Meet Rising Roots

Our Philosophy

Our programs nurture children’s relationships with nature through play. By returning to the same land children have the opportunity to deepen their connection to their surroundings. Forest and Nature programs offer children the time and space to play, learn and explore in nature. We view children as innately capable and curious and strive to provide an environment for play that contributes to confidence building, risk assessment capabilities, communication and social skills, creativity, negotiation and problem solving. The facilitator is a co-learner, supporting children’s exploration and connection to the land, who we believe is the greatest teacher. We are an inclusive program, ensuring that children of all abilities, socioeconomic, ethnic and religious background have access to the program, and see themselves represented, celebrated and included in our programs. Although each day and program will be different based on the interests of the children - common activities include: group games, climbing, hiking, loose parts play, tool use, fire starting and cooking, knot tying, shelter building, tree/plant/animal identification, dramatic play, storytelling and so much more.


Our People

Hannah Watters  Lead Facilitator

Hannah is an Early Childhood Educator and holds Forest and Nature School Practitioners Certification through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. Hannah has worked with all ages of children in day camps, coaching, after school programs and childcare. Her childhood was spent exploring and playing in these forests, meadows and marshes and she is so excited to share that with other children! Hannah believes in the innate capabilities of children and strives to honor their independence and provide a place for them to explore their interests in a nurturing environment. Being outside and exploring the natural world is a passion of Hannah’s, both in her work and personal life.

Perry Ross Facilitator

Perry worked in Toronto for many years as a Fire Marshal before moving to the Annapolis Valley to start a farm. He has goats, chickens, dogs and a cat. He loves spending time outdoors in nature, making trails and growing delicious food in his many gardens. He is part of the Test Your Limits tea that does outdoor adventure trips around the world to raise money for organ donation in Canada. 

 Carrie Inglis Facilitator

Carrie has been working with children in different capacities for over 20 years. She has three teenagers of her own. She has worked in the schools supporting children in their learning journeys and enjoys spending time walking in the woods with her dog Jet.

Meghan Larkin     Volunteer

Meghan is a homeschooling Mom to 3 boys. She believes childhood is a time to be cherished, protected and preserved. Meghan and her family spend lots of time outdoors, they like to get dirty, play in the rivers and forest and watch the stars. Meghan values children being given the time to have unstructured play and embraces different education philosophies. Meghan loves photography, reading, travelling and hiking adventures. Prior to being home full time with her family, Meghan worked closely with struggling youth and parents as a Counsellor. 

Nance Ackerman   Assistant Facilitator

Nance is a teacher and outdoors person with extensive experience guiding children’s creative workshops around the world. Her passion for combining art and nature using photography, sculpture and sun paper will help spark creative and constructive relationships with nature.

Gregory McOrmond  Assistant Facilitator

Greg loves sharing music with children and has spent much of his career in the forest. He has worked with children in Costa Rica teaching guitar as well as daycamps here in Bridgetown. You may hear of him singing and playing guitar with children here at Rising Roots!

Land

The Mi’kmaq people lived on this land long before French settlers arrived here in the early 1600s. The Mi’kmaq called this valley (Kespukwikt) Home. The Annapolis River was known to them as Te’wapskik, meaning “flowing out between high rocks.” The Mi’kmaq lived inland during the winter and made their way to the coast in the summer months to fish and gather. This land is governed by the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1725, which meant to be an ongoing relationship between all parties invloved, this land was never surrendered. Our programs take place on unceded Mi’kmaq territory, and we recognize ourselves as settlers on this land. 

For a full description of the Treaty history in Kespukwikt please visit https://shiftingphases.com/3465-2/ 

"Traditional knowledge is rooted in an intimacy with the land where the land itself is the teacher” - Robin Wall Kimmmerer, Gathering Moss

Join the team

We may be hiring for some positions!

Email us at risingrootsns@gmail.com