Frequently asked questions.

Yes. Adventuring Into Knowledge Nature School (AIK) is Kamloops' outdoor nature school, running programs at MacArthur Island Park. AIK grew directly out of Sprouting Knowledge, Kamloops' original forest preschool, which began in 2016. Adventuring Into Life formally acquired Sprouting Knowledge in 2026 and relaunched it as AIK.

We currently offer three programs: Oaks and Acorns for ages 0-3 with a caregiver, the Sprouts preschool-age outdoor program for ages 3-5, and the Kindergarten Outdoor Program for kindergarten-age children.

Yes. AIK grew directly out of Sprouting Knowledge, Kamloops' beloved outdoor program that ran for years before being acquired by Adventuring Into Life in 2026. The philosophy, the approach, and the people families trusted are all still here. If your child attended Sprouting Knowledge, they are welcome at AIK and their history with the program matters to us.

Adventuring Into Knowledge Nature School is operated by Adventuring Into Life Ltd., Kamloops' outdoor adventure company for youth and women. Andrea and Stacey, who run AIK's daily programming, also lead AIL's mountain biking camps, women's retreats, and school programs across BC. AIK sits under the AIL umbrella — same team, same philosophy, extended to younger children. You can learn more about AIL at adventuringintolife.ca.

No. AIK is a recreational outdoor program, not a licensed childcare facility or preschool under BC's Child Care Licensing Regulation. We operate entirely outdoors, which places us outside the licensing framework that applies to indoor facilities. We do not provide childcare tax receipts and do not participate in BC childcare subsidy programs.

This is not a limitation — it is a feature. Our outdoor model allows us to offer something that licensed indoor facilities structurally cannot.

AIK currently runs three programs: Oaks and Acorns for children ages 0-3 with their parent or caregiver attending, the Sprouts preschool-age outdoor program for children ages 3-5, and the Kindergarten Outdoor Program for kindergarten-age children (typically 5-6). Children in Sprouts must be fully potty trained before their first session.

All AIK programs take place at MacArthur Island Park in Kamloops, BC. Drop off and pick up are at the Kamloops Sports Council parking lot. MacArthur Island is a staffed, well-maintained city park — the consistent presence of park staff makes it a safe and reliable home for our programs. We use it across all seasons.

We do not currently offer observation days for enrolled sessions, as introducing unfamiliar adults can disrupt the group dynamic that takes real time to build. If you have questions about whether AIK is the right fit for your child or family, reach out at info@adventuringintoknowledge.ca and we are happy to have a conversation. Oaks and Acorns is also a great way to experience our approach before your child transitions into a drop-off program.

A nature school or forest school is an outdoor education program where children spend their learning time in a natural environment rather than a classroom. The approach originated in Scandinavia and is built on the idea that children are naturally curious, capable, and competent — and that the natural world provides the richest possible learning environment.

At AIK, all programming takes place entirely outdoors at MacArthur Island Park, in every season and most weather. Children learn through child-led play, exploration, and real experiences in the forest. Forest school and nature school are often used interchangeably. The terms refer to the same general philosophy.

A regular daycare or licensed preschool operates indoors in a licensed facility, often with structured curriculum, set schedules, and indoor play spaces. Many do some outdoor time but it is not the primary learning environment.

AIK is entirely outdoors. There are no classrooms, no desks, no structured academic instruction. Children lead their own learning with facilitator support in a natural environment. We are a recreational program, not a substitute for licensed childcare. Many AIK families use our programs alongside other childcare rather than instead of it.

More than most people expect. A typical morning includes: free exploration time where children follow their own curiosity through the forest; fort building, mud kitchen play, and loose parts construction; nature investigation — tracking animals, finding insects, identifying plants; songs and stories in circle time; snack time together; and facilitated group experiences that connect what children are doing to real learning outcomes.

The facilitator's role is to observe, support, and extend — not to direct. What happens in any given session follows the children and the season.

The research on this is clear and consistent. Children who spend meaningful time in nature develop stronger executive function, better emotional regulation, higher physical confidence, more developed language skills, and deeper curiosity and creativity than children who spend the same time indoors. Nature-based programs consistently produce children who are well prepared for formal school — and who genuinely love learning.

The specific skills children develop at AIK — risk assessment, problem-solving, resilience, collaboration, communication — are the exact skills that predict long-term academic and life success.

Yes. Children from nature-based programs perform at or above grade level in primary school. The foundational skills built at AIK — attention, problem-solving, physical coordination, language development, emotional regulation, and love of learning — directly support academic success in Grade 1 and beyond.

