Introduction

Hope Mountain Centre believes in getting children outside. Direct experience in nature gives kids a stronger connection to the outdoors, improving their physical and emotional health and guiding them toward better stewardship of the ecosystems where they live. Our curriculum is locally-developed, reflecting the unique ecology and human history of our region. Each program addresses specific learning objectives for each grade level, as defined by the provincial curriculum guide. Outdoor programs emphasize place-based, experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with their senses and learn with fun, hands-on activities.

Our dynamic programs depend on effective community partnerships. Nestle Waters Canada has provided vital multi-year funding since 2009 and now funds our Grade 4 and 5 programs. The Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission provides funding for the Grade 6 Skagit Valley Camp. Local School District 78 Fraser-Cascade shares our commitment to outdoor education and currently funds Strong Start, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2 and 3 programs, and contributes in-kind resources such as teachers and parent chaperones. Land agencies such as Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and BC Parks provide access to diverse landscapes needed for fieldtrip activities. Lastly, community volunteers provide crucial support, helping to teach students and keep them safe in the outdoors.

This program teaches fundamentals of the ecology of forests.

Students learn key concepts such as “photosynthesis,” “ecosystem,” and “symbiosis” and they are shown some of the secret connections that enable plants, fungi and animals to thrive together as a community in our forests.

Contact us for more information about educational programs we can do for your group.  Email our Outdoor Educator, Rowan Lalonde at rlalonde@hopemountain.org or call 416-809-7044.

Locations: Various forested trails within the towns of Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs, and occasionally provincial and regional parks nearby.

Grade: 3

Curriculum Overview: Forest Ecology Program: learning outcomes, pre-trip, field trip, post-trip.

Curriculum Overview
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Teacher Feedback:

“I thought that it was excellent. They covered a great deal of outcomes that related to both my Grade 3 and Grade 4 life science curriculum. I was very impressed by that . . . The stations were great, any time that they are in small groups discussion, questioning, and touching the different things make everything more engaging and memorable . . . Excellent program, you have clearly all worked hard to develop it.”

“For me it complements my rainforest unit so the students make connections between the lessons I have given them . . . It is great for the kids to get information from different sources that connect with previously taught concepts as it solidifies the learning . . . The important part is this is an outstanding experience for the students which is lead by someone who is knowledgeable and has good group management skills which means learning is going on.”

Program Partners