Welcome to Kids in the Garden!

Everything you need to know for Kids in the Garden

We’re so excited to start this adventure with your child. Below, you’ll find all the key details to help you prepare for our sessions.

Meeting Location & First Day Expectations

  • Sessions will take place at the St Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph

  • The address is 5420 Hwy 6 Guelph. We will upload photos to your Google Classroom to orient you to our specific drop spot on the first day.

  • On the first day, our team will plan to be there a few minutes early. If your child is feeling nervous, giving them a couple extra minutes to meet the facilitators and get settled might be helpful.

When?

  • Please be sure to arrive at or slightly before your session start time

  • If you are running late or will be missing a session please contact your OT as soon as possible.

    What to wear and bring?

  • A water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing. If in doubt, err on the side of warmer clothing, and ensure lots of layers so kids can adjust as needed.

  • We will always share a drink together during the group. Please send your child with a cup or mug (we will have extras in case anyone forgets!)

  • Because of the risk of poison ivy and ticks, we strongly recommend wearing socks (high socks, if tolerated) and closed-toe shoes.

  • Please consider applying sunscreen and/or bug spray ahead of sessions

  • We will have gardening gloves and tools available, but if your child has their own that they enjoy they are welcome to bring them!

    Inclement Weather

  • Sessions will run rain or shine! Exceptions are thunderstorms or extreme weather events. If a session needs to be cancelled due to weather, you will be notified by email as early as possible

  • If a group session needs to be cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled for the week after your last scheduled week of Kids in the Garden

  • For more details, see SROT’s inclement weather policy.


    Bathrooms 

  • We will have access to port-a-potties, but given that these aren’t always a preferred bathroom option for kids, encouraging a bathroom break before sessions is a good idea!

    Staying Connected: Google Classroom

    We will be using Google Classroom to share:

    • Any important updates before sessions

    • Photos and summaries after each session

    • Information about what your child is learning and how to support them at home

    Checking Google Classroom regularly is the best way to make the most of your child’s time in Kids in the Woods. It’s where you’ll find updates on what we’re working on, photos from our sessions, and simple ways to support your child’s learning and growth beyond our time in the forest.

    You’ll receive a Classroom invite soon. If you don’t see it, or have any difficulty accessing the classroom, let us know and we can help troubleshoot.