By Sue Graci
NATURE’S Calling Environmental Education (NCEE) held March Break Day Camps last week. Some of the activities included hiking, shelter building, tree tapping (and tasting sap right from the tree!), farm tours, crafts, learning about plants and animals, looking for animal tracks and bird nests, free play with soccer balls and nets, and just being outside in the fresh air.
Bernie Solymar is founder and executive director of this charitable organization and unique learning centre. With locations in Norfolk and Brant County, Bernie said the goal of the schools is to “reconnect kids with nature. It’s that regular connection, more than just going on a hike once in a while, but playing outside, being near the woods and seeing animals that kids are missing, in part due to the structure of their lives.”
Bernie said, “We can guarantee to parents that their kids will come home tired, happy, dirty, and asking if they can come back tomorrow. It even helps them with their sleep habits, as they regain their circadian rhythm, more closely aligned with the outside world. When it’s dark, they go to sleep.”
Nature’s Calling “strongly believes that environmental education and direct connections with nature will cultivate an understanding and awareness in youth that is vital for healthy children and, ultimately, a healthy world.”
Dr. John Morrissey, a registered psychotherapist and chair of Nature’s Calling board of directors, said, “The activities include exploration, independence, practical experience, group interaction and others that children need to have as part of their development.”
“The fact that NCEE is conducted primarily in the outdoors has additional benefits that we do not get as part of the regular education system. I believe that this component makes children more aware of our environment and how important it is,” he said.
Through the generosity of Andrea and Rhyus Reeves, Nature’s Calling Norfolk shares space on their 50-acre farm. With farm animals, forests, open fields, maple trees to tap, and wildlife galore, the property is a child’s playground dream.
Bernie’s enthusiasm shines through in conversation. Nature’s Calling opened in 2010 and it has “morphed into something wonderful. We now have two locations, with the addition of the former GROWE Outdoor School in Brant County,” Bernie said.
The facilitators at Nature’s Calling are early childhood educators who are first aid certified and experienced outdoor educators.
Tara Carpenter, program director at Nature’s Calling, said, “The children are learning to read maps, build fairy houses, go bird watching, build tarp shelters, have campfire cookouts, create nature inspired crafts, and play co-operative games. These activities are not only fun but build important life skills. Campers also get lots of time for free play in the fields, forests, and mud kitchen. Time to be a kid outside to build resilience, confidence, and friendships!”
Registration for the July and August summer camp is open now. Each week has a theme, and with names like Zombie Survival, Sticks, Stones and Bones, Survival Camp, and Wings and Things, there is something for everyone. NCEE also hosts school trips during the spring.
NCEE delivers on its promise to allow kids to be outside in nature, have fun, get dirty, make new friends, and just be kids. Not a bad way to spend March break.
—
Originally published March 19, 2025
