Program Descriptions

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Enlivening School Curriculum

We teach everyone!

Whether you are looking to visit with your kindergarten students or your secondary students, we have a program for you!

Looking to bring post-secondary students or a corporate group? Let us know and we can adapt our programs for you.

We teach everything!

We have programs about Science and Nature, Geography and Social Studies, Group Dynamics and Leadership, as well as Outdoor Adventure.

And every program is designed to enliven your school curriculum. If you have an idea for a program that you do not see listed, you can even contact us to discuss whether it would be feasible for your trip.

We teach all year!

Everyone wants to visit in May and June, but some of our best experiences can happen only in the autumn and winter.

There is an unequaled bliss of exploring our winter wonderland by cross-country ski or on snowshoes!

Explore GRCA Education Programs

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  • Day Programs
  • Overnight Programs
  • JK to Grade 3
  • Grades 4 to 8
  • Grades 9 to 12
  • On-A-Roll
  • Virtual
  • SHSM

Map Reading & Orienteering

This popular program gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn and apply compass and map-reading skills. Students learn to test their skills by completing an orienteering field and forest course.

Day Programs | Grades 4 to 8 | Grades 9 to 12 | Overnight Programs |

Maple Moon

Students are introduced to the process of making maple syrup. Guides dressed in traditional clothing present aboriginal and pioneer methods of making maple syrup. Students take part in hands-on demonstrations and voyageur games and wrap up the day tasting a sweet treat around a cozy, outdoor campfire.

Day Programs | Grades 4 to 8 | JK to Grade 3 | Overnight Programs |

Mapping for Little Ones

This program is specifically designed for primary students. They learn basic cardinal directions, how to design maps and legends and are introduced to the parts of a compass. Students test their knowledge by completing two orienteering courses.

Day Programs | JK to Grade 3 | On-A-Roll |

Oak Ridges Moraine Program

Students learn about unique land features in Ontario, with a primary focus on the moraine. Students participate in an interpretive hike that includes dialogue on topics such as glacial erratic, watersheds, headwaters and water source protection.

Day Programs | Grades 9 to 12 | Overnight Programs |

Outdoor Survival Skills

Students learn the skills necessary to survive in the great outdoors. Hands-on initiatives include fire-building and shelter-building. Different survival scenarios are explored and discussed in this favourite, action-packed program.

Day Programs | Grades 4 to 8 | Grades 9 to 12 | Group Dynamics & Leadership | Overnight Programs

Photo-Orienteering

Students learn how to use a birds-eye view map, create and use a map legend and how to follow basic directions. They then participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt around the buildings and surroundings of the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

Day Programs | JK to Grade 3 |

Pond & Stream Study with Water Analysis Lab

Students complete a written comparative analysis of a lentic (pond) vs. a lotic (stream) environment. A field study of each environment provides students with the opportunity to learn the techniques of specimen collection and tallying using a macro-invertebrate tally chart.

Day Programs | Grades 9 to 12 | Overnight Programs

Sensory Awareness

This program is designed for primary students who are exploring their five senses. Students build awareness of the natural habitat through activities that utilize and emphasize the senses of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing.

Day Programs | JK to Grade 3 | On-A-Roll | Science & Nature

Snowshoeing

Students spend a half-day learning how to snowshoe using modern, provided equipment. This program demonstrates a unique method of winter travel, is physically active, and is best combined with another half-day program.

Day Programs | Grades 4 to 8 | Grades 9 to 12 | Group Dynamics & Leadership | On-A-Roll | Overnight Programs

Soil… It’s Not Just Dirt

This program focuses on the creation of soil, different soil particles, and the creatures that live in the soil. Students should come prepared to get dirty as they explore the soil. Students will complete several fun and hands-on experiments: creating soil with hammers, digging a soil profile, creating a soil conductivity test and so much more.

Day Programs | Grades 4 to 8 | JK to Grade 3 | Overnight Programs | Science & Nature

Species Identification: Benthics

Students visit our beaver ponds to collect benthic macroinvertebrates (bottom-dwelling creatures) and utilize key anatomical features to assist in identifying the species of benthic. This program emphasizes the importance of each species to the pond ecosystem.

Day Programs | Grades 9 to 12 | Overnight Programs | SHSM

Species Identification: Trees

Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for a wide variety of local tree species, and learn how to use a dichotomous key to assist in identifying coniferous and deciduous tree species.

Day Programs | Grades 9 to 12 | Overnight Programs | SHSM