Forest and Nature Program Vision

Compass ELC believes children deserve the freedom to connect with nature and gain an understanding of their role in the ecosystem as well as the positive impact nature has on wellbeing and mental health. 

Our Forest and Nature programs offer children of all ages year-round opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of local forests, parks and trail systems in partnership with Kawartha Land Trust.  We remain committed to our journey towards truth and reconciliation by learning, unlearning and thinking intentionally about the actions each of us can take to respect Indigenous knowledge, ways of being and advocate for change. 

Each program seeks to foster ecological identity by intentionally offering child-led, unstructured time to deepen their relationship with nature and each other. We deeply believe in the importance of nurturing a child’s reciprocal relationship with nature. 

We have ways of being which are important to us while in our programs; 

• Respect for yourself – Children are encouraged to take care of their physical well-being while in program. This includes autonomy, reading their own body cues, understanding their limits, holding space for all emotions and communicating personal boundaries. 

• Respect for Nature – The land is our teacher. We offer unstructured time for children to develop a reciprocal relationship with nature and the understanding that they are an equal part of the ecosystem. How can we lessen our impact? 

• Respect for others – Children build trusting relationships with peers; they listen to understand and respect each other’s personal boundaries.

Forest Friends

Ages 0-4
Parent and Child Program

Nature Roots

Ages 4-12
Summer, March Break and PA Day Programs