Would you love for a deep connection with nature to be the foundation of your child’s education?
At Sprouting Knowledge we are delighted to offer outdoor education programs for children that are held exclusively in Kamloops nature parks. Whatever the weather, children are encouraged to play, explore and learn in a natural environment.
When they are dressed properly it is the adults who tend be concerned about the weather, not the children.
Through modeling and mentorship it is our goal to prepare children, parents and educators to be stewards of their natural environment with a deep connection and appreciation for the natural world. Our role as facilitators is meant to assist rather than lead your child’s play. It is our job to provide a container of safety which enables your children to remain free to explore.
Why Play Outdoors?
- Children who regularly play outdoors have decreased chance of diabetes, heart disease and obesity,
and they have better balance, physical stamina and gross motor skills. (O’Brien & Murray, 2007) (Fjørtoft, 2004) (Burdette H.L. 2005) - Many children in N.A. are deficient in Vitamin D which can be rectified by more outdoor time and exposure to sun (Mansbach, 2009)
- Nature and outdoor play has been shown to decrease symptoms of ADD, ADHD, anxiety and depression
- Children who are involved in outdoor programs, show improved high cognitive skills and score better on standardized test. They have better focus, problem solving and multi-tasking skills; and are better able to think critically and creatively (Atchley, 2012) (Berman, 2008) (Bartosh, 2003) (Ernst, 2004)
- Outdoor learning and play helps children develop a positive sense of self, intrinsic motivation and respect for themselves, others and the environment (O’Brien & Murray, 2007) (Louv, 2011) (Russell, 2013)
Reprinted with permission from Victoria Nature School
For more research on why outdoor play is an important part of a healthy childhood visit our Resources page.
Our programs run in Peterson Creek, a culturally significant area to our local First Nation.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live and work on the unceeded traditional territory of the Secwepemc Nation and the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people.
We are committed to creating a space in which reclamation of the cultural wisdom of this place can lead to reconciliation between the indigenous people who have lived here for thousands of years and the colonizers who have come here from other lands. May we all enjoy a little bit of Heaven while here on Earth.