Quality Daycare and Summer Camp Programming That Connects Kids to Nature
We bring everything you need for a fun and educational outdoor learning workshop in your local green space!
The program is led by Environmental Educator Carly Gray, a certified teacher who has a decade of experience working with children in schools and as a day camp counsellor and dance instructor.
Workshops are offered at the subsidized rate of $75 (+tax) for the first workshop and $30 (+tax) for subsequent workshops, thanks to the generous support of our funders. We can provide a maximum of 5 workshops per day. If booking more than one workshop, they should be booked back-to-back with a 10-minute break for sanitizing and set-up. Staff need a 30-45 minute lunch break if you are booking a full day of programs. Workshops are payable by Credit Card or check. Payment is due the day of the program.
Program Offerings Summer 2025
Little Kits (NEW!)
Join us for a fun and heartwarming workshop all about baby animals—kits, cubs, and calves! We’ll explore some of Manitoba’s cutest wildlife and learn what young animals are called, from playful fox kits to cute beluga calves. Since animals often help spark empathy in little ones, we’ll be nurturing kindness and curiosity through hands-on activities, matching games, songs, and lots of “aww” moments. Connect, learn, and fall in love with the tiniest members of the animal kingdom!
Ages 2-5, 45 minutes
Little Wigglers
Bugs can be new, different, and sometimes scary. This program is designed to help children build a positive relationship with insects and spark curiosity in the natural world! In this preschool program, children will inspect nature through a scavenger hunt and pay very close attention to the little critters around them. Children will explore the microscopic world through song, movement, and exploration, followed by a nature-themed craft.
Ages 2-5, 45 minutes
Animals of Manitoba
Calling all animal enthusiasts!
In this workshop, children will learn about Manitoba animals and their unique habitats! Through group games and movement activities, we will explore predator/prey dynamics, adaptations, and what animals need to survive… and thrive!
Ages 6-12, 60 minutes
Nature Mindfulness
Join us for a scavenger hunt that gets children using their senses to connect to the natural world! In this workshop we’ll uncover the secret ways trees talk to each other, share nutrients, and support their community—just like the people who support us every day. Along the way, we'll learn calming techniques like five-finger breathing to help us feel grounded and connected. We’ll channel our creativity to craft our very own forest friend—an animal companion to remind us of what we've learnt and the importance of practicing mindfulness strategies.
Ages 6-12, 60 minutes
Join the Fun
Summer 2021 daycare offerings included scavenger hunts, nature mindfulness, and learning about Manitoba plants and animals. Watch this video to see how much fun everyone had!
How Does Spending Time Outdoors Improve Our Well-Being?
There is a wide array of evidence that shows spending time in nature improves mental and physical health, boosts immunity, and reduces risk of disease.
Connecting with the natural world has also been shown to improve sleep and augment vitamin D levels. And it boosts endorphin levels and dopamine production, which promotes happiness.
Healthy forests, lakes, and wetlands are also working to protect our physical health even when we’re not out in nature. They clean our air, filter our water, and act as a protective shield against the worsening impacts of climate change.
Safety Protocols
CPAWS Manitoba takes the safety of all program participants seriously.
All CPAWS Manitoba staff members have cleared a criminal record and vulnerable sector background check with the Winnipeg Police Department.
CPAWS policy requires that at least one person leading programming which may involve children must be certified in first aid. This applies to staff or to volunteers.
Supporters
This programming was made possible thanks to the generous support of: The Province of Manitoba’s Building Sustainable Communities Program; The Conservation Trust, a Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiative delivered by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation; Eco Canada; The Winnipeg Foundation; TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; Telus Friendly Future Foundation.
