The Focus on Nature workshop is a full-day experience with a focus on teaching visual design skills and nature appreciation in a dynamic format. Designed to align with the Ontario Arts Curriculum, our workshops have been well received in classes from grades 3 to 11, including specialty art programs.
Focus on Nature provides the technology needed to complete the workshop in hopes that every school is able to participate. If your school uses Google Classroom, we ask that each student have a Chromebook for the editing session.
Thanks to government, business, and community support, we can offer our workshops to classes of up to 30 students for $360.
Book a workshop by clicking on your region below
If your school is not in the regions above, please Contact Us.
Every child needs healthy connections to nature.
We start with an interactive talk covering the Elements of Design, composition ideas, and the basics of using a digital camera. Students are then given the opportunity to practice what they learn on a morning adventure walk to a nearby natural area. Our program leaders guide students in nature awareness and sensory activities.
In the afternoon, students are taught how to edit their photos and are engaged in creative outdoor activities, such as building nature sculptures. The students share their best shots with the class in an end-of-day slideshow! We leave each class with their Top Shots and a newfound appreciation for nature.
Focus on Nature now offers 4 different types of workshops depending on what you want for your classroom. Elements of Design, recommended for grades 3-8. The Principles of Design, are recommended for your second workshop with us or grades 7-11. Our advanced Macro Photography workshop is recommended for those who have taken the first two workshops or grades 8-11. The Indigenous Elements of Design, for classes wanting to learn more about Indigenous photographers for grades 3-8.
When booking your workshop we will automatically run the basic Elements of Design program with your students unless you request one of the other 3 workshops in your booking.
Other points to note
– All staff have had a Police Vulnerable Sector Records Check completed.
– Students will have regular school breaks integrated into the program throughout the day.
– Workshops run rain or shine but can be canceled or postponed due to storms.
– All school health protocols will be followed and all equipment will be sanitized before each workshop.
Parent volunteers are welcome to join the workshop too!
Volunteers have been key to the success of the Focus on Nature program. Share your love of art, photography, and nature with students in our school program! Apply Here
Our workshops are run with the support of many school boards including the following.
“A fantastic program. It's amazing to see the students in awe of the patterns and beauty of nature. Thanks for helping them focus on nature!”
— Mirella
What People Are Saying
“Exceptionally well organized and the leaders were excellent. It was very empowering for the students and each student experienced success with their abilities (both photography and finding beauty in nature). I loved how it got the students outdoors! They really enjoyed the scavenger hunt, the nature sculptures, and photo editing as well.”
— Sarah-Jane
“11/10. It is a well-organized, student-geared, and motivational workshop. The instructor explains the elements so the students understand and she moves along at a pace that keeps them challenged and interested. The students are kept focused and stay engaged the entire day. In the end, the students were excited about nature and photography and what they achieved.”
— Colleen
“The appreciation and love for the arts is so necessary to allow a child to explore his/her own strengths fully. It is my belief that by giving children the experience to explore the arts leads to more well-balanced, intelligent adults.
Thank you Focus on Nature for a truly wonderful experience for my students.”
— Tiffany
Book your workshop today by clicking on your region: