest school movement in Canada. Nestled in the heart of Chelsea and the Gatineau Hills, our school has been a focal point of community and familial bonds for generations, seamlessly integrating English and French learning within a nature-based curriculum. Over a decade ago, in tune with our community's deep-seated love for the outdoors, we transformed from a traditional nursery school into a forest school. This evolution underscored our leadership in embracing outdoor education in Canada, offering children a unique opportunity to grow and learn amidst nature. As a non-profit cooperative , Chelsea Forest School is a testament to the collaborative spirit of parents and community volunteers. Our commitment to fostering young minds in a bilingual and natural setting continues to shape future generations, nurturing their innate curiosity and connection to the natural world. Meet our Teachers Guides. Educators. Inspirers. Our teachers have completed their Forest School Certification. They are delivering a child-directed, play-based program centered in and around nature. Through this program, our teachers create a bridge between the child’s home and “the World”, helping cultivate joy, wonder and stewardship for the environment within each youngster. Discover the passionate educators who bring our forest school to life. Teacher and Teaching Director: Michelle Hegge Background: BSc Honours (Biology-specialization Ecology), B.Ed , Forest School Practitioner Level 3, Standard First Aid-Level C and CPR Michelle is the driving force behind all we do here at CFS. For more than 25 years, Michelle has infused her love of nature and background in Biology into the original Nursery School program and now the Forest school. She believes passionately in the value of play based learning and the importance of lots of outside time! Nature is Michelle’s happy place and when she is not at Forest School you can find her either working as a Nature Interpreter for the Friends of Gatineau Park or exploring the various trails of Gatineau Park on skis, snowshoes, foot or bike. Christine Mattimoe Background: BSc (Env.), B.Ed., Standard First Aid-Level C and CPR Christine is greatly influenced by her childhood in rural West-Africa where she freely played outdoors every day. She enjoys reliving some of those favourite childhood memories with her two boys: climbing trees, exploring the forest, and sitting on the porch reading a good book on a rainy day. In her teen years, Christine fed her love of nature and developed her leadership skills through involvement in Girl Guides, summer camps and wilderness canoe trips. She studied Environmental Science and has considerable experience in nature interpretation and outdoor education. This led her to a career in teaching. She taught 6 years at public and private elementary schools before taking a break to raise a family. A teacher at heart with a passion for nature and a love of music, Christine led preschool music programs for a few years before finding a perfect fit teaching at Chelsea Forest School. Christine spends her leisure time gardening, hiking, camping, canoeing and exploring the forest with her boys and their dog. She enjoys meeting people from other cultures, eating out at ethnic restaurants, and learning new languages. Ryan Shea Background: BSc Honours (Human Kinetics), B. Ed., Neufeld Level 3, Standard First Aid-Level C and CPR Ryan taught full time in public elementary schools for 8 years. He now enjoys a different pace to life: raising his child at home and working at the forest school. The two are not always so different for him! He loves to hike, climb rocks, identify wild mushrooms, and camp under the stars (in all four seasons). He believes that the more closely attached we are in our relationships – to nature, to community, to family – the more we will care for and nurture them. He makes it a daily practice to tend to these relationships. Will Grassby Background: BA honours, B.Ed, Forest School Practitioner, CPR and Standard First Aid Will grew up just outside of Toronto but his fondest childhood memories are with his family either at the cottage on the shores of the Moon River in Ontario or with by the Bras d'Or lakes in Cape Breton. In these cherished natural spaces he learned to connect with and take care of the land. Over the past 10 years, Will has taught in schools in both Ontario and Québec but always wondered what learning might look like outside of the classroom walls. After moving to Chelsea just over two years ago (and signing his 2 children up for Chelsea Forest School!) he took Forest School Practitioner's Course and was inspired meeting so many people who shared a similar passion for child-led learning in natural spaces, conservation and most of all play! Now, it is a privilege to be out on the land with children each week as a teacher at Chelsea Forest School When he is not at Forest School, Will now works as the training coordinator with the organization L'Arche Canada, is on the hockey rink, coaching baseball or playing with his family (most of the time out on the land!) Emily Rossnagel Background: HBK (kinesiology), B.Ed. (Outdoor, Experiential, and Ecological Education), M.Ed (French Language Learning), Standard First Aid-Level C and CPR Emily is first and foremost a mother of two wonderful children. Originally from Ontario she spent much of her adult life in BC and California helping children and teens connect to the wider world through outdoor activities, language education, wilderness expeditions, and visual art. Her calling in the world is to help children feel known, loved and connected. Fresh from 3 years in Saskatoon and 2 maternity leaves, she is excited to explore another new province with her husband and two little ones. Our Forest This is where we play, explore observe and connect. Week after week, we observe the subtle (and not so subtle) changes taking place on this land, fostering a deep connection and safe space to learn independence, foster community and create a sense of self in relation to the world. Our teachers regularly assess the land for safety. Chelsea Forest School acknowledges that we gather and play on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation.

