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
5-Week Program
Get ready for an epic adventure with Homeschool Forest Explorers, our thrilling new 5-week children’s program that’ll ignite your kids’ love for the great outdoors! Join us as we dive into the wild, where young explorers will uncover the wonders of nature through hands-on fun, discovery, and outdoor magic. From tracking critters to building nature-inspired creations, this program is all about sparking curiosity and embracing the joy of the forest!
Wasaga Beach YMCA:
- Free Program Trial!
- Want to try out the Homeschool Forest Explorers program for FREE? Join our Intro session on March 25 from 10:00am-2:30pm at the Wasaga Beach YMCA.
- Register for the Free Trial
- 5-Week Program Details
- Date: Wednesdays, starting April 1 to April 29
- Time: 10:00am-2:30pm
- Ages: 6-10
- Cost: $250 for YMCA members, $280 for non-members
- Register Today
Orillia – Scout Valley Regan House:
- Coming this Fall!
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
March Break is coming! Do you have plans for your child yet? Register them for March Break Camp at your local YMCA! Campers will explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer themed group games, and get to make new friends.
Dates: March 16th-20th, 2026
Ages: 6-13
Availability: 20 spots available at each location
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!
Location: Scout Valley Regan House, 325 Line 15 N, Orillia
Date: Wednesdays, starting April 15th to June 3rd, 2026
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Ages: Parent/guardian and Children 3 years and under
Cost: $140 for 1 child and parent/guardian; $180 for 2 or more children and parent/guardian
Escape in the Landscape
Junior 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 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.
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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