Conservation Areas (78)
Please complete the Forest Explorers Summer Camp registration request form.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form DOES NOT guarantee a space in our camp program but begins the registration process. All submissions are date stamped and will be processed accordingly. We will do our best to accommodate your requested week of camp. Families will only be contacted if space is available. If space is available, families will be sent a registration package.
2023 Forest Explorers Summer Camp Ages 6-12 | Five-day program | $250
Baxter’s Forest Explorers Summer Camp gives campers the opportunity to enjoy summer adventures immersed in nature while playing, exploring, and making new friends. Camp will include a number of organized activities like our pond study, insect study, crafts, etc. and unstructured, child-directed time where our camp counsellors will follow the campers’ interests while providing a safe and fun summer camp experience. Campers will enjoy swimming at Baxter beach in the afternoons supervised by two certified lifeguards.
Our Forest Explorers Summer Camp will be offered for 6- to 12-year-old children. We will have a 1:8 ratio with 24 campers and 3 staff each week. One week of camp will run from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. One week of camp costs $250 per camper (tax included). We will offer before and after care for summer camp this year, before care ($5/camper/day) is available from 8:00-9:00 am and after care ($5/camper/day) is available from 4:00-5:00 pm. The maximum cost for before and after care is $100 per family.
Interested in volunteering?
Looking to get your high school volunteer hours or just add some great experience to your resume? Email .
| Date | Program | Age | Camp Hours | Cost | ||
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| July 10 to 14, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 17 to 21, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 24 to 28, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| July 31 to August 4, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| August 14 to 18, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
| August 21 to 25, 2023 | Forest Explorers Summer Camp | 6–12 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | $250 | ||
Additional Information
- Before and After Care is available at an additional fee. - Before Care 8:00-9:00 am - After Care 4:00-5:00 pm
Qualified and experienced outdoor education and camping staff
Regular camp hours — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fall Colours at Foley Mountain, 2022
Foley Mountain is spectacular in fall, but visitors should plan ahead to reduce crowds, maintain public safety and ensure a safe and memorable visit for everyone.
During the peak season (end of September to mid-October), staff will be monitoring the volume of cars and turning vehicles away if necessary to manage crowds and line-ups at the parking machine. Visitors will be encouraged to park in auxiliary parking at the Interpretive Centre and other areas away from Spy Rock to ease congestion.
See the Foley Fall Colours map for alternative parking and trail directions (click map to download a PDF):
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, follow these tips:
AVOID PEAK TIMES:
Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest time of the year at Foley Mountain, with weekends on either side of the holiday also attracting large crowds. Avoid line-ups and crowds by visiting at off-peak times, such as early in the morning or in the evening, and mid-week instead of weekends. Please bring a mask for crowded areas.
PARKING:
The Spy Rock parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Come prepared with coins instead of credit cards for the pay machine, or use www.PayByPhone.com to reduce long line-ups (location code 5204).
You may also be asked to park in auxiliary parking areas at the Interpretive Centre, group camping site or at designated spots along the main road to reduce congestion. Be prepared to hike a short distance back to Spy Rock, either along the road or using one of the park’s other trails.
SPY ROCK:
As one of the most popular lookouts at Foley Mountain, Spy Rock can be a busy spot during fall colours. Please be considerate of other visitors: give other groups lots of space and resist the temptation to linger a long time when others are waiting. Take your time to enjoy the view and take some photos, and then let others have a chance!
EXPLORE THE PARK:
There’s more to Foley Mountain than Spy Rock: explore it! Check out this blog outlining three alternative fall hikes to try: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/beyond-spy-rock-three-fabulous-fall-hikes-at-foley-mountain
STAY INFORMED:
For maps and general park information visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/fee-required/foley-mountain-ca. For the most up-to-date information follow our Facebook pages at @FoleyMountain and @RideauValleyConservationAuthority or follow RVCA on Twitter at @RideauValleyCA.
Registration is now OPEN for our Spring session of Forest School! We are excited to offer our full-day school-aged program and half-day kinder-age program, now located at the River Cabin.
Please complete our registration request form found here or scan the QR code below using your phone camera.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form DOES NOT guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. If you are successful in obtaining a space(s), families will be contacted shortly, and registration packages will be emailed out at that time. Payment will be processed prior to the start of forest school.
