What does Jewish outdoor education look like at the Shoresh Outdoor School?
The Shoresh Outdoor School is designed to bridge Jewish learning with hands-on, nature-based activities. Through time spent in the great outdoors, students will explore Jewish holidays and cycles, mitzvot and rituals, and ethical teachings, while being active, building community, and experiencing moments of deep nature connection. Our daily schedule is based on the FLOW Learning Model designed by acclaimed environmental educator Joseph Cornell, allowing our educators to provide structure while following the natural interests and passions of our students.
What is Jewish Pluralism at Shoresh Outdoor School?
Shoresh Outdoor School welcomes Jews of all different backgrounds and affiliations. While learning about Jewish values and teachings, holiday celebrations, rituals, and prayer, we will be open to the many different ways that our community members interpret these traditions and how they choose to live and learn Jewishly. As well, we create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
Why do Jewish Education outdoors?
Please read our blog posts on Why We’re Starting the Shoresh Outdoor School and why we think it’s important to Take Jewish Education Outdoors.
Who are the staff?
Shoresh Outdoor School is staffed by an all-star team of educators! All staff have undergone hands-on training in outdoor Jewish environmental education and are committed to sharing the awe and wonder of the natural world. At Outdoor School, our staff:child ratio is 1:6. All staff are first aid trained and certified.
What happens in the event of rain or inclement weather?
Please note that the Shoresh Outdoor School is strictly an outdoor program. We do NOT have an indoor programming space on site. As such, children should come prepared with full rain gear (jacket, pants, boots) and lots of warm layers so that they can comfortably be outside for the full duration of the program.
In the event of rain, our educators will make use of naturally sheltered areas in the ravine.
In the event of extreme weather, such as lightning storms, sudden flooding, or any other situation that the Shoresh staff deem unsafe for Shoresh participants and staff to be outside, we will move swiftly to a safe covered location (public washroom, neighbouring school’s overhang, or public picnic gazebo, depending on where we are) and inform parents of any change to the pick-up location.
What should students bring with them each day?
- Warm layers of clothing and close-toed shoes that can get muddy
- Rain jacket, rain pants, rain boots, gloves/mitts, hat, and scarf on applicable days
- Pro Tip for Cold Weather: Wool is your best friend, and fleece or synthetics are a close second. Avoid cotton and other plant fibres, as they don’t keep you warm when wet.
Please send your child with a comfortable backpack containing:
- Snack(s) and a full spill-proof water-bottle
- Personal supplies if relevant (epi-pens, inhalers, or medication; fidget toys)
- Extra socks, extra mitts, and extra warm layers (optional)
*Please remember that Shoresh Outdoor School takes place in all kinds of weather, including wind, rain, snow, and sun! Even when it’s not rainy or snowy, there is a high chance of getting muddy and/or wet when we are playing in the ravines, so please send your child with appropriate clothing.
Is there a washroom on site?
There are public washrooms near our meeting spot, which we expect to be open during our fall and spring sessions, however we cannot guarantee this. Please note that throughout the program, there may be times when we are further from the indoor bathroom. Please encourage your child to go to the bathroom and fill up their water bottle before the program begins.
What is your cancellation policy?
A full refund (excluding your 20% non-refundable deposit) will be issued to any cancellation made up to 28 calendar days prior to the start date of the program. There will be no refunds issued for cancellations after 28 days prior to the program start date.
If a program is cancelled due to weather, no refund will be issued.
If a participant is unable to attend Camp Shoresh due to illness, no refund will be issued.
We reserve the right to cancel a program or change a program’s duration or location. If a program is cancelled or changed due to low enrollment, a full refund will be issued.
Are program subsidies available?
We are grateful to be able to provide financial scholarships through the Howard Malach Legacy Fund For Jewish Nature Connection. To apply to this fund, please register and select the Howard Malach Legacy Fund option. You will be asked to pay an $18 deposit and then let us know what amount your family is able to afford.
Wait! I still have more questions!
Not a problem! Please contact outdoorschool@shoresh.ca or call our office at 416-805-8382.