The Kindergarten Outdoor Program specifically connects outdoor experiences to BC curriculum outcomes in science, math, language arts, and physical development.

Oaks and Acorns and the Sprouts preschool-age program are recreational programs and do not follow a formal curriculum. The Kindergarten Outdoor Program is intentionally designed to connect outdoor experiences to BC curriculum outcomes — in science, math, language arts, and physical development — through child-led, emergent learning rather than formal instruction.

Oaks and Acorns is AIK's parent and child program for children ages 0-3. Parents or caregivers attend with their child for every session. It runs Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00am at MacArthur Island Park in 6-week blocks. The program is designed around child-led forest exploration, songs, stories, and building a community of families who value time outside together. It is $100 per child per session. Learn more about Oaks and Acorns.

Sprouts is AIK's drop-off outdoor program for preschool-age children ages 3-5. It runs Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Families choose which days of the week they want and pay $390 per day per session. Children must be fully potty trained. Sprouts directly continues the tradition of Sprouting Knowledge's beloved forest program, now at MacArthur Island Park. Learn more about Sprouts.

The Kindergarten Outdoor Program is a full-morning outdoor program for kindergarten-age children (typically 5-6 years old), running Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 1:00pm. It runs across three terms: Fall (September 14 to December 8), Winter (January 5 to March 19), and Spring (April 5 to May 28). Children bring a snack and a lunch. The program includes explicit connections to BC curriculum outcomes across science, math, language arts, and physical development. Learn more about the Kindergarten Program.

No. AIK is a recreational outdoor program, not a registered BC independent school. It does not replace the BC public kindergarten year and we do not issue school records or report cards. Many families run this program alongside or instead of public kindergarten and find their children are very well prepared for Grade 1. If you have questions about how this fits with your child's schooling situation, reach out and we are happy to talk it through.

Sprouts and the Kindergarten Outdoor Program both maintain a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of 12 children per class and 2 facilitators. Oaks and Acorns is a parent and child program — caregivers attend with their child for the full session.

Registration for all AIK programs is online at adventuringintoknowledge.ca. Visit the page for the program you are interested in and follow the registration link. Your spot is confirmed once payment is received. Spots are limited and fill quickly — returning Sprouting Knowledge families receive priority access.

Yes. AIK programs run in rain, snow, cold, mud, and wind. We cancel only for lightning, extreme wind events, air quality advisories of 7 or higher on the AQHI scale, or SD73 snow day declarations. Families are notified as early as possible when a session is cancelled. A credit is applied to your account for any session AIK cancels. Please dress your child for the weather — children in proper gear have some of their best sessions in wet or cold conditions.

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing is essential. The key rules: wool or synthetic layers only (no cotton in cold or wet weather), waterproof jacket and rain or snow pants, waterproof boots, and warm hats and mittens as temperatures drop. Detailed seasonal gear lists with specific brand recommendations are available at fall gear list, winter gear list, and spring gear list. Please dress your child for the low temperature of the day, not the high.

Children in the Sprouts and Kindergarten programs must be fully potty trained before their first session. We spend our mornings in the forest and facilitators are not able to manage diapers or pull-ups while maintaining the safety and quality of the program. Accidents happen and that is completely fine — always pack a full change of clothes. Outdoor toileting with facilitator support is part of how the program works. For Oaks and Acorns, parents are present and responsible for all toileting.

Separation at drop-off is completely normal and most children settle quickly once the session begins. A consistent, confident goodbye from parents makes the biggest difference — children take their cue from you. Our facilitators are experienced at supporting children through that transition. If your child is having difficulty beyond the first few weeks, please reach out so we can work on a plan together.

Yes. Children adapt to outdoor programs faster than most parents expect. The first week or two can feel like an adjustment, especially around the weather, the unstructured nature of sessions, and the new group. By week three, most children are coming home asking to go back. Our facilitators are skilled at bringing new children into the group in a way that feels natural and safe.

Yes. Any adult listed on your registration form as an authorized pickup person can drop off or collect your child. Please notify a facilitator in advance if someone not on the list will be coming. No child will be released to an adult not on the authorized list without prior notice from the parent. For Oaks and Acorns, any regular caregiver (grandparent, partner, nanny) can attend in your place — just let us know ahead of time.

For Oaks and Acorns, siblings are welcome — please note them when you register so we have an accurate count. For Sprouts and the Kindergarten program, these are drop-off sessions and siblings do not attend. If you have children in different age groups, they would each register in their respective program.

All AIK facilitators hold current first aid certification and are experienced outdoor educators. AIK is operated by Adventuring Into Life Ltd., whose team has been running outdoor youth and adventure programs in Kamloops and across BC since 2016. Facilitators engage in ongoing reflective practice and training. All staff submit criminal record checks before working with children.