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Location: 7498 Carter Road, Kars, ON, South of Ottawa — Google map
Spring session:
The Kinder-Age program will be offered for children ages 4 and 5 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The School-Age program will be offered for children ages 6 to 10 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Children attend one day a week. Programs will start the week of March 27th, 2023 and run for 13 weeks until the week of June 23rd, 2023. Depending on your child's program day, they may have fewer sessions due to public holidays closures on Friday, April 7th (Good Friday), Monday April 10th (Easter Monday) and Monday May 22nd (Victoria Day). We are open on school PD days.
Parents/guardians can register their child(ren) for ONLY ONE DAY PER WEEK for the spring session. If you are interested in sending your child(ren) on multiple days, please include a note with your preferred day of the week in the additional comments section in our request form. If there is space available, we will contact you.
PLEASE NOTE: To register, your child must be 4 or older for the kinder program and 6 or older for the school-age program as of Friday, March 24th, 2023.
Please be aware that the River Cabin location has outhouses only and no running water. Potable water will be available daily.
School-Aged full-day Forest School program
- Pre-registration is required
- For children aged 6-10 (Students must be 6 years old by the first day of forest school)
- Staff to student ratio is 1:8; maximum 15 students
- We do not offer before/after care at this time
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information
Kinder-Age half-day Forest School program
- Pre-registration is required
- For children aged 4-5 (Students must be 4 years old by the first day of forest school)
- Staff to student ratio is 1:8; maximum 15 students
- We do not offer before/after care at this time
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information
School Aged Forest School Sessions
- Payment for each session is due one week prior to start date. All prices include HST.
- Payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable to RVCA) or credit.
| Program Session | Date/Time | Cost |
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Full Day — Mondays |
March 27 – June 19, 2023 |
$683.65 |
| Full Day — Tuesdays (Full Day School Age Program) |
March 28 – June 20, 2023 (13 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
$807.95 |
| Half Day — Wednesdays (Half Day Kinder Age Program) |
March 29 – June 21, 2023 (13 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
$440.70 |
| Full Day — Thursdays (Full Day School Age Program) |
March 30 – June 22, 2023 (13 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
$807.95 |
| Half Day — Fridays (Half Day Kinder Age Program) |
March 31 – June 23, 2023 (12 sessions - no program on April 7, 2023) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
$406.80 |
Want to try forest school before registering? Email to inquire about a trial forest school day available for your child.
If you are not interested in registering at this time, but are interested in finding out more information about our Forest School, Day Camp and Canoe Camp programs, and other education programs at Baxter Conservation Area, please fill out the following Google form to be added to our mailing list click here.
Forest School and COVID-19
We will work diligently to follow guidelines from the federal and provincial governments and public heath officials as well as work with our families and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. This includes but is not limited to:
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of facilities and equipment
- Screening protocols for families and staff
- Providing opportunities for frequent hand washing and encouraging physical distancing
- Protocols in place for suspected cases
- Limiting access to program facilities to staff and students
For more information about our policies and procedures around COVID-19, please contact .
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Getting outside doesn't have to be complicated: there's tons of fun and learning just waiting to be discovered in your backyard, around your block or at your local conservation area. To get you started, RVCA's Outdoor Educators have compiled some awesome activities to help you maximize your outdoor adventures!
Spring Resources |
Winter Resources |
| Elementary School Activities: | |
 Natural Art — Hey kids! Why not get outside and collect little pieces of “nature” and create a work of art? What can you use from your backyard to make your own unique masterpiece? A few blades of grass? Maybe a few twigs will help? How about those pinecones? There are treasures to be found! Build your design outside, take a snap and leave it behind. |
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 Alphabet Walk — Hey parents, here’s today’s RVCA Fresh Air Fun tip! Take the little ones for an “alphabet walk.” Can you see letters in shapes around you? Or find objects for every letter of the alphabet. Access our ABC check list here (download PDF) |
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 Scavenger Hunt — Hey kids! It’s a spring scavenger hunt! Get outside see what you can spy during your outdoor adventure. Get your scavenger hunt here (download PDF). |
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 Booklist — Hey parents! Pair a fun children’s story with your next walk outside. Make connections from the book to nature while watching the squirrels, jumping in puddles or sitting under a magic tree! Check out Interpreter Andrea and Rebecca’s recommended reading list! Reading List (download PDF) |
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 Photography fun! What a better way to capture your backyard fresh air fun than with your camera! Whether spring is blooming or the snow is blowing, what beautiful outdoor image can you freeze in time? The flight of a feathered friend, the unique patterns of a frosty leaf, the buds about to burst? |
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 Ready to read — Weave literacy skills into your next bit of fresh air fun! Make a list of all the things you see on your walk while encouraging literacy skills. Younger children can guess the first letter based or draw pictures, while older kids can try to spell the words. You can help them fill in the blanks later! |
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Why is this type of play beneficial for kids? Loose parts encourage kids to be physically active and creative. The learning is hands on, engaging, and encourages children to communicate and be cooperative along with developing great problem-solving skills. |
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Rainy Day Play — Water is a wonderful in Parents, be sure to watch your kids near deep or fast flowing water! Dry off and pair your experience with a fun story. Check out “Over and Under the Pond" by Kate Messner or "In the Small, Small Pond" by Denise Fleming. If you have a library card, many books can be accessed through digital library connections like OverDrive Tumble Books for free. |
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The messiness of play and learning can take its tole on your indoor space and patience! Try taking it outside for some fresh air fun. Grab some containers from your recycling, buckets, old kitchen utensils, bowls, pots, pans, etc. that you have lying around and set up a mud kitchen in your backyard. Find a spot where your children can dig in the soil or sand and collect ingredients from nature. Fill some containers with water and watch their imaginations go! Although you may see lots of fancy set-ups for mud kitchens online, we have found that children are more than happy to sit on the ground or work with their tools on a stump, bench, board, or picnic table. When the play is finished, you can throw everything in a plastic bin or sturdy reusable shopping bag. Washing things off is totally optional! How can this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
Have fun! Don’t for get to check out our blog at https://www.rvca.ca/blog. |
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How does this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
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How does this play support learning? Here are just a few examples:
Resources:
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Loose Parts Play — Loose parts are random items that children use to build, play, create and more. Look through your home and think like a kid: boards, tires, fabric, boxes, old kitchen items, buckets, sticks, tubes, pipes, logs, rocks, recycling items and more can all become loose parts. And there is no better place to play with them than outside!
vitation for play and exploration! A puddle, a ditch, a stream, or a pond in your neighbourhood or backyard can all lead to some excellent fresh air fun. Raid your recycling bin for containers that you can use as scoops. Use an old kitchen strainer as a net. Find a pail, bowl, or basin to collect water and any creatures you might find. Don’t forget your rubber boots! Want to know what creatures you found? Make observations about sie, number of legs, antennae and how it swims. Then look it up later using our 
Toad House — Hop to it and try your hand at creating toad habitat in your own backyard! Toads are great neighbours because they love to eat bugs and slugs. Learn more from Ranger Rebecca as she gives tips on how to build a toad house with your little ones. Don’t forget to post and tag us in your creation! 
Mud Kitchen — How about building a mud kitchen?
Map & Compass — Get back to basics with this edition of fresh air fun! GPS technology is amazing but it doesn’t always work the way we expect it. Traditional map and compass work is a great way to explore outside. Break out your old compass and see if you can figure out how to find north and the other cardinal directions. Grab some paper, pencils, and colouring tools to make a map of your backyard or neighbourhood. See if you can match north on your map to magnetic north and see how that can help you navigate on your adventure. Ranger Rebecca explains more at 
Tiny Habitats — Did you know you might have some tiny habitats hiding right in your backyard? Do you have a rock sitting in your garden? How about a big stick or log sitting on the grass by your shed? Try lifting it up and looking underneath: you might be surprised what you find. When you're finished, be sure to put the rock or log back so the things living underneath stay safe. 
