What is
|
Forest and Nature School is an educational approach that takes place outdoors and emphasizes experiential learning through nature. Originating in Scandinavia, it has spread globally and is used in a large variety of educational settings. In Canada, practitioners can be certified by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada.
The core idea is that children learn best when they are engaged in real, hands-on experiences in natural environments. Forest Schools typically involve regular sessions in a woodland or natural setting, where children participate in activities like exploring, building, playing, problem-solving, and observing nature. The approach promotes self-confidence, independence, and a love of learning by allowing children to take risks and make decisions in a natural, unstructured environment supported by committed educators. Key features include:
|
About Program |
This child-directed play-based program will provide experiences that foster a growing relationship with the natural world. Through DISCOVERY, HEALTHY RISK-TAKING and MESSY FUN, participants will deepen their connection with nature, problem-solve and build on age-appropriate social skills. Our WHOLE-CHILD approach, combined with the Mount Saint Francis Retreat Centre site, provides an ideal learning environment.
|
About Location |
Growing Roots takes place at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre on the northeast edge of the Town of Cochrane. Our home base is in the back field surrounded by forest. We spend our days exploring some of the valleys and hills that make up the centre's property. We are so fortunate to be able to create a space just our own. We have added a large tent for warming, a fire circle for gathering and, of course, spaces for our mud kitchen, shelter building and other discoveries. Who knows where our days will take us!
|
My kids have attended Growing Roots since 2019. I have watched their confidence soar over these past 6 years! Every staff member has been so accommodating and inclusive. We love that they nurture the love of outdoor time no matter the season. From making mud pies, climbing trees, playing in the creek, enjoying each other's company around the fire, and learning all about the plants and animals around, there is always something amazing going on! Between the camps and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
|
|
About Our Team
Gisele Hardock - Owner
Hi, I’m Gisele, Owner of Growing Roots Forest Play since 2023. I am passionate about connecting children with nature, in the many forms that can take. My son was in the first Forest School preschool class run by Growing Roots in 2017. Seeing the impact of this program firsthand, I was excited to join the team when he moved on to kindergarten. Now, I'm thrilled to lead this passionate team, dedicated to providing the best play-based child-led nature immersion programs.
My love for nature began with summers on my grandparent’s farm near Sundre, Alberta, then years in the Jr. Forest Warden program, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and adventuring with my family all over Alberta. This is a legacy I continue today with my own family. With a B.A in Sociology and Linguistics I spent over a decade as an engineering technician in the oil and gas industry. Now, as a Master Beekeeper, artist, permaculture gardener and dedicated Forest School leader (CNAC certified Forest School Preactitioner) I am able to follow my passion of helping kids connect with themselves, each other, and the land in lasting and meaningful ways. I believe in hands-on, experiential learning and empowering children so they can reach their true potential.
Hi, I’m Gisele, Owner of Growing Roots Forest Play since 2023. I am passionate about connecting children with nature, in the many forms that can take. My son was in the first Forest School preschool class run by Growing Roots in 2017. Seeing the impact of this program firsthand, I was excited to join the team when he moved on to kindergarten. Now, I'm thrilled to lead this passionate team, dedicated to providing the best play-based child-led nature immersion programs.
My love for nature began with summers on my grandparent’s farm near Sundre, Alberta, then years in the Jr. Forest Warden program, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and adventuring with my family all over Alberta. This is a legacy I continue today with my own family. With a B.A in Sociology and Linguistics I spent over a decade as an engineering technician in the oil and gas industry. Now, as a Master Beekeeper, artist, permaculture gardener and dedicated Forest School leader (CNAC certified Forest School Preactitioner) I am able to follow my passion of helping kids connect with themselves, each other, and the land in lasting and meaningful ways. I believe in hands-on, experiential learning and empowering children so they can reach their true potential.
Chelsey Fraser- Registrar & Facilitator
Hi, I'm Chelsey, my first experience with Growing Roots was attending a Family Day with my niece, Blair. We spent the day getting messy in the mud kitchen, riding the zip line, and getting a little lost on an hike through the woods. It didn't take long to see where her independence, confidence, and adventurous spirit came from, and I immediately fell in love with the Growing Roots approach to outdoor play.
I've always loved being outside, whether camping, hiking, quadding, or discovering new trails with my family. As a mom to three adventurous boys, a football coach, and a Certified Floral Designer with a passion for horticulture, I value the opportunities nature provides for learning, creativity, and connection.
When I'm not getting muddy and exploring with the children at Growing Roots, I'm often behind the scenes answering emails, organizing registrations, setting up classes, and supporting our team. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that encourages children to learn, play, and grow through meaningful experiences in nature.
Carly Marciniak- Facilitator
Hi, my name is Carly, I grew up here in Cochrane and had many years of exploring the beautiful outdoors in Cochrane and surrounding areas.
I graduated from ACAD in 2009 and have been teaching in one form or another ever since. I love being part of children's journeys as they learn, grow, and discover their creativity. You can often find me leading the art and craft portion of our outdoor program, drawing inspiration from the incredible landscapes around us.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to teach and create with a wide range of ages and communities. My experience includes working with Clay for Kids, Final Touch Art Studios, and Saffron Collective Studio, as well as running my own creative business, Creation Catalyst.I've also taught adult art classes through the Cochrane Public Library and volunteer with the Cochrane Crafting Collective. I am passionate about making art accessible, encouraging creative exploration, and helping people of all ages build confidence through the creative process.
Hi, my name is Carly, I grew up here in Cochrane and had many years of exploring the beautiful outdoors in Cochrane and surrounding areas.
