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Learning in the elements

Posted on November 29, 2024

Learning about nature in nature is what FortWhyte Alive is all about.

Seeing students apply their lessons to the land under their feet shows the power of experiential learning in action.

But when the days turn colder or the sky pours down on students, it can distract them from the essential lessons they’re here to learn.

At FortWhyte, we know how unpredictable the weather can be, so we make sure to prepare as much as possible to ensure the lessons get through to each and every student.

Here’s how we prepare school groups for the elements:

Students snowshoeing on frozen lake

We monitor the weather closely.

Each morning, FortWhyte’s team of educators checks forecasts carefully and adapts programs to ensure the day is safe and comfortable for all. If it’s too windy, paddling might change to a day of geocaching. Programs that would normally take place in a windy area, might move inside a tipi or the sod house. Learning outside is more fun, but not if it comes at the cost of a student’s safety.

Inside of Sod House with hay bed and wood burning stove

We have backup winter gear.

Sometimes the weather turns quickly, sometimes students forget warm clothing, and sometimes, they just don’t dress warmly enough. If we’re heading out on a program and our staff notice someone without the gear they need to get through the day, we invite them to borrow some winter gear (mitts, boots, or a coat) from our lending library so they can focus on learning instead of on staying warm.

(Winter gear is for groups only on a first-come, first-served basis.)

outdoor classroom shelter off of patio with picnic tables underneath

We take shelter.

When the sky opens up and buckets of rain or hail come pouring down, that’s when we know it’s time to take cover – but that doesn’t mean we always go inside! Our preference is always to keep programs outdoors and we’re lucky to have multiple spots to find a little shelter without sacrificing time in nature. We often host programs in the two stunning tipis on site, under the picnic shelter on Muir Lake, and in our beautiful new outdoor classroom, right behind the Richardson Interpretive Centre.

This stunning space is a much-needed haven from the elements while also offering a space for students to learn about nature while still enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of being outdoors. Thank you to the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy for helping to create this space for learning.

5 bison stand in field in winter eating hay

Winter has arrived in Winnipeg, and even with the challenges it brings, we’re so excited to welcome back students for days spent exploring the forests, watching wildlife, and learning together outdoors.

Hey, educators! School programs are booking up very fast so if you want to bring your class for a visit we suggest booking as soon as possible!