Meet Outdoor Play Canada
Thought Leaders in Outdoor Education
Dr. Louise de Lannoy
Executive Director, Outdoor Play Canada
"Let’s inspire a national movement to make outdoor learning accessible to every child."
There is now over a decade’s worth of evidence showing that outdoor play and learning is essential for children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, mental, and spiritual health and development. Moreover, spending time outdoors from an early age helps foster a connection to nature and the development of the next generation of environmental stewards. Despite the evergrowing evidence on the multitude of benefits of active outdoor play, children in Canada are consistently not engaging in enough outdoor play and are thus not receiving the multitude of benefits outdoor play brings.
Entirely outdoor Forest and Nature School programs carry immense potential as an innovative way to promote children’s active outdoor play and address this need, as children spend much of their day in childcare and school systems. Moreover, getting children familiar and comfortable with outdoor play, in all seasons, from an early age may help set them up for a lifetime of active play and recreation.
However, Forest and Nature School programs exist as unlicensed programs, meaning they do not fall under existing public-school systems nor do they fall under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program, which commits to reducing childcare costs to $10/day for families. The result is that Forest and Nature School programs cost between $50-70/day for families and are therefore cost prohibitive for many.
Recognizing this major barrier to access, there is a growing and passionate movement in Canada to make such programs more accessible to families. For example, we at Outdoor Play Canada have launched the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play, a research-practice-policy collaborative, with a nature-based childcare program (on 500 acres of forested land here in Ottawa!) as our foundation. Our outdoor play and learning collaborative is leading a 4-yr research project, creating professional development tools, building national advocacy networks, and expanding the community of those passionate about this work. Our goal is to inspire commitment to advancing outdoor play and learning for the overall health and well-being of children in Canada. But we can’t do this important work alone – come join us!
Our Forest School Directors
Michelle Hegge
Teacher/Director, Chelsea Forest School
“We see children grow in confidence, empathy, and physical health—just by learning outside.”
What We Believe
Over the years we have seen hundreds of children come through our Forest School. Attending Forest School weekly from September to June has helped these children and by extension, their families develop a connection with nature. Over the school year, we watch the children become healthier, more physically and mentally fit, develop self-confidence, resilience, perseverance and a greater sense of empathy just by being given the freedom and trust to play and learn outside, in a natural space. Every child deserves this opportunity!
Brent Lamborn
Teacher/Director, Earth Path Forest School
“Our mission is to foster deep connections with nature through transformative experiences.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster confidence, competence, resilience, and connection to nature through transformative nature programs. Through these programs, we also aim to provide integrative experiences that support the emotional and physical well-being of our participants. We envision a world with diverse and vibrant communities that are deeply connected to, and take care of, themselves, each other, and nature.
Tammy Potter
Supervisor, Ottawa Forest and Nature School
“Every week, children engage with forests in new ways—building resilience, curiosity, and joy.”
The Heart of Our Work
Since 2014, the voices of children have echoed throughout the NCC forest space known as Wesley Clover Parks, first as a demonstration site for The Child and Nature Alliance (CNAC) and then as a program of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS) Ottawa Forest and Nature School (OFNS). Children experience the outdoors and learn through child-centred, interest-led play. They embrace opportunities across diverse terrain, from mud puddles to snow mounds, while immersed in the sights and sounds of Ottawa’s urban forests. The regular and repeated intentionality that enables consistent attendance 1 day/week means children are developing an increased awareness of the natural world, are more physically active, forging new relationships with confidence, and demonstrating an overall improved sense of well-being. We feel all children deserve the opportunity to experience forest school and all it offers.
OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
This Concert Wouldn't Be Possible Without You
We are incredibly grateful to the sponsors who make Rock the Wild possible. Their generous support is helping to bring nature-based learning to more children across Ottawa and the Outaouais. From funding forest school access to supporting outdoor play initiatives, your contribution is truly making a difference.
Thank you for standing with us—and for investing in a healthier, more connected future for every child.
Our Forest Level Sponsors
Sicard Studios
About Sicard Studios
Sicard Studios is an Ottawa-based creative hub built by musicians, for musicians. Sicard Studios’ state-of-the-art facility features a live room with full club-style lighting, 32-channel analog/digital rigs, and services including rehearsal, recording, mixing, mastering, and voice-over/audio-book capture.
Sicard Studios’ roster includes artists like Julia Rita, Open Channel D, and One Night Stand, all contributing to the studio’s reputation for passion, innovation, and sonic excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Sicard Studios invites you to bring your sound to life in a space designed to inspire. Visit sicardstudios.com to know more.