2024-2025 Registration Welcome to Registration for the 2024-2025 Forest School season! Please note: Registration is a commitment for a full year (September to June). The application (below) is time-stamped and on a first come first served basis when the non-refundable $250 membership fee is paid (sent out via email the same day, or day after, you register, payable via e-transfer, so please watch for it!) *ALL CLASSES ARE NOW WAITLISTED* Please refer to our FAQ for more information. We look forward to seeing you in the Forest! Questions? Email Jess. Apply for waitlist

2024-2025 CFS Bursary Download PDF Chelsea Forest School (CFS) is a registered charity serving families in Chelsea and surrounding areas. Fundraising efforts allow CFS to keep tuition fees accessible to the majority of our community, but these fees remain too high for some families. With this in mind, CFS has established a Bursary Program to subsidize tuition fees for lower- income families who may not otherwise be able to join our school. Please note that as our budget is limited, we may not be able to respond favorably to all requests for assistance received in a given year. Eligibility The Bursary Program is open to families currently enrolled in CFS, as well as those looking to enroll in the school. Families need not reside in Chelsea to apply for a bursary. Families may apply to receive a bursary for more than one child. Receipt of a bursary one year does not guarantee funding for the following year. Families will need to re-apply for the program at each registration period. To be considered for a bursary, families’ total income should be at or below the Low- Income Thresholds used by the Government of Canada (GoC) to determine eligibility for its student grants program. nb.: Total income should reflect all sources of income, as reported on tax returns. This could include wages; employment insurance, disability insurance, social assistance, and other government benefits; child or spousal support; etc. If a child resides in more than one household (in the case of shared custody, for instance), the income of both households will be taken into account. For the 2024-25 academic year, these thresholds are as follows: Family Size (number of people) 2 3 4 5 6 7+ Maximum Gross Income Eligibility (Annual) $35,429 $50,104 $61,365 $70,859 $86,784 $93,737 Application Process Applications for full-year bursaries should be submitted as part of the registration process for each new school year. Applications for temporary assistance may be submitted at any time during the course of the school year. Families wishing to apply for a bursary should complete an application form. Successful applicants will be asked to provide supporting documentation regarding the family’s financial situation. Families selected for a bursary will be required to provide a copy of their latest tax return to support statements made on their application, before a formal bursary offer is made. This should include all sources of income (e.g., wages, child support, alimony, employment insurance, social assistance, other government benefits, and any other source of income.) If a child is living in a shared custody arrangement, both parents must report family income and household size for their respective households. Apply here Evaluation of Applications and Allocation of Bursaries • The school’s Financial Assistance Committee (FAC) will assess and rank applications received according to financial need. (Committee made up of a small selection of non-parent board members, with 1 person removing the names of applicants before review.) • The value of a bursary offer will vary according to the needs of each qualifying family. Some families may require a full bursary for their child, while others may need more modest assistance. Assistance may be provided for the duration of the school year, or on a temporary basis, depending on the needs of each family. • Following final approval by the school’s Executive Committee, the FAC will communicate with all applicants to let them know whether a bursary will be available for their child, and if so, the amount being offered. • All families receiving a bursary will be expected to meet the other membership requirements of the co-op, such as participation in duty days and fundraising events. Protection of Privacy • Bursary applications will be kept strictly confidential, and measures taken to protect the identity of applicants.

What Makes Our Co-op School Unique? Chelsea Forest School is not just a school, we're a community! Founded on co-operative principles, our school thrives through the active involvement and dedication of parent members. Each parent, as a co-op member, plays a vital role in our school's success and decision-making processes. Your Role in Our Co-op: Participation in Governance: Attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting and other general meetings. Direct Involvement: Engage in duty days, helping in the classroom on a rotational basis. Supporting Events: Assist in planning, organizing, and participating in fundraising events. Promoting Our School: Contribute to the school's promotion within the community. Governance and Transparency: Our parent-led Board of Directors, including the teaching director, meets regularly to steer the school's course. All parents are welcome to attend these meetings, with minutes and important updates shared on our website and via email. What Does a Co-op School Offer? Reduced Costs & High Standards: Managed by parents and funded through fees, donations, and fundraisers. Family Involvement: Parents actively participate in their child's early education and connect with other community members. Benefits for Children and Families: Children learn social skills, routine, and enjoy having their parents involved. Families gain insights into child development and build community connections. Smooth integration of children into the elementary school system. Through co-operative effort, our school not only educates but also builds a supportive and engaged community. CFS Board of Directors The Board of Directors at Chelsea Forest School is made up of dedicated volunteer parents, grandparents, and community members. Given the nature of our school, board membership often changes as students move on, offering fresh opportunities for new parents and guardians to step in. It's an integral part of our community that every parent or guardian actively participates in one of the school's various committees. Despite the frequent introduction of new members, our past and present executive committees have successfully maintained a balanced budget for Chelsea Forest School for over half a century. This track record of exemplary management is a testament to our community's commitment and is expected to continue into the future. The executive board may be reached at chelseacoop1964@gmail.com We'd like to thank our amazing parent, grandparent and community volunteers for always going above and beyond for our little school. 2024-2025 Board of Directors Presidents: Ryan Katz-Rosene Vice President (Operations): Boris Couteaux Vice President (Staffing): Joyce Mak Secretary: Joanna James Treasurer: Inga Dobrijevic Director of Communications: (vacant) Director of Fundraising: Chloe Vendette Director of Membership & Volunteers: Summer O'Neill Director of Charitable Initiatives: Caroline Laroche Managers: Teaching Director: Michelle Hegge Business Manager: Jessica Lafleur Website photography by Jessica Hodgson (with some photos by the CFS teachers!)

