What age groups do you serve?
We primarily serve children ages 5-15 though our family-focused approach means younger siblings and older teens often participate in age-appropriate ways. Parents are active participants in the learning process.
Where in Eastern Ontario do you operate?
We serve families throughout Eastern Ontario, including: - Ottawa and the Ottawa
Valley - Kingston and the Thousand Islands region - Cornwall and the St. Lawrence River
area - Pembroke and the Upper Ottawa Valley - Gatineau Park region - Surrounding
rural communities
Our programs take place in various outdoor locations across the region, with activities
scheduled based on member interest and seasonal opportunities. We have a base camp set on 50 acres near Sharbot Lake Ontario.
Do you offer programs in French?
Yes! We serve both English and French-speaking families. Patrick is bilingual and the community welcomes francophone families throughout Eastern Ontario.
How do I join the community?
Joining is simple:
1. Visit our Skool community page
2. Click “Join Community” (it’s
free!)
3. Complete your family profile
4. Introduce yourself in the welcome thread.
- Browse upcoming events and activities
6. Start connecting with other families
What makes Outdoor Kids different from traditional programs?
Outdoor Kids vs Traditional Indoor Programs: - Location: Natural outdoor settings vs
indoor classrooms - Learning Style: Hands-on experiential learning vs lecture-based
instruction - Community: Ongoing family network and peer support vs one-off classes -
Languages: Bilingual (English/French) vs typically English-only.
Philosophy: Parent-guided skill development vs instructor-dependent learning - Cost: Free
community membership vs expensive program fees
Is this a homeschooling program?
While many homeschooling families participate, Outdoor Kids serves all families—whether you homeschool, unschool, or have children in traditional schools. Our focus is on supplementing any educational approach with practical outdoor skills and nature connection.
What if I don’t have outdoor experience myself?
That’s exactly who we serve! Our community provides clear instructions, ideas, and
encouragement designed for busy parents who want to guide their children but may not
have extensive wilderness experience themselves. We learn together.
How often do you meet?
Activity frequency varies based on member interest and seasonal opportunities. Our Skool platform allows families to: - Organize informal meetups - Share ongoing outdoor projects - Schedule seasonal events - Connect for skill-sharing sessions - Support each other’s outdoor journeys year-round
What does membership cost?
Community membership is completely free. We believe every Eastern Ontario family should have access to outdoor education and wilderness connection, regardless of financial means.
About Patrick Beriault, Community Founder:
Patrick brings 20+ years of professional experience as a physical rehabilitation specialist in Ottawa, combined with a deep passion for outdoor education and wilderness skills. His healthcare background informs a developmental approach to
skill-building that respects each child’s physical and emotional readiness.
As a bilingual Eastern Ontario resident, Patrick understands the unique opportunities our region offers—from the Canadian Shield wilderness to the St. Lawrence waterways—and helps families access these natural learning environments safely and confidently.