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Rewilding Education Farm and Forest School grew out of a vision to reconnect children with nature, combining education, sustainability, and hands-on learning in a farm and forest setting. Our journey began with our founder, Becky Palmer, who after teaching in private schools overseas and in the public school system here in Ontario, found that the current model of education is not designed with all children in mind. It became clear to her through her years of teaching and working with children and youth, that creating opportunities for children to experience nature firsthand with the guidance from experienced educators could be transformative—not just for them, but for their families and the community. Returning to a way of learning and a way of being, slow, purposeful, free of the four walls and intimately connected to the Land; the way that Indigenous communities have been learning and raising their children for millenia. A connection with Kim of Moondance Organic Gardens, was the spark that was needed. Moondance is such a magical place, as anyone who comes to visit can attest to. It's a place where they embraced sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and focus on health and wellness through nutritious, organically grown food. The relationship between Becky and Kim grew into a shared goal to create a place where we can offer opportunities for our community, for children and for their families to learn in nature, learn from nature and reconnect to growing food and thriving outside. The idea for the school took root when we realized how disconnected so many children were from the natural world. We wanted to provide a space where they could not only learn about nature but experience it in a meaningful way. Witness the life cycles of plants they've cared for throughout the seasons, not just reading about them in a book or watching a video on a screen. Witnessing and discovering hands-on the different ecosystems and all the living things that help them thrive.
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Drawing inspiration from Forest and Nature School principles, and from other educators who paved the way before us, we developed programs that blends outdoor exploration with practical skills like gardening, animal care, and environmental responsibility.​ The school started small, with Becky, her Co-Director Heather, and a handful of children. Like-minded educators were drawn to us and we've grown into an incredible team of dedicated educators. Together, we design an emergent curriculum that prioritizes child-led learning, outdoor play, and respect for the natural environment. Our farm and forest spaces become living classrooms, where students explore ecosystems, plant seeds, harvest vegetables, build shelters, and even forage for wild edibles.​ As the school grows, so does our community’s involvement. Parents, community members, and environmental enthusiasts contribute their knowledge, helping to make the program truly holistic and centered around community. We acknowledge that the Rewilding Education programs were created by white settlers perspective and we hold immense respect, and reverence for the Indigenous communities and people who have so much wisdom and knowledge to share. Our hope is to build authentic relationships with our local Indigenous communities and welcome them into this space to share and learn from them, in community. The success of our programs is a testament to the power of experiential learning, and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Thanks to people like you, who recognize the immense value in spending time outside, Rewilding Education’s Farm and Forest School continues to grow, offering children, youth and their families a unique opportunity to connect with the land, learn through adventure, and develop a lifelong love for the natural world.
Our Story
Education Philosophy
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that children are naturally curious, capable, and eager to learn when provided with a nurturing and engaging environment. Drawing from Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest and Nature School philosophies, as well as a commitment to child-led learning, we create learning experiences that are holistic, hands-on, and deeply connected to the natural world.
1. ​Waldorf Principles: We embrace the Waldorf philosophy’s focus on imagination, creativity, and holistic development. We believe in nurturing not just the intellect but also the emotional and physical well-being of each child. Art, storytelling, and rhythmic activities are integral to the way we structure learning, offering children a sense of harmony and connection to their inner selves. We also focus on social-emotional learning, providing children with the tools, words and strategies, as well as the time and space to resolve their peer conflicts independently, with a caring adult listening close-by and intervening only when necessary.
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2. Montessori Principles: From Montessori, we value the emphasis on independence and respect for the child as an individual learner. We provide an environment where children can choose activities that match their interests and developmental needs, fostering self-directed learning and practical life skills. Each child’s unique pace is respected, with learning tools and resources that support autonomy and critical thinking. We also appreciate the enormous benefit of mixed ages, with the younger children learning from the older ones, and the older ones gaining mastery, compassion and empathy while teaching a skill or helping a younger child.
3. Reggio Emilia Approach: We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach’s emphasis on the environment as the "third teacher" and the importance of collaboration. We co-create all the learning experiences with the children, viewing them as active participants in their education. We explore ideas through projects and hands-on experiences, allowing children to express their thoughts and creativity through various mediums, be it art, nature, or building materials.
