The Story of Tofino Nature Kids
In March of 2014, Jay and Shawna Roberts founded
Tofino Nature Kids. The vision was simple - to share our love of this
incredible natural place where we live with the children in our community. We
started a nature connection program mentoring 5 kids, one day a week. The school has received such amazing community support that we now run a diverse program 4 days a week with
over 25 children involved. We are asking for YOUR help to take our dream
to the next step. Read on and SPREAD THE WORD. We are very grateful for your help!!!!
Nature Kids
Tofino Nature Kids programs adopt the Forest School practices of regular and repeated access to a natural space, as well as a learning process that is based on what the children are curious about and inspired by. The defining feature of this type of nature-based education program is that children are provided with opportunities to build an on-going relationship with a place in nature, to a dedicated mentor, to one another, and to themselves. We learn through stories, songs, art, exploration, and imaginary play. We connect with each other through activities that encourage teamwork and creativity. We use all of our senses to learn about local plants and animals.
We currently spend ALL of the time in our programs outdoors - no matter what the weather. However, there are some days when a warm, covered space would be a welcome reprieve from cold wind and rain. This is where we need YOUR help. We are asking for your support to raise $20,000 to build our “Forest Classroom”.
**Please Note: We have recently been required to change our operating name from "Tofino Nature School" to "Tofino Nature Kids". You will see both names used in the campaign video!**
"If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with them the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in."
~Rachel Carson
Our Goal is to Raise $20,000 to Complete our Forest Classroom!
Ambitious? YES!...Possible? With your help...DEFINITELY!
All contributions to our campaign will be used for building and labour costs for the construction of a 10 X 30 ft structure. We aim to build a simple structure using as much donated, recycled and reclaimed materials as possible. Much of our costs will go toward our commitment to keeping the building off the grid by installing rainwater catchment and solar electric systems. This classroom will be used by the children in our Nature Kids programs when the weather is too poor to be outside all day. It will serve as a warm, dry space to come together to do crafts, indoor study projects, and for storing our supplies.
Note* If we should for some unforeseen reason be unable to reach our $20,000 goal, the funds raised would still be used to bring the building as close to completion as possible. Any extra will go towards funding for our programs!
We've already been hard at work...
With the help of local volunteers, community sponsors and a dip into our personal savings we have made a good start on our classroom. The foundation is built and the timber frame is ready to be put up! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the following individuals/businesses for all their hard work and donations:
-George Patterson of Tofino Botanical Gardens for being so supportive of our program from day one.
- Ben Ronennbergh and Nick Bodding for contributing lumber cut from salvaged logs for the platform/foundation.
- Jonny Ferguson of Tidewater Timber Frames for his time and energy in securing one of his incredible timber frames to be taken down and re-used for our school. Also of the use of his crane truck to get it moved!
- Rob for giving us a good price on the timber frame.
- Jack for the use of your boat and chainsaw as well as Cynthia, Andre, Ariel, Janine, Jesse, Rich, Andreas, Alex, and many of the parents at our school for your strong backs, helping hands and big hearts!
- Jay and Mattie of Shelter Restaurant for providing gift certificates for our hungry volunteer labourers.
- Waren Rudd for all your help with our promotion video.
An Investment in the Future
When a child attends Tofino Nature Kids they are learning essential skills for their future. They build confidence and self esteem, grow to be leaders, and become stewards of their environment.
Your donation to Tofino Nature Kids is an investment in the future. You are helping to build a physical space for children to learn and be cared for...You are also helping to strengthen community, to reconnect people to the land and themselves, and to foster a love and understanding for nature in the future caretakers of the Earth.
Thank You!
You will receive a unique perk with every contribution...not to mention that warm fuzzy feeling you'll get from helping this incredible project move one step closer to our goal!
$25 - THANK YOU - Your contribution is greatly appreciated!
$50 - T-SHIRT - Receive a special edition TNK T-Shirt.
$75 - NATURE KIDS FOR A DAY - Sponsor a child to attend one of our programs for a DAY.
$100 - SPONSOR and TOTE BAG - Sponsor a child to attend ONE DAY of our programs or camps and receive a Tofino Nature Kids TOTE BAG and STICKER.
