Our aim is to create and provide land-based learning opportunities for children and youth in our community. Through these outdoor educational programs, we believe that we can promote individual, community and environmental health. During all of our programs, we will use the gardens and surrounding forests as our classroom and as an educational tool to cultivate joy, wonder and meaningful connections to plants and the natural world.
HCP Kids Garden Club (Ages 3 - 14)
Do you know a child or youth who loves the outdoors and thrives in the garden? Our HCP Kids Garden provides many opportunities for land-based engagement activities, including seed starting and propagation, planting, garden maintenance, pollinator habitats, and so much more. Each weekly class will have us in this amazing teaching garden where we grow our own food crops. Hope you can join us with your pre-k learner or drop-off (or join) your school age child. There are lots of takeaways, including seeds, transplants and more! Please pack your child's own garden gloves if you have some and bring along a water bottle (and snack if needed:) Ages 3 to 14 (Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult)
Please note the pricing difference between PreSchool and School Age; the School Age program is 30 minutes longer
- Dates: Saturday's, March 8 - June 7, 2024 (10 Weeks - no class April 19)
- Times:
- Preschool (3 to 5): 9:30 am - 11:00 am
- School Age (6 to 14): 9:30 am - 11:00 am
- Fees :
- Preschool (3 - 5): $160.00 or $140.00 with a Family Membership
- School Age (6 - 14): $180.00 or $160.00 with a Family Membership
- Register: Online or call 250-479-6162
Seed Starting for Kids (Ages 5 and up)
Seeds are an easy, inexpensive and fun way to grow plants for food and flower production. This hands-on workshop provides a step-by-step approach to sowing into trays. These seed starting basics are skills that create confidence to grow healthy plants that can be used in containers or garden beds. Each child will plant up a tray to take home to grow their own flowers and edible plants.
- Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
- Fees: $35.00 or $30.00 with a Family Membership
- Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162
Garden Friends (Ages 3 - 6)
Garden Friends is a half day program for parent and child several consecutive weeks. Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather.
Ages: 3 to 6
Dates: TBD
Garden Nature Academy (Ages 3 - 6)
The Gardens at HCP is our classroom and we explore all of it; from the native plant and ethnobotany trails to the HCP Kids Garden and to the surrounding trails and forests. Some of the nature-based activities at our program include nature art, gardening for food and pollinators, nibbling on edible plants, flowers and vegetables, songs and games! This program is based outside, rain or shine, with access to the lower classroom portable for the bathroom, snack, storytime and warming up or for those extra stormy days. Outdoor school is about children having time to explore their own interests through child-led and play-based learning in nature. Being outdoors develops an appreciation for the natural world and our responsibilities related to its preservation. Ages 3 - 6
Winter 2025
- Dates: Thursday’s January 23 - March 13, 2025
- Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Fees: $300 or $240 with a Family Membership
- Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162
Spring 2025
- Dates: Thursday’s Apr 3 to June 19, 2025
- Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Fees: $300 or $240 with a Family Membership
- Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162
The Great Garden Hunt (Ages 3 - 5)
We all know what happens when a worm is uncovered in the garden ... lots of excitement!
Well, imagine a weekly garden wander to look for all those special discoveries that just happen when you least expect it. Along the way we will be learning lots of fun facts about these amazing garden friends, forging friendships and interactions with each other. Each meetup will include a theme related craft to take home. Join your child or enjoy the gardens, we ask parents to remain on site. Ages 3 to 5
- Dates: TBD
Exploring Nature Through Crafts (Ages 3 - 5)
Our gardens and natural surroundings offer many opportunities for foraging and creativity. Together we will use our time to explore seasonal interests in the garden, gather a variety of materials, using a weekly theme to create a take-away project that will delight and entertain. For children 3 to 5 years (Parents are welcome to attend)
- Date: Feb 25 to March 11, 2025
- Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
- Fees: $68 or $60 with Family Membership
- Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162
Crafting with Plants (Ages 8 to 14)
Crafting with Plants
Do you know a youth who enjoys crafting and flowers? This new program offers weekly opportunities to explore plants and flowers in their garden settings, then provides an introduction to ways of using them. Together, along with visiting facilitators, we will learn to identify plants and many useful and creative ways to use them for design and art. This 4-week series will include drying of flowers, flower pressing, bouquet making, seasonal displays, weaving and wreath making. Age: 8-14 years
- Date: TBD
- For information about this workshop please call 250-479-6162 or email [email protected]
Tea Brewing (Ages 6+)
The first credible record of brewing tea dates back to the 3rd Century AD. Fast forward to 2025 and the cold brewing of teas made with garden botanicals in our HCP Kids' Garden. We have been brewing our harvested flowers and herbs safely, using cold brew methods for years and our participants love to sample and create their own personalized blends. We will also be sampling and adding to commercial blended teas such as mint and green. This is also a fun way to introduce children to basic plant identification as we learn to recognize plant families for their features and their beneficial uses. Ages: 6+ Limited to 10 participants
- Date: 24 May 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
- Fee: $35/child and $30/family membership
- Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162
Fairy Gardens (Ages 6 and up)
Join us for some fun and creative time as we enter the world of fairy garden making! Your child will be introduced to garden design as we visit various gardens looking for inspiration, collecting items in nature to create furnishings with. and followed by a hands-on lesson to make their own garden to take home. These miniature gardens offer hours of play potential for children of all ages. This workshop will include an indoor garden version suited to keeping in a child’s room. Plant care, planting techniques, and furnishing making will all be featured. 6+ years
- Date: 12 Apr 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
- Fee: $35/child and $30/family membership
- Register: Online or call 250-479-6162
Fairy Doors (Ages 6 and dp)
How many times have you found a special door leading into a magical tree or nature space? Curious how to make one of your own? Let’s explore the use of pre-made doors and collect and use natural materials to create a one-of-a-kind entry for magical creatures in our gardens. These little doors are suited to outdoor uses and make perfect gifts. Join a child in your life for this hands-on crafting experience together. Everyone will have a chance to make 2 miniature doors. Age: 6+ years
- Date: 5 April 2025
- Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- Fee: $40/child or $35 with a Family Membership
- Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162
NOTE: These workshops can be booked as a private workshop for child's birthday or by contacting [email protected]
Terrarium Gardens (Ages 5 and up)
Gardening with tropicals and succulents is an easy way for children to use their creativity to make these miniature gardens. We will learn about the individual needs of these interesting plants and create a safe environment for them to grow in while using a glass container that is being reused or upcycled. These make great gifts! Ages: 5+ years
- Date: Cancelled
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
- Fee: $35 or $30 with Family membership
- Register: contact [email protected] if you are interested in this program
Growing Together
Have you thought about growing your own food crops, but are overwhelmed? Let's work together in the HCP Kids Teaching Garden and transform an area into a garden plot. Learn about soils, productive garden planning, maximizing yields, managing pests, seeds and starts as well as seed saving. Join us along with your family for this 3 part workshop to build skills and understanding to make your own food production possible. This workshop series is also a great way to improve your garden experience. Bring along your own garden gloves.
