Ferns and Salal
The Ferns and Salal Afterschool Program is a nature-based initiative for children and youth ages 7-15, designed to foster social connection and skill development through outdoor and creative activities.
Meet The Fernlals
While Ferns (ages 7–11) and Salal (ages 12–15) are distinct age groups, the afterschool program brings these groups together for shared activities. This blended approach encourages meaningful social interaction and peer learning across age ranges, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Many neurodivergent youth find a strong sense of belonging in this inclusive environment. Activities vary by season and may include nature exploration, plant identification, ecological projects, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, nature-inspired art projects, and relaxed social time.
Seasonal Cohorts
We offer three seasonal cohorts each year, each with a unique theme and focus:
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Eight sessions from October to December
Wednesday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
The Harvest Cohort centres around learning skills that would be used to nourish the body and mind and deepening connections to the land. Participants will engage in activities like fire building, apple pressing, mushroom identification, hiking and more.
Programs will typically see participants outside for 1.5 hours regardless of weather. As the season changes participants will be outside after dark with the light of a headlamp to guide them. The fall cohort is great for participants who enjoy more of an ecological approach to spending time in nature and enjoy finding creative ways to spend time outdoors.
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Seven sessions from January to March
Wednesday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
The Hibernation Cohort centres around themes of taking care of self, conserving energy and preparing for the seasons ahead. The winter cohort sees more time spent indoors engaging in art projects and social connection time.
The winter cohort is great for participants who are looking for a positive social space to engage with peers around board games and creative engagements.
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Seven sessions from April to June
Wednesday evenings from 4:30 – 6:30 PM
The New Growth Cohort centres around learning new skills and taking on new adventures. During the spring cohort participants will try various recreational activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking and more.
The spring cohort is great for participants who are looking to be challenged physically and engage in various outdoor recreation activities.
FAQs
Who can participate in the program?
Children and youth ages 7-15* who identify as having barriers to success in other nature-based programs
o Best suited for participants with low to moderate support needs
o Participants with higher support needs must attend with a 1:1 support
o *Age is based on the participant’s age at the start of the school year
Do you offer transportation?
We offer a shuttle available from G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre
Where will the program take place?
Power To Be’s Prospect Lake Site, 4633 Prospect Lake Rd, Victoria, BC
How do I sign up?
Applications open three times per year during the following time periods:
· Harvest Cohort: Aug 18 – Sept 1
· Hibernation Cohort: Nov 1 – 15
· New Growth Cohort: Feb 1 – 15
After applying, our team reviews submissions using our Need, Fit, Desire criteria to build balanced cohorts with complementary support needs, interests, and goals. If a participant isn’t selected for their preferred season, we may suggest another cohort, Power To Be program, or community program that may be better suited to their needs.
Confirmations are sent one week after each application period closes.
How much does it cost?
$200 per cohort (AFU funding supported)
