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
Half-Day Drop Off Program
We are 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 YMCA | Nov 4 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Wasaga Beach YMCA | Nov 11 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Wasaga Beach YMCA | Nov 18 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Gravenhurst YMCA | Nov 18 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Wasaga Beach YMCA | Nov 25 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Midland YMCA | Nov 25 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Gravenhurst YMCA | Dec 2 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Wasaga Beach YMCA | Dec 2 – 10am to 2:30pm
- Midland YMCA | Dec 9 – 10am to 2:30pm
Wilderness Explorers at Your YMCA
Our wilderness explorers program offers education-based nature immersion activities lead by qualified staff for children ages 5 to 10. 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
Midland YMCA | Nov 7 – 10am to 12pm
Innisfil YMCA | Nov 7 – 10am to 12pmMidland YMCA | Nov 14 – 10am to 12pm
Wasaga Beach YMCA | Nov 14 – 10am to 12pmMidland YMCA | Nov 21 – 10am to 12pm
Innisfil YMCA | Nov 21 – 10am to 12pmWasaga Beach YMCA | Nov 28 – 10am to 12pm
Innisfil YMCA | Nov 28 – 10am to 12pm
Wilderness Explorers March Break Camp
Through the Wilderness Explorers March Break Camp, Campers will have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer-themed group games, while getting to make new friends! Campers need a refillable water bottle and a litter-free, peanut-free lunch and snacks. Please also send them with full weather-appropriate gear, as our camp will take place the majority of the time outdoors.
- Location: Regan House at Scout Valley (325 Line 15 N, Orillia, ON)
Time: 9 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5.8 to 12
Registration Coming Soon
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. 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.
- Location: Hawkstone Community Hall (3 Allen St, Hawkstone, ON)
Time: 9 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5.8 to 12
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.
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: Wasaga Beach YMCA, 1724 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach, ON
Date: Thursday, October 22 to Thursday, November 26 (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.
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.
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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