Forest School on the Mountain

 

Inspired by the Forest School educational approach, the nature immersion program developed by Les amis de la montagne is a fun and unique way for youngsters and parents to reconnect with the natural environment through hands-on learning, creativity and play. Guided by their interests and curiosity, young nature lovers explore Mount Royal and learn about its biodiversity and protection with seasoned instructors.

Mindful of the public health measures related to COVID-19, Les amis de la montagne has adapted its programming to offer a new experience to families and children from 0 to 12 years old. Combining interactive online workshops, themes and activity books for each age group, the spring session of Forest School on the Mountain provides the confidence and tools you need to enjoy nature in your backyard or, even better, on Mount Royal.

Please note that our Forest School program is conducted in French.

 

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The Groups

0 – 3 Year-Olds: Family Activity

In partnership with the Table de la petite enfance d’Outremont, Les Amis de la montagne invites families with children aged 0 to 3 years old to reconnect with the environment by sharing a fun and relaxing moment in nature at the Outremont Summit. Activities provide learning adventures guided by the elements and seasons, awakening children’s curiosity and motor skills.

This activity is geared for the whole family! Children must be accompanied by at least one adult member of their immediate family during the activity, but grandparents, aunts and uncles are also welcome!

Three time slots are available:

  • Saturdays, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on the following dates: April 30, May 28 and June 11, 2022. 
  • Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on the following dates: April 30, May 28 and June 11, 2022. 
  • Wednesdays, from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. on the following dates: May 4, 11 and 18, 2022. New offer: Group for new parents. Use your parental leave to socialize with other parents and introduce your bundle of joy to nature.

Rates:

  • $52 for a family with one child
  • $85 for a family with two or more children

Please note that payment is necessary to reserve your child’s spot. Rates for low-income families are available. Contact reservations for more information.

Meeting place: Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park (Outremont Summit)

Book here!

 

 Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date information to stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

 

3 – 5 Year-Olds: Parent-Child Activity

Preschoolers sing with the birds, dance in the rain and play in the woods during this activity specially designed for little ones and their parents. Guided by qualified environmental educators, children develop a sense of well-being in nature while discovering Mount Royal and its environment. In partnership with the Table de la petite enfance d’Outremont. 

This activity is geared for the whole family! Children must be accompanied by at least one adult member of their immediate family during the activity, but grandparents, aunts and uncles are also welcome!

Three time slots are available:

  • Saturdays, from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. on the following dates: April 30, May 28 and June 11, 2022. 

Rate: $76 for a family with one child / $125 for a family with two or more children

  • Sundays, from 8:00 to 9:45 a.m. on the following dates: April 24, May 1, May 15, May 29 and June 12, 2022.

Rate: $128 for a family with one child / $215 for a family with two or more children

  • Sundays, from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. on the following dates: April 24, May 1, May 15, May 29 and June 12, 2022.

Rate: $128 for a family with one child / $215 for a family with two or more children

Please note that payment is necessary to reserve your child’s spot. Rates for low-income families are available. Contact reservations for more information.

Meeting place: Tiohtià:ke Otsira'kéhne Park (Outremont Summit)

Book here!

 

 Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date information to stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

5- to 7- Year-Olds

In this activity, children explore Mount Royal’s various habitats, sometimes while blindfolded or on their hands and knees, and learn about the mountain’s diverse fauna and flora! This program aims to sharpen children’s senses and awaken their natural instincts.

The 3 sessions take place on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the following dates: March 19, March 26 and April 2.

Rate : $73 per child

Meeting point for the first session, if public health measures allow: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road.

This program is geared for children who are in kindergarten or first grade and who were 5 or 6 years old on September 30 of the 2021-2022 school year.

Special offer for spring 2022!

In lieu of the Forest School, Les Amis de la montagne is offering three guided group excursions for your children:

All three excursions will be customized for children 5 to 7 years old. As part of the package, the children will also receive a Café des Amis lunch box after each excursion. Please be sure to arrive by 12:45 p.m. for lunch.

Places available: 18

Book here!

 

Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date information to stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

7- to 9- Year-Olds

Children explore the forests of Mount Royal and develop their community spirit. Through outdoor experiences, they forge a strong connection with nature, learn how to interact with plants and animals and gain a better understanding of conservation issues.

The 3 sessions take place on Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates: March 19, March 26 and April 2.

