On the shoreline of the Ottawa river, where North Kanata meets Dunrobin is the beautiful Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre, and Camp Otonabee. Out to Play is excited to announce this new partnership, offering an Out to Play Fox program at this unique location.
With 30 acres of fields, forest and rugged shoreline this location includes a heated indoor classroom, all-gender bathrooms and spacious parking.
--
For children 4-10 years the Fox Program offers child-centred, inquiry-driven and educator-supported learning and connecting through play on the land. Each day includes warm and connected circle time including oral storytelling, gathering for mealtimes and books, and playful and kind conversations.
Our days include a daily hike out, and the options of playing with art, large loose parts and science investigations. The days on the land offer periods of deep immersive play and wilderness skills with educators playing alongside, scaffolding learning, and supporting children in staying safe and kind together.
Our approach is emergent and responsive which means each day is unique, active and filled with learning. Teachers are happy to communicate and collaborate with public school teachers, parents and service providers to offer consistency and share learning.
Families will receive a packing list for the days together including back-up clothing, snacks, lunch and water. Families receive a monthly newsletter and two invitations to Out to Play Family Gathering events. Join the Out to Play community.
--
This program takes place from 9:00-3:00 on Mondays from September 8 to June 15 at the Bonnefant Y. There are 33 program days and two Saturday Family Gathering Days on October 25 and May 23.
There is no program on October 13, December 22, December 29, February 16, March 16, April 6, April 20, and May 18 for Holidays and one Staff Training Day.
Location and Directions:
Address: 1620 Sixth Line Rd RR #1 Dunrobin, Ottawa
Distance:
13min from Eagleson exit off the highway
25min from downtown
12 min north-west from Out to Play in Nepean/Kanata
09/08/2025, 09/15/2025, 09/22/2025, 09/29/2025, 10/06/2025, 10/20/2025, 10/27/2025, 11/03/2025, 11/10/2025, 11/17/2025, 11/24/2025, 12/01/2025, 12/08/2025, 12/15/2025, 01/05/2026, 01/12/2026, 01/19/2026, 01/26/2026, 02/02/2026, 02/09/2026, 02/23/2026, 03/02/2026, 03/09/2026, 03/23/2026, 03/30/2026, 04/13/2026, 04/27/2026, 05/04/2026, 05/11/2026, 05/25/2026, 06/01/2026, 06/08/2026, 06/15/2026
Participants must be 3 years and 8 months to 10 years old when the program starts.
Maximum: 16
Registration starts on 04/27/2025 and ends on 04/30/2026.
"I's time at Out to Play has been transformative, fostering her love for nature and enabling her to develop important life skills. She has developed a deep appreciation for nature, learned valuable life skills, and formed beautiful friendships with her peers and the land. We are incredibly grateful for the positive influence you've all had on her overall development. The program has shaped her character and resilience in a profound way."
"I wish that all schools had more outdoor time and connection to nature like this. My lo loves her regular school and come home happy, but when she comes home from forest school she is glowing and vibrating with good energy, she is just so lit up it is incredible. I hope to always be able to have her come here and feel all kids would benefit from it. The educators are great, they are very kind and patient with her and I like how there are enough people to support different activities based on the kids interests." - S
Please contact Out to Play Inc if you have any questions.