$150 - SPONSOR and COYOTE'S GUIDE - Receive a copy of Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature and sponsor a child to attend one of our programs for a DAY.
$200 - NATURE KIDS for a WEEK - Sponsor a child to attend one WEEK at Tofino Nature Kids regular programs or camps.
$500 - 3 NIGHTS in TOFINO CABIN - Snuggle up for 3 nights in our cozy Tofino cabin.
$1500 - FAMILY TOFINO EXPERIENCE - Spend 3 nights in Tofino in our cozy cabin. We will be your guides as you learn wilderness skills and experience the magic of Tofino.
Our Inspiration
Tofino Nature Kids is guided by practices from the Forest School and 8 Shields models of nature education. These models draw on ancient and modern ecological wisdom to encourage each person to become fully connected to the natural world. Teachings are passed on through a unique mentoring approach which enhances problem-solving skills, encourages full sensory engagement, and supports healthy social development.
With the Tofino area known worldwide for its
stunning natural beauty and environmental stewardship, it is an ideal place for
a thriving nature immersion program to exist. Tofino Nature Kids aims to be a leader within this model of nature education.
About Us
JASON (JAY) ROBERTS - Co-Founder and Program Facilitator
Jay was drawn to nature connection mentoring because he believes in guiding each child to discover their unique gifts and encouraging them to fully develop. He was introduced to Deep Nature Connection by Jon Young and the ‘8 Shields’ program. This concept resonates with Jay's core beliefs that the 'sensory imagination’ or ‘expansive awareness’ we are born with needs to be nurtured from childhood into adulthood and is as essentail as reading, writing and arithmetic.
Jay holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Calgary as well as a Journeyman Carpenter certificate from BCIT. He has completed 1 ½ years of his Waldorf Grades School Teacher Training from the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy. He has trained with David Weinstock in Nonviolent Communication methods. He was a lifeguard and swim instructor for 5 years and taught English to children in Korea and Japan for 3 years. He has also been a Scout leader and a junior high school basketball coach. He is certified in CPR C, Bronze Cross and Occupational and Children's First Aid.
Jay lives in Tofino with his wife and 2 young daughters. In his free time Jay enjoys exploring the local beaches and forests with his family, studying the local flora and fauna, surfing, building things, writing poetry and playing the bass guitar.
SHAWNA ROBERTS - Co-Founder and Assistant Program Facilitator
As a child, some of Shawna's first memories are of nature: the smell of the ocean, hiding in her family's garden and eating fresh raspberries and peas, and climbing an old cherry tree that grew in the vacant lot next to her home. She spent hours in that tree reading, exploring and observing the natural world. She knows now that this tree was her first "sit spot". Deep Nature Connection inspires and excites Shawna. She feels a great sense of hope that as more and more people re-connect with these practices, we will move past terms like 'nature deficit disorder' and thrive as the intuitive, empathetic, cooperative beings we inherently are.
She holds a B.Sc. (majors in Geography and Environmental Studies) from the University of Victoria as well as an Acupuncture Diploma from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Victoria. She taught English to children in Japan for 2 years. She is certified in Child Care First Aid and CPR.
Shawna lives in Tofino with her husband and 2 young daughters. She is inspired by being a mother, playing in the water, practicing yoga and meditation, and exploring the wonders of the local beaches and forests.
*We also have an amazing team of assistant facilitators. Thank you Cynthia, Shandy, Chantel, Helene, Becky, Ariel, Tessa, Danielle, Chantalle, Markus, Candice and Natalie for all that you have shared!
Get Involved
We appreciate your help in spreading the word about our campaign, Tofino Nature Kids, and about Nature/Forest Schools in general.
Ways you can help:
- CONTRIBUTE to this campaign and send our link to all your friends!
- Become a MENTOR within your community. If you are in the Tofino area we would love to have you join in our programs any time!
- GET OUTSIDE ... and take your kids (or someone else's!) with you! Explore the wonders of our natural world together.
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Thank you for joining us in this worldwide movement towards reconnecting with nature, ourselves and our communities!