A dozen preschoolers will return home extra dirty this fall.
The kids will have hands-on outdoor education as the Natural Wonders Preschool brings the licensed program, where children explore and learn in the natural world, to Oak Bay.
“It just seems to be the way things are going. There seems to be a push for more outdoors and hands-on education,” said Erin Stockill, acting community recreation programmer for licensed care at Recreation Oak Bay. “I think it’s because we live in such a great community and great climate for it.”
An outdoor preschool also fills a niche the community was looking to fill, she said.
The program will run at Henderson recreation centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. starting in September and ending in June for $159 a month.
“At this point for us, it depends on numbers, but we’re looking to have about 12 kids and two staff. We have a maximum of 13, but we could run with less kids. As long as we can get kids out into nature we’re happy,” Stockill said. “We look forward to getting it launched and hope to have it forever.”
The program is designed for kids aged three and older and is situated outdoors for the majority of each day, while children let nature be their guide.
For registration information go to recreation.oakbay.ca or call Stockill at 250-370-7207 or Henderson reception at 250-370-7200.