Our Approach

Philosophy

At the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program, we believe children thrive through hands-on exploration, play, and deep connection to the land. Learning grows from curiosity, community, and care, grounded in respect for nature, self, others, and ideas.

Through joyful, nature-based experiences aligned with the BC Curriculum, children develop confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning—outdoors, rain or shine.

Mission

Our mission is to nurture curious, confident, and capable learners through meaningful, place-based experiences in nature. Rooted in the four pillars of respect—for self, others, ideas, and the land—we support the whole child: socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

By enriching the BC Curriculum through play, exploration, and outdoor inquiry, children gain:

A love of learning that lasts a lifetime
A strong sense of community and belonging
A lasting appreciation for the environment

We aim to inspire a new generation of learners who feel connected to the land that sustains them and empowered to grow within it.

Core Values

At the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program, we believe that nature is the most powerful classroom. Children are naturally curious—eager to explore, observe, and understand the changing seasons and landscapes around them. Through meaningful outdoor experiences, they learn about the world, themselves, and their community.

We are guided by four core pillars:

Education for Environment

Curiosity, exploration, and connection to nature

We nurture a deep respect for the land by encouraging children to observe, ask questions, and explore. These moments of discovery build environmental awareness and empower students to become thoughtful stewards of the earth.

Education for Curriculum

Real-life learning, academic thinking, and imagination

The BC Curriculum comes alive outdoors. From math, science, and literacy to art and physical education, children engage in place-based, STEAM-integrated, and inquiry-driven learning. We embed First Peoples Principles of Learning to honour diverse perspectives and inspire creativity and critical thinking.

Education for Character

Confidence, compassion, and responsibility

Outdoor learning helps children grow into kind, confident, and capable individuals. They develop social-emotional skills through teamwork, cooperative play, and gentle challenges—learning to solve problems, support peers, and contribute to their group and community.

Education for Well-Being

Resilience, risk awareness, and emotional wellness

Nature supports physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through guided risk-taking, children build self-regulation, body awareness, and resilience—developing strength and calm in ever-changing outdoor conditions.

How We Learn

At CRVOLP, children learn through hands-on experiences, outdoor play, and meaningful connection to the land. Our approach blends child-led discovery with thoughtful educator guidance to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our Learning experiences naturally align with the BC Curriculum, supporting families who choose public school, distributed learning, or homeschooling pathways.

Learning is also informed by Indigenous ways of knowing, including respect for the land, seasonal cycles, and learning through observation, story, and relationship with place.

🌿 Core Learning Approaches

🎒 Experiential Learning

Children learn by doing—touching, building, moving, and reflecting. Nature is the classroom, and every moment becomes a learning opportunity.

🧠 Inquiry-Based & Emergent Learning

We follow children’s questions, interests, and wonderings. Educators guide and support deeper investigation of what sparks curiosity.

🧸 Play-Based Learning

We embrace all types of outdoor play:

Risky Play – climbing, stick play, testing limits
Creative Play – loose parts, storytelling, imaginative role-play
Exploratory Play – digging, tracking, insect observation
Social Play – team games, turn-taking, cooperation
Play builds resilience, creativity, and social-emotional growth.

🧭 Place-Based Learning

Children build a relationship with local land and ecosystems by returning regularly to Thompson Park, nearby rivers, forests, and wetlands.

🔬 STEM + STEAM in Nature

We integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) into everyday outdoor learning:

Science: life cycles, ecosystems, seasons
Engineering: shelter building, simple machines, tools
Math: measuring, counting, mapping trails
Art: natural dyes, forest storytelling, loose parts sculpture
STEAM becomes real, relevant, and hands-on in the forest.

🛠 Tools, Loose Parts, and Adventurous Play

🔧 Tool Use

Children may use hand tools (e.g., hammers, peelers, drills) under direct supervision. Safety protocols are always followed.

📦 Loose Parts Play

Logs, ropes, crates, tarps, and natural materials are used to build, imagine, and problem-solve. Open-ended play sparks innovation.

⛰ Risky Play

We support supervised risk-taking like balancing on logs, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain. These experiences build confidence, body awareness, and personal safety skills.

🔍 Examples of Learning Activities Across Subjects

At our program, learning is woven through play, nature, and hands-on discovery. Here are some examples of how we integrate curriculum areas outdoors:

🧮 Math

Counting, patterns, and measurement using natural materials
Estimating with loose parts
Mapping, comparing sizes, and early geometry in nature

🔬 Science

Studying life cycles, ecosystems, weather, and geology
Pond studies, insect observation, and gardening
Building simple machines or water systems with forest tools

✏️ Literacy

Nature journaling, storytelling, and poetry
Using loose parts to build letters, words, and narratives
Listening to Indigenous stories and oral traditions

🌍 Social Studies

Exploring land-based knowledge, seasonal cycles, and local history
Honouring Indigenous traditions and place-based learning

🎶 Music & 🎨 Art

Creating instruments from nature, singing, and movement games
Land art, natural dyes, felting, and geometric designs with forest treasures

⚖️ Physical Development

Tree climbing, hiking, physical games and various sports
Balance activities, fine motor tasks (cutting, weaving)

💬 Social & Emotional Learning

Sharing circles, problem-solving games, and team collaboration
Sit spots for reflection and mindful nature journaling

Stewardship & Conservation

At the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program, nature is more than a classroom — it’s our shared home. We teach children to explore with care and gratitude, while modelling respectful and responsible practices.

Our guiding principles include:

Gathering only when items are abundant (40+ rule) or with permission
Staying on trails to protect plants and habitats
Never digging, breaking, or removing living things from the forest
Observing wildlife from a distance
Following Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in/pack-out waste
Learning from seasonal cycles and Indigenous-informed land teachings

Together, we become caretakers of the land and grow a deep connection to the ecosystems around us.

Code of Conduct

At the Chilliwack River Valley Outdoor Learning Program, we grow through curiosity, kindness, and connection. To keep our forest community safe and respectful, we follow these four guiding principles:

Respect Nature

Care for the land, plants, animals, and all living things.

Leave no trace. Walk gently. Give thanks to the Earth.

Respect Self

Listen to your body. Take care of your needs.

Speak kindly to yourself and be proud of your efforts.

Respect Each Other

Use kind words and actions.

Include others, take turns, and celebrate our differences.

Respect the Sharing of Ideas

Listen when others speak.

Share thoughtfully. Every voice matters.

Together, these values help us build a caring, safe, and wonder-filled community.

Families are encouraged to model and support these values at home and in the forest.