🌞 Elk & Acorn Summer Forest School
Rooted and Ready – A 4-Week Outdoor Leadership & Nature Connection Program
Wednesdays | July 9–30 or August 6–27 | Ages 7–13
Let your child unplug and dive into the wild this summer!
This isn’t just summer camp—it’s a transformational experience designed to build resilience, confidence, and a lifelong connection with nature. Elk & Acorn’s Summer Forest School program immerses children in hands-on activities that teach survival skills, encourage creativity, and deepen their awareness of nature and self.
🔥 What They’ll Experience:
- Fire-building & safe tool use
- Water scavenger hunts & hydration lessons
- Sun-mapping & survival skills
- Journaling & nature-based mindfulness
- Safe tool use & traditional crafting (weaving, carving and sculpting)
-Sit spots, storytelling, and meaningful reflection
- Teamwork challenges that foster confidence and connection
This immersive program empowers children to explore, create, and grow in a supportive, adventurous environment—rain or shine! Led by an experienced educator and mentor, this program cultivates mental and emotional resilience, promotes overall wellness, and inspires participants to become confident leaders who value and protect the environment. By fostering these qualities, we’re shaping individuals who will carry the lessons they learn in nature into their daily lives and their future communities.
🌲 Program Benefits:
• Builds resilience, teamwork, and creativity
• Enhances focus and mindfulness
• Encourages physical activity and fosters a lifelong connection to nature
📋 Program Details
• When: Wednesdays (Choose one time slot):
→ Morning Cohort: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
→ Afternoon Cohort: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Two sessions available: July 9–30 OR August 6–27
• Where: Elk & Acorn Wilderness Wellness
313 Chatson Drive, Denbigh, ON
• Cost: $250 for the full 4-week program (includes all materials and light snacks). From out of town and/or can't make the full 4 week commitment, drop-ins are available for the summer program.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to connect with nature, regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we offer sibling discount, scholarships, bursaries, Give & Grow volunteer exchanges, and flexible payment options to ensure everyone can participate.
📞 Registration & Contact
Spots are limited—this program fills fast!
To register or ask questions, contact Shawn Slade:
📱 519-933-5038
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🌱 This is more than summer camp—it’s an opportunity to build inner strength, make new friends, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Explore, Learn, and Thrive in the great outdoors—and in life.
Elk & Acorn - Cultivating Connection, Nurturing Growth
Summer Semester Syllabus
Course Description
Rooted and Ready is a four-week, hands-on forest school program designed to help children aged 7 to 13 explore essential outdoor skills, connect deeply with nature, and build personal resilience.
Through exciting activities such as sun-mapping, water sourcing and purification, knot tying, tool safety, traditional crafts, and mindfulness in nature, participants will grow in confidence and leadership while forming lasting friendships.
Led by experienced mentors, this program nurtures creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Each session balances physical activity with quiet reflection, ensuring a rich and balanced experience in the natural world.
Detailed Course Outline
Over the four weeks, participants will:
1. Learn Navigation & Orientation Skills
Use the sun and landscape to tell time and find direction
Begin basic orienteering through observation and memory mapping
2. Master Water Safety & Survival
Identify water sources on the land (spring, well)
Learn to purify water through fire boiling and safe collection techniques
Understand hydration and the importance of electrolytes
3. Build Shelter & Tie Survival Knots
Practice key knots like taut-line hitch, figure eight and clove hitch
Build tarp shelters for shade and storms
Learn how to secure shelters effectively
4. Embrace Creative Expression & Mindfulness
Develop a weekly sit spot practice for reflection and observation
Journal thoughts or create nature art inspired by surroundings
Tune into senses through guided sensory walks
5. Practice Safe Tool Use & Traditional Crafting
Safely use knives and tools to make cordage, weave, and build
Craft nature-based items like dreamcatchers or forest art
Learn respect, care, and responsibility when using tools
6. Grow Through Teamwork & Personal Challenge
Take part in collaborative tasks and creative problem-solving
Complete individual challenges to build resilience and confidence
Share reflections and celebrate growth at the final circle
Weekly Calendar
Week 1 – July 9 or August 6: Rooted & Ready
Focus: Fire-making, hydration, sun mapping, wildcrafted sun tea, and setting intentions
Week 2 – July 16 or August 13: Water & Knots
Focus: Tying tarp shelters, exploring water sources, purification, and group cooperation
Week 3 – July 23 or August 20: Tools & Crafting
Focus: Safe carving, traditional crafts, cordage-making, and meaningful personal growth
Week 4 – July 30 or August 27: Navigation Challenge & Celebration
Focus: Nature-based navigation, sun compass, individual and team challenges, final reflection circle
🧭 What to Bring to the Summer Forest School Program
To ensure your child is safe, comfortable, and prepared:
1. Clothing
Light, breathable layers
A long-sleeve shirt and pants (for foliage, sun and bug protection)
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Rain jacket or poncho for sudden weather changes
2. Footwear
Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots (no sandals or crocs)
Spare pair of socks
3. Comfort & Safety
Bug spray and bug net (if sensitive to insects)
Small backpack for personal items
Reusable water bottle (filled)
Healthy snack (light snacks provided each session)
Sunscreen
4. Optional for Reflection
Personal journal and pencil crayons or markers
Sit pad or small towel for sitting on the forest floor
Also check out other Workshops in Calabogie, Health & Wellness events in Calabogie.