I graduated from ACAD in 2009 and have been teaching in one form or another ever since. I love being part of children's journeys as they learn, grow, and discover their creativity. You can often find me leading the art and craft portion of our outdoor program, drawing inspiration from the incredible landscapes around us.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to teach and create with a wide range of ages and communities. My experience includes working with Clay for Kids, Final Touch Art Studios, and Saffron Collective Studio, as well as running my own creative business, Creation Catalyst.I've also taught adult art classes through the Cochrane Public Library and volunteer with the Cochrane Crafting Collective. I am passionate about making art accessible, encouraging creative exploration, and helping people of all ages build confidence through the creative process.
Alanna Plug - Facilitator
Hello! My name is Alanna, and I have been working in early learning for 13 years, with Forest School at the heart of my practice. I hold a Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care and am also a certified Child and Family Yoga Instructor.
As a parent to three beautiful children, I understand the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for exploration, connection, and growth. When I'm not working with children, you'll often find me hiking, camping, kayaking, or exploring the forest with my family.
My favorite part of Forest School is seeing the world through a child's eyes. Their curiosity, wonder, and unique perspectives inspire me every day. I am passionate about creating rich outdoor learning experiences where children can build confidence, develop resilience, and foster a lifelong connection with nature. I look forward to learning, exploring, and discovering alongside your little explorers!
Hello! My name is Alanna, and I have been working in early learning for 13 years, with Forest School at the heart of my practice. I hold a Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care and am also a certified Child and Family Yoga Instructor.
As a parent to three beautiful children, I understand the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for exploration, connection, and growth. When I'm not working with children, you'll often find me hiking, camping, kayaking, or exploring the forest with my family.
My favorite part of Forest School is seeing the world through a child's eyes. Their curiosity, wonder, and unique perspectives inspire me every day. I am passionate about creating rich outdoor learning experiences where children can build confidence, develop resilience, and foster a lifelong connection with nature. I look forward to learning, exploring, and discovering alongside your little explorers!
Ali Hardock
Hello! I'm Ali Hardock. My pronouns are they/them. I'm studying at Uof C for a sociology degree. I like horseback riding and camping in the summer with my family. I volunteered for the Growing Roots Ranche Ramblers program for two springs before I started working here in 2022. I find how kids learn and interact with the world fascinating and I love being a part of that process.
Hello! I'm Ali Hardock. My pronouns are they/them. I'm studying at Uof C for a sociology degree. I like horseback riding and camping in the summer with my family. I volunteered for the Growing Roots Ranche Ramblers program for two springs before I started working here in 2022. I find how kids learn and interact with the world fascinating and I love being a part of that process.
Our Founders
Honouring our Roots - we will be ever grateful to Lori Toma and Laura Spruyt for their vision, dedication and hard work bringing Growing Roots to life.
Laura Spruyt - Co-Founder
Hello, I'm, Laura Spruyt (pronounced Sprout!), the founder and imagination behind Sprout Movement and co-founder of Growing Roots. I'm a recreation professional (Concordia University in Montreal) and have worked in and managed a variety of outdoor recreation settings from residential summer camps to mobile recreation outreach to outdoor centres. My passion has always been to ensure everyone is able to be involved and engaged in the outdoors. I love trail running, skiing and playing outside with my two kiddos!
Hello, I'm, Laura Spruyt (pronounced Sprout!), the founder and imagination behind Sprout Movement and co-founder of Growing Roots. I'm a recreation professional (Concordia University in Montreal) and have worked in and managed a variety of outdoor recreation settings from residential summer camps to mobile recreation outreach to outdoor centres. My passion has always been to ensure everyone is able to be involved and engaged in the outdoors. I love trail running, skiing and playing outside with my two kiddos!
Lori Toma - Co-Founder
Hi! I’m Lori Gray Toma, co-founder of Growing Roots Forest Play, where my passion for outdoor education and nature connection blossomed into a meaningful community-based business. With a MA in Environmental Education and an undergraduate degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, I'm also a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner through Forest and Nature School Canada. I’ve had the privilege of working as an outdoor recreation programmer for youth at risk and special populations. Today, I bring that same passion for outdoor and land-based learning into my current faculty role in the Early Childhood Education department at Bow Valley College.
My heart will always be with the Growing Roots children, educators and families and currently my focus has shifted to influencing future educators and contributing to outdoor and land-based pedagogies. My family and I have called Cochrane home for more than 17 years, where we enjoy adventuring with our three kids and our dog and I'm thrilled to continue sharing my love for learning through nature in my work and personal life. I will continue to support Gisele and her team at Growing Roots however they see fit.
Hi! I’m Lori Gray Toma, co-founder of Growing Roots Forest Play, where my passion for outdoor education and nature connection blossomed into a meaningful community-based business. With a MA in Environmental Education and an undergraduate degree in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership, I'm also a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner through Forest and Nature School Canada. I’ve had the privilege of working as an outdoor recreation programmer for youth at risk and special populations. Today, I bring that same passion for outdoor and land-based learning into my current faculty role in the Early Childhood Education department at Bow Valley College.
My heart will always be with the Growing Roots children, educators and families and currently my focus has shifted to influencing future educators and contributing to outdoor and land-based pedagogies. My family and I have called Cochrane home for more than 17 years, where we enjoy adventuring with our three kids and our dog and I'm thrilled to continue sharing my love for learning through nature in my work and personal life. I will continue to support Gisele and her team at Growing Roots however they see fit.