Growing Roots Forest Play

03/28/2026

We followed the kids - and look where we ended up!

“Let’s go for a walk in the forest.”

That’s how it started.

With enthusiasm we ran, then were immersed among the spruce, poplar, and aspen, carefully stepping around wild rose and gooseberry prickles.

Running turned to wandering… and wandering turned into slowing down. Noticing. Following our curiosity.

We had no idea our destination would be the beaver dam. We marvelled at the beavers' hard work and all of the changes since our last visit. The way the ice formed over the splashing water. How you can see actual teeth marks on the trees.

We paused. We wondered. We imagined.

What would it be like to chew down a tree with your teeth?
How do they move something so big?
Where are the beavers now?
No lesson plan. Deep learning fed by curiosity, wonder and time to explore big questions.

The climb back up was harder than the way down (isn’t it always?), and by the time we reached the top, everyone was ready for snack… and already talking about what we might find next time.

This is how kids learn best.
Through movement, curiosity, challenge, and wonder.

Thank you to the forest and the beavers for this adventure and learning today.

03/26/2026

Get your local veggies when you drop off your kids! The farm store is opening back up for the season at Souto farms and we couldn't be more excited. We are so grateful to be able to offer Forest School at Souto Farm - it's a great community partnership.

🌷✨ It’s that time again… WE’RE OPENING! ✨🌷

Souto Farms is back for the 2026 season and we couldn’t be more excited! 🌱🍓

Come shop our fresh, homegrown fruits & veggies PLUS 50+ incredible vendors featuring:
🥛 dairy
🥩 meats
🍞 fresh bread
🍿 snacks
🌿 natural products
🥪 deli & so much more!

🎉 Our events are ready—mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss this season!

📅 Opening April 2
🕙 Thurs–Sat: 10–6
🕙 Sunday: 10–5

Let the countdown begin… we can’t wait to see you! 💚

03/21/2026

Spring is in the air!
The snow is melting, the mud is calling… and the kids are right where they’re meant to be—exploring, creating, getting messy, and making their own adventures.

03/17/2026

Turns out… kids are meant to be outside!

**NEW** TUES/THURS PM class (Cochrane) just added (starting after Easter!)

**NEW** WED AM class (Airdrie) just added (starting after Easter)

Spots also available in other classes for our spring session starting after Easter — but they won’t last long.

👉 Get the kids outside this spring!

www.growingrootskids.ca/registration

03/06/2026

Imagination is the best ingredient!
(And also, snow)

02/20/2026

🌲 Early Spring Starts Monday — Save $40 Now Through Sunday

Join our Early Spring Forest School session for $180 (regular $220)!

We’re already thinking spring at Growing Roots, and we have just a few spaces left for a few more adventurers to begin with us on Monday, Feb 23.

Give your child a head start on spring with outdoor adventure, growing confidence, and real connection in nature. Muddy boots, fresh air, and friendships included.

Register here 👉 www.growingrootskids.ca/registration

02/17/2026

We are so grateful for all of our forest families. The way you show up for your kids - day after day - with love, patience and support.
Strong roots begin with loving families. We’re so grateful for each of you and the community we’re growing together. Happy Family Day.

02/13/2026

Summer Camp registration is OPEN at Growing Roots! 🌿

Summer at forest school is pure adventure. Children spend their days climbing trees, building forts, splashing in the creek, making new friends, and exploring the forest with freedom and curiosity. Every day brings something new to discover.

Through child-led outdoor play, children build confidence, resilience, and independence. They learn to take healthy risks, solve problems, make friends, and trust themselves—all while having the kind of joyful, muddy, unforgettable summer childhood is meant to be.

Our multi-age camps (ages 3–11) allow siblings to attend together, making it easier for families and creating a rich community where younger children are inspired and older children grow into leaders.

We’re offering 7 weeks in Cochrane (Mount St. Francis) and 2 weeks in Airdrie (Souto Farms), with full- and half-day options.

Children leave camp tired, proud, and full of stories. Families gain peace of mind knowing their children are spending their summer outdoors—growing, exploring, and thriving.

Spots are limited and fill as families plan their summer.

Register at https://www.growingrootskids.ca/registration.html

02/06/2026

This is a great opportunity to learn and make cultural connections with the iethka people in Cochrane. ♥️

Come to the Library next Wednesday February 11th, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm for Conversations & Coffee with Elder Tina Fox!

Join us for a special Conversations & Coffee featuring Elder Tina Fox, a respected Elder of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Elder Fox brings generations of cultural knowledge and a deep commitment to sharing Îethka (Stoney Nakoda) language, teachings, and stories,

Please visit our website to learn more and to register for this program!
www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca/Events

02/04/2026

We all know that reading to our kids is a good practice—but why are stories so powerful?

For much of human history, knowledge was passed on orally through stories. Important lessons about relationships, values, and problem-solving were encoded into narratives and shared from generation to generation.

Research shows that information presented as a story is processed differently than simple facts. Stories act like “what if?” questions, inviting children to think about complex situations, imagine different perspectives, and draw their own conclusions.

Through stories, children can safely explore challenges, emotions, and social interactions. They get to play out scenarios, reflect, and make meaning—skills that support empathy, critical thinking, and understanding the world around them.

At Growing Roots, we love our books. Stories are an important part of our days outdoors, and today—on World Read Aloud Day—we’re celebrating the power of sharing stories together. Here are a few of this year’s favourites that have sparked big thinking, rich conversations, and lots of wonder.

01/30/2026

🌷 SPRING GIVEAWAY at Growing Roots 🌷
Spring is right around the corner - we're celebrating!

ENTER NOW for a chance to win a FREE spot in our Early Spring Forest School session, starting February 23!

At Growing Roots, kids gain confidence, resilience, and strong foundations for learning and life through outdoor play - while parents gain calmer kids, a trusted community, and confidence in their child’s growth. 🌿

This program is perfect for children who:

• Love to explore, climb, and get muddy
• Thrive with movement, fresh air, and hands-on learning
• Are building confidence and social skills

How to enter:

Email gisele@growingrootskids.ca and tell us why you think your child would be a good fit.

More info about our programs: https://bit.ly/GrowingRootsSpringGiveaway

11/18/2025