Coulee Critters Forest & Nature School

Coulee Critters Forest & Nature school is an entirely outdoor, nature-based program for children ages 3-10 yrs where the premise for the day-to-day activities is play and exploration. The program is play-based, child-led, and experiential. Children will be given time and space to develop their interests, skills and understanding through valuable unstructured, free play. This 3 hour program is designed to provide children with opportunities to build an on-going relationship with the land, to a dedicated educator, to one another, and to themselves through regular and repeated access to the same natural space.

Coulee Critters is a place-based program where nature is the classroom. We strongly believe in child-led and play-based learning. We believe in the reciprocal relationship children have with the environment. Our philosophy is rooted in wise practices, deep listening, compassion and empathy. We foster children’s growth and development in a holistic way through instilling a love of playing and learning in an outdoor environment while nurturing a deep sense of wonder about the natural world that surrounds us.

Children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and they do so by exploring the world around them. The goal is to provide children with repeated access to nature, give them time and space to investigate and foster a sense of wonder. Children will experience open and flexible environments where playful exploration, problem solving and creativity are encouraged and purposefully planned. We will encourage children to be curious, to explore their environment as a steward of the land while building upon their sense of discovery that allows for meaningful connections to self, others and community.