Our Program
The Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program is a multi-age nature-based experience for children in kindergarten to grade 8. Each week, we explore the forest through play, science and hands-on discovery.
Every week is a new adventure - rain or shine!
Our Philosophy
We believe that children thrive when immersed in nature. Our program nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence through movement, inquiry, and meaningful connections.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, joyful and inspiring outdoor space where children grow as capable, connected, and resilient learners.
Learning in the Wild
Every week, children explore, imagine, and grow through nature-based experiences that support the BC Curriculum. Our hands-on learning integrates science, social studies, math, literacy, social-emotional learning, and physical development - all through play, movement and connection with each other and the natural world.
Forest Science & Nature Play
Learning through curiosity and observation
Explore ecosystems, plants, insects, and changing weather through observation, discussion, and discovery. Children learn about science with their feet on the forest floor.
Storytelling & Creative Expression
Imagination takes root outdoors
From forest-inspired stories and drama games to nature-based art, we foster imagination, language development, and joyful expression in the outdoors.
Survival Skills & Foraging
Confidence through real-world skills
Children build confidence by learning age-appropriate survival skills such as hug a tree, shelter building, knot tying, navigation, primitive weapons, filtering water, basic first aid, fire building and cooking - all grounded in hands-on teamwork.
Community Wellness
Growing together with nature
We focus on kindness, teamwork, and emotional well-being through daily circles, mindfulness practices, sit spots, hiking and building friendships in the natural world,
Programs
We currently offer two unique outdoor learning opportunities for children. Both programs focus on connection to nature, skill building, and personal growth - but each one has its own focus
Weekly Outdoor Learning Program
Tuesdays or Thursdays
(10am - 2pm)
Ages 5 - 14
A full-day, nature-based learning experience that runs once per week throughout the school year. Rooted through in play, inquiry, and curiosity, our multi-aged days include hands-on learning through stories, games, nature exploration, and creative projects.
Children develop confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking while connecting to the land and each other.
*Report card summaries are provided to families each semester to celebrate growth and learning progress.
After-School Wilderness Survival Program
Tuesdays (Stay tuned)
(3:30pm - 6:00pm)
Ages 7 - 16
This exciting 6 week after-school series introduces children to essential survival and safety skills through hands-on, confidence-building adventures. Students practice shelter-building, fire safety, water infiltration, knot-tying, and basic navigation.
We incorporated real-life wilderness safety programs such as Hug-a-Tree and Survive to teach children what to do if they ever get lost or separated outdoors.
*A perfect blend of practical skills, outdoor education, and empowering problem-solving - all under the trees.
Testimonials
Happy Parents
We're so grateful for the families who've joined us in this outdoor journey. Here's what a few of our wonderful parents have shared about their experience with the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program.
"My son loves spending time outside exploring and learning about nature, and he made some great friends in the class. We are so happy this program has started."
Dina Marie., Parent
“I have two kids attending. One is a home learning, and the other is in public school, but we pulled her out one day a week to attend. The benefits of our kids mental, emotional, and physical health makes this program so fantastic! We love the staff and all the families that make up this awesome group of kids."
Leah Kristin, Parent
"This program provides first class customized outdoor education. Teachers are empathetic, energetic and organized with amazing connections with the community, students and land. Can't wait until next semester!"
Megan Cheyenne Heidi, Parent
Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Stó:lō People, specifically the Soowahlie First Nation, whose land surrounds Cultus Lake, the Chilliwack River Valley, and the Vedder River. These lands have been cared for by Indigenous families since time immemorial and continue to be home to vibrant Indigenous communities today.
Our home base at Thompson Regional Park is part of S’ólh Téméxw, which means “Our Land” in the Halq’eméylem language. We are grateful to live and learn on this land and recognize the Stó:lō Peoples’ enduring connection to it.
We commit to teaching children to listen to the land, to respect Indigenous knowledge, and to care for the earth and each other with kindness and curiosity.
Contact Us
Let's Connect!
Whether you're curious about our outdoor learning programs or looking to register your child, feel free to send us a message. We're here to help.