There’s something in the air at the Guelph Outdoor School.
After 10 years, Oaks & Acorns, a program for parent and toddlers, continues to grow in popularity.
To keep up with demand this winter, the program has expanded, adding more dates to accommodate parents who are wanting to get outside, connect with other parents and children, and spend the morning around a warm fire, with crafts and games in a cedar grove.
“I think this is our most loved program. People do love it, and for good reason,” said Guelph Outdoor School instructor, Arlene Slocombe.
“They make lasting friendships. Many find one another and stay in touch outside of the program. And they become enamoured with watching what their children are genuinely intrigued by, which is often what we find outside, other than the toys inside.”
Since 2012, the Guelph Outdoor School (GOS), a not-for-profit organization, provides a dynamic, full nature immersion learning environment and active mentorship stimulating all areas of development including physical, cognitive, emotional, social and academic.
The Oaks & Acorns program began very casually at first.
“One of our instructors started the program because she was in a situation of having a young child and wanted to meet with other families in the woods,” Slocombe said.
“I also had a young child and so I joined her. We realized shortly after, that there was an incredible appetite for this. So, we began a drop-in program where people could come out with a suggested donation to help with the firewood and crafts that we offer.”
After a few successful years, the pandemic hit.
“Many can recall the stage of being home with their young children, fully isolated from everyone. The appetite was immense. We had about five to 10 small groups that would come out, and then all of a sudden, we had about 75 parents waiting on a list,” Slocombe said.
"We thought, oh my goodness, we can’t even park all of these cars here. So, we put a cap on it. There were various times over the pandemic when there were gathering restrictions, so not everyone could always come out.”
Slocombe said GOS had to figure out new ways to offer fair options and rotate so that everyone had the chance to have some sort of social contact outside, and to be with other parents in a meaningful way.
“Now, we are out of the area of having pandemic gathering limits, but there is still only so much space. We run a full slate of programs. We historically ran this program on Thursday mornings. We carved out a Tuesday morning one, and then the same thing happened, the wait list was off the charts,” Slocombe said.
GOS is thrilled to offer a new program to the calendar this winter on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
“It’s so exiting. This winter program is a little different since we are trying to experiment towards meeting the need that’s out there. This one has a fee to it and is running for nine weeks in the winter. People can commit and then show up every week,” Slocombe said.
As a mother of two girls, Slocombe is reminded daily of the importance in guiding and mentoring the natural curiosity in children.
“There’s still concerns about COVID-19 and COVID safety, especially for people with young children, people who are in proximity to older parents, and those who might be more vulnerable. Meeting outside is still really a great way to stay connected,” Slocombe said.
“Recalling that stage in my life during the pandemic, I knew that I needed a good motivator to do what was good and healthy for me and my children, by being outside, everyday. So, it was a commitment to get outdoors.”
The Oaks & Acorns program offers parents the opportunity to connect outside with other parents and their babies or toddlers up to four years of age.
“Humanity may have done it for millennia, by gathering around a fire. There's the intrigue and wonder of the forest and our space is along the Eramosa River, so it offers all sorts of beautiful visuals,” Slocombe said.
Nature is a magical thing and according to numerous studies, it can have strong healing powers such as improving mood, and boosting the immune system.
“When I had my babies and they were having a rough day, sometimes just stepping outside the door would instantly shift their energy. They would look at the trees or watch birds. They would just calm, immediately,” Slocombe said.
“There are all sorts of medicines that being outside can offer. And the real gold is in our very skilled facilitators.”
The Oaks & Acorns program is designed around participation of babies and toddlers, but it is actually designed for adults to provide stimulation, context, skills, learning, community, in a space where they can hold and keep their babies and toddlers with them.
“Some of the skills we learn might include making herbal teas over the fire from wild plants. It’s about learning something that’s useful and helpful for their family but also stimulates them," Slocombe said.
GOS Nature Connection and Mentorship programs are designed to connect kids with themselves, others, and the natural world as well as provide a non-clinical and preventative approach to overall health and well-being.
“All of us at our organization feel really passionate about the work we do. And therein lies our gold. Apart from the powerful container of the outdoor world, our staff are what makes our programs so special,” Slocombe said.
She said new parents can sometimes feel isolated.
“When reflecting as a new parent, I remember feeling that way. My brain wasn’t being stimulated because I was just in baby mode all the time. I sometimes felt alone, isolated, forgotten, almost stuck away,” Slocombe said.
“This program prioritizes care givers in our community. It is the most important role, to raise little humans.”
For more information or to register, visit here.
