What We Do

Our Mission

As the first Forest and Nature School in Newfoundland and Labrador and one of the first in Atlantic Canada Cloudberry brings 10 years of experience, expertise and professional understanding to the world of outdoor play. Training under Jon Cree of the Forest School Association UK (https://circleofliferediscovery.com/staff/jon-cree/) Cloudberry’s staff are recognized around the world for their knowledge and expertise. 

From 2018-2024 Cloudberry Forest School was also supported by the Lawson Foundation as we worked alongside the Department of Education in Newfoundland and Labrador to explore the possibilities of licensing outdoor programs for young children. This work remains ongoing as jurisdictions around the country explore and reference the research that has been done at and with Cloudberry Forest School.

Additionally, founder Laura Molyneux and Cloudberry Forest School are the recipients of the 2023 Outdoor Play Award in Policy Development and Ms. Molyneux has been a keynote speaker and panelist at Early Childhood Education Conferences in Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Cloudberry educators have led and co-led workshops and professional development independently and in partnership with the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland and Labrador, Family Resources Centres of NL, and Family and Childcare Connections.

As part of our work to develop regulated Forest School in NL, in 2023 Cloudberry developed an 18 module practitioner training course. This training program is now under review with Dr. Jeff Crane from Memorial University.

In the fall of 2024 Cloudberry’s programs transitioned to a non-profit organization managed by a board of directors composed of non-profit leaders, former staff, current parents and community sector representatives. This transition allows for more sustainability within the organization and supports ongoing CWELCC requirements of early childhood education and learning falling within the scope of non-profit management. The mission of this newly formed organization is to promote outdoor play, supporting families in outdoor play and learning and supporting educators to offer high quality outdoor play.

Our current child care provision model is:

• Preschool: Cloudberry currently offers 2 sessions of part-time preschool. These sessions are offered Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday or Thursday-Friday

• Camps/PD Days: To meet the needs of working parents and Forest School alumni Cloudberry offers summer camps and one off PD day sessions.