ABOUT THE PROGRAM

We're a small, multi-aged, outdoor children's program built around nature and community exploration — where art and creativity are part of everything we do.

We're based in the beautiful outdoors in and around South Surrey. When we're not out exploring local parks, nature preserves, and community spots, we're tree-swinging, climbing, playing in the sand and fields, or crafting. Our days include hands-on learning, caring for plants and animals, and connecting with the local community. Your child will run free, pick from the garden, and create and play with an abundance of imagination-sparking toys and supplies.

We currently offer a range of programs — Afterschool Club, Day Camps, Spring Break Camps, and Summer Camps — with details on upcoming programs, special events, and bus bookings available throughout the site.

Come join the club!

Contact Us

MEET THE TEAM

Meet our team of outdoor educators and caregivers, passionate about nurturing your child's love for nature, creativity, and community. Together, we create a safe, inspiring space to learn and grow.


  • Program Director

    I am a Mom to three girls, and a lover of nature with a life-long passion for working with children. 

    My background is in Special/Extra Needs Teaching; my education includes the Degree Program in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Capilano University as well as course work in Child Development and Psychology. I was a Nanny for many years and also worked as an Educational Assistant. I especially loved working in Kindergarten and Grade one and treasured my time with that age group. I also worked for over 15 years as a Community Based Support Worker, and privately as a Behaviour Interventionist and Jr. Behaviour Consultant.

    I stayed home (in Squamish, BC) for 5 years with two of my girls with a return to the work force in 2021. During my time at home I created and ran a First Aid Training business, and upon my return to full time, I took a position as the Assistant Director of a busy local outdoor school that hosts many programs including licensed preschool and other school-aged programs. What I learned from all these experiences inspired the development of my own unique nature-based children’s program.

    Nature and Community Exploration Club Inc has been a joy to create and run. Established in 2021, we have been operating out of the South Surrey area which is where I grew up as a child. We never tire of visiting the many parks, nature preserves, and unique community locations this area has to offer. We visit many private properties too with one being my expansive Backyard that hosts chickens, bunnies, guinea pigs, tree swings, mud kitchen, sand play and more! Since our humble beginnings operating as a small group from the Backyard, we have steadily grown into a dynamic multi-aged learning program that is predominantly outdoors and Community based. Currently we get around by our 20-seater bus and vans with pick-up for our Afterschool Club from 4 local schools.

    My class 4 driver’s license enables me to drive the school bus and/or a vehicle with 10 or more children in it; I hold current Emergency Child Care First Aid Certification; am a registered assistant level Early Childhood Educator, and have completed many more certifications related to teaching and caring for children. Most importantly I am a Mom and I understand the need for a safe, home-like environment for your school-aged children, and also firmly believe they need time to play wild and free; exploring the outdoors.


  • Administrator

    Joanna is an experienced administrator with a background in cultural resource management, museum operations, and nonprofit leadership. She holds a BA in Anthropology and specialized training in Collections Management.

    Joanna’s interest in outdoor learning grew through her children’s participation in the EKOLogy program, where she witnessed firsthand the value of nature-based education. Her anthropology education, which explores cultural relationships with nature, traditional ecological knowledge, and sustainability, equips her to contribute meaningfully to an outdoor children's program. She understands how to create inclusive, place-based learning experiences that respect Indigenous knowledge systems, foster environmental stewardship, and connect children to the natural world in a meaningful way. Her skills in program development and leadership would be valuable in designing and leading such programs, ensuring they are educational, engaging, and sustainable.


  • Educator

    I think of myself as a cat mom/animal lover, and, as a Lego enthusiast.  The reason I am passionate about nature is also the reason I am passionate about educating children; every rain drop, every snowflake, every pebble on the ground is one hundred percent unique.  You will not find two rivers exactly the same nor will you find two people exactly the same.  In the Nature and Community Exploration Club we are able to take a look at how diversity is found not only within ourselves but within nature and within our own communities.  

    I started working with children at the young age of 11, I can still remember what I learned in the St. Johns Ambulance Babysitting course and have been enthusiastic about working with children ever since.  I have spent many years working with animals too at locations like the Queen’s Park Petting Zoo, the Vancouver Aquarium, a horse barn, a doggy daycare, and a veterinary hospital. I love that I am able to bring my passion for nature, animals and children together working with NaCEC!

    I have studied at Douglas College with a focus on the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest and was raised in a home that taught respect for nature and indigenous art and culture. I also studied Medicinal Anthropology, History of the America’s, Biology, Geology, Sedimentology, Psychology, Ancient Philosophy, Weather & Climate, History of the Earth, Oceanography, Geography of Canada and also Geography of British Columbia.  I have since completed an Associate Degree of Environmental Studies. I am a certified WorkSafeBC First Aid Attendant (OFA Level 1) and I am also certified by The Canadian Red Cross in Emergency Childcare First Aid.  

    I have a unique passion for recycle/up-cycling and am currently working on creating an online used lego shop. I even spent some time working for the Metro Vancouver Recycling Industry. I love the opportunity of sharing this passion and hobby with children! I have learned education is the key to encouraging people to recycle properly.  Educating children on this and much more is the greatest way we can make a difference in our world and I feel so blessed to have the space to bring this to our Community’s children’s lives. Watch out for some fun recycling and lego projects coming to our program soon!

  • Educator

    Heidi is currently completing an internship at a White Rock Trauma Counselling Center and has a background in Counselling and Communications, particularly working with adopted and foster families. As a Sea Scouts Leader she enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, hiking and gardening. She speaks Spanish and is certified in Standard First Aid and CPR-C, and has completed training in trauma-informed approaches for working with children and families.

    Heidi is passionate about connecting children with the natural world in playful, meaningful ways. She loves birdwatching, forest games, and teaching kids how to build shelters and identify local plants. Her goal is to help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of stewardship for the earth.

    Heidi has jumped out of an airplane and completed several triathlons. Now in her 40s she prefers less muscles aches and enjoys daily walks with her two dogs and two kids.

  • Jr. Camps Leader

    Ewan is a Grade 8 Student at Grandview Heights Secondary. He previously attended East Kensington’s Outdoor Learning Program from K through Grade 7 which started and contributed to his generous experience with nature-based learning.

    Ewan is known for his leadership and compassion. He is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. His peers look up to him as a role model of kindness, patience, and responsibility. Ewan naturally holds space for everyone and is always ready to lend a helping hand or offer encouragement.

    Ewan’s humour, wit, and, understanding shines through everything he does. We are so lucky to have him as a Jr. Camp Leader!

  • Little Explorers Educator

    I am a preschool teacher based in White Rock, BC, with a background in elementary education. Before becoming a mom in 2024, I taught at a play-based preschool and led kids yoga classes for ages 6-12. I now bring both my professional experience and personal perspective as a parent to my work. I studied K-8 education at WGU, where I discovered my passion for early education as a foundation for meaningful relationships and developing skills that support lifelong learning.

    As a certified yoga teacher, I value mindful movement as a tool for emotional regulation in a learning environment.

    I am especially passionate about outdoor learning and creating meaningful opportunities for children to explore, connect, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the natural world.