Welcome to the Forest School in the City
Oak Learners endeavours every day to inspire learning through an authentic skill-based curriculum. Our teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with student-centered experiences. At Oak Learners, we believe every child can be successful when they belong to a truly supportive educational community.
Outdoor Education plays a key role in skill development!
Yet, in the past few decades, the amount of time that children spend outdoors and the ways they experience their neighbourhoods, have changed drastically. Much of the recreational time of today’s children is spent on indoor pursuits, even among children who live in rural areas.
Many research studies over the past decade links children’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health with time spent outdoors, experiencing nature. For example, students have been shown to have increased focus, confidence, self-esteem and overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction with school.
Even something as simple as looking at a tree can have surprisingly calming effects! In addition, directly observing plants and animals help children develop an understanding of “systems”, that is, the relationships and processes in nature, while building their connections to community. Not only that but learning outside is fun! Students are excited and enthusiastic to try new activities and discover new things. This type of experiential, “hands-on” learning often reaches students who don’t thrive in a typical classroom setting.
Environmental Stewardship
Navigation and Mapping
Observation and Inquiry
Sense of “Place” and Belonging,
Local Culture and Heritage
Oak Outside Programming
Environmental Exploration, STEAM, Leadership and more!Outdoor Programs
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Summer Camp Extended Hours
$50.00 – $90.00 -
PA Day Camp
$0.00 -
March Break Camp 2024
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Arts & Adventures Summer Camps 2024 (Lake Shore Campus)
$315.00 – $395.00 -
Arts & Adventures Summer Camps 2024 (Royal York Campus)
$315.00 – $395.00 -
Learn & Lead Junior Leadership Camp (Ages 11-14)
$0.00 -
Learn & Lead Senior Leadership Camp (Ages 14-18)
$0.00 -
March Break 2024 – Extended Hours
From our Blog
Stay connected with News, Activities, our latest Research and More!Oak Learners Summer Camp 2022
Oak Learners Summer Camp overview. Spots are filling up quickly for our Summer Camps and the time to act is now! We offer a unique summer camp experience designed to engage children and make them want to return year after year.
Partner Showcase: A New Take on Outdoor Education with Larchwood Nature OT Programming
At Larchwood Nature OT we are developing courage, confidence, coordination and deep care for our precious environment in all of our clients. Nature offers many opportunities for supporting development of the mind, muscles, senses, and emotions.
The Importance of Children’s Physical Activity During a Pandemic
With the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many students have switched to online learning. Due to the pandemic, children are spending more time at home and lacking the physical activity facilitated through recess and gym class when they were physically attending school. It is important for parents to find ways to incorporate physical activity at home and prioritize healthy living. In doing so, families can reduce the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the stress and anxiety experienced during these unprecedented times.
The Importance of “Green Classrooms” During a Pandemic
Daily outdoor lessons in green spaces has the potential to boost focus, confidence and self-regulation in young children, thereby setting them up for greater academic and social-emotional success.
Outdoor Learning: Sound Walk Adventures!
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather while we can! Children are constantly learning and there are many outdoor activities that allow them to have fun while engaging with the world around them. Although kids are naturally curious and can direct their own learning by exploring the outdoors and asking questions, there are many activities that family members can introduce and facilitate to encourage students to think outside the box. One way to do this is with a sound walk!
Summer Fun: How to Make Your Own Bubbles!
Bubbles are a fun summer activity for people of all ages! Follow the steps below to make your own homemade bubble recipe.