Each of us is unique, and so are our programs. Walden’s programs are fun, engaging and individual for everyone. Plenty of opportunities arise for confidence building through connection with other children and the land that we interact with in the Kootenays.
Through tool usage and an alternative perspective on risk, children learn and grow understanding boundaries of both social and physical behaviour. This hands-on learning approach takes place throughout the year.
Those who attended forest and nature schools have stronger starts at school. Supporting greater communication skills, improved interaction with others and an overall improvement academic achievements.
Come join us on some great adventures!
Who we are
Based in the Columbia Valley of Southern British Columbia.
Our foundations span far and wide! With the groundwork being laid in Interior BC. The pandemic gave Josh the space to rethink what matters most to him, what really makes him thrive.
Nearly 10 years of dreaming and subconscious planning have come to fruition in the form of Walden Nature Connections Society.
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Staff
Josh
Director and Lead Facilitator.
Originally from the coastal city of Brighton, England, Josh spent a lot of his time in the hills, walking, biking and breathing in the ocean air.
Graduating with a Bachelors in Environmental Earth Science at the University of Aberystwyth in Wales, UK. He was working at an outdoor education charity where he discovered his love for nature-based education. Seeing children transform in character because of the freedom of outdoor play and the opportunity to physically connect to their natural environment sparked the fire for Josh. Since then Josh has taught and designed programmes in Iceland, England, Wales, Calgary and now Kimberley, BC.
Josh became a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada in 2022. He has gained experience with a range of ages, as well as neurodiverse children.
Josh loves a challenge and seeks out the adventure wherever he goes!
Marie-Jeanne (MJ)
Board Member
M-J decided to head West to find the mountains and adventure over 6 years ago and has been exploring ever since. She gained a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Biology from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. M-J always had a drive to do more for the environment; to take action. So, when she volunteered with Canadian Parks And Wilderness Society, Southern Alberta (CPAWS) in 2023 she had the opportunity to conduct her own conservation project!
She is both passionate about community climate initiatives and teaching highland dance to the kids of Kimberley. In addition M-J has extensive experience working with children with special needs, currently as a Behaviour Interventionist, and strongly believes in outdoor education benefiting children’s development. She loves finding her creativity and bringing it out in others!
Laura Price
Board Member
Laura Price is a passionate advocate for youth, with a deep commitment to creating safe, engaging spaces for young people. Her journey began in Roberts Creek, BC, where she volunteered with Nights Alive, a Friday night drop-in program for youth aged 13-18. During her time there, Laura played a key role in organizing youth punk shows in the community, fostering a sense of creativity and expression among the local youth. In addition to her work with Nights Alive, Laura provided three years of respite care for a foster youth in Nelson, BC, demonstrating her dedication to supporting vulnerable young people. For 18 years, she also owned and operated a clothing store in Nelson, balancing her entrepreneurial endeavours with her passion for youth work. Now based in Kimberley, Laura is eager to return to her work with children and youth. Her diverse experience, combined with her genuine love for helping young people express themselves and thrive, makes her a compassionate and dedicated leader in this field.