Firefly Farm and Forest is an outdoor education community rooted in the belief that children thrive when they are given time, trust, and meaningful connection to the land.
Our approach is child-led, experience-based, and grounded in extended time outdoors, where curiosity is honoured and real skills are developed through hands-on exploration. Across the diverse ecosystems of the Firefly land — including ponds, wetlands, gardens, and forest — children are encouraged to explore deeply, take appropriate risks, collaborate with others, and build confidence through authentic, lived experiences.
We are committed to fostering a sense of environmental stewardship, where children not only learn from the land, but begin to understand their role in caring for it. Through observation, play, and participation, they develop a lasting relationship with the natural world rooted in respect, responsibility, and wonder.
Firefly is an inclusive and welcoming space for all children and families. We recognize that every child engages with the world differently, and we strive to meet children where they are by removing unnecessary barriers to outdoor learning whenever possible. In doing so, we support not only academic and environmental learning, but also emotional regulation, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging within the natural world.
Our services
Firefly Farm and Forest offers outdoor education programs for children, families, and schools rooted in experiential, child-led learning. Our services include weekly outdoor programs, seasonal camps, school field trips, and on-site school programming. Across our farm and forest spaces, we provide meaningful opportunities for exploration, skill-building, and connection to the natural world.
Rooted Lyceum **NEW**
Rooted Lyceum is a small, mixed-age learning community where children grow through inquiry, creativity, meaningful work, and connection. Grounded in relationships and guided by curiosity, our days are shaped by conversation, exploration, practical skill-building, and engagement with the world around us.
Registration for September 2026 - June 2027 class opens May 11. Only 13 spaces available.
Firefly Music ***NEW***
Research has demonstrated that children’s development is greatly enhanced through direct exposure to live singing and in-person musical experiences. Singing and sharing music enhances all areas of development, while building connection, trust, and communication with family members and peers.
Three important rules:
- Forget perfectionism
- Anyone can do this work
- These experiences are expressive, rather than performative.
Rooted Connections
Rooted Connections brings families of all ages and stages together for monthly outdoor play and exploration. With child-led invitations, guided visits with our chickens and goats, and space to wander at your own pace, it’s time to connect—with nature, each other, and a welcoming community.
4th Saturday of each month 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. October–June | 9 months $450 for the full program
Rooted Pathways
Rooted Pathways is an 8-week therapeutic nature-based program for children, developed in partnership with Helen Brook, MSW, RSW. Connection, meaningful outdoor experiences and DBT-informed support help children build skills for navigating emotions, managing difficult moments and strengthening relationships.
Thursdays, beginning October 8
5:30–7:00 p.m.
$945 for the 8-week program
Social-work receipts are available for insurance submission; coverage depends on your plan.
NEW!! Trailblazers Summer Programming
Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a low-capacity summer drop-off program for children who thrive in smaller groups and want to explore deeply in nature. Designed as an alternative to traditional summer camp, this program offers space for curiosity, independence, and meaningful connection — without the overwhelm of large group settings.
Children spend their time wandering the forest, tracking animals, collecting natural treasures, building with raw materials, using real tools with guidance, and following curiosity wherever it leads. By returning to the same land week after week, children form strong relationships with both place and peers.
Trailblazers runs on Thursdays throughout the summer (July 9, 16, 23 & August 13, 20, 27) and is intentionally low capacity to support calm, confident exploration.
Contact us
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or inquiries. We are here to help!
Location
Firefly Farm and Forest
8th Sideroad Burlington
Ontario, Canada
About us
Firefly Farm and Forest is a place where children can connect with nature, learn from the land, and grow in mind and spirit. Our programs are designed to inspire a love of the outdoors and a sense of stewardship for the environment.