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Out & About FNS

@outandaboutfns

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🌱Forest and Nature School
🌱Rooted in play
*RECE & Forest Practitioner
*Play & Project Based Learning
🧠 Risky Play
🌱Community
🌱Play, Explore, Inquire

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

First back with my Birches and Buds and Foxes at @outandaboutfns !!!

New friends and old friends in a fantastic new location. We made some bird feeders. I didn't, I ate peanut butter.

STOKED FOR THIS SEASON!

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The mud at the end 🤣

Go on, get dirty!

We fully embraced a 90s Summer at @outandaboutfns

No screens, no inside play, just good ol’ fashioned outdoor fun no matter the weather.

Clearly the rain didn’t stop us.
From puddle jumping to rain water collecting, mud soups and milkshakes, we soaked it all in.

The last day of forest camp is here and although we’re sad to see the Summer break end and friends head off to school, we know we’ll see them again. Friendships were made, long-lasting memories formed, and new skills were learned.

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of outdoor play.

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The ultimate gift.

The unwritten rule.
A child is making mud pies? You’re eatin’ mud pies.

Order’s up!

@outandaboutfns

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Magic happens at Forest & Nature School 🐺

One of the special moments we witnessed during last year’s Forest and Nature School Practitioners Course was the morning grounding. Together, we greeted the Land, grounded ourselves in the present moment, and began the day in connection with each other and the more-than-human world.

Join us at Foresters Falls with Out And About Forest School and experience these moments of connection for yourself. Spots are filling up! 💚

#outdoorlearning #forestschool #natureinspired

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We’re excited to return to Foresters Falls for another week of connection, learning, and time on the Land. Last year’s Practitioners Course was filled with curiosity, joy, and meaningful outdoor learning as participants witnessed Forest and Nature School in action.

We’re especially grateful to our host, Out & About Forest School.

"I am beyond excited and deeply honoured to be hosting the Forest Practitioners Course with CNAC—the very course that ignited my passion and set me on the path to starting Out & About Forest School." — Arija Bunkis

Looking forward to gathering again and continuing to bring more children out and about in nature. Sign up now! Link in our bio. 🌲

#forestschool #outdooreducation #outdoorlearning

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[Photos from last year’s Forest & Nature School Practitioners Course at Foresters Falls]

We’re so excited to return to Foresters Falls again this year! 🌳

At the course last year, Practitioners witnessed the magic of Forest and Nature School come to life through children’s curiosity, joy, and deep connection with nature. From muddy adventures to quiet moments of wonder, each day was filled with meaningful learning and discovery outdoors.

We can’t wait to gather again for another unforgettable week in nature.

#outdoorlearning #forestschool #outdooreducation

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Moments of joy from @wildgroundedretreats Mother & Son Retreat that I was invited to document this weekend.

I witnessed some very (very) cool whittling creations (demo & teachings by @outandaboutfns @aryagoingoutside), Mother vs Son vs Sibling vs Gravity obstacle course building and running, Laughter Yoga ( @elkejohayoga ), some string & nail art...and honestly, so much EXISTING.

Yeah, it was for moms and sons - but what I noticed was just...boyhood. The way that the lads interacted together. All ages, all demographics, just existing together as a bunch of silly kids. It was awesome.

Also the food. dude. insanity. @his_hers_grazing was Saturday lunch and they catered to my every gluten free sugar free whim, and I love them. If @wildgrounded would tag whoever their regular caterer is also - she made probably the best lemon loaf I've ever had and deserves a public shoutout and actually probably all my money.

Nothing profound will come from me...I am an observer in all things and a participant in few but being invited into these moments of joy and love is what keeps me coming back every time.

Love Melissa xoxoxoxo

#retreatmagic #retreats #motherandson #photographer #yoga #ottawavalley

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Play-inspired learning included planting seeds this week!

The Birch and Bud group soaked up the warm sunshine while deciding which seeds they wanted to start.

Options were plentiful, curiousity was piqued, and an assortment of repurposed egg cartons found new homes as seed trays.

Time, along with careful tending will tell how far a journey each little sprout will take.

What a joy it was to watch the different seed pairings and planting techniques of every child as they took the lead with their own tray.

Summer programs are open for registration.
Find the link at @outandaboutfns and join us on the land!

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🌿 An invitation to slow down, reconnect, and support your nervous system.

Burnout prevention
Grief
Leadership
Nervous System Sustainability
Yoga
Time in Nature
Community of Women

Each offering is intentionally designed to meet you where you are.

🌿 Spring, Summer & Fall retreats
🌿 Day workshops + weekend immersions
🌿 Collaboration with incredible local organizations

Spots are limited for all offerings.

I can’t wait to welcome you into these spaces.

visit www.wildgroundedretreats.ca to register
or email wildgroundedretreats@gmail.com

#nervoussystemsupport #burnoutprevention #womensretreat #healinginnature #communitycare #retreatseason #wellnessretreats

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Bring your little dude and come join us on the river for fun and interactive weekend in nature with Out and About Forest School.
Meals & Accommodations included! Subsidy available.

#ForestSchool
#MotherSonRetreat
#OutAndAboutForestSchool

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Mother & Son Spring Retreat 🌲

A weekend of:
🔥 Bonfires
🌌 Star gazing
😄 Laughter-filled connection
🪵 Wood whittling + rope skills
🔨 Creative building
🌲 Play, challenge, and adventure
🍲 Beautiful shared meals

In collaboration with Out and About Forest and Nature School — blending autonomy, skill-building, and nature-based play with intentional time for mothers and sons to truly connect.

Come away together.
Return home stronger. Subsidy is available for this retreat. Copy this link to register

https://form.jotform.com/260474784150257

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What a great first day on the land with the Wolves!

With gratitude and excitement, I’d like to share with you that I’ve joined the wonderful team at @outandaboutfns as an Educator/Facilitator!

I love being outside in nature learning and teaching new skills (and you know I’m a big kid at heart) so this should be a great fit. :)

Out & About offers child-centered, interest-led learning that fosters connection through play on the land. Spring programs have just started and Summer programs will be full-on! If you’re local, you’ve got to check it out!

https://www.outandaboutfns.com

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