The Forest School Philosophy "We define Forest School as an educational ethos and practice that centres the Land and the child-at-play. Children and educators build a relationship with the Land through regular and repeated access to the same outdoor space over an extended period of time. Educators support learning through a pedagogical framework that is rooted in place and play, directed and inspired by the child (emergent curriculum), and driven by a process of inquiry." Child and Nature Alliance of Canada Mission and Goals Mission: To provide accessible innovative outdoor education that is play-based and child-led. Goals: Our dedicated early childhood educators and committed parents strive to: Cultivate an early love of nature and interest in all aspects of their own local natural surroundings. Foster our students’ competence, self-confidence, and eagerness to safely explore and enjoy the outdoors. Provide pre-school children with an opportunity to meet and enjoy their peers and to learn how to operate in a group setting with respect, cooperation, patience, and listening skills. Ensure a relevant and sustainable future for the school through relationships with parents, other organizations, and the broader community. Promote among parents and the broader community the notion that being active and taking supported risks outside is critical to children’s social, physical and emotional development and prepares them for learning throughout life. Unleashing Your Child's Potential in Nature's Classroom Transformative Learning for Life: At Chelsea Forest School, we don't just prepare children for kindergarten; we equip them with lifelong skills. Picture your child thriving through cooperation, teamwork, independence, empathy, resilience, and self-confidence, all nurtured in an engaging, active learning environment. Homeschoolers' Social Haven: Our school adds a vibrant dimension to homeschooling, offering rich social interactions and peer connections that enrich your child’s educational journey. Fostering Physical Well-being: Watch your child’s physical fitness soar in our stimulating outdoor activities, promoting health and vitality. Year-Round Nature Immersion: We champion outdoor play in all seasons, instilling a love and respect for the environment and teaching adaptability. Expert Guidance, Safe Exploration: Our certified forest school educators and trained preschool development experts craft a child-directed, play-based curriculum. We encourage children to explore and expand their boundaries in a safe, carefully assessed environment. Personalized Attention: With high adult-to-child ratios, your child receives personalized support, ensuring a rich and attentive educational experience. Community at Heart: With over 50 years of community involvement, we understand the value of togetherness. Parental involvement isn’t just welcomed; it’s integral to our ethos. Risk Assessment & Forest School Play: Safety First! Risk Assessment At Chelsea Forest School, rigorous risk assessments are integral to every activity, from stick play to tree climbing. We evaluate each activity's potential risks, categorize them as high, medium, or low, and then implement tailored safety measures to ensure all activities are adjusted to a "low" risk level. Activities that cannot be safely managed are not permitted. Key Safety Measures for Our Activities: Stick Play: Benefits: Develops motor skills, coordination, teamwork, and creative thinking. Safety: We teach the 'Blood Bubble' rule for safe space, limit stick sizes, ensure close supervision, and enforce rules against hitting people or running with sticks. Tree Climbing: Benefits: Enhances physical strength, core stability, and promotes self-awareness. Safety: Supervised climbing only, tree health checks, clothing guidelines, branch strength assessment, a 3-meter height limit, and communication skills for safe climbing. Tool Use: Benefits: Builds muscle coordination and risk assessment skills. Safety: Designated supervised areas, use of safety gloves, the 'Blood Bubble' rule, and gradual introduction to tool use based on individual child's ability. Fire: Benefits: Teaches fire respect, builds confidence, and enhances practical skills. Safety: Fires are conducted with strict supervision, safety boundaries, and adherence to fire regulations. Children are taught fire safety and respect, with a focus on maintaining a safe distance. These measures are part of our commitment to providing a secure and enriching learning environment, where children can safely explore and engage with nature. A Day at Chelsea Forest School Each day begins at home base as the children arrive and parents check in with the teachers. The children are invited into play by a selection of loose parts put out for the morning. Once most children have arrived and settled in, we tidy up the toys and have circle time. At circle we sing songs, share news, play games and make plans for the day. Where shall we play today? Is there anything in particular that you would like to do? (make a fort in the forest, go sledding at Sandy beach, search for tadpoles in the pond etc. ). After circle we have our bathroom routine and eat our snack and then it’s off for more play in whatever location the children have chosen. Full day programs pause for lunch at noon which includes some quieter play, books and crafts once their lunch is eaten. Then a second location is chosen for the afternoon and off we go! The exact routine varies with the season, the weather, the class and the children’s interests but each day will include lots of play, a variety of learning opportunities, social interaction, risk assessment, songs, stories and gratitude while connecting with the land. We're excited to meet you! If you're curious about us... here's a little more information to get to know us better. What is Forest School? Our History Meet our teachers Our location Our Programs FAQ