4. Forest and Nature School: As a Forest and Nature School Practitioners, we strongly believe in the transformative power of outdoor learning. Nature serves as an abundant and dynamic classroom where children engage with the land, explore ecosystems, and develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a deep respect for the environment. Learning outdoors fosters physical development, risk-taking, physical health, and environmental stewardship, connecting children to the cycles of the natural world and setting them up for a lifetime of nature connection.
5. Child-Led Learning: Central to all these approaches is the belief that learning should be child-led. Children are innately curious, and when given the opportunity to explore their interests, they develop a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the world. We guide, rather than direct, their exploration, encouraging inquiry, discovery, and a sense of wonder. Through observations, we adapt our teaching to support their evolving interests, always ensuring that they feel empowered in their learning journey.
By weaving together all these philosophies, we aim to cultivate a learning environment that fosters independence, creativity, and a profound connection to nature, allowing children to thrive as they grow into confident, compassionate, and environmentally conscious, amazing humans.
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Further to the merging of these different philosphies, we embrace a holistic approach to learning inspired by the "heads, hearts, and hands" learning model. The origins of the model derives from a few different places, one being Rudolf Steiner in Waldorf Education and also by educationalist and environmentalist professor, David Orr.
Our educational philosophy is built upon four pillars that guide the children's' journey towards a deep understanding of themselves, each other, nature, and the world around them.
Heads, Hearts, Hands and Land
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In nurturing young minds, we turn our focus to fostering curiosity. The children are encouraged to question, explore, and discover, igniting their natural desire to learn. Through engaging experiences and thought-provoking activities, we cultivate intellectual growth and offer opportunities to learn skills that will help them thrive in an ever-changing world.
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At the heart of our programs lies the cultivation of empathy and connection. By providing the children the space to play and to discover the wonders of nature, they develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and a profound sense of care and compassion for the natural world. We focus on nurturing connections with each other, with ourselves and with the natural world.
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Hands-on learning and play is at the core of Rewilding Education. We recognize the transformative power of uninterrupted free play and of seeing, touching, smelling, exploring, wondering. From exploring our 4-acres of vegetable gardens, running around the forest with friends or engaging in provocations like woodworking, seed collecting, fire building or plant identification, children are learning authentically every moment while at Farm and Forest School.
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Most importantly, we embrace the wisdom of the natural world. We honour nature as the ultimate teacher and guide, making space for exploring whatever we changes we notice in our environment. Recognizing that children learn and grow best through play and following their own curiosities and we hold space for this in every aspect of our days. Through immersive outdoor experiences, a sense of awe and wonder is awoken; planting the seeds of a lifelong connection to and appreciation for the natural world.
We are on an extraordinary journey of curiosity, empathy, play, experiential learning, and connection to nature. Together, we hold space for children to thrive, grow and reconnect to nature; creating the next generation of sustainable living, lifelong learners, environmental advocates and all-around amazing humans.​
Our 4 Pillars
1. Heads: Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking
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Encouraging inquisitive minds to explore, ask questions, and seek knowledge
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Nurturing critical thinking skills through problem solving and challenging experiences in nature
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Providing a stimulating environment that nurtures intellectual growth and development
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2. Hearts: Cultivating Empathy and Connection
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Promoting a deep sense of empathy and compassion for the natural world
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Encouraging students to develop meaningful connections with nature, animals, and each other
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Fostering an appreciation for diversity and the interconnectedness of all living beings
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3. Hands: Experiential Learning and Skills Development
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Providing opportunities for hands-on learning
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Encouraging students to actively engage in practical skills development, such as gardening, fire building, seeding, animal care, woodworking, and sustainable practices
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Promoting experiential learning that enhances problem-solving abilities and cultivates a sense of self-reliance
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4. Land: Embracing the Wisdom of the Natural World
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Recognizing nature as a powerful teacher and incorporating it into every aspect of the curriculum
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Instilling a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainable practices
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Inspiring awe, wonder, and a lifelong connection to the natural world through immersive outdoor experiences
