Making it work for everyone.

In a position to help?
Our bursaries depend on available funding!

FSFNS aims to lead with a spirit of compassion, deep reflection and understanding, and we begin this effort by honoring the truth of the history that brings us to where we are today. Thus, we resolve every day to recommit to doing what we can to root out barriers to participation in our programming and the outdoors, and to move towards a more just and equitable community and organization. While this work is ongoing, our mission of creating meaningful connections with Nature for everyone will never be fulfilled until we can overcome this.

Sliding Scale

We structure our program fees through a sliding scale system in an effort to create equal access opportunities to the resources of this land and our program. By using a sliding scale, we are practicing economic solidarity: we’re cooperating with all FNS Families to create a more equitable and inclusive community. We’re committed to making sure that financial challenges are not a hindrance to access participation in our programs. This means that you decide the price that is best suited for you at checkout for your participation in our programs.

When you pay for an FNS Program, you are contributing to our mission of connecting all children with nature, themselves and others. You make it possible for us to focus on becoming a space where all children can be together. As a not-for-profit, after covering our costs, all extra funds go directly into bridging financial gaps and funding various bursaries and scholarships (see below).

Used Gear Depot

Getting suited up for the outdoors, particularly for each season, is expensive. One of the often neglected pieces of the inclusion and equity equation in the outdoors is a hard look at economic access. We are constantly building up our gear depot/lending library for outdoor clothing and gear in hopes of overcoming this obstacle. If your child needs anything, please check with us first. If your child has outgrown something and you wish to gift it to the depot, we will gratefully accept all donations. Thanks!

Young and Wild

Bursary and Tuition Reduction Programs - scroll down to see what's available.

Please note: our bursaries depend on available funding through fundraising and community support which fluctuates each year. While we strive to make it work for everyone, we cannot guarantee any reductions.

Community Bursaries

The natural world should be a place of healing and enjoyment for everyone. FSFNS recognizes that barriers to safe and welcoming spaces still exist, and we are committed to learning how to be a better ally and more inclusive organization.

We acknowledge that systemic racism, historical trauma, and other forms of exclusion have impacted access to nature-based programs for many people, including BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, and others.

A tuition reduction is available for those who have experienced marginalization in the outdoor sector. We recognize the courage it can take to enter a space that has not always been inclusive, and we welcome applications from those who feel this applies to their experience.

Ongoing Applications welcome.

Al's Legacy

Our friend Al was actively involved with Free Spirit Tours for many years. In 2009, Al was taken from our community much too early, no doubt while doing what he loved – being in the outdoors and connecting others to nature. To this day, his sense of adventure and wonder in the wilderness is not forgotten. He brought so much joy, playfulness and passion wherever he went and his energy was simply contagious, along with his desire to learn… at least outside of the classroom, as his mom has shared with us!

We are committed to providing programs for all families who see value in our programming, regardless of income and ability to pay. With funds raised by Al’s family, as well as through special events, business sponsorship, our sliding scale pricing and private donations, we are able to help support students and families participate in FSFNS through tuition reduction and scholarships. While barriers to accessing our programs continue to exist, this bursary is in place to ensure that income level and access to wealth is not one.

Ongoing applications welcome.

Indigenous Tuition Program

Indigenous students are welcome to attend the FSFNS core program at a discounted rate (up to 100%) if desired. As a predominately non-Indigenous led organization, we are grateful to live and work on these lands. We recognize the ongoing presence and stewardship of Indigenous peoples, and we acknowledge that past and present systems have caused harm, from which we continue to learn. In an effort to ensure equitable access to limited spaces and funding, the full tuition reduction is offered as a one-time application that can be used for your time in our core program.

Deadline to apply: Aug 1st

The Seeds of Stewardship Award

Our friend Don Hounsome was deeply loved by our community and by the kids at Free Spirit Forest and Nature School. Over ten years ago, without Don’s generosity and trust in our vision, our school quite literally would not exist, as he allowed and encouraged us to begin using the land that has become our home. Don delighted in seeing children explore, play, and grow in nature, and his joy, kindness, and belief in the power of outdoor learning are still felt throughout our school.

In honour of Don’s legacy, this award has been established. This full bursary is available to first-time students who face significant financial barriers to participation. Through the generosity of friends, supporters, and community members, this bursary ensures that Don’s love for children, nature, and community continues to be shared – especially his special love for, and connection with, the land at Bygone Days.

Deadline to apply: Aug 1st

Strong Roots

This bursary is brought to you by the wonderful businesses that exist within our community! Each year, we invite 12 local businesses to become our “Strong Root” sponsors. Each business contributes 1/12th of the cost of a yearly tuition for a student. This allows us to offer a full bursary to one student to attendprogramming each year who would not otherwise be able to attend. Please consider using their services and products!!

Deadline to apply: Aug 1st

To apply for one of our programs, please click the button below and follow the "Young and Wild Tuition Reduction Application". Please do this PRIOR to registering for a program.

While we try to make it work for everybody, our bursaries depend on available funding so please also see if you qualify for any of the following support: