Hockley Valley / Mono, Ontario
Come to explore.Come to wonder.Come to become.
Nature-based learning in the heart of Hockley Valley, Ontario
Who we are
Where the forest is the classroom
At Hockley Valley Forest & Nature School, we believe the most meaningful learning happens outdoors — where children can touch, smell, listen, and discover. Rooted in the forests, trails, streams, and meadows of Hockley Valley, our programs invite children into a world of hands-on, child-led exploration.
We create space for children to slow down, take safe risks, solve real problems, and build a deep, lasting relationship with the natural world.
"The forest is our classroom."
Our philosophy
How children learn best
We believe children learn deeply when they have time and space to explore, wonder, and become. Our approach is rooted in six guiding principles.
Experiential Learning
Children learn by doing — by building, digging, climbing, and creating. Every experience in nature is a lesson that stays with them.
Curiosity
We follow the child's lead. Questions are celebrated, and wonder is the engine of discovery.
Connection with Nature
Time in nature builds empathy, resilience, and a lifelong sense of belonging to the living world.
Confidence
Safe risk-taking builds real confidence. Children discover what they're capable of when given the freedom to try.
Creativity
Unstructured time in natural spaces sparks imagination and creative thinking that no classroom can replicate.
Becoming
Forest school is not just about learning — it's about becoming. Becoming curious, capable, connected, and whole.
What we offer
Programs for every season
Forest & Nature School
Our flagship immersive program. Children spend full days in the forest, building deep connections with the land through child-led exploration, seasonal rhythms, and guided discovery.
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Summer Camps
Week-long outdoor adventures through Hockley Valley's forests, streams, and meadows. Campers explore, create, and connect in the magic of summer.
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Weekend Programs
Six-week seasonal blocks for curious children. Choose Saturday or Sunday and return to the same place, the same group, and the same unhurried pace each week.
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Family Nature Days
Whole-family outdoor experiences that invite parents and children to explore, learn, and connect with nature together. No experience needed — just curiosity.
Learn MoreOur educator
Guided by experience and a love of the natural world
Katherine brings deep knowledge, genuine warmth, and a real love of the natural world to every program.
Katherine Tolomiczenko
Founder · Educator · Forest & Nature School Practitioner
Katherine is an educator with nearly 30 years of experience and a deep belief in the power of learning outdoors. She created Hockley Valley Forest & Nature School to give children the time and space to explore, wonder, build confidence, and connect meaningfully with the natural world.
Safety & outdoor learning
Safety is at the heart of everything we do
We take a thoughtful, risk-benefit approach to outdoor learning — one that honours children's need for challenge and adventure while maintaining rigorous safety standards. All our educators hold current first aid certifications, and our programs follow established outdoor learning safety protocols. We believe that managed risk is essential to healthy development, and we work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to explore.
Ready to begin the journey?
Join our community of curious, nature-connected learners.