NatureKidsBC s a nature discovery and environmental action organization that helps children form meaningful and enduring connections with nature alongside their families.
With the expansion of suburbs and cities separating families from nature, the Federation of BC Naturalists (now BC Nature) was concerned that kids were becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. To help young children explore, play, learn about and take action for nature where they live, the Young Naturalists Club (YNC) program was formed in 2000. In 2006, YNC became an independent registered charity and was renamed NatureKids BC in 2015. Since 2000, we’ve expanded from one club to nearly thirty clubs that provide regular opportunities for families to explore, play, learn about and take action for nature where they live.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Volunteer Club Leaders
- Nature Mentors
- Outreach Ambassadors
- Office Support
Explorer Days
Organized by our local nature club leaders, Explorer Days are regular outings that offer parents and their children the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Explorer Days are packed with fun and learning for the whole family! We offer over 200 Explorer Days annually to our members through our province-wide network of nature clubs.
At these events, your family will explore nearby nature, learn about BC ecosystems and meet other families enthusiastic about the natural world. You might go pond dipping for aquatic insects, learn about plants in the forest or explore local tide pools. The expertise and guidance of our Nature Mentors means that the range of activities is endless! Parental involvement is required on Explorer Days.
Educational Resources
Explore our library of publications from Annual Reports to project resources.
For Families: We aim to support families to get out into nature and grow their capacity for place-based learning. There are many ways to get involved with us, and becoming a member is the best way to benefit from all our offerings. However, there are plenty of resources we are excited to share with you that will help you get outside, no matter where you and your family are at in your nature journey!
For Teachers: We want to support educators like you in your efforts to incorporate place-based learning into the classroom and nature into the school community! As a new initiative we now offer a complimentary digital subscription to our quarterly NatureWILD magazine and other resources for educators.
Get involved
Become a Family Member
For only $35 a year, your family can join a local nature club that goes on outdoor adventures, called Explorer Days. We never turn anybody away! Our generous donors allow us to offer some complimentary memberships. More information is available on our website.
Volunteer
We are always on the lookout for volunteers and passionate individuals who are keen to inspire the next generation of nature leaders. Whether you are interested in playing the role as a nature mentor, nature club leader, outreach assistant or help in the office, we would love to hear from you.
Donate
NatureKids BC believes that nature should be accessible for everyone. Your donations help subsidize membership fees so that no family is excluded
Subscribe to NatureWILD
Published quarterly by NatureKids BC, NatureWILD is BC’s only all-colour nature magazine for children and their families. Every issue features a range of articles by BC’s leading naturalists, as well as games, nature activities, step-by-step drawing instructions, contests, quizzes, nature news from across the province, stories and more!
“We can all do something to encourage kids in our lives to grow up to value and understand nature.”
– NatureKids BC Founder, Daphne Solecki