Our Story

At Childhood Connect, we believe that learning is optimized with nature. We’re committed to providing children and educators with meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the classroom - experience that are immersed in the natural world, where they can explore, create, and develop at their own pace, building connections that reach beyond themselves.

Our journey began with a vision to create programs that honour each child’s unique potential while fostering connections - not only between people but with the world around us. Innovation, creativity, and academic growth have always been rooted in nature’s teachings, and we aim to reflect this by blending hands-on exploration, collaboration, and holistic wellbeing into our approach to learning.

By connecting children to nature, we nurture not only their minds but also their bodies and spirits, helping them build a lifelong love for learning and healthy foundation for life. In our programs, children develop curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of community, all while learning through projects, challenges, experimenting and problem solving!

With a passionate team of experienced educators, we focus on creating inclusive, relationship centred children’s programs that encourage curiosity, creativity, and growth, and by supporting educators through professional learning, we foster a