Discover Connect grow
Welcome to the forest
Forest & Nature School (FNS) is an educational approach that centers around child led, emergent, and play based learning with regular and repeated access to the same natural space. FNS fosters the holistic development of each participant with low child/youth-adult ratios, uninterrupted free play time, a focus on process over outcome and responsible risky play.
At FNS, children and youth are understood as competent learners that help forge their own program; facilitators are there to support, guide and learn with the participants as co-creators of a safe place for all who join.
Through this approach, children and youth have the opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with the land, with a dedicated educator, with one another, and with themselves.
Benefits of a Forest & Nature School
Participation in a Forest & Nature school program has both long and short term benefits including:
- Improves mental well being and self regulation skills
- Increases self esteem and confidence
- Promotes responsible risk taking and problem solving
- Encourages gross and fine motor development
- Stimulates creativity and imagination
- Fosters compassion, respect and empathy
- Inspires the next generation to be stewards of the land
DISCOVER
CONNECT
GROW
About Us
We live and learn in Drayton Valley, AB. We acknowledge that we are gathered on Treaty 6 Territory and the lands of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saltoux, Nakota Sioux, and the Metis. We give thanks for the ability to play, learn and explore on these native lands.
Our mission is to foster a meaningful connection to the natural world and promote the holistic development of all participants by providing opportunities to build an intentional relationship with the land, our community, one another, and ourselves.
Through the Woods Forest & Nature School is an entirely outdoor, nature-based program for children and youth. Our goal is to connect children and youth with the natural world and provide the time and space they need to dive deeply into their play.
We believe children & youth are intrinsically motivated to learn and capable of guiding their own learning journey through a process of inquiry and co-learning with peers and facilitators. We see participants as more than just learners and seek to support the development of the whole self; a human being with a vivid imagination, boundless creative potential and a rich emotional life.
PROGRAM PILLARS
DISCOVER
Uninterrupted free play time allows us to explore who we are and how we connect to the world around us.
Participants are encouraged to ask questions, explore their interests and try new things.
Connect
Regular and repeated visits to the same location allows us to build a reciprocal relationship with the land and our natural environment.
Meeting in small groups with low child-adult ratios allows us to develop our social and emotional skills while building relationships with each other
Grow
Meeting in mixed age groups gives us an opportunity to develop leadership skills, social skills and empathy towards others.
Participants will develop a sense of self awareness, confidence and resiliency when given an opportunity to take responsible risks in play.
Our Facilitator
Meet Sarah Reder
Hi! My name is Sarah and I am the founder/facilitator of Through the Woods Forest & Nature School.
I grew up in a big city but have always loved being outside in nature. As a kid you could find me climbing trees, jumping in mud puddles or building forts in the river valley. As an adult I have found nature is my safe space to disconnect and unwind. I love getting out camping, hiking, snowshoeing or kayaking (I also still love jumping in mud puddles)
I started working with children and youth as a teenager at summer camp. I loved getting to be a role model and having a positive impact on the kids. I have continued working and volunteering with young people in a variety of roles over the past 20 years.
I have a diploma in Disability Supports and Services, I am a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator and a certified Forest & Nature School Practitioner through the Child Nature Alliance of Canada.
I am excited to blend my love of nature and my passion for working with children and youth to bring a Forest & Nature School Program to Drayton Valley.
Our Programs
Forest Friends
$180
6 week session-Full
This is a drop off program is for children 3-8 year old.
Participants must be independent in bathroom.
We will meet on Tuesdays from 9am-12pm @ Lions West Valley Park in Drayton Valley, AB.
Spring 2026
Sessions are full. Email sarah@throughthewoodsfns.ca to join waitlist.
Session 1: April 7-May 12
Session 2: May 19-June 22
Prices do not include GST
Forest Friends EXTENDED DAY
$300
6 week session
This is a drop off program is for children 3-8 years old.
Participants must be independent in bathroom.
We will meet on Wednesdays from 9am-2pm @ Lions West Valley Park in Drayton Valley, AB .
Spring 2026
Session 1: April 8-May 13
Session 2: May 20-June 24
Prices do not include GST
Spring PD Day Camps
$40
per day
This is a drop off program for children 5-12 year old.
We will meet from 9am-2pm @ Lions West Valley Park in Drayton Valley, AB.
Spring PD Days
Registration opens March 17 6:30pm
April 24
May 15
June 5
Prices do not include GST
Summer Forest Camps
Registration opens March 17 @ 6:30pm
Join the adventures this summer! All camps will take place @ Lions West Valley Park in Drayton Valley, AB .
Summer Forest Camps
July 20-23 (9am-2pm) Ages 5-12 $160
August 4-6 (9am-1pm) Ages 3-8 $100
August 17-20 (9am-2pm) Ages 5-12 $160
Prices do not include GST
Questions?