The Owls is a forest school program for neurodivergent children on the Autism Spectrum and/or with an intellectual disability, being developed and offered by Chelsea Forest School in partnership with Trait d’Union Outaouais, that promises an accessible forest school experience for participants to learn, grow and connect with each other and the natural world around them.

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This is a new program that will be offered for the first time in Fall 2026. To ensure we can provide individualized support and a safe environment for all, participants need to meet the following criteria:

• Children from 6 to 10 years old who are on the autism spectrum (Level 1 or 2) or have an intellectual disability

• Children who love to be outside, are curious and like to explore, play and learn through their interests

• Children who can stay within a well-defined boundary with support

• Children who respond well to verbal/visual cues 

• Children who are fully toilet-trained

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We hope to learn from this first experience and eventually expand access to a more diverse group of children.

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Program dates and information - Fall 2026

• Dates and time: Six Saturday sessions, 13h to 15h, beginning October 3 and ending November 14

• Open to participants ages – 6-10 years

• Cost: $150 or pay-as-you-can​

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If you think this program might be a good fit for your child, fill out our intake form and a member of our team will contact you to discuss this further! 

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A parent/guardian will be asked to participate in an orientation session prior to the program and to attend at least one of the sessions with their child/children. Participating as a parent/guardian helps families to better understand the learning that happens at Forest school, connect with our community and provide support to the teachers/volunteers on site.

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This program is made possible thanks to generous funding provided by Community Foundations of Canada, Philanthropie Outaouais and the Walton’s Trust.