Kaykima Homeschool Winter Series

LOCATION: Edworthy Park Calgary (meet at Picnic site 1)

TIME: 1-3pm

AGES: 6 and up

COST $120 per participant, $90 Additional Siblings

WHAT TO BRING:

Water

Snacks

Long Pants and sturdy footwear

Backpack

OTHER INFORMATION

Parents are welcome to join or drop off.

Siblings 5 and under can join with parents supervision

A foraging bag is available for purchase

September 4 The World of Fungi

Mushrooms play a vital role in both natural ecosystems and human life. Ecologically, they act as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients essential for plant growth. Many mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with trees, supporting forest health and biodiversity. This class will cover not only the edible and medicinal uses but also the importance of fungi in keeping our planet healthy. 

September 25 Primitive Tools

In this hands-on, educational class, kids will explore the world of primitive technology by learning how early humans crafted essential tools using only natural materials. Designed for curious minds and active hands, the class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and an appreciation for nature.

A highlight of the class includes making natural glue from spruce resin. Kids will collect resin, learn how to safely melt and mix it with charcoal and plant fiber to create a strong, natural adhesive—just like early humans did. This glue will be used to attach handles to stone tools or reinforce bindings, giving students a deeper understanding of resourcefulness and innovation in the past.

This class fosters hands-on learning, patience, and a connection to the natural world—all while having fun with ancient skills!

October 2 Firecraft 

This engaging Fire Craft class introduces kids to the science, history, and techniques of making fire using both primitive and modern methods. Designed with safety and curiosity in mind, the class teaches responsible fire use while connecting participants to ancient skills and survival know-how.

Students will:

• Learn about the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen) and how fires burn.

• Practice gathering and preparing natural tinder and kindling from the environment.

• Explore primitive fire-starting techniques, including the traditional steel and rock (flint and steel) method—where sparks are struck from steel onto char cloth or dry tinder.

• Try out modern fire-starting tools, such as ferrocerium rods (ferro rods), to shower hot sparks onto fine tinder bundles.

With guidance, students will build small, safe fires in designated areas and gain confidence in both ancient and modern survival skills. This class emphasizes respect for fire, environmental awareness, and self-reliance—all while sparking a sense of adventure and hands-on learning.

October 30 Shelter Building

In this fun and practical outdoor class, kids will learn essential survival shelter-building skills, focusing on how to stay warm, dry, and protected using materials found in nature. Through teamwork and hands-on exploration, students will gain confidence in their ability to create shelter in the wild.

Participants will:

• Learn the importance of shelter in survival situations and how it relates to protection from the elements.

• Identify ideal shelter locations by assessing wind direction, water drainage, and available natural materials.

• Build their own debris hut shelters using sticks, leaves, grass, and bark—designed to retain body heat and shield from rain and wind.

• Experiment with other simple shelter styles, such as lean-tos, depending on time and materials.

The class promotes creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while helping kids build a deeper connection to nature.

November 13 Winter Survival and First Aid

This exciting and educational Winter Survival class is designed to teach kids the essential skills needed to stay safe and confident in Alberta’s cold and snowy backcountry. Set in a supervised outdoor environment, the class combines hands-on learning with real-world safety practices tailored to winter conditions.

Participants will:

• Learn how to dress for cold weather using the layering system and how to stay dry and insulated.

• Practice building emergency winter shelters, such as snow caves, lean-tos, and debris shelters adapted for snow.

• Learn how to safely start and maintain fires in winter using primitive and modern techniques, including ferro rods and fire lays for snowy conditions.

• Identify edible plants and emergency water sources in winter environments.

Emergency First Aid and Hypothermia Response

A key component of the class covers basic wilderness first aid, with a focus on winter-specific emergencies. Kids will:

• Recognize the signs and stages of hypothermia and frostbite.

• Learn how to treat hypothermia using safe warming techniques like body heat, shelter, and warm fluids.

This course is both empowering and fun, giving kids the tools they need to explore the outdoors safely in winter while building confidence, resilience, and respect for nature’s power.

If you have any questions please contact Rob at [email protected]