Programs
At Growing Roots Forest Play, every program is designed to help children grow
through play, exploration, and connection to nature.
Whether your child is just beginning or ready for bigger adventures, there’s a place for them here.
COSTS of sessions will change based on the number of weeks per session and the
number of days your child attends. Please see our registration page for pricing.
Cochrane Sessions 2026/2027:
FALL 2026 September 14 - December 4
WINTER 2027 January 4 - March 25
SPRING 2027 April 5 - June 18
Airdrie Sessions 2026/2027:
*We are closing this location Fall 2026
Holidays/Days Off:
Stat holidays 2026/2027: September 30, October 12, November 11, February 15, May 24.
Winter Break 2026/2027 Dec 7-Jan 4
Family Day Break 2027 Feb 15-19
Easter Break 2027 March 29-April 2
through play, exploration, and connection to nature.
Whether your child is just beginning or ready for bigger adventures, there’s a place for them here.
COSTS of sessions will change based on the number of weeks per session and the
number of days your child attends. Please see our registration page for pricing.
Cochrane Sessions 2026/2027:
FALL 2026 September 14 - December 4
WINTER 2027 January 4 - March 25
SPRING 2027 April 5 - June 18
Airdrie Sessions 2026/2027:
*We are closing this location Fall 2026
Holidays/Days Off:
Stat holidays 2026/2027: September 30, October 12, November 11, February 15, May 24.
Winter Break 2026/2027 Dec 7-Jan 4
Family Day Break 2027 Feb 15-19
Easter Break 2027 March 29-April 2
COCHRANE - MOUNT SAINT FRANCIS RETREAT CENTRE PROGRAMS
FOREST PLAY SCHOOL
Ages: 3-6
Mornings: 9:00-11:30
Afternoons: 12:30-3:00
MONDAYS (Muddy Mondays)
TUESDAYS or THURSDAYS AM and PM classes (Bush Buds)
(Please note: Bush Buds is now split into two separate days - Tuesdays or Thursdays but you are still welcome to register for both days)
WEDNESDAYS (Wednesdays in the Woods)
(or combine for three days/week)
This program will provide all of the tools needed to confidently enter kindergarten. With an emphasis on whole child development, participants will experience a deep connection to nature, enhance their social interactions and increase their problem solving skills. Our educators bring years of experience exploring with little ones and, as co-learners, will facilitate opportunities for learning with natural tools in an outdoor classroom. Storytelling, nest making, journaling, hiking and building are just a few of the things we get up to. We will play together, connect with each other and the land and grow together.
FOREST EXPLORERS - Mondays
Ages: 3-11
Afternoons: 12:30-3:00
This program will provide children with time and space to explore and expand on their connection with nature. By following the lead of the children, our educators will help to deepen each child's experience of the outdoor world. In addition to learning through self-directed investigation, children will have the opportunity to work on bush craft skills, explore a nearby creek, go bird watching, play games, make land art, enjoy oral storytelling and communicate their learning through a medium of their choice. We will learn together, grow together and discover together.
COMMUNITY BASED HISTORIC COCHRANE RANCHE PROGRAMS
LITTLE SPROUTS
Ages: Geared toward 18-36 months, siblings & other ages welcome too
Fridays: 10:30am-12:00pm
Location: moved to our Mount St.Francis location
Dates: Fall 2026 dates will be announced soon!
Join our staff as we play, connect and grow together in nature. This program is geared at those littles who are too young for our traditional programs yet love to move and explore. Siblings are welcome, price is per family. We will bring loose parts, go on adventures, create and share space. Bring your own snack if desired.
RANCHE RAMBLERS
Ages: Kindergarten to Grade 6
Fridays: 1:30pm-4:00pm (we will also pick up at Elizabeth Barrett at the bell and walk down)
Dates: TBA
Location: Historic Cochrane Ranche, by the stage
Do those Friday early bell times come too quick? Does you child need to run wild after a week in school? Do you want some extra outdoor time built into your child's week? Ranche Ramblers brings Forest School to school aged kids. Tailored to the Tri Schools' bell schedule, we welcome all homeschoolers or other students who want to end their week exploring outdoors with friends. We can pick up at Elizabeth Barrett or your child can walk down the hill and meet us at the stage.
AIRDRIE - SOUTO FARMS LOCATION - PROGRAMS
*We are closing this location fall of 2026. Summer Camps will go ahead as scheduled.
SUMMER CAMPS 2026
HALF DAY 9:00-12:00 ($210 or $168 for 4 days weeks)
Ages 3.5-10
FULL DAY 9:00-3:00 ($420 or $336 for 4 day weeks)
Ages 5-10
Cochrane Camps:
July 6 - 10
July 13 - 17
July 20 - 24
July 27 - 31
August 4 - 7 (4 day week)
August 10 - 14
August 17 - 21
Airdrie Camps:
July 13 - 17
August 10 - 14
This program will provide children with time and space to explore and expand on their connection with nature. By following the lead of the children, our educators will help to deepen each child's experience of the outdoor world. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore a nearby creek, play in the mud with friends, enjoy oral storytelling. We will explore together, get messy together and learn together.
Half day and full day options available depending on the needs of your child and family. A week immersed in our beautiful outdoor setting will provide a deep connection to our space and forest friends.
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Additional Program Information
What to Wear:
Dress for the weather, we WILL be outside
We suggest a rain-suit and rain-boots for warmer days,
a rain suit over warm layers for really wet, but cold days
and good quality winter gear for our colder months.
Spare mitts are also needed, a smaller pair for snacking is handy.
The ground will be mucky and wet some days so please dress in clothes that
can get dirty, mucky and messy.
Appropriate Footwear is also required for walking and playing outside.
What to Bring:
Please send a small comfortable back pack to carry,
water bottle and a healthy snack and a change of clothes.
Dress for the weather, we WILL be outside
We suggest a rain-suit and rain-boots for warmer days,
a rain suit over warm layers for really wet, but cold days
and good quality winter gear for our colder months.
Spare mitts are also needed, a smaller pair for snacking is handy.
The ground will be mucky and wet some days so please dress in clothes that
can get dirty, mucky and messy.
Appropriate Footwear is also required for walking and playing outside.
What to Bring:
Please send a small comfortable back pack to carry,
water bottle and a healthy snack and a change of clothes.