Pretend to be an animal — Classic fresh air fun: pretend to be an animal! Try hide and seek with a forest friend twist – the little owls fly out into the forest and hide from one of their owl friends. When everyone is ready, the owls start to hoot and their friend listens to try and find them. | Middle and High School Activities: |
Pond Study: Using bugs to test for pollutionSome bugs are more sensitive to poor water quality than others. In this hands-on science experiment, get up close and personal with the benthic invertebrates that live in your local pond or stream to determine whether or not its polluted. Instructions here! |
Join the world’s largest treasure hunt!Just you and your phone, chasing a secret — if you have to be outside, this is how to do it! The global geocaching movement is all around us, including at Baxter Conservation Area. Use your phone to track down the secret treasures tucked into our trees. Download the Geocaching app for iPhone or Android to get started. Bring a friend! |
Trail JournalingForest therapy is great for your mental health. Next time you're on a hike, at the cottage or even at a local park, tune into your wild side for a few minutes. Put away your phone, find a comfy spot to sit and just watch and listen. What do you see? What can you hear? Print your trail journal here! |
Five Senses in the ForestTake a nature break! Harness the restorative power of nature to help you stay grounded and able to cope with the stress all around us. Try our Five Senses in the Forest mindfulness activity here. |
Naturally Artistic ChallengeCreate your own outdoor masterpiece using nature’s gifts. Using rocks, twigs, leaves and any other natural materials you find, build your design outside, take a snap and leave it behind. Post it on your socials and tag us with #RVCAFreshAirFun! Find instructions here! |
Photo challengeForget the selfies! Put your phone to the test: What beautiful nature photo can you freeze in time? The flight of a feathered friend, the unique bend of a tree branch, the buds about to burst? Filters allowed! Be sure to post to your socials and tag us with #RVCAFreshAirFun. |
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON)
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Kindergarten for children aged 3-5
- School age for children aged 4-10
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Forest School and COVID-19
We will work diligently to follow guidelines from the federal and provincial governments and public heath officials as well as work with our families and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 3-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning plus HST
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Payment is due one week prior to start date. All prices below include HST
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Spring 2023 – Wednesdays WAITLIST ONLY |
Mar 29 – June 14, 2023/9am – 12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 4–10 (our upper age limit is flexible)
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST
- Payment is due one week prior to start date. All prices below include HST.
- We will consider offering additional school age days if there is demand!
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Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Spring 2023 - Thursdays, Full Day | Mar 30 - June 15, 2023/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Spring 2023 - Thursdays, Half Day | Mar 30 - June 15, 2023/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2023 Drop In Programs
- February 18, from 10-11:30am
- March 18, from 10-11:30 am
- April 15, from 10-11:30 am
- May 20, from 10-11:30 am
- June 17, from 10-11:30 am
- July 15, from 10-11:30 am
- August 19, from 10-11:30 am
- September 16, from 10-11:30 am
- October 21, from 10-11:30 am
- November 18, from 10-11:30 am
- December 17, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
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Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
Free online resources available for all teachers and group leaders at https://www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring
Snowshoeing
Come and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation in Canada! Students will learn how to safely travel with snowshoes and, once comfortable, follow the snowshoe trail through the forest and maybe even try snowshoe games.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Winter
Navigation
Weave together technology, the outdoors, and physical activity! Get an introduction to GPS technology and how it can be used along with map and compass in navigation. Students will complete a mini geocaching treasure hunt.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Spring Water Awareness Program (S.W.A.P.) Resources
The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness. As winter turns to spring, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas. Please go to the following link for more information: www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Season Spring
Conservation Authorities and Resource Management
Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Students will learn how CAs work and the role they play in environmental protection and management. The morning consists of a PowerPoint presentation and case studies with an interpretive hike focusing on resource management in the afternoon. (Full-day Program)
Additional Info
- Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall
More...
Kindergarten Nature Program
Your Kindergarten class will be led through a series of age-appropriate, interactive activities suited to the season. Investigate what animals need to survive in different habitats through an outdoor scavenger hunt, get hands-on with animal pelts and skulls, and explore nature through fun play-based activities. Can be offered as a half-day or full-day program.
Additional Info
- Grade K
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we will not be offering any family programs at Baxter in the summer of 2020. Please check back in the spring of 2021 for more information.
Probably one of the best types of exercise, and you won’t even notice the workout because you’ll be having so much fun! Make a splash in a lake or river — it’s a great way to cool off in the summer.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
Tips
- Watch for beach closure notices.
- Beaches are not supervised. Parents, ensure that children are supervised at all times.
- Use waterproof sunscreen.
- Always be aware of currents and undercurrents and know your limitations.
- Take your litter home with you.
Make the most of it when the snow falls; get out and enjoy it! Blaze your own trail and explore with snowshoeing and Cross-country skiing. Both are exhilarating ways to see the countryside and have an amazing workout at the same time.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
Tips
- Wear several thinner layers rather than one heavy layer – you may start out cold, but you’ll soon heat up with this activity.
- Take a bottle of water and a snack.
- Be prepared for a change in the weather.