Kinaxis
About Kinaxis
Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains and supporting the people who manage them, in service of humanity. Our powerful, AI-infused supply chain orchestration platform, Maestro™, combines proprietary technologies and techniques that provide full transparency and agility across the entire supply chain — from multi-year strategic planning to last-mile delivery. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Our Tree Level Sponsors
Our Sapling Level Sponsors
PureColo
Groupe Nordik
Our Seed Level Sponsors
Become A Sponsor
Make an Impact Together
By supporting Rock the Wild, your company becomes a champion of child well-being, education innovation, and inclusive community building.
MAKE A DONATION
Support Outdoor Learning for Every Child
Can’t attend the Benefit Concert, or want to do more? You can still make a difference. Every donation goes directly toward making forest school programs more accessible for children in Ottawa and the Outaouais. Your support helps break down financial barriers, opening the door for every child to experience the benefits of forest school. Learning in a forest school encourages healthy social interactions across all areas of development, regardless of ability, background, or identity. Nature is medicine for the spirit!
Donate directly by e-transfer
to rockthewild@outlook.com
BID FOR A CAUSE
The Rock the Wild auction is LIVE!
Check out our Zeffy link to bid on some amazing items, including:
– Free consultation for speech therapy
– 2 season passes for Vorlage
– $100 gift card for Mud Oven
– 5 passes for Altitude Gym
– Gift certificate for Wesley Clover Parks
– 5 passes for Idolem hot yoga
Auction closes November 9 at 11:55 pm. Items will be delivered after the concert to Ottawa/Chelsea areas.
Join the fun, place your bids, and help us make a lasting difference!
What Your Support Funds
Helping Today, Growing Tomorrow
All proceeds after expenses will:
Support three existing Forest Schools in Ottawa/ Outaouais.
Fund site improvements, staff hiring, and new program development.
Offer subsidies to help families for whom equity has been denied, ensuring they can access these programs.
Your contribution helps ensure more children can access the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of nature-based education.
A Night to Remember
Music & Magic Await
A Benefit Concert
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Meridian Theatres @ Centerpointe, ottawa
Meet the performers, hosts, and dream team behind Rock the Wild.
Featuring a diverse lineup of artists sharing the stage for a cause that matters.
TALK — Juno Award-Winning Artist
Paesler
Jonathan Chandler
Julia Rita
Emma Lamontagne
Amos the Transparent
Your Host for the Evening
Comedy Legend - Elvira Kurt
The Pulse behind the Scenes
Ben Durocher | Concert Director
Joey Graff | Stage Captain
STAR PERFORMER
Get ready for TALK … The Juno Award-Winner for Breakthrough Artist of the Year 2024, known for blending raw emotion with powerful vocals and genre-defying music. As our concert’s star performer, TALK will bring the soundtrack of learning in nature to life.
“Show love to everyone you meet, because you don’t know what they’re going through or where they’ve come from.”
This is the guiding principle for TALK’s life. The singer-songwriter exudes positive energy, colour and enthusiasm, bringing a smile to the face of everyone he connects with.
TALK is eccentric, flashy and colourful, and he’s crafted a sound equally unique. He launched himself on a rocket with his debut single “Run Away to Mars”. Originally written at 3am on a lonely night, the song has connected with listeners all over the world: earning 450+ million of streams, rising to #1 on the Spotify Global Viral chart, and reaching multi-platinum certification around the world, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Norway and more.
The track leads his debut album — Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees — alongside viral hit “A Little Bit Happy” and rock anthem “Wasteland” which roared up the alternative and rock radio charts in Canada. Executively produced by Justin Tranter (Miley Cyrus, Imagine Dragons) and released October 2023, the album is already certified Platinum in Canada.
The album propelled TALK to five JUNO nominations and his first win for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2024 JUNO Awards, where he also performed on the national TV broadcast. TALK has been featured in a number of television performances, including for the 2024 NHL All Star and the 2024 Montreal Formula One Grand Prix which was broadcast worldwide.
He has earned praise from Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and People, performed on the Late Late Show with James Corden, and interviewed with legendary broadcaster George Stromboulopoulos on Apple Music radio. He won Canadian Sync Artist of the Year 2024 and has had his music licensed several times, including twice in Grey’s Anatomy, in Sony Playstation’s MLB The Show 2023, and he recently created an original theme song for CBS’ new show Tracker.
TALK has shared stages with superstars including Imagine Dragons, Luke Combs, Shania Twain and The Lumineers, and supported Young The Giant and Milky Chance on 26 shows around the United States. He’s played festivals around the world including Lollapalooza (Chicago and Berlin), Osheaga, RADAR Switzerland, Boston Calling, Ohana, Calgary Stampede and more.
A Night Full of Talent
Paesler
Welcome to Paesler’s world. Feel the sun on your face and hear birds chirping through brush and trees. There is a familiar and welcoming nostalgia in chipping paint, worn-in chairs, and a warm breeze.
