Outdoor-based after-school care for children Pre-Primary–12 years of age
 

Program Status
This program is currently at capacity, and we are not accepting additional waitlist applications for the 2025–2026 school year.
 

Quick Facts

• Ages: Pre-Primary to 12 years
• Dates: September 5, 2025 – June 26, 2026
• Time: 2:15–5:15 p.m.
• Location: Kentville Recreation Hub (800 West Main Street) and KCA School facilities as needed
• Environment: 98% outdoors, rain or shine, hot or cold (exception: extreme weather that is unsafe for staff and children)

Program Overview

The Kentville Nature Kids After School Program is offered in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia through the Before and After School Program. The program supports Nova Scotia’s “Let’s Get Moving” Action Plan and places a strong emphasis on outdoor, unstructured play and physical literacy.

Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment, move their bodies, and build confidence through active play. Our goal is to foster a lifelong appreciation for both physical activity and nature in a safe, supportive setting.

What Children Can Expect

• Daily outdoor play and exploration
• A balance of child-informed activities and unstructured free play
• Daily healthy snacks
• Experienced leaders with childcare training and backgrounds in schools, daycare, and recreation
• Opportunities to build physical literacy, independence, and community connection

Hours & Closures

The program operates Monday to Friday from 2:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
There is no programming on in-service days, snow days, holidays, or half days.

• Fees do apply on in-service days and half days to support staff training and professional development.
• Fees do not apply on snow days or holidays.

Program Objectives

The objectives for the Kentville Nature Kids After School Program are:

• Increase access to affordable, safe, quality active play programming for children and their families.
• Increase physical literacy and movement in program participants.

Hours of Operation

The Nature Kids After School Program runs from September 5th, 2025, until June 26th, 2026, from 2:15pm to 5:15pm. 
There is no programming on in-service days, snow days, holidays, or half days.

• In-service days and half days will still be charged to support staff professional development and training.
• Snow days and holidays will not be charged.

Location

Nature Kids programming takes place primarily outdoors in areas close to KCA School.

• The Recreation Hub (800 West Main Street) is used for snack time and as an “as-needed” indoor warm-up space.
• During unsuitable outdoor weather, programming will take place in the pre-primary classrooms and/or the gymnasium at KCA School.

Weather and the Environment

Nature Kids is designed to embrace outdoor play in a wide range of weather conditions. Children will remain outdoors for most of the program, except for bathroom breaks or during extreme weather.

Examples of extreme weather include:

• Unsafe humidex or windchill levels
• Lightning storms
• Other conditions that may pose a safety risk

Children will play outside in the rain, even when it is more than a light drizzle. Families are expected to ensure children come prepared with appropriate outdoor clothing.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We believe recreation is a fundamental human need and are committed to providing inclusive, affordable, and accessible programs. If your child experiences any barriers to full participation, please contact us so we can work together to find a solution.

Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Kentville Nature Kids Director
naturekids@kentville.ca