Rate: $73 per child

Meeting point for the first session, if public health measures allow: Smith House, 1260 Remembrance Road.

This program is geared for children who are in second or third grade and who were 7 or 8 years old on September 30 of the 2021-2022 school year.

Special offer for spring 2022!

In lieu of the Forest School, Les Amis de la montagne is offering three guided group excursions for your children:

All three excursions will be customized for children 7 to 9 years old. As part of the package, the children will also receive a Café des Amis lunch box after each excursion. Please be sure to arrive by 12:45 p.m. for lunch. 

Places available: 20

Book here!

 

Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date information to stay informed about our children’s programs by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

For families registered for Forest School with Les Amis de la montagne, the Parent Handbook includes a wealth of information such as the daily schedule, rules and tips on what to pack in your child’s bag.

DOWNLOAD THE PARENT HANDBOOK

Today’s children are spending less and less time in nature, with the resulting consequences on their health and well-being. National educational programs in countries such as Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom have shown that regular contact with nature improves children’s motivation, concentration, motor skills, health, self-confidence and social skills.

In Canada, the Forest School movement has taken root thanks to initiatives by parents and associations such as Child & Nature Alliance of Canada. This nature-inspired teaching method aims to provide an immersive experience allowing children to develop strong emotional ties to the local natural environment and a healthy lifestyle while fostering their overall development.

Forest School teaching explores such issues as:

  • Our affective link with nature
  • Introducing children to nature from a very early age
  • Exposing children in urban areas to nature
  • The importance of daily contact with local nature
  • The importance of having a chaperone to facilitate the experience and make links with the broader natural world
  • The role of families
  • Parents’ fear of leaving children alone in nature
  • The link between nature and health

Forest School on the Mountain with Les Amis de la montagne seeks to create links between children, nature and Mount Royal. Young members take their first step towards becoming the next generation of mountain custodians as they learn about the natural environment, the weather and the seasons through experience.

Depending on the age of your child, you can accompany them as they discover Mount Royal or leave them with our experienced instructors so that they can enjoy nature throughout the seasons and become familiar with the fauna and flora of the mountain.


 

Are activities adapted for children or families who do not speak French?

The activities are offered in French, but our educators will happily answer your questions in English.

I would like to register my child for the Forest School on the Mountain but the activity is already full. Is there a waiting list?

Yes. You can place your child on a waiting list on the reservation system. Please keep in mind that a place on the waiting list does not guarantee you a spot; the movement on waiting lists is very unpredictable. You will be notified if one becomes available. You will then have 24 hours to complete your registration and make the payment, which will reserve your spot.

Subscribe to our newsletter for news and information about Les Amis de la montagne and future day camp registration dates by checking the “Activities for kids” box.

I would like to register my two children in each age group (0 to 3 years old and 3 to 5 years old) for the weekend family activity. Can I benefit from the family discount?

Yes. To do so, simply register your two children in their respective age groups. You will then automatically obtain the discount.

Can I bring my stroller to the weekend family activity? 

Yes, but you might be limited in your movements with the group. We recommend you use a baby carrier, if possible.

What payment methods do you accept?

Payment can be made by VISA and MasterCard. Please note that payment is required to reserve your child’s spot. A $50 non-refundable administrative fee is included in the price of the activity. No refund will be given within seven days of the start of the activity, unless a written medical certificate is submitted.

How do I find out if there are still places available?

The number of places available is displayed in real time in the online reservation system:
  1. Log in to the reservation system.
  2. Click on “Activités” in the upper menu bar to display the list of available activities.
  3. Locate the desired program and click on the round “i” icon to see the number of places available.

Can you confirm that my child is registered?

You can view your registration receipts on the reservation system:
  1. Log in to the reservation system.
  2. Click on the “Mon dossier” menu and select “Comptes et reçus” to access your accounts and receipts. All your registration receipts are on this page.

Do you offer Forest School activities customized for organized youth groups?

Yes. Les Amis de la montagne offers two winter programs. For more information, consult our Youth Groups page for details.

Do you offer activities for school groups?

Yes. Les Amis de la montagne offers a wide variety of educational and recreational activities for school groups. For more information, consult our list of School Year Programming activities for details.

For more information:

School and Youth Programming Lead
ecoledelaforet@lemontroyal.qc.ca

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