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Kelly

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Right on schedule! We said December 1 was a good day to start the season and here it is. Dont let the webcams fool you it has been snowing like crazy out there. We will get the webcams up and running as soon as possible. Its going to take some time and build up a base, so the trails arent open just yet but we are working on it. Chanse is going to wait until it starts to slow down before he tackles it. He will need to first go on the snowmobile with the roller to push all the air out of the snow before he even thinks about actually grooming it. This will likely take the full day tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Ski Swap Public Notes

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Buying & Selling Equipment

  1. You must wear a mask while in the Highlands Nordic building. Please respect this policy.Β 
  2. There is no cost to put equipment into the ski swap, however 15% of all sales goes to theHighlands Trailblazers Ski Club. All sales are processed through theΒ Highlands Trailblazer Race Society, then chequesΒ are mailed out.Β 
  3. You will need to book a time slot to enter the ski swap. Each time slot will be for 1 hour. Each person entering the swap needs to book a time slot. There will be aΒ $10 chargeΒ to book your time slot, which will act as a credit towards your ski swap purchase. There will be an option toΒ β€œdrop in” on Saturday October 31st, 2020Β betweenΒ 1:45PM to 3:45PM. There is no charge to drop in, although we cannot guarantee when you will be able to enter the swap.
  4. The Ski Swap runs from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday, and on Sunday from 9PM to 2PM. Time slots will be spaced out according.Β 
  5. We will start receiving equipment onΒ October 19th, 2020 at 9:00am. Equipment must be dropped off byΒ 5:00pm on October 28th, 2020.
  6. Any unsold items not picked up byΒ 5:00pm on Sunday November 8th, 2020Β (unlessΒ otherwise arranged) will automatically be considered a donation to Highlands Trailblazers.
  7. Please refrain from touching or handling merchandise as much as possible unless you plan on making a purchase.Β 
  8. Cleaning procedure. There will be a 15 minute window between each time slot to wipe down equipment, washrooms, clean the high contact areas and tidy up equipment to make it easier to find things.Β 
  9. Due to the high demand of service needs during the ski swap, we are unable to provide binding installs, ski waxing and other in depth ski service β€œwhile you wait” during the ski swap. There will be service intake where we can sort out what you need. Any service equipment dropped off during the ski swap will be ready for pick up byΒ Saturday November 7th, 2020.

Tips For Purchasing Kids Equipment

As we are limited to the number of people we are able to allow in the swap. We suggest recreational classic skiers 10 years and under stay home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them set up for season!

Here are some steps that will assist you and our volunteers to get the young skier in your life set up for the winter.

  1. Trace your skiers foot on a piece of cardboard or cardstock. This will allow us to compare their foot to the insole of the ski boot. We suggest going a little bigger to get about 2 years of use. Fill the boot with an extra insole, and put on a good ski sock. Once that gets too tight you can take the extra insole out. 
  2. Measure up to their shoulder in centimetres. This will be for their ski poles. This measurement is a little taller than the typical ski pole sizing. This sizing would typically get about 2 years of use out of the equipment. If you plan on just using the equipment for 1 season measure up to their armpit. New skiers 5 years and under do not need ski poles.
  3. Measure to the top of their head in centimetres. This will be for their skis. Depending on their ability we will choose a ski from head height to 10cm over top of their head. At this age having their weight is not as important. Kids skis are designed to be soft, which means the ski makes more contact with the snow to give them more control. 

How Your Equipment Will Be Prepared – we will assist you

  1. Fill out Ski Swap File. Create a code to represent you, with your initials then combine the code and an individual number for each item.Β 
  2. Write out tag each item like the attached picture. Make sure to include your code, size (European), description, and price. Repeat the same information twice on the tag. We can give you a suggested price range, however you must be the one to set the final price. Ski Swap attendeesΒ will notΒ be able to barter with the price.
  3. Tag each item. Fasten the tag securely to the item.Β 
  4. Keep equipment together! Use an elastic to keep skis together (tape around skis will have to be cut for ski testing). Use tape to keep poles together. Use string to tie boots together, please make sure string is at least 24 inch’s long so that boots can easily be tried on without cutting.

Sample of Ski Swap Tag

Grade Eight

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Grade 8 Programs

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Disc Golf

Students will learn how to play on a course set on forest trails on the side of the Niagara Escarpment. This program is well suited for beginners, novice, and advanced skill levels. The program offers access to 6 holes, a driving range, and a putting course for student use.

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Survival on the Niagara Escarpment

Students will play a role in the food chain as it may occur on the Niagara Escarpment. Our version of the survival game shows the interdependence of all organisms within a local forest community. It examines food chains, food webs, and shows the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Students will experience both the struggle all organisms on the escarpment must go through, and the impact humans can have on wildlife populations, food chains, and ecosystems.

