Outdoor Education
Connecting with Nature: YMCA Outdoor Experiences
For over 100 years, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has offered outdoor education programs to the community. We believe that connecting with nature is an important part of building a child’s self-confidence, sparking curiosity, and improving their mental and physical wellness. We have various outdoor education programs available for a variety of ages – find the one that’s right for your child below!
To learn more about YMCA Outdoor Education programs, view the Parent Handbook provided below.
Outdoor Education Programs
Grade 4 Science
Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)
The Grade 4 Science Program is aimed at delivering engaging, comprehensive, and experiential programming on the topic of ecosystems and animal habitats. Students will explore the components of a healthy habitat, animal adaptations, and human impact on the natural world. Upon completion of their 100-minute lesson, teachers will receive a variety of digital resources to help further student learning. These resources include, but are not limited to, a custom-made workbook prepared by YMCA Outdoor Education Staff, links to applicable citizen science programs, and access to further learning resources.
Homeschool Forest Explorers
5-Week Program
Get ready for an epic adventure with Homeschool Forest Explorers, our thrilling new 5-week children’s program that’ll ignite your kids’ love for the great outdoors! Join us as we dive into the wild, where young explorers will uncover the wonders of nature through hands-on fun, discovery, and outdoor magic. From tracking critters to building nature-inspired creations, this program is all about sparking curiosity and embracing the joy of the forest!
Location: Midland YMCA, Collingwood YMCA, Wasaga Beach YMCA, Innisfil YMCA
Price: $250 for members, $280 for non-members
Time: 10am- 2:30pm
Program Dates: Wednesdays, starting January 28th
Ages: 6-13
Wilderness Explorers PA Day Programs
The YMCA offers full-day programming on PA and school break days. The PA Day programming is designed to help your busy family manage school PA Days. Children will explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer themed group games, and get to make new friends! Camp will take place outside so please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. (Indoor) Swimming is often on our list of daily activities, so come ready to take a dip in the pool! Campers will need to pack a swimsuit and towel. Please also provide a lunch and snacks (please no products that may contain nuts), and refillable water bottle.
March Break Camp
March Break is coming! Do you have plans for your child yet? Register them for March Break Camp at your local YMCA! Campers will explore the great outdoors through scavenger hunts, animal tracking, and explorer themed group games, and get to make new friends.
Dates: March 16th-20th, 2026
Ages: 6-13
Availability: 20 spots available at each location
NEW! Adventure Quest – Innisfil
Imagine your child trading screen time for real life adventure: building a shelter that shrugs off storms, bandaging a friend like a pro, tracking animals through the woods, and turning muddy water crystal clear – then beaming with pride as they show it all off to you. That’s the YMCA difference. This isn’t regular camp. It’s five weeks of hands-on survival skills, laughter, and teamwork led by our expert YMCA instructors. In just five weeks your kid goes from “indoor kid” to wilderness hero, all while living the Y values that build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. The grand finale? Week 5’s YMCA Family Showcase – parents are invited to an epic outdoor demo where your child proves they’ve got what it takes!
Location: Innisfil YMCA
Date: Sundays, starting on January 25th to February 22nd, 2026
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Ages: 6-15
Cost: $260 for YMCA members, $290 for non-members
Escape in the Landscape
Junior Explorers (3.8-7)
During this memorable program, your child will:
Learn about the land and how to be environmental caretakers
Connect with nature and build self-confidence
Improve their mental and physical health
Be curious, resilient, and motivated to make a difference
Location: Barrie – Georgian College YMCA Child Care
Date: Saturdays, starting January 17th to March 21st (10 Weeks)
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: $320
Explorers (6-13)
During this memorable program, your child will:
Learn about the land and how to be environmental caretakers
Connect with nature and build self-confidence
Improve their mental and physical health
Be curious, resilient, and motivated to make a difference
Collingwood YMCA
- Date: Tuesdays, starting January 20th to March 10th, 2026 (8 weeks)
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Cost: $170
Innisfil YMCA
- Date:
Thursdays, starting January 22nd to March 12th (8 weeks)
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Cost: $170
Midland YMCA
- Date: Tuesdays, starting January 20th to March 10th, 2026 (8 weeks)
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Cost: $170
Wasaga Beach YMCA
- Date: Thursdays, starting January 22nd to March 12th (8 weeks)
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Cost: $170
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