Founded on a mission to connect children with nature while fostering essential life skills, the Oro-Medonte Forest School (OMFS) has emerged as a local leading force in experiential learning and environmental education.
Offering a hands-on, nature-based curriculum, the school provides children with the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and natural environment. Through activities such as wildlife tracking, plant identification and sustainability-focused lessons, students gain academic knowledge and develop confidence.
These experiences are carefully designed to nurture a deeper understanding of the natural world and instill a lifelong sense of environmental responsibility.
These contributions to the youth in our community make the Oro-Medonte Forest School a worthy recipient of this year’s OrilliaMatters Community Builders Award in Education.
“It’s great to know that even though we’re small, we’re having a big impact on the community,” said Melissa Marchand, director of OMFS. “It’s nice to know that people see OMFS and see the good that we’re doing.”
Marchand’s dedication has helped OMFS become a place where children are not only educated but also empowered to explore and grow.
“I think it’s so important for kids to be outside. I’ve seen firsthand the difference it can make,” she said. “Being outside helps kids to self-regulate and it can totally transform them. Once they’re outside in nature, they’re calm, happy and it allows them to become leaders.”
“Melissa and Braden have created a welcoming, inclusive program where children are embraced for who they are, amongst a beautiful forest setting,” said Marjanna Hewson, project manager at the Government of Canada. “My kids love going to OMFS and I've seen that it benefits them in so many ways. Being immersed in nature and having the freedom to play and participate in both structured and unstructured activities has helped them to learn so much.”
OMFS is also dedicated to accessibility and inclusion. The school regularly covers program fees for families in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of a quality outdoor education.
This commitment has opened doors for children from diverse backgrounds to participate in meaningful learning experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
Oro-Medonte Forest School’s nature-based approach enriches young minds and teaches resilience, leadership and respect for the world around them, exemplifying the spirit of the Community Builders Awards.
The Education award honours a student, educator, administrator or education advocate who has significantly contributed to the advancement of education in the community.
Congratulations to the team at Oro-Medonte Forest School!
This award is proudly sponsored by The Shock Doctors.
