“The outer rhythm in the natural world becomes embodied in our life through activities that connect us to our unique place in the world. Through daily encounters, trees and flowers become our dear friends, thus sparking a lifelong relationship with the natural world“
Our mission at Heartsong is to celebrate childhood, and what better place to do that, than outdoors! We believe spending time in nature inspires wonder and love for life. We strive to deepen each child’s sense of belonging through connection to place, and engagement with nature’s seasonal rhythms. We offer a nurturing outdoor nature program that fosters confidence and supports children’s striving to explore and understand the world. We follow a joyful daily rhythm as the foundation of a thriving learning environment. We will spend our days playing, singing, storytelling, and crafting in connection with the seasons, through hands-on activities such as gardening, foraging, baking, nature painting and building.
Our Team:
Raewyn (Lead Educator) is a Waldorf Early Childhood Educator with an ECE certificate from Capilano University. She completed her Waldorf training in Australia, where she also ran a Waldorf-inspired family daycare in Melbourne. Prior to that she worked at the Nido de Aguilas international school in Santiago, Chile, gaining a rich, multicultural perspective on early childhood education. A mother of three, Raewyn is passionate about creating learning environments that empower and celebrate the wonder of childhood.
Siren (Support Educator) has an ECE background in homeschool and day camp settings. She is a talented opera singer and performance artist with a passion for nature, mindfulness and respectful communication.
Our Location
Our adventures take place on Thistledown Farm a 20-acre field and forest acreage, located in Glenora, 5 kilometres south of Duncan, BC. The farm is home to Raewyn and her family, along with many farm animal friends. We spend our school days within the fields, forest, gardens and playground. On inclement days we do some activities inside our cozy yurt playroom.
We acknowledge the land we gather on is the unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num (Hul-ka-MEE-num) speaking peoples of Quw’utsun (Kow-WUT-sun). We acknowledge with gratitude and respect the ancestors of this land in which we are very fortunate to live, work, and learn
Enrolment and Payment
Nature Program for 3-6 year olds Sept – June, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am –2pm
Monthly Fee: 2 days per week, Tuesday and Thursday $433.00
Tuition includes a nutritious snack daily, and all supply costs.
To apply, please email Raewyn, at raewynbates@hotmail.com and request an application form.
Testimonials From Our Families~
“Our son attended Heartsong Nature School for one year when he was 5yrs old and his time there was absolutely invaluable!
He formed strong bonds with his teachers and the other students that will last a lifetime. After struggling in kindergarten at public school it was so refreshing to see him have a fulfilling year in nature while learning important life skills – and being supported every step of the way! His emotional well-being was protected while he learned through play, storytelling and adventure. We strongly feel the foundation created during this one year has led to his ongoing success in grade 2 at his current school.
We are forever grateful for the experience and would highly recommend this program”
Julia and James
HeartSong 