All facilitators carry first aid kits and are trained to respond to injuries. For minor incidents, first aid is administered on site and parents are notified at pickup. For moderate incidents where a doctor is recommended, parents are contacted immediately and an incident report is completed. In a serious emergency, 911 is called first, then parents are contacted immediately. A full incident response protocol is outlined in the Parent Handbook.

Please disclose all allergies and medical conditions on your registration form. Facilitators carry first aid kits and are trained to respond to medical situations. Our outdoor environment contains natural allergens including pollen, tree nuts, and animal dander. If your child has a severe allergy, please contact us before registering to discuss whether our program is the right fit. Families with severe allergies are responsible for providing necessary medications such as epinephrine auto-injectors.

Keep your child home if they have a fever of 38.3°C or higher, persistent cough or difficulty breathing, sore throat or difficulty swallowing, undiagnosed rash, stomach illness, or if anyone in your household is unwell. Children should be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning. Please notify us before the session if your child will not be attending.

Children of all abilities are welcome at AIK. If your child requires additional support to participate fully, please contact us before registering so we can discuss options together. This might include having a support worker or caregiver attend alongside your child. All supporting adults must complete a criminal record check before attending. MacArthur Island Park is accessible by vehicle and most program areas are accessible by foot or mobility aid.

Oaks and Acorns is $100 per child for a 6-week session. The Sprouts preschool-age outdoor program is $390 per day per session — families choose which days per week they attend and pay $390 for each day selected. Kindergarten Outdoor Program pricing is confirmed by term. See each program page on this site for current pricing and registration information.

No. AIK is a recreational outdoor program and does not participate in BC's ChildCare Fee Reduction Initiative or the Affordable Child Care Benefit, which are only available to licensed childcare facilities. We are committed to keeping our programs as accessible as possible. If cost is a barrier for your family, please reach out to us directly and confidentially at info@adventuringintoknowledge.ca.

Cancellations more than 30 days before the session start receive a full refund less a $25 registration fee. Cancellations 14 to 30 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 14 days before receive no refund. Once a session has begun, fees are non-refundable. Medical exceptions with a doctor's note are considered on a case-by-case basis. The full policy is at adventuringintoknowledge.ca/cancellation-policy.

No refunds or credits are issued for individual missed sessions, regardless of reason. This includes illness, family travel, and personal scheduling. Fees are structured around the session as a whole, which allows us to plan and staff consistently. If your child misses an extended period due to documented illness, please reach out and we will do our best to work with you.

Yes. The AIK Parent Handbook covers our philosophy, policies, health and safety procedures, behaviour guidance, inclement weather protocols, gear requirements, and everything families need to know before their child's first session. It is available at adventuringintoknowledge.ca/parent-handbook. Please read it before registering.

Yes. Sprouting Knowledge used to run outdoor summer camps and those programs have been taken over by Adventuring Into Life under the name Nature Camps. These are multi-sport outdoor camps for children that combine nature exploration, bushcraft, biking, and adventure activities. They run through summer in Kamloops and are a great way to keep the momentum going between AIK sessions.

Find out more and register at adventuringintolife.ca.

Yes — through Adventuring Into Life. AIL runs mountain biking programs for children from preschool age through their teens, including after-school cycling clubs, youth bike camps, and the Everyone Rides school program. These are a natural next step for AIK children who are ready to take their outdoor confidence onto the trails.

All programs are coached by GSMBC-certified instructors. Learn more at adventuringintolife.ca.

Yes — through Adventuring Into Life. AIL offers outdoor adventure birthday parties in Kamloops for children who want something more memorable than a standard party. Think bikes, nature challenges, and time outside with their friends. Details and booking are at adventuringintolife.ca/birthday-parties.

AIL runs a wide range of outdoor programs for youth and women across BC, including girls-only adventure camps in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, and Cranbrook, women's mountain bike retreats in Valemount and the Okanagan, international adventure retreats in Costa Rica, bushcraft and outdoor skills programs, school group programs, and corporate team building. If your child grows up through AIK and catches the outdoor bug — which they will — there is a whole ladder of programs waiting for them at AIL.

Explore everything at adventuringintolife.ca.

Yes. Adventuring Into Life runs programs for children from preschool age right through their teens. After-school biking clubs, summer Nature Camps, girls adventure camps, and youth mountain biking programs are all available through AIL in Kamloops and across BC. AIK and AIL are built to work together — as your child grows, there is always a next step. Find out more at adventuringintolife.ca.