Moss & Mushrooms
Family Forest & Nature School Supporting
Early Years Math and Literacy
Weekly on Tuesday Mornings
9:30AM-12:00PM
Moss & Mushrooms is a family Forest and Nature School
program that incorporates math and literacy into child-led play and group activities facilitated by Early Childhood Educators.
This program provides time and space for child-led play,
inquiry, and exploration outdoors. A large part of each
session is devoted to supporting and observing children's
free play in the forest. We will make time for sensing,
listening, reflecting, and sharing in a caring community
that values curiosity and kindness. Activities will invite
children to explore materials and concepts that
support emerging math and language skills and knowledge.
This session is designed for children two to six
years old accompanied by parents/guardians.
Guardians are responsible for the safety and supervision
of their children while participating in these educator
facilitated activities. There is no fee for babes in arms and everyone from infant to grandparent is welcome
to join us! Feel free to babywear and feed your baby
as suitable for your family.
Winter 2025 includes 4 sessions
February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.
$80.00 per child
Winter Scurry Day Camp
Neurodiversity Affirming Forest and Nature School Programming
Three days of March break day camp for children ages
6-12* years. This small group Field & Forest program
fosters self-awareness, problem solving, social skills,
self-confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging outdoors within a community of kindness. A blend of free time,
nature play, group invitations, sensory opportunities,
and inquiry allow this program to be meaningful to each child.
Hillside programs are welcoming and neurodiversity affirming.
The Forest and Nature School facilitators will support and guide children as they connect with the land and with each other.
Caring staff provide safety, encouragement, connection,
and co-regulation as we adventure outdoors together.
Group ratio is 1:5
This program invites children to spend the day outdoors from 9:00AM to 3:00PM with access to shelter as needed. Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather and brings a backpack with a change of clothes as well as a water bottle, lunch and/or snacks.
We need a MINIMUM OF 6 REGISTERED CHILDREN
to run this program. Please register soonest so that we can determine individual and groups needs. You will receive more information and program confirmation by March 3rd.
Registration fees will be due by March 6th .
Let us know if your child struggles with social skills,
is a flight risk, or needs extra support for safety.
Additional Support Ratio of 1:1 is available. The program coordinator will schedule a phone intake to discuss
participants' needs as well as staff supports and 1:1 fees**.
*Hillside is committed to providing inclusive programs which welcome and support participants with differing skills and needs. Some children ages 13-14 years old may be registered for the program if it is suitable to their developmental needs. This will be determined by the program coordinator based on individual needs, available support staff, resources, and group dynamics.
Winter Scurry includes 3 sessions March 10, 11, 12
9:00AM-3:00PM
Cost is $65.00/day or $180.00 for the three days
**Individual Support is $200.00/day or $550.00 for three days
Larch & Willow
Tween/Teen Forest and Nature School Program
Weekly on Tuesday Afternoons
1:00PM-4:00PM
Named after two fast growing trees,
this Forest and Nature School Program welcomes youth ages
11-14 years to meet up for exciting outdoor recreation opportunities connected to the wild around us.
Teens are invited to participate in an inclusive community while connecting to the natural world, to peers, and to themselves. Each session will offer a variety of organized games, fieldcraft workshops, creative art activities, mindfullness, or land-based learning plus time for free play, and exploration outdoors.
Participants will be supported in developing self-awareness,
self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership skills
within a friendly community of peers. As we care for the land,
for each other, and for ourselves, we will practice observing, listening, sharing, creative thinking, cooperation,
risk-management, and environmental stewardship.
If your child needs increased support and you would like to book 1:1 care, please contact the program coordinator. This allows us to plan and provide the best opportunities for your teen.
Spring 2025 Includes 8 sessions
March 25th to May 13th
Cost is $285.00 per participant
the Nature Crafting Workshop
An Arts & Crafts Club Connecting Children and Nature
Classes welcomes children 6-12 years old as we gather outdoors for crafting and creative activities. This program is facilitated by a Registered Early Childhood Educator and guest artists, woodworkers, or teachers. Workshops are inspired by the changing season, natural materials, emerging themes, and the children’s interests. We will explore materials found on the land, their part in the local ecosystem, and ways to use them for creative activities. Crafting materials and tools will be provided so that children can build, explore, and create.
Each session children will be presented ideas, materials, and projects with an open ended approach.
Classes are 1.5 - 3 hours.
Prices will reflect facilitator fees and materials cost.
Approx. $25.00-$35.00
Family Music & Movement
A collaborative celebration of music, movement and nature play
We are so excited to welcome local musicians and educators to share their passion for music with families outdoors. Music is a natural way to explore patterns, math, movement, sound, and feelings. These special guests will invite children to explore and enjoy the rhythms and beauty of the seasons through their senses, voices, and bodies.
Join us for an engaging session of music and movement between fields and forest. Enjoy a warm beverage and snacks with the Hillside community, and stay for nature play and connection supported by our Forest and Nature School Practitioner.
Each session, facilitators will offer different activities or invitations such as storytime, live music, dance, drama, games, crafts, and exploration.
Come play, connect, create, and explore outdoors with us!
Session length will vary between 1.5 - 3 hours.
Prices will reflect guest facilitator fees and materials cost.
$15.00 - $30.00
Spruce & Saplings
Outdoor Learning Co-op
Weekly on Thursday Afternoons
1:00PM-4:00PM
Spruce & Saplings co-op invites homeschooling and unschooling families to gather together for shared learning outdoors.
This program values family-driven education with a focus on child-led learning. Come join an inclusive community that celebrates each child’s interests, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Families will have access to the outdoor classroom and to the surrounding fields and forest under the supervision of a
qualified parent-facilitator. Parents will accompany children during programming and will be expected to organize and lead activities within the program by signing up on a schedule
for days that work for each of them.
Children will have opportunity to engage in inquiry based learning, explore subject matter with peers and presenters,
enjoy projects and investigations in an outdoor setting,
and deepen connection with nature through play.
The Hillside House Program Coordinator will provide resources and support for safe and engaging activities but the sessions
will be organized and lead by parents.
Spring 2025 = 8weeks
April 3rd - May 22tnd
$200.00 per family.
