Nature's Backpack Land-Based Learning Centre

Nature’s Backpack Land-based Learning Centre is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to fostering connections between people and nature through immersive, land-based education. Operated under a shared leadership model, it emphasizes collaboration and collective decision-making amoung its board of directors and executive director. The center offers experiential learning opportunities to encourage participants to engage deeply with the environment, cultivating ecological awareness, sustainability, and community resilience. Its innovative approach integrates hands-on activities, local knowledge, and commitment to stewardship, creating a transformative educational experience that supports both personal growth and environmental responsibility.

LOCATIONS

Canada

Company History

Nature’s Backpack Land-Based Learning Center began in 2021, inspired by the realization that Charlotte County lacked programs that connected children and youth with nature. The founder, Rhonda Sage, envisioned a place where participants could explore the natural world through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. That year, the center launched successful programs, including summer camps, homeschool enrichment activities, and Earth Works workshops. These programs served children aged 3 to 16, encouraging curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lasting connection to the land.

In 2022, the organization incorporated as a non-profit to expand its impact and reach. Becoming a non-profit allowed Nature’s Backpack to build a sustainable foundation, access new funding opportunities, and establish a governance model centered on shared leadership. With a board of directors and an executive director, the organization focused on collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring its programs reflected the community’s diverse needs and perspectives.

The center continued to grow, and by 2024, it had developed meaningful partnerships, most notably with the Peskotomuhkati Nation. This collaboration led to the co-creation of the Land Our Teacher Land-Based Learning Program. Designed for middle school students, this experiential program incorporates Indigenous knowledge, ecological stewardship, and cultural understanding. The pilot program is set to launch in one middle school, with plans for broader implementation in the future.

Also in 2024, Nature’s Backpack partnered with Ganong Nature Park to deliver the Nature Detective program to grade 3/4 elementary school students. This interactive initiative engaged young learners in exploring their environment through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Building on its success, the center committed to expanding Nature Detective to all elementary school grades by 2025, ensuring that more students could benefit from this innovative educational experience.

That same year marked another significant milestone with the launch of a full-time forest school for children aged 3 to 5. This program immerses preschoolers in a nature-based learning environment, where they develop creativity, resilience, and a strong foundation in environmental stewardship. By emphasizing play and exploration, the forest school fosters a love for nature and a sense of wonder that will guide participants throughout their lives.

As Nature’s Backpack looks ahead, it continues to focus on innovation and growth. Plans for 2025 include expanding existing programs, deepening community partnerships, and introducing new initiatives that serve a broader audience. Through its dedication to experiential learning, sustainability, and community engagement, Nature’s Backpack remains a vital resource in Charlotte County, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

With its roots firmly planted in the local community and a commitment to meaningful connections, Nature’s Backpack Land-Based Learning Center has built a legacy of education, exploration, and stewardship. It is not just a place for learning—it is a movement to inspire and empower individuals to reconnect with the land and embrace their role as caretakers of the natural world.

Company Facts

Nature’s Backpack Land-based Learning Centre is based on the Living Connections 1st guiding principles to work intentionally with deep nature connection ni ways that transforms lives, families, projects and communities.