Oaks & Acorns · Parent and child program

The forest is better
with someone small.

An hour and a half outside with your child. No phones, no agenda, no rush. Just the two of you figuring out what is under that rock.

🌿  Returning Sprouting Knowledge families: Same program, new name, same people. Welcome back.
Ages
0 – 3
Parent or caregiver attends with child
Location
MacArthur Island Park
Kamloops, BC
Program hours
9:30 – 11:00am
Tuesday mornings
Next session
Spring 2027
6-week session, dates coming soon
About the program

Slow down.
Notice things.
Together.

Oaks and Acorns is a parent and child program for children aged 0 to 3. You come together. You stay together. We set up at our sit spot at MacArthur Island Park and spend ninety minutes playing, exploring, and slowing down, all in one place, every Tuesday morning.

This is not a drop-off program and that is the whole point. Children at this age learn by watching the people they trust most. When you slow down, get curious, and get your hands dirty in the natural world, they learn that this is what people do. That the outside is worth paying attention to.

You will also find yourself in a group of parents who are doing the same thing you are, and that part turns out to matter more than people expect. The friendships that come out of Oaks and Acorns tend to last well past the program.

Oaks and Acorns carries forward the heart of what Sprouting Knowledge built, now under the Adventuring Into Knowledge umbrella. The philosophy stays exactly the same.

What you will find here
Ninety minutes that actually matter.
  • A dedicated sit spot at MacArthur Island Park, we settle in rather than wander
  • A small group of families doing this alongside you
  • Songs, stories, and guided nature exploration
  • Space to slow down and follow your child's lead
  • Real conversations about parenting in the outdoors
  • A program that gets better the more you show up
What we do together

Every morning in the forest.

No two mornings look exactly the same. But these are the things that show up consistently.

01
Nature exploration
Turning over rocks, collecting sticks, watching bugs, reading the season. Children find things adults walk past. We slow down enough to notice them too.
02
Songs and stories
Simple songs and seasonal stories woven into the morning. Repetition builds familiarity and familiarity builds comfort. Kids who feel safe explore further.
03
Unstructured play
The best parts of every morning are usually unplanned. Your child finds something. You follow. That is the program working exactly as intended.
04
Mentorship conversations
A big part of this program is recognizing what children learn by watching us. We talk about how to model curiosity, comfort with the outdoors, and genuine appreciation for the natural world.
05
Loose parts and building
Sticks, stones, pinecones, and whatever the season offers. Children build, sort, stack, and discover what things can do. Adults discover the same.
06
Community
You will come with your child and find a group of other people doing the same thing you are. Some of the best parts of Oaks and Acorns happen between adults while children play nearby.
What to bring

Dress for the weather.

Oaks and Acorns runs in all kinds of weather. This applies to you as much as your child. A cold parent is not a curious parent.

For your child
  • Weather-appropriate layers (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants when rain is likely (or a muddy buddy / splash suit, ideal for this age)
  • Rubber boots or waterproof footwear
  • Warm hat and gloves as temperatures drop
  • A change of clothes in your bag
  • Diapers and anything else your child normally needs
  • A small allergen-aware snack if your child is old enough, no food sharing
  • Water
For you
  • Warm layers, you will be moving slowly
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Footwear you don't mind getting muddy
  • Coffee if that helps

There is no bad weather in this program, only parents who came underdressed. We have all been that parent. Dress warmer than you think you need to.


Meeting point
  • Meet at MacArthur Island Park. Specific meeting point details are sent with your registration confirmation. Park is staffed and monitored, which makes it a safe and reliable spot for families with very small children.
Program fees

Simple and straightforward.

One fee covers your spot for the full 6-week session. $100 per child.

Fall 2026 session: September 15 – October 20 (6 weeks)  ·  Registration for Fall 2026 is now closed.

Winter: Oaks and Acorns does not run over winter.  ·  Spring 2027 sessions will be live soon. Join the waitlist to hear first.

Looking for a drop-off program for your preschool-age child? Head over to the Sprouts page.
Common questions

Before you register.

Yes. Oaks and Acorns is a parent and child program. You attend every session with your child for the full 90 minutes. This is not drop-off. If you need to leave early on a given day, please let us know in advance.
Siblings are welcome. Please let us know when you register so we have an accurate count. Oaks and Acorns is designed for children under 3, so older siblings who are 3 and up may be better suited to Sprouts.
We go outside. Rain is part of the program, not a reason to cancel. Come dressed for it and you will find that rainy mornings are some of the best ones. The only conditions we cancel for are lightning, extreme wind, or air quality advisories. You will be notified by email as early as possible if a session is cancelled.
Yes. The program is designed for children 0 to 3 and we have had families come with babies, toddlers, and everyone in between. Bring a carrier if that helps. The program paces itself to the group and always has.
Yes. Grandparents, partners, and other caregivers are all welcome to attend in your place. Just let us know ahead of time so we are not expecting someone we don't recognize at the meeting spot.
Cancellations more than 30 days before the session start receive a full refund less the $25 registration fee. Cancellations 14 to 30 days before receive a 50% refund less the $25 fee. Cancellations less than 14 days before receive no refund, and once the session has begun fees are non-refundable. For a medical or compassionate withdrawal, a brief written explanation is all that's required. No doctor's note needed. If your child is unwell, please stay home; we do not provide refunds or credits for individual absences. See the full Cancellation Policy for details.
Spring 2027

Spring sessions coming soon.

Fall 2026 registration is closed. Spring 2027 dates and registration will be posted here once confirmed. Join the waitlist and we'll email you the moment sessions go live.

You're on the list. We'll email you the moment Spring 2027 registration opens.
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Adventuring Into Knowledge
Oaks&Acorns (0-3 years)
Sprouts (3 - 5)
Kindergarten
About
Contact
Cancellation Policy
Parent Handbook
FAQ
Adventuring Into Knowledge
Oaks&Acorns (0-3 years)
Sprouts (3 - 5)
Kindergarten
About
Contact
Cancellation Policy
Parent Handbook
FAQ
Folder: Programs
Back
Oaks&Acorns (0-3 years)
Sprouts (3 - 5)
Kindergarten
About
Contact
Folder: Learn More
Back
Cancellation Policy
Parent Handbook
FAQ