An upcoming nature school is offering to teach youth all about flora and fauna.
Rediscover Play is launching monthly bushcraft and survival skill workshops for children aged five to 13 at Kinsmen Park, beginning in September. The workshops will run from 9 a.m. to noon.
Activities will include building shelters, practicing knife safety, and creating different fire builds.
"Nature is a space and place for us to just be," said Melissa Pearce, founder of the nature school. "It has a calming presence, and nature has so much to teach us."
Pearce was inspired to start the program after experiencing the loss of her brother and supporting her son, who was struggling with ADHD and sensory processing while in school. She noticed the benefits of being outdoors, both for herself and the children in her care.
"At that time, I was running before and after school care programs, and that's when I realized that it was very, very important for all people, not just children, to be outside." She said. "So, I started taking that program outdoors."
"My youngest son was really having a hard time with regulation. But I noticed how different he was outdoors. He was able to regulate, and his behavioral issues weren't as drastic."
Pearce hopes to make outdoor play more accessible for children as a complement to traditional classroom learning.
"Unfortunately, I think a lot of our schools have shortened outdoor time, which is not beneficial to our students," she said.
She added that children who are labelled as difficult in classroom settings often thrive in unstructured, outdoor environments. Quieter, more reserved children also benefit, as nature encourages them to come out of their shells and play.
"There are times where we need to sit and learn," Pearce said, "but we also need to give them the freedom to do what their passion is and play as well."
Pearce said she is excited to bring the program to Strathmore and looks forward to helping children build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of self-worth through nature-based learning.
Those interested in joining the program can reach out through Rediscover Play's website.