Forest Play

We're partnering with Christina Pickles of Get Outside and Play for another fantastic workshop opportunity for educators! Join us on April 18th in Edmonton!! https://getoutsideandplay.ca/april18/

Forest Play is looking to hire assistant leaders for Summer 2026. Apply now to truly embrace the season with games, stories, wild crafts and adventure right here in Canmore. 🌱🌞🗻

Click for a detailed job description http://www.forestplay.ca/employment.html

We are looking for applicants who thrive being outdoors with children, become truly alive while running/frolicking in any weather, have a strong personal connection to nature, loves stories, songs and learning wilderness skills such as as edible plants, birding, carving and wild crafting.

Are you a teacher looking to enhance their practice? Or maybe you’re your an interpreter looking to teach a younger audience? Or, maybe you’re a University student or just graduated high school and are exploring your next steps?

Wherever you are, if you have a strong personal connection to nature and motivation to share that with the next generation, we welcome your application!

We’ve had staff from a range of backgrounds fall in love with our outdoor children’s programs; from school teachers, interpretive guides, hiking guides, University students, kayak guides, Olympic athletes and theatre performers, this program thrives when the truest form of our staff are expressed in the program.

Alpenglow Community Education Society - ACES

Summer Camp registration is open! Hope you can join us!

http://www.forestplay.ca/summer-2026-4-6-yr-olds.html

Summer Camp registration is open! Hope you can join us!

http://www.forestplay.ca/summer-2026-4-6-yr-olds.html

Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

At Forest Play, this National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is an invitation to pause, reflect and recommit.

We pause to turn our thoughts towards the children who never returned home and to their families and communities still grappling with loss.

We reflect on our role as educators who are responsible for instilling and modeling a sense of reverence and reciprocity for the land.

And we recommit to continuing our learning journey while offering programs that place respect for all life at its core.

The photo of Heidi (former program leader) and Dave (program founder & Director) was taken in 2021. Fast forward to 2025, and Heidi is now a mother (editing this post!); this Orange shirt day now resonates on a whole new level.

We encourage you to walk with the land, reflect on the stories that brought you here and the ones that were once forgotten 🧡🧡🧡

Join us for songs, stories, games and play at the Parented Program on Monday mornings, 9-11am. This program is a great way to get some fresh air and meet new families. Registration is online at ForestPlay.ca.

Join us for Parented Forest Play this fall! It's a wonderful opportunity to get outside with your child and other families to explore, connect with nature and hear some fun stories! Registration is open and the program starts Monday, Sept. 8 . http://www.forestplay.ca/fall-2025-parented-program.html

Are you looking for a great outdoor play and nature connection workshop? I'm really looking forward to this one in Drayton Valley on Nov. 2 with Christina Pickles! Hope you can join us! https://getoutsideandplay.ca/draytonvalley/

Many children in Canmore are back to school this week. Why stay inside all Fall and Winter? Join us at Forest Play for Monday afternoon programs (4-6 yr olds) or on Fridays (9am-3pm) for 4-6 yr olds for curiosity inspired play and learning! Forest Play helps children be happier, healthier, resilient and creative! https://www.forestplay.ca/fall-2024-4-6yr-programs.html

Forest Play is hiring summer camp leaders!
https://www.canmoreforestplay.com/employment.html
If you (or someone you know):

-Thrives being outdoors with children
- Has a strong personal connection with nature
- Loves to share stories, songs and wilderness skills

Let us know!

This is a great article on the benefits of Finnish Forest Schools to the physical and mental well being of children - particularly in winter.

How forest schools boost children's immune systems At a Helsinki nursery, children spend all day in the forest. Erika Benke explores how outdoor learning benefits children's health and teaches them to value nature.

We still have some space in our winter 2024 programs! Hope you can join us!