Outdoor Education
Connecting with Nature: YMCA Outdoor Experiences
For over 100 years, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has offered outdoor education programs to the community. We believe that connecting with nature is an important part of building a child’s self-confidence, sparking curiosity, and improving their mental and physical wellness. We have various outdoor education programs available for a variety of ages – find the one that’s right for your child below!
To learn more about YMCA Outdoor Education programs, view the Parent Handbook provided below.
Outdoor Education Programs
Grade 4 Science
Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)
The Grade 4 Science Program is aimed at delivering engaging, comprehensive, and experiential programming on the topic of ecosystems and animal habitats. Students will explore the components of a healthy habitat, animal adaptations, and human impact on the natural world. Upon completion of their 100-minute lesson, teachers will receive a variety of digital resources to help further student learning. These resources include, but are not limited to, a custom-made workbook prepared by YMCA Outdoor Education Staff, links to applicable citizen science programs, and access to further learning resources.
Homeschool Forest Explorers
6-Week Program
We’re excited to introduce our newest children’s program, Homeschool Forest Explorers! The Homeschool Forest Explorers program offers education-based nature immersion activities lead by qualified staff for children ages 6 to 12 who are homeschooled. Through experimentation, peer-to-peer learning and storytelling, your child will be encouraged to discover new experiences and skills, all while making lasting friendships and developing a love of the great outdoors.
During this memorable program, your child will:
• Learn about the land and how to be environmental caretakers
• Connect with nature and build self-confidence
• Improve their mental and physical health
• Be curious, resilient, and motivated to make a difference
*Please send your child dressed and prepared to spend the entirety of the program outdoors. They will also need a refillable water-bottle and a peanut-free, litterless lunch.
Midland
- Location: Midland YMCA, 560 Little Lake Park Road
- Date: Tuesday, September 22 to Tuesday, October 27, 2026
- Time: 10:00am-2:30pm
- Ages: 6-12
- Cost: $240 for YMCA members, $280 for non-members
Orillia
- Location: Regan House, Scout Valley, 325 15 Line N
- Date: Wednesday, September 23 to Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Time: 10:00am-2:30pm
- Ages: 6-12
- Cost: $240 per participant
Wasaga Beach
- Location: Wasaga Beach YMCA, 1724 Mosley Street
- Date: Thursday, September 17 to Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Time: 10:00am-2:30pm
- Ages: 6-12
- Cost: $240 for YMCA members, $280 for non-members
Wilderness Explorers PA Day Programs
The YMCA offers full-day programming on PA and school break days. The PA Day programming is designed to help your busy family manage school PA Days. Children will explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer themed group games, and get to make new friends! Camp will take place outside so please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. (Indoor) Swimming is often on our list of daily activities, so come ready to take a dip in the pool! Campers will need to pack a swimsuit and towel. Please also provide a lunch and snacks (please no products that may contain nuts), and refillable water bottle.
March Break Camp
Did you know that your local Y offers March Break Camp? Campers will explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer themed group games, and get to make new friends, plus, take a dip in the pool!
- Stay tuned for March Break 2027 registration!
NEW! Trail Tots
Parent & Baby Nature Program
Looking for a fun and engaging way to connect with your little one while exploring the great outdoors? Join us for Trail Tots, an 8-week program designed for parents and their children (ages 0-3) to play, learn, and discover nature together! Each session includes indoor playtime, crafts, and sensory activities, followed by outdoor forest exploration and nature experiences. Rain or shine, we’ll be out enjoying the trails, so dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure!
Orillia
Location: Regan House, Scout Valley, 325 15 Line N, Orillia
Date: Wednesday, September 23 to Wednesday, October 28 (6 weeks)
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Ages: Parent/guardian and Children 3 years and under
Cost: $130 per participant (Parent & one child). Any additional children are $40 each.
Youth Changemaker
Leadership Program
The Youth Changemaker Leadership program is a dynamic one-week program designed to inspire and equip youth with the tools to create meaningful change in their schools and communities. Youth will be introduced to change making and human centered design thinking through fun and engaging activities while exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). During this program youth will use their creativity to envision and co-design ideas for green, sustainable, peaceful, and just futures.
Escape in the Landscape
Little Explorers (3.8-7)
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Escape in the Landscape program offers nature immersion activities for children in junior kindergarten to 7 years of age, using experiential and peer-to-peer learning and storytelling, rooted in observation of nature and learning lessons from plants, animals, and natural systems. Children will learn about their environment, sustainable practices, and how to be environmental caretakers.
Wasaga Beach
- Location: Wasaga Beach YMCA, 1724 Mosley Street
- Date: Saturday, September 19 to Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 10:00-11:30am
- Ages: 3.8-7 years
- Cost: $160
Orillia
- Location: Regan House, Scout Valley, 325 15 Line N
- Date: Saturday, September 19 to Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 10:00-11:30am
- Ages: 3.8-7 years
- Cost: $160
Explorers (6-13)
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Escape in the Landscape program offers nature immersion activities for children in junior kindergarten to 13 years of age, using experiential and peer-to-peer learning and storytelling, rooted in observation of nature and learning lessons from plants, animals, and natural systems. Children will learn about their environment, sustainable practices, and how to be environmental caretakers.
- Returning this Fall with new offerings and locations! Stay tuned.
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