Nature's Edge Forest School
Land Acknowledgement
Much like the first people on this land, the Blackfoot (who would greet us with
“oki”), Cree (who would greet us with “tanisi”), Saulteaux, Stoney (who would
greet us with “aba wathtech”) and Metis (who would greet us with “boonzhuur”),
we have our own families, but yet here we gather. We gather to learn, to trade, to
honour Mother Earth. At the setting of the sun, we will return to our home fires,
knowing that all that was exchanged was and will continue to be done in a
symbiotic manner. Us expressing gratitude and offering protection so that Mother
Earth continues to bless us with her offerings. We are one, as the Creator
intended.
VISION
By fostering a deep connection with the natural world, children and adults become fully alive and inspired to share their gifts.
MISSION
Through play, stories, natural living skills and the art of observation, listening and questioning, we connect children and adults to nature, themselves and others.
Our
Story
OUR TEAM
We are nature connection Mentors, Educators and Parents who believe nature is one of our greatest teachers.
Nature's Edge Leaders are the heart of a successful program and are selected in part because of their sincere desire to help mentor children and youth to develop a deep connection with nature, self and others.
My name is Keely Hall, and I’m the Founder of Nature's Edge. I often joke that my love for nature would be inevitable after learning that my mother would place me in a moss bag and set me under a tree while she picked blueberries and cranberries.
I was privileged to join Junior Forest Wardens as a youth which afforded me many opportunities including jobs for a decade after that. After my first education practicum at university, I decided a traditional school and classroom setting was not the environment for me. I was committed to finding other ways to facilitate learning. I pursued a degree in Outdoor Education which certainly offered me many opportunities for facilitating learning for and with others; that continued with youth groups such as Junior Forest Wardens, but also events such as women’s
retreats.
When I became a mom, I was fully immersed in the wonder of learning again, with my little man. When the world turned upside down in 2020, I felt that familiar pull back to nature. I knew there had to be a different path forward that would allow children’s light, awe and wonder to continue to grow. In addition to learning from my son and listening to my intuition, I also started researching what was already
being done to use nature as a teacher.
Humans have been learning in nature since the beginning of time. The “Forest School” concept began in the 1950’s in Europe, then quickly spread throughout the world. It can take place in any climate, terrain, and location! Including our site in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Volunteering in the community is important to me. I am an active member of Rocky Search and Rescue, I am an Adventure Smart Educator, and can often be seen volunteering at my son’s extra - curricular activities as well.
Mentor
My name is Jaida, and I’m a Mentor with Nature's Edge Forest School. With a background in outdoor leadership and early childhood education, I am excited to promote curiosity, confidence and kinship with our land. I am passionate about wild food and cooking. I am excited to share that with all of our friends!
If I'm not outside playing in the weeds, you can find me in the mountains with my dogs, Happy and Meadow.
I am excited to grow with you and yours, and welcome you to the Nature's Edge Family!
Mentor
My name is Taner, I am a Mentor with Nature's Edge. I've always had a strong connection to nature and the land with living on a small farm and being able to learn about nature and what it has to offer; some of my greatest memories of nature connection have been hunting with my father and hiking with my mom.
Nature's Edge is a great resource for exploring more in nature and connecting with the land; I am looking forward to sharing my passion for the outdoors with others allowing them to grow their own passion.
