Safety & outdoor learning
Safe enough to matter.Risky enough to grow.
Safety is the foundation of everything we do — not because we want to eliminate risk, but because we want children to take the right kinds of risks, with skilled educators beside them.
Our approach
How we think about safety
At Hockley Valley Forest & Nature School, we distinguish between hazard and risk. A hazard is a danger with no benefit — we eliminate those. Risk is the possibility of something going wrong in a situation that also offers real reward — we manage those carefully, and we believe they are essential.
Children who are never allowed to take risks do not learn to assess danger, manage their own bodies, or build genuine confidence. The child who has never climbed a tree does not know what they are capable of. We believe that managed risk-taking is not a compromise of safety — it is part of what makes our programs genuinely safe for children's long-term development.
Every session is led by educators with current first aid certifications. We conduct thorough site assessments before every program. We maintain low educator-to-child ratios. And we communicate openly with families about everything we do and why.
Hazard vs. Risk
Hazard
Danger with no benefit. We identify and eliminate hazards before every session.
Managed risk
Possibility of something going wrong in a situation that also offers real reward. We manage these carefully — and we believe they are essential.
The goal is not to keep children safe from the world. It is to help them become capable of navigating it.
— Forest School Canada
Our protocols
What we do, every session
Site risk assessment
Before every session, educators walk the site and conduct a formal risk assessment. Hazards are identified and addressed before children arrive. This is documented and reviewed regularly.
First aid on site
All lead educators hold current Wilderness First Aid or Standard First Aid certification. A fully stocked first aid kit is on site at every session. Emergency protocols are reviewed with all staff at the start of each season.
Low ratios
We maintain a maximum ratio of 1:6 for children under 6, and 1:8 for older children. These ratios are non-negotiable — we would rather turn away registrations than compromise on supervision.
Defined boundaries
Every session has clearly defined boundaries that children understand. Boundaries are set based on the age and experience of the group, the terrain, and the session's activities. Children are involved in understanding why boundaries exist.
Weather monitoring
We monitor weather forecasts closely and have clear protocols for lightning, extreme heat, and severe cold. We go out in rain, mud, and cold — but we have firm thresholds for conditions that pose genuine hazard.
Emergency procedures
All educators know the emergency procedures for our sites, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and nearest medical facilities. Parents receive emergency contact information at registration.
Fire & tools are teachers.
Introduced progressively, with explicit instruction, individual assessment, and close supervision.
Tools & fire
On tools, fire, and managed risk
Our Forest & Nature School and Summer Camp programs include age-appropriate tool use and fire-making. These are among the most powerful learning experiences we offer — and among the most carefully managed.
Tool use (knives, saws, mallets) is introduced progressively, with explicit instruction, individual assessment, and close supervision. Children do not use tools until educators are confident they understand and can follow the safety protocols. Many children surprise themselves — and their parents — with how capable and careful they become.
Fire is made in designated fire circles, with clear protocols, and only under direct educator supervision. Children learn fire safety as part of learning fire-making — respect for fire is built into the experience from the first spark.
Credentials & affiliations
Our certifications
Forest School Canada
All lead educators are members of Forest School Canada and hold recognized forest school practitioner certifications.
Wilderness First Aid
Lead educators hold current Wilderness First Aid certification (minimum 40-hour course). All staff hold Standard First Aid and CPR-C.
Vulnerable Sector Screening
All educators and volunteers working with children hold current Vulnerable Sector Police Record Checks, renewed every three years.
Insurance
Hockley Valley Forest & Nature School carries comprehensive general liability insurance for all programs and sites.
Parent questions
What parents ask us about safety
Questions about safety? We welcome them.
We are always happy to talk through our safety approach in detail. Reach out any time.