Paesler explores complex topics such as the nature of accumulation, life stages, and self-reflection. Place, community, and feeling have transformed into comforting yet gripping soundscapes and compelling verse, becoming her five song debut EP ‘when things do not dry they are heavy’.
Jonathan Chandler
Jonathan Chandler is a singer, songwriter and producer based in Ottawa, Canada. Being a firm believer that a great song is one that can be stripped to nothing but a guitar and a voice, Jonathan has also been known to deliver lush and layered arrangements in his work, spanning multiple genres and projects such as Amos the Transparent, Canadian Folk Award nominee Silent Winters, and The Andy Kaufmans.
Julia Rita
Julia Rita is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Ottawa whose music blends country, folk, soft rock, and pop. She’s been performing locally since she was 14, after starting out by teaching music lessons and writing songs as a way to process her thoughts and emotions. Her style is shaped by real instruments, honest lyrics, and a love for storytelling. Julia recently released her debut EP Mirror Mirror, a collection of personal songs that reflect on growth, change, and figuring life out one step at a time.
Emma Lamontagne
Emma Lamontagne is a pop singer, songwriter, and producer known for her emotionally honest lyrics and off-the-cuff stage banter. With over 1 million streams across her catalog, including nearly 500K on her breakout single “I Don’t Sleep.” She’s now releasing her most personal work yet: a FACTOR, OAC, and City of Ottawa-funded EP rolling out through 2025. Her latest single “Monster-In-Law” dropped in March and has already surpassed 20,000 streams. Emma has opened for Forest Blakk and Elijah Woods, sung with Donovan Woods, and continues to carve out a space where storytelling and humour meet heartfelt songwriting.
Amos the Transparent
For 19 years, Amos the Transparent has been making music, growing beards, and balancing the rock ‘n’ roll/family life. With five records under their belt and tours across North America and Australia, they’ve spent nearly two decades crafting tunes that mix indie rock with a touch of folk. These days, they’re still writing, recording, and bringing their signature blend of heartfelt melodies and big choruses to anyone willing to listen.
MEET YOUR HOST
MC & Host: Comedy Legend Elvira Kurt
A regularly recurring guest co-host on CTV’s The Social, she’s done a ton of cool sh*t including: I Have Nothing (Crave), POTUS (Segal Centre For Performing Arts, Montreal) The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown (CBC) Drink Masters (Netflix), Canada’s Drag Race (Crave), The Great Canadian Baking Show (CBC), Cross Country Cake Off (CTV), The Fabulous Show (Family Jr.), popcultured with Elvira Kurt (The Comedy Network), Spin Off (Game Show Network), Baroness Von Sketch Show (Prime) , DeGrassi: The Next Generation (CTV/ Netflix), Miss Persona (Treehouse), Still Standing, This Hour…, The Debaters and, ‘q’ (CBC)
Behind the Curtain
Concert Director: Ben Durocher
Ben Durocher is an actor, puppeteer and puppet designer. Ottawa born, now based in New York. NY Theatre: Avenue Q (Princeton/Rod), Madama Butterfly at Met Opera, TV/Film: “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” (AppleTV+), “Helpsters” (Sesame Workshop), “Pineapple Playhouse” (Nickelodeon), “Dying For Sex,” (FX) “Mr. Crocket” (Hulu), “Triple Sensation” (CBC). Two-time Emmy Award winning puppet builder and wrangler for “Sesame Street” and The Jim Henson Company, where he has worked for a decade. Most recently seen touring the US in the Broadway play Life of Pi, as Richard Parker (the tiger.)
Stage Captain: Joey Graff
Joey Graff is a multidisciplinary artist, actor, and production coordinator. Based in Almonte, Ontario, they work as a Project Coordinator for Mississippi Mills Youth Centre. Prior to this, they have acted as part of the Organizing Committee for Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival, as a producer, production manager, and facilitator. They are part of the artist collective The Department of Creative Disobedience, currently developing their first full length production, Public Service Announcement.
BID FOR A CAUSE
The Rock the Wild auction is LIVE!
Check out our Zeffy link to bid on some amazing items, including:
– Free consultation for speech therapy
– 2 season passes for Vorlage
– $100 gift card for Mud Oven
– 5 passes for Altitude Gym
– Gift certificate for Wesley Clover Parks
– 5 passes for Idolem hot yoga
Auction closes November 9 at 11:55 pm. Items will be delivered after the concert to Ottawa/Chelsea areas.
Join the fun, place your bids, and help us make a lasting difference!
Become A Sponsor
Make an Impact Together
By supporting Rock the Wild, your company becomes a champion of child well-being, education innovation, and inclusive community building.
Make A Donation
Support forest school programs in Ottawa and the Outaouais. Your donation helps break down barriers so every child can learn, play, and thrive in nature.
Donate directly by e-transfer
to rockthewild@outlook.com