Team Dynamics

This program consists of co-operative games that promote leadership, trust, verbal/non-verbal communication, problem solving and team skills.

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will participate in a wayfaring program building on team and map work skills as they venture through three progressively challenging levels of maps. Students will only advance after successful completion of each stage.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Seven

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Grade 7 Programs

Bus Tour to Walker Aggregates Quarry (Natural Resources)

After an introduction on β€˜how humans acquire, manage, and use natural resources’, students will visit a working rock quarry (mining), Walker Aggregates Quarry (3 minutes away). During this tour, students will see firsthand, a mining operation and the ways in β€˜which technology has affected our use of natural resources with respect to their management, extraction, processing and marketing’. Your School bus transportation is required to stay with your group for the whole day in order to transport the students to the Quarry. On site, a guide from Walker Aggregates will join us on the bus to give an informed account of the operations and to answer any questions.

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Disc Golf

Students will learn how to play on a course set on forest trails on the side of the Niagara Escarpment. This program is well suited for beginners, novice, and advanced skill levels. The program offers access to 6 holes, a driving range, and a putting course for student use.

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.
Β 

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Farm, Pond and Forest (Interactions in the Environment)

Using a hands-on approach, students will explore a variety of ecosystems, including an active Beaver Pond and a forest floor. Students will study the interactions between living organisms and their environment including links between biotic and abiotic elements. Students will also explore sustainability, limiting factors and human influence.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Survival on the Niagara Escarpment (Interactions in the Environment)

Students will play a role in the food chain as it may occur on the Niagara Escarpment. Our version of the survival game shows the interdependence of all organisms within a local forest community. It examines food chains, food webs, and shows the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Students will experience both the struggle all organisms on the escarpment must go through, and the impact humans can have on wildlife populations, food chains, and ecosystems.

Team Dynamics

This program consists of co-operative games that promote leadership, trust, verbal/non-verbal communication, problem solving and team skills.

Trappers and Traders (Full Day Program)

This program combines wayfaring (mapping), problem solving, and team work skills while role playing the life of a fur trader during the 1700’s. Students will be required to work together to find β€œfurs” on our wayfaring course, trade their furs for β€œbeaver” money at our fur exchange, then buy items (from the trading post) they will need to survive the winter.

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will participate in a wayfaring program building on team and map work skills as they venture through three progressively challenging levels of maps. Students will only advance after successful completion of each stage.

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Six

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Grade 6 Programs

Biodiversity

Students will visit a forest and a beaver pond, to catch a variety of living organisms (microscopic and macroscopic). They will then classify and identify these organisms using a dichotomous key. Animal skulls will be analyzed, focusing on the adaptations of teeth (herbivore, omnivore, carnivore) as will the variations in plant life found in an aquatic habitat. Rubber boots are essential for this program.

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Disc Golf

Students will learn how to play on a course set on forest trails on the side of the Niagara Escarpment. This program is well suited for beginners, novice, and advanced skill levels. The program offers access to 6 holes, a driving range, and a putting course for student use.

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Survival on the Niagara Escarpment

Students will play a role in the food chain as it may occur on the Niagara Escarpment. Our version of the survival game shows the interdependence of all organisms within a local forest community. It examines food chains, food webs, and shows the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Students will experience both the struggle all organisms on the escarpment must go through, and the impact humans can have on wildlife populations, food chains, and ecosystems.

Team Dynamics

This program consists of co-operative games that promote leadership, trust, verbal/non-verbal communication, problem solving, and team skills.

Trappers and Traders (Full Day Program)

This program combines wayfaring (mapping), problem solving, and team work skills while role playing the life of a fur trader during the 1700’s. Students will be required to work together to find β€œfurs” on our wayfaring course, trade their furs for β€œbeaver” money at our fur exchange, then buy items from the trading post, that they will need to survive the winter. Which of your students will survive?

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will participate in a map reading program building on skills learned as they venture through three progressively challenging levels of maps. Students will only advance after successful completion of each stage.

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Five

by

Grade 5 Programs

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.
Β 

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Survival on the Niagara Escarpment

Students will play a role in the food chain as it may occur on the Niagara Escarpment. Our version of the survival game shows the interdependence of all organisms within a local forest community. It examines food chains, food webs, and shows the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Students will experience both the struggle all organisms on the escarpment must go through, and the impact humans can have on wildlife populations, food chains, and ecosystems.

Trappers and Traders (Full Day Program)

This program combines wayfaring (mapping), problem solving, and team work skills while role playing the life of a fur trader during the 1700’s. Students will be required to work together to find β€œfurs” on our wayfaring course, trade their furs for β€œbeaver” money at our fur exchange, then buy items from the trading post, that they will need to survive the winter. Which of your students will survive?

