Open Air Learning

10/06/2026

Curious about Teen Connections but not sure if it’s the right fit for your teen?

We’re opening up a limited number of spaces for teens to join us for a complimentary Open House day on Friday, October 16 from 10:00 AM–2:30 PM at Oliver Woods Community Centre.

Spend the day with us, meet our leads and other teens, jump into the activities, and get a feel for what Teen Connections is all about.

We aren’t offering drop-in days this year, but we know it can be hard to commit to a program without getting to experience it first. Instead, each teen interested in Teen Connections can attend one Open House day complimentary.

Teen Connections is about friendship, shared interests, games, projects, life skills, outings and having a place to connect with other teens.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

To register: https://forms.gle/SMKEzkt5kQytpt4B7

10/02/2026

Thank you, Nanaimo! 💚

Thanks to your votes, Open Air Learning Foundation was named among Nanaimo’s top ten non-profits in the 2026 CommunityVotes awards!

As a small and still-growing organization, this recognition means so much to us. We are deeply grateful to the families who trust us, the kids who bring their curiosity and enthusiasm, the staff and volunteers who pour their hearts into our programs, and everyone who has encouraged and supported us along the way.

Thank you for believing in the value of hands-on, experiential learning and for helping us build a community where kids can learn, connect and grow.

We are honoured to be recognized alongside so many incredible organizations serving Nanaimo.

Official 2026 Community Voting Awards Platform for Nanaimo, BC. Where the community votes for their favourites every year.

09/23/2026

The first day of fall was yesterday, and the river bed is already showing off 🍂✨
We love watching camp change with the seasons!

09/22/2026

A program is only as strong as the people who bring it to life.
Our leads each bring their own experiences, interests, and personalities to Open Air Learning, creating spaces where children feel welcome, challenged, and supported.
We thought it would be fun to ask them a few questions so you can get to know them beyond their bio.
Let's meet today's educator!

09/08/2026

There’s something about new supplies arriving that makes the start of a new learning year feel very real! 📦✨

We’ve been unpacking new fidgets, learning journals for our Learning Pods, and gratitude journals for our “sit spot” reflections. Seeing everything come together has us feeling even more excited. The first day is getting close, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back!

Are you incorporating anything new into your family’s home learning this year? We’d love to hear about it!

09/07/2026

Why We Teach This Way - https://mailchi.mp/8ec366f3b596/why-we-teach-this-way

09/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who dropped by our Family BBQ - Open House yesterday. We ended our day with some super yummy treats including cupcakes from A Wee Cupcakery and some sunshine! ☀️

It was nice to catch up with everyone and we look forward to seeing everyone who couldn’t make it, very soon.

Wherever your family’s education path takes you this year, we wish you a wonderful year ahead!

09/03/2026

Open Air Learning is growing, and we are looking for a small cohort of parents who would like to help shape what comes next.

We believe some of the richest learning happens through exploration. When kids encounter new places, people, cultures, ideas and experiences beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.

Our Parent Liaison and Fundraising Cohort will help us grow a stronger parent community and develop more opportunities for families to learn and explore together. This may include:

• Planning local outings and Worldschool adventures
• Creating opportunities to explore our community and beyond
• Hosting relaxed family connection days at camp
• Welcoming families and helping them build meaningful connections
• Supporting fundraising initiatives that make more experiences possible

We are looking for parents, grandparents or caregivers who enjoy bringing people together, sharing ideas and helping turn possibilities into meaningful experiences. You do not need to have every skill—we hope to build a team whose interests and strengths complement one another.

In recognition of the time and ongoing commitment involved, participating families will receive complimentary access to one day per week of our programs for up to two children.

Interested in helping us grow a community centred around connection, exploration and experiential learning? Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more or express your interest.