FAQ
Useful Info
Is $40 the daily rate?
Yes.
$40 is the requested donation for the use of the space from 9am-3pm, and supplies used and food (snacks or lunch, in winter) for one child for one day.
Buffer hours from 8-9am, 3-4pm, & 4-5pm are available at the cost of $5 per hour.
Daily maximum is $50
Tell me about snacks and meals
Snacks are included in the daily rate.
Snacks are prepared using organic, locally sourced food. Much of which will come from Luna Vista Farm.
Some of the snacks will include raw goats milk or cheese. If you are not comfortable with this, please let us know.
We can not accommodate vegan or gluten free snacks, however children are free to bring their own if preferred. This does not lower the daily fee.
Children should bring their own lunch.
How long is the season?
Fall season runs from September 14th - December 16th, 2021.
Winter Drop Ins run February 2nd - March 16th
Winter season runs from March 23rd - April 14th, 2022
Nature Days Collective is a work in progress. We will be re-evaluating in winter to assess how to move forward and expand.
Is there a fee schedule?
We currently have a limited number of spots available for younger and older children, based on the number of facilitators.
If we receive more interest, we will be happy to consider expanding to include more days.
How do I register?
Send us a message and we will email you our registration form and waiver.
Fill in and submit the registration form and waiver, and one our of organizers will contact you to speak in person to assess whether or not we are a good fit for you.
After this, we require a deposit of half the cost of one month's attendance, including any buffer hours you will need.
When and how do I pay?
Upon registration, we will need to know which days and buffer hours are requested.
To secure your spot, half a month's fee is required.
After that, fees are due monthly at the beginning of the month.
Cash is preferred. E-transfer to naturedayscollective@gmail.com is also fine.
How long is the commitment?
We ask each family to commit to a season at a time (3 months), with the exception of our drop in weeks.
How many facilitators do you have?
We currently have 3 facilitators and will add a 4th depending on registration numbers.
We aim to keep our ratios between 1 to 6 and 1 to 8. We will not exceed these numbers because we want to keep everyone safe.
What type of curriculum are you using?
We do not follow a typical school curriculum. Our approach is based on Forest School Philosophies, which are child led; based on their interests, passions and questions.
The facilitator will takes notes on what children are most interested in, and will come prepared to follow up with those topics in the following days.
We do plan to expand our facilities and services next year, and we plan to have space that will facilitate children who wish to explore more traditional subject matter such as language, math and science.
What is the age range?
4 - 13
Can parents stay and participate?
Yes, parents are welcome to stay to observe or participate. We do ask that parents try not to interrupt the learning process.
Part of our goal is to build community, and so as we expand and grow next year, our hope is that each family would be willing to commit team each month to share skills, information or activities with the children.
We also hope, in the future, to be act as a learning space for adults as well, offering weekend courses or sessions.
Will you be building any structures?
Yes, potentially. Children will be provided with a variety of materials and suggestions.
We value the process as much as the outcome, so while the facilitators may have the idea to provide the children with supplies and ideas to build a tee pee, the end result may be different!
What is the environment like?
The children will be spending most of the time outdoors, engaging with natural materials or animals on the farm.
We do have an indoor space with a washroom that can be used in the case of very bad weather.
What should my child bring?
Most importantly, weather appropriate outdoor clothing!
Children should dress in layers, with spare clothing in their bags, including extra gloves or mitts in the winter.
Children should also bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray in warmer months, waterproof footwear in all seasons, a hat in all seasons and their lunch.