We believe in providing a personalized, nature-based learning experience. Our program is designed for children who are curious, active, and ready to engage with the outdoors. If your child enjoys spending time outside, exploring nature, and participating in group activities, they’ll thrive here. Our educators focus on developing social-emotional skills, building resilience, and fostering creativity.

At Sunhouse Outdoor Academy, STEM is not taught at a desk, t’s experienced through movement, experimentation, and real-world discovery.

We seamlessly weave science, technology, engineering, and math into our daily outdoor programming by encouraging curiosity, inquiry, and hands-on problem solving.

A key part of our approach is our Inventor Kit, a thoughtfully curated collection of open-ended building materials and tools that foster imagination, experimentation, and engineering thinking.

Using the Inventor Kit, children:

• Prototype ideas and revise their designs
• Explore balance, weight, structure, and motion
• Collaborate to solve building challenges
• Transform loose parts into imaginative creations
  

Because the materials are open-ended, there is no single “right” outcome. This invites creativity, risk-taking, and innovation, core foundations of both STEM learning and confident thinking.

Our educators guide children with intentional questioning:

What do you predict will happen? How could we strengthen this? What might we change next time?

Yes, we are a rain-or-shine outdoor program! We believe that children benefit greatly from exposure to all types of weather, as it helps them develop resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection with nature. In case of extreme weather conditions (like dangerous storms or extreme temperatures), we will follow our safety protocols and adjust accordingly. Your child should come prepared for the weather, with appropriate clothing for warmth, rain, or sun.

Yes, children must be fully potty trained in order to participate in the program. We do encourage independence in toileting skills, as this allows the child to confidently engage with the activities. In our outdoor setting, there will also be opportunities for "nature peeing" if public washrooms are not available, so we ask that children are comfortable with this option.

Each day, children participate in a combination of educator-led and child-led activities, focusing on social, emotional, and physical growth. Our days are flexible to allow for exploration, creativity, play, and group collaboration, while ensuring plenty of time for rest, snack, and lunch breaks. Each day is designed to meet your child where they are and help them grow

Our program focuses on the whole child, emphasizing collaboration, resilience, and empathy. Children are encouraged to work in teams, express their feelings, and solve problems together. Through structured activities and free play, your child will gain confidence in their ability to communicate, make friends, and navigate social interactions.

We send weekly updates with photos, videos, and descriptions of your child's activities. These updates will highlight key milestones and moments of growth, both socially and emotionally. You’ll also have the opportunity for regular check-ins with our educators to discuss your child’s progress.

Sunhouse Academy is a seasonal outdoor camp program, not a licensed preschool. Camps are designed for children ages 4–7 with a 6:1 child-to-educator ratio.