The High Park Nature Centre offers a wide range of outdoor environmental and stewardship programs to Guides and Scouts. Our programs are designed to help encourage teambuilding, exploration and observation of the natural world, and to help participants work towards earning badges in a number of ecologically-focused areas. Each program is led by two knowledgeable nature instructors and includes a hike in High Park.
One-time visit: $220
High Park Through the Seasons (three part program) One program in fall, one in winter, and one in spring: $560 for 3 programs
Maximum 25 students per program. Group leaders and parent volunteers participate at no charge.
Program times can be slightly modified to accommodate group meeting schedules. Please inquire about varied times during booking process. Kindly note that some of our program offerings require a 2-hour time block - please see the programs menu below for more details.
Winter, Spring & Fall
Monday - Thursday
Learn the basics of map and compass work during this hands-on program. Younger participants (ages 9 and under) will focus on maps and the four cardinal directions, progressing in teams through an exciting multi-step scavenger hunt. Older participants (ages 10 and over) will practice their new skills on an orienteering course in High Park, learning to navigate with both a map and compass.
Did you know that High Park is home to the black oak savannah, one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems? Share and grow your naturalist knowledge, and become stewards of the savannah by planting native wildflowers and grasses or creating and dispersing native seed balls.
Discover the basics of bird watching! In the Fall and early Winter, learn all about the owls that make High Park their home. In the late Winter and early Spring, learn the many species of birds that depend on High Park to survive. Explore High Park as a stopover during migration, as a site for nesting, or as a destination for winter birds. An intermediate-level birding course is available upon request.
Connect back to the land and learn about High Park ecology through this action packed program which will explore how the roles of storytelling and fire have shaped us as humans. Share and gather new naturalist skills, practice using *ancient fire technologies: flint and steel and tinder bundles, and share warmth and stories around a fire. You'll have the option to roast a tasty snack over the flames to close out the day.
*Youth aged 6-7 will focus on fire building instead of tinder bundles & flint & steel
Discover the history of snowshoeing. Learn basic techniques with modern snowshoes and then go on a snowshoe hike in High Park, guided by the moon! (snow conditions permitting)
Learn the basics of map and compass work during this hands-on program. Younger participants (ages 9 and under) will focus on maps and the four cardinal directions, progressing in teams through an exciting multi-step scavenger hunt. Older participants (ages 10 and over) will practice their new skills on an orienteering course in High Park, learning to navigate with both a map and compass.
Discover the basics of bird watching! In the Fall and early Winter, learn all about the owls that make High Park their home. In the late Winter and early Spring, learn the many species of birds that depend on High Park to survive. Explore High Park as a stopover during migration, as a site for nesting, or as a destination for winter birds. An intermediate-level birding course is available upon request.
Connect back to the land and learn about High Park ecology through this action packed program which will explore how the roles of storytelling and fire have shaped us as humans. Share and gather new naturalist skills, practice using *ancient fire technologies: flint and steel and tinder bundles, and share warmth and stories around a fire. You'll have the option to roast a tasty snack over the flames to close out the day.
*Youth aged 6-7 will focus on fire building instead of tinder bundles & flint & steel
Why do flowers bloom? Why are they bright colours, and why do they smell nice? Participants will look for spring flowers, and plant native wildflowers and grasses or create and disperse native seed balls.
Learn the basics of map and compass work during this hands-on program. Younger participants (ages 9 and under) will focus on maps and the four cardinal directions, progressing in teams through an exciting multi-step scavenger hunt. Older participants (ages 10 and over) will practice their new skills on an orienteering course in High Park, learning to navigate with both a map and compass.
Did you know that High Park is home to the black oak savannah, one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems? Share and grow your naturalist knowledge, and become stewards of the savannah by planting native wildflowers and grasses or creating and dispersing native seed balls.
Discover the basics of bird watching! In the Fall and early Winter, learn all about the owls that make High Park their home. In the late Winter and early Spring, learn the many species of birds that depend on High Park to survive. Explore High Park as a stopover during migration, as a site for nesting, or as a destination for winter birds. An intermediate-level birding course is available upon request.
Connect back to the land and learn about High Park ecology through this action packed program which will explore how the roles of storytelling and fire have shaped us as humans. Share and gather new naturalist skills, practice using *ancient fire technologies: flint and steel and tinder bundles, and share warmth and stories around a fire. You'll have the option to roast a tasty snack over the flames to close out the day.
*Youth aged 6-7 will focus on fire building instead of tinder bundles & flint & steel
Requests for refunds made 14 or more days before the start of the program will receive a 90% refund (10% will be retained as an administration fee). Requests for refunds made less than 14 days before the start of the program will receive no refund. Requests for cancellations or refunds must be made in writing and submitted by email to info@highparknaturecentre.com. In the event of inclement weather (see definition below) we will endeavour to reschedule the session.
We will do our best to accommodate requests to reschedule a booking made 7 or more days before the start of the program.
Programs will proceed rain, snow or shine. Please remind all participants to dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outdoors for most of the activities. We also advise wearing long pants, socks, and close-toed shoes to protect against poison ivy in the park. Programs may need to be rescheduled in the case of inclement weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowstorms, or high winds over 35 km per hour. If a program is rescheduled by the High Park Nature Centre, we will contact you at least 1 hour prior to your start time on the day of the program. We are able to offer fully indoor programming in the case of severe or dangerous weather. If inclement weather prevents you from attending your program, we will do our best to reschedule your visit.
