FAQ COVID-19
This is our 7th autumn of running our forest school programs! It's hard to believe. We are grateful for the many connections we have made over the years with children and families. It has been rich!
This is a bit of a different autumn - the fall of 2020. Please read the following as an overview of some of our COVID-19-related guidelines and emerging practices. Keep in mind that this is a "living document" and we will be revisiting these routines and protocols as the COVID-19 situation continues to change.
This is a bit of a different autumn - the fall of 2020. Please read the following as an overview of some of our COVID-19-related guidelines and emerging practices. Keep in mind that this is a "living document" and we will be revisiting these routines and protocols as the COVID-19 situation continues to change.
What measures will you have in place to address COVID-19?
We are lucky because our programs are run totally outdoors, which is seen as the best place to be right now! Some of our routines will look a bit different this fall, like drop-off, sign in, and pick-up. More details will be communicated to caregivers in the weeks leading up to the programs - after registration. We will continue to have small group sizes and low adult:child ratios. Other measures include:
- participants and staff will be required to complete a screening questionnaire before participating each day
- washing and sanitizing hands more than usual
- shorter programs (2 hours for forest school)
- sanitizing and cleaning equipment
- spreading out more during our circle times (including snack/story time)
- caregivers will need to consent to their child/ren interacting with other children in their cohort/group (of up to 12 children)
- cohort/groups will distance from each other (ie. Polliwogs will not be interacting with Goslings - two groups that meet during the same time slot)
What about physical distancing?
We will do our best to physically distance ourselves during many of our program activities, but recognize the challenges associated with that in a play-based forest school setting with younger children. We will try to encourage this in fun ways, such as through games or songs, rather than nagging. While we will discourage physical contact, during free play times (at least 1/2 hour of our program) we will not be strictly enforcing physical distancing rules of staying 2 metres apart.
How risky will this be?
We have always engaged in "risky/adventurous play" activities (playing near water, climbing on logs/trees, etc.). This fall, even the act of gathering together carries a certain level of risk. We have assessed our programs, and we believe that the benefits of gathering together outweigh the risks, particularly when we have control measures in place.
What if I'm still worried?
We're all living with some angst, confusion, and disorientation these days. Time in nature can be good for the soul! This said, please do what is best for your family - choose what will give you the most peace of mind. We will be here to offer fun learning programs as much as we can, and we are excited to gather again.
Lindsay Theriault
Facilitator
I remember the moment that I fell in love with nature. I was in primary school and my best friend and I had ridden our bikes to our town's closest natural space, Black Creek. This was a place that we enjoyed often, but on this particular day as we sat in silence on the shore of the trickling water with the sun shining through the canopy, a strong feeling of peace and happiness spread over me. I remember asking my friend “Why does it feel so good to spend time here?” I believe that moments like this spent immersed in the wonders of the wild have enriched my life immeasurably and inspired me to share the magic of the natural world with others. It has been my privilege to have spent the past 10 years doing so on behalf of various school boards, conservation authorities and charitable organizations.
B.Ed, Primary/Junior
Outdoor Play First Aid
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner’s Certification
Facilitator
I remember the moment that I fell in love with nature. I was in primary school and my best friend and I had ridden our bikes to our town's closest natural space, Black Creek. This was a place that we enjoyed often, but on this particular day as we sat in silence on the shore of the trickling water with the sun shining through the canopy, a strong feeling of peace and happiness spread over me. I remember asking my friend “Why does it feel so good to spend time here?” I believe that moments like this spent immersed in the wonders of the wild have enriched my life immeasurably and inspired me to share the magic of the natural world with others. It has been my privilege to have spent the past 10 years doing so on behalf of various school boards, conservation authorities and charitable organizations.
B.Ed, Primary/Junior
Outdoor Play First Aid
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner’s Certification