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will participate in a map reading program building on skills learned as they venture through three progressively challenging levels of maps. Students will only advance after successful completion of each stage.

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Four

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Grade 4 Programs

Bus Tour to Walker Aggregates Quarry

This is a half day program which complements the Rocks and Minerals program. Students will experience a working quarry while on a bus tour to nearby Walker Aggregates Quarry (3 minute drive away). The tour will end back at Highlands O.E.C. with hands-on samples of quarry product and equipment. Your school bus transportation is required to stay at Highlands in order to transport your class to and around the quarry. The tour guide will board the bus at the Quarry.

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Habitats and CommunitiesΒ 

In this program students will analyze the effects of human activities on habitats and communities. Students will visit a farm, the forest floor, and our beaver pond. This will allow them to investigate the structural adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive in specific habitats. They will develop an understanding of a community as a group of interacting species sharing a common habitat. Students will also be reminded of safe and respectful conduct in nature.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Rocks and Minerals

Students will: investigate, test, and compare the physical properties of rocks and minerals, investigate how rocks and minerals are used and disposed of in everyday life, and describe how igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks are formed.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Survival on the Niagara Escarpment (Habitats and Communities)

Students will play a role in a food chain as a carnivore, omnivore or herbivore, as it may occur on the Niagara Escarpment. Our version of the survival game shows the interdependence of all organisms within a local forest community. It examines food chains, food webs, and shows the concept of energy flow within an ecosystem. Students will experience both the struggle all organisms on the escarpment must go through, and the impact humans can have on wildlife populations, food chains, and ecosystems.

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will participate in a map reading program building on skills learned as they venture through three progressively challenging levels of maps. Students will only advance after successful completion of each stage.

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Three

by

Grade 3 Programs

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Junior Ranger Walk

Students will explore nature using the sense of sight, touch, hear, and smell. This program includes age appropriate activities which may include: bark/leaf rubbing, bug hunt, basic plant identification, animal track identification, sit spots, and other nature games.

Lost in the Woods

Students will learn about surviving in the woods. While embracing a campfire atmosphere, the program explores one’s basic needs of survival, what to pack in their backpacks when going on a hike, how to dress appropriately, and how to build a safe and effective shelter. This half day program pairs well with the Wayfaring programs.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Pioneers and Peddlers

Students will explore the daily lives of pioneer settlers by role playing the life of a peddler as they use a map to travel from β€œfarm” to β€œfarm” trading their goods for whatever the pioneer farmers have available (sheepskins, ashes, hog bristles, etc.). The peddlers then travel to a market to sell the goods collected from the pioneer farmers.

Plant TrekΒ (Growth and Changes in Plants)

Students will take part in a series of interconnected activities that explore the characteristics and requirements of plants and their patterns of growth. A series of plants local to the Niagara Escarpment will be examined on a flora and fauna nature hike. We will explore fall and spring changes to plants, as well as the value of plants in our lives.Β 

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Soils Under Our Feet – Soils Study (Soils in the Environment)

This program exposes students to the multitude of fascinating life systems supported by soil. Students are actively involved in the sampling and subsequent analysis of a variety of different soils. This program is intended to introduce students to the interdependence of humans and other living organisms with soils.Β 

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will learn basic mapping skills indoors then use these skills outdoors, following a primary map of the Niagara Escarpment. On their mapping adventure, students work in small groups with parents and teachers to find orienteering markers.Β 

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade Two

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Grade 2 Programs

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Farm & Pond Study (Growth and Changes in Animals)

Students will explore both our farm, and pond meeting the plants and animals that call it home. Through age appropriate activities students will learn about each animal’s adaptations, habitats and life cycles. Note: Proper footwear (i.e. Rubber boots) is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of this program. Highlands supplies the dip nets.

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Junior Ranger Walk

Students will explore nature using the sense of sight, touch, hear, and smell. This program includes age appropriate activities which may include: bark/leaf rubbing, bug hunt, basic plant identification, animal track identification, sit spots, and other nature games.

Leader of the Pack (Growth and Changes in Animals)

This game of predator/prey survival, designed specifically for ages five to seven, allows children to role-play wildlife families. The children become baby animals while parent volunteers become animal parents. Each family (five children and one parent) travel around as a group searching for food, water, shelter and space (markers placed in the playing area) and try not to become food for a predator family.

