The Search
Last year I began to research what kinds of forest schools I could find in the Barrie area. After lots of searching, we came across Rewilding Farm & Forest school, located just outside of Angus - near Barrie, ON. I came across photos of their fall lantern walk, and I could quickly tell - THIS is the kind of magical community I’ve been looking for! From the moment we arrived for a tour with Rewilding’s co-director Miss Heather, we were hooked. Heather was so warm and engaging, and spoke to us with a remarkable calm, yet magical energy, that is hard to describe. As she took my son by the hand, and I watched him happily go with her, I knew this place was special. We felt instantly safe and connected to Heather, and equally connected to nature, as she walked us through what a typical day would look like.
Rewilding Co-director Miss Heather
Our Journey
As a photographer who absolutely loves nature, adventure, and following the child’s lead - I was incredibly inspired by the stories of adventure and learning taking place at Moondance Organics Farm. When the amazing founder of Rewilding, Becky Palmer, asked me if I’d be interested in doing photography for Rewilding, I was literally squealing and happy dancing!
This year, my son heads off to Rewilding 2 days each week! While I’m there to capture the beauty of nature and the learning environment as a photographer, what I’ve witnessed as a parent has left me totally awestruck! I’m lucky enough to photograph both monthly content for the school and school portraits of the kids who attend, but the deeper gift has been watching my son thrive in ways I never imagined, in a community that creates a natural sense of true belonging.
Rewilding Owner & Founder Miss Becky
The Farm
Moondance Organic gardens
Moondance Organics is a family run farm which hosts Rewilding Farm & Forest school on their land. It’s a special place, and a generational farm that has been passed down. Tom & Kim Keckes who run Moondance Organics are incredibly warm and kind, and we are so grateful for their generosity and support to the Rewilding community. Forest school is more than just outdoor education; it’s a whole philosophy built on the idea that nature is the best classroom for kids.
The kids get to spend their days climbing, building, exploring the forest, immersed in imaginative play, and yes – even helping out on the farm! The farm tasks are part of the experience, and it’s incredible to see how much the kids learn by taking care of the animals, helping with growing food, and connecting to the land in such a hands-on way. There’s so much value in getting your hands dirty while learning about responsibility and nurturing life. The fact that my son comes home with bundles full of asparagus, and even a handmade bundle of sage and other herbs just warms my mama heart!
heard, supported & empowered
The Educators
The educators at Rewilding Farm & Forest School are incredible. They meet kids where they’re at. The wonderful Becky Palmer is the founder of Rewilding. Becky and her team work hard to create an environment where children feel heard, supported, and empowered. They respect each child’s needs, and encourage them to take risks and explore – not only the natural world around them, but also explore their emotions, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. As a neurodivergent family, who tends to approach most things in unconventional ways and think outside the box, this approach has been nothing short of life changing! He is free to be himself, fully, and that is truly the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.
A perfect example of this - my son struggles with transitions, especially at the end of the day. Leaving the forest can be really hard for him. He was carrying an uprooted tree, and without missing a beat, Miss Becky knew what he’d need to make the transition. She eagerly invited him to add the tree to the sled she was pulling - filled with backpacks, educational supplies, and now - his tree.
Resilience
Watching him gain confidence, navigate social interactions, and learn to regulate his emotions in such a positive and natural environment has been amazing. The resilience he’s building, not only through the challenges of spending an entire day outdoors, but through working out problems with peers, is something I hadn’t entirely expected. The way the educators allow the kids to solve problems independently has totally levelled up his social learning.
Creativity, curiosity, problem-solving and joy collide into one perfect moment.
Flow State
One of the most remarkable things I’ve observed is the way these children experience ‘flow state’ – that magical state of being fully immersed in an activity where time seems to slip away. Whether they’re building a fort, playing an imaginative game, or simply exploring, there’s an ease and joy to their play.
As a photographer, being able to capture these moments, brings my OWN flow state on – to freeze these moments in time when the kids are fully engaged and in their element, is an absolutely beautiful gift, and truly inspires the artist in me. There’s something very special about photographing a child in flow, where their creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, and joy collide into one perfect moment. These moments don’t just make for beautiful photographs – they represent true connection to self, to others, and to nature.
They say the more time we can spend in flow state, the more regulated we are overall. I couldn’t agree more, and I see it again and again! Nature provides the perfect backdrop for this, and Rewilding harnesses nature’s natural power to help children become more balanced, focused, and resilient. It’s an experience that fosters social and emotional growth in ways that traditional schooling simply can’t.
Gratitude
As a parent, I’ve never been more grateful for an educational approach that gives my son the space to be himself, to face challenges, and to develop the skills he needs to succeed – not just in school, but in life. And as a photographer, it’s a privilege to capture these moments of growth, of joy, and of connection. I’m constantly in awe of how much these children are learning, especially on a social and emotional level. They are truly thriving in an environment that supports their unique needs, and celebrates their individual journeys.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to document this special time in my son’s life, and I can’t wait to see how his confidence and resilience continue to grow, one adventure at a time.
