Grade 2 Programs
Cross Country Skiing
We will introduce students to the βClassicβ 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 animalβs 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 togetherβwhile building a lifelong appreciation for nature.
This program blends real-world survival skillsΒ with lessons from science, health, teamwork, and environmental education. Whether itβs 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 oneβs 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 stableβand 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).