Nature Connect

Our Nature Connect Program runs on Fridays for elementary students. This unique urban nature initiative instils a sense of reverence for the environment within a natural setting that fosters resilience, teamwork, confidence, and practical, hands-on skills.

What is Nature Connect?

Nature Connect is an outdoor school program dedicated to inspiring awe, wonder, and appreciation for the natural world within an urban environment. Students establish deep connections to nature through careful observations of their surroundings, the seasons, plants, and wildlife.

Each session follows a predictable weekly rhythm:

  • Opening Circle: Connects students to the program through nature verses and outdoor games.

  • Artistic Expression: Creative work takes inspiration from natural forms.

  • Seasonal Focus: Weather changes directly influence weekly programming and planning.

Who Participates?

The program is designed for all current Polaris students in Grades 1 to 8. It serves as a perfect complement to our Waldorf-inspired curriculum, with a strong emphasis on building a class community rooted in a shared love and respect for nature.

Schedule by Grade:

  • Grade 1-4: Have a half day of Nature Connect weekly and then return to their regular schedule.

  • Grades 5+: Alternates weekly, beginning Nature Connect after the main lesson.

Leadership

The program is led by Cole McLaughlin, an experienced outdoor educator and supported by Amy Edwards. Both are bringing years of expertise in outdoor education. Cole is excited to lead this unique initiative and contribute to our holistic educational setting.

Student Requirements

Students participating in the Nature Connect program should bring:

  • A willingness to find beauty and wonder in their natural surroundings.

  • A readiness to build community through a shared love of nature.

  • The resilience and humour needed to embrace all seasonal weather elements.

Location

The program is anchored at the Polaris School and Centre. We nourish a deep connection to our local urban landscape by cultivating the land into usable community gardens. The program also utilizes nearby public green spaces within the neighbourhood.

Two children, a girl in a red shirt and black pants, and a girl in a pink jacket, purple rain boots, and yellow shirt, are standing on fallen tree branches by a river.
Rocks and stones build a small shelter on the riverbank, with a leaf and berries placed on top, and trees with green and orange leaves in the background.
Person peeking out from a small shelter made of branches and leaves.
Rock with a spiral pattern made of yellow leaves and small stones, outdoors with dirt and shadow.