At FSFNS we have 3 simple guiding commitments that help forge our program: connection with self, connection with others and connection with nature. We find things go smoothly when we are connected to all these things. And under the umbrella of nature connection (and likely self and others, too) we’d like to take a deep…
Trading Blanket, Skating and, naturally, a Zip Line.
Hey Folks! Well Winter certainly made its presence felt this week and our students embraced it full on! Along with regular core routines and our wandering adventures, we had a special week where some students went skating on the pond, some built zip lines and others set up feeders to help us get even more…
Every track tells a story
Hey Folks, We had a fun week at FNS with a lot of exploring (as usual!) and discovering many things along the way. We focused on using our “owl eyes” and and other senses to uncover some of the secrets of the forest. Along the way we found mysterious holes with empty snail shells all…
Insects and Ice Augers (aka a crazy weather week!)
Hey Folks! Winter is here and we are so excited. A big welcome to our new students! We saw a mix of weather which led to loads of different activities and explorations. Some groups nestled closer to the tent on especially windy and cold days, while others were able to hike out a bit farther…
It’s not delivery, it’s…
Everything, absolutely everything, tastes better cooked over a fire. Period. End of sentence. Over the past couple weeks we have put our groups’ culinary skills to work and created some delicious masterpieces. In the outdoor world, learning to cook over a flame is a key skill to know when venturing into the wilderness. Moreover, it…
I love that smell, too…
“You smell like campfire” is something we often hear after a day at FNS. And more often than not, it seems to be said in longing, nostalgic way. Usually it’s followed by “I love that smell” and when we are really lucky, complete strangers will dive into fond memories of childhood or a specific moment…
Let It Snow
Hey Folks! Ready for our song of the week?… Oh the weather outside is delightful (not frightful) and the campfire is so delightful (too)… and since we’re an emergent, student-led program with no set place to go… let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. (Did you sing it?!) Snow!!! We love snow at…
Still Craving that Caving!
Hey Folks, Metcalfe Rock is, and has been, an important place to Free Spirit for many years. For those of you who have never been, it’s totally worth the trip! Metcalfe is part of the Kolopore Uplands with trails that run in and among the Niagara Escarpment. In our humble opinion, it’s a magical place…
Morning Teas and Nature Cafes
Hey Folks, Aside from our core routines, our days varied a lot this week (as they typically do) so check out the highlights below! Tuesday On Tuesday we embraced a beautiful day and celebrated a special birthday. After our morning circle, check-ins and sit spots, we were off for a lunch out to the wonderful…
Soup du Jour, Spooky Potions and the Upside Down
Hey Folks! We wanted to start the week off with a post dedicated to the youngest members of our community – the Chickadees! These little ones are always keen for adventures and we love how easily they bring their imaginations to life. We started the day with our loose parts and discovering some new additions…