Lost in the Woods

Students will learn about surviving in the woods. While embracing a campfire atmosphere, the program explores one’s basic needs of survival, what to pack in their backpacks when going on a hike, how to dress appropriately, and how to build a safe and effective shelter. This half day program pairs well with the Wayfaring programs.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Sensory Stroll

Students will actively take part in a series of inter-connected activities that explore our natural surroundings by using four of their five senses; touch, smell, sight and hearing. This program aims to foster environmental appreciation within the students by encouraging a sense of wonder and respect of nature through first-hand experiences.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will learn basic mapping skills indoors then use these skills outdoors, following a primary map of the Niagara Escarpment. On their mapping adventure, students work in small groups with parents and teachers to find orienteering markers.Β 

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).

Grade One

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Grade 1 Programs

Cross Country Skiing

We will introduce students to the β€œClassic” technique in a group ski lesson with our professional ski instructors and will cover things such as how to go uphill, how to go downhill and the diagonal stride. If you are coming for multiple visits, we will build on these skills on each subsequent visit. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.Β 

Farm & Pond Study (Characteristics and Needs of Living Things)

Students will explore both our pond, meeting the plants and animals that call it home. Through age appropriate activities students will learn about each animal’s adaptations, habitats and life cycles. Note: Proper footwear (i.e. Rubber boots) is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of this program. Highlands supplies the dip nets.

ForestryΒ 

Rooted in Science, Branching into the Future.Β This outdoor education lesson introduces Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to the fundamentals of forestry through hands-on exploration, movement, and the use of real-world forestry tools. Designed for delivery in a forest, this lesson blends environmental science with physical activity, sensory exploration, and ecological literacy.
Students will engage in age-appropriate, inquiry-based activities that deepen their understanding of tree structure, forest ecosystems, and the role of forests in supporting life. The lesson fosters a sense of connection and stewardship by encouraging students to observe and reflect on their surroundings. It supports cross-curricular learning by integrating science, math, physical education, art, and language through experiential methods.
Β 

Human SurvivalΒ 

Our Wilderness Survival Program is an exciting, hands-on experience designed for students in Kindergarten through to the 8th grade. Through age-appropriate outdoor activities, students will learn how to stay safe, think critically, and work togetherβ€”while building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether it’s building a shelter, learning how to stay warm and dry, or identifying local plants and animals, students gain practical knowledge in a fun, engaging way.

Junior Ranger Walk

Students will explore nature using the sense of sight, touch, hear, and smell. This program includes age appropriate activities which may include: bark/leaf rubbing, bug hunt, basic plant identification, animal track identification, sit spots, and other nature games.

Leader of the PackΒ (Characteristics and Needs of Living Things)

This game of predator/prey survival, designed specifically for ages five to seven, allows children to role-play wildlife families. The children become baby animals while parent volunteers become animal parents. Each family (five children and one parent) travel around as a group searching for food, water, shelter and space (markers placed in the playing area) and try not to become food for a predator family.

Lost in the Woods

Students will learn about surviving in the woods. While embracing a campfire atmosphere, the program explores one’s basic needs of survival, what to pack in their backpacks when going on a hike, how to dress appropriately, and how to build a safe and effective shelter. This half day program pairs well with the Wayfaring programs.

Materials Objects & Everyday Structures

From Wobbly to Wow: Mastering Strong Structures. Students will rotate through interactive stations where they design, build, and test different types of structures using everyday materials. The goal is to explore what makes structures strong and stableβ€”and apply these concepts through real problem-solving.

Sensory Stroll

Students will actively take part in a series of inter-connected activities that explore our natural surroundings by using four of their five senses; touch, smell, sight and hearing. This program aims to foster environmental appreciation within the students by encouraging a sense of wonder and respect of nature through first-hand experiences.

Snowshoeing

Highlands Nordic offers a range of interactive Snowshoe Programs designed to give students a hands-on experience with winter survival and exploration. These programs provide an exciting mix of adventure and education, allowing students to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape. Meets Health and Physical Education curriculum strands.

Wayfaring (Map Work)

Students will learn basic mapping skills indoors then use these skills outdoors, following a primary map of the Niagara Escarpment. On their mapping adventure, students work in small groups with parents and teachers to find orienteering markers.Β 

Wildlife Walk

While on a walk through the woods, concepts such as predator/prey, wildlife adaptations, wildlife populations, and human influence on wildlife are explored through a series of games. This is a fun, active, engaging program. This activity requires fewer adult leaders to be effective.

General Information

  • All Programs must be reserved in advance and are designed as half-day sessions for a minimum of 15 students per program. Two half-day programs make an exciting full-day program.
  • Program runs rain or shine (unless extreme weather conditions are forecasted).
  • Supervisors are expected to remain with their group throughout the visit (program/lunch) and are responsible for discipline.

    Note: Proper footwear, rubber boots or closed toed shoes, is essential for students, teachers and parent volunteers to maximize the learning potential and related enjoyment of these programs.

    PARENT VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PROGRAMS (1 adult for every 5 students).