All ages welcome!
- Dates: TBD
If you are interested in this program please contact us at [email protected]
Creating a Forest Habitat - Miyawaki Method
Creating A Forest Habitat at Home using the Miyawaki Method
We are creating a pocket forest at HCP this spring as a project with help from a generous grant from Pollinator Partnership. The space adjoins our Meadow Makers Project Garden that was installed in 2023 and will offer more pollinator rich native plantings for habitat and foraging. This method of afforestation was developed by the Japanese botanist and plant ecology expert Professor Akira Miyawaki, and draws inspiration from nature's ecosystems to create 100% organic, dense and diverse pioneer forests in as little as 20-30 years. Please join our project lead Paula McCormick on a journey of positive change with this onsite presentation.
- Date: TBD
Interested in this program? please contact [email protected]
Creating a Butterfly Garden
Creating A Butterfly Garden
The role of pollinators has continued to evolve and we have been amazed at the essential role these garden helpers play in food production. Let us explore the key role that butterflies play in this, the plants that support their full life cycles and how to create a butterfly garden at home. we will be sharing seeds to set you up for success!
- Date: TBD
Interested in this program? please contact [email protected]
Seed starting for Families
Seed Starting for Families
Seeds are an easy, inexpensive and fun way to grow plants for food and flower production. This hands-on workshop provides a step-by-step approach to sowing into trays. These seed starting basics are skills that create confidence to grow healthy plants that can be used in containers or garden beds. Each child will plant up a tray to take home to grow their own flowers and edible plants.
-
- Date: TBD
Interested in this program? please contact [email protected]
Wreath Making for Families (All Ages)
Join us for this annual gathering to prepare a wreath for your home this holiday season. Using a selection of greenery along with friendly guidance, create a unique wreath to enjoy or gift! These small sized workshops offer a slower and easier pace for small hands to lend assistance with. All materials provided. One registration is good for up to 4 participants, with up to 5 families at each session.
- Dates: Friday November 29 1-2:30
- Fees: $40/All and $35/Family Membership
Registration opens after Thanksgiving October 14
- Registration: click on the date or call 250-479-6162
Holiday Gifts (Ages 6 - 14)
Holiday Gift Making
Please someone this holiday season with handmade gifts inspired by the garden! We will explore a variety of easy and unique gifts made with local materials that will be a delight to give and receive. All materials provided. For children between 6 and 14 years (Parents are welcome to attend)
- Date: Sunday December 08
- Time: 10:00 -12:00 noon
- Fee: $40 or $35 with Family Membership
- Registration: Online or call 250-479-6162
Stories in the Garden - Pollinators
It's all about our special friends, POLLINATORS this week as we celebrate these amazing creatures with curious observations and chats. Imagine an exploringing nature walk with your child to inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a storytime that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions and lots of fun facts about local pollinators! Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Minimum registration is required. Please share word of this engaging program with your friends and make it a play date!
- Dates: Friday June 21
- Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
- Age: 3 + years recommended
- Fee: $10.00 per Family
- Register: Online or Call 250-479-6162
Stories in the Garden (Ages 3 and up)
Imagine a gentle nature walk with your child to calm and inspire you both! This rain or shine outdoor program on our endless pathways provides us with many social and nature connections. This is followed by a storytime that encourages the development of listening skills and small group interactions. Plan to bring along your favourite story blanket and snack to enjoy during the story with your child and invite a friend. Minimum registration is required. Please share word of this engaging program with your friends and make it a play date! Consider making a morning with us and add Exploring Nature Through Crafts too!
- Dates: Thursdays May 2, 9, 16 2024
- Time: 10:45 am - 11:45 am
- Fee: $35 or $30 with a Family Membership
- Register: Online or call 250-479-6162
Story Telling for Littles (Ages 3 - 5)
We all love a good story and even at a young age children can tell us amazing stories! Some of us are anturals and someof us need guidance and nurturing. In this garden meetup we will share stories from books and experiences to practice our own creative storytelling. If you have a confident child ready to join a small group on their own, parents are free to do a drop off, we ask you remain on site and take the time to enjoy The Gardens. Some children need to have a familiar adult with them to become their confident self, and we are happy to have an adult stay and participate asa child requires. Ages 3 to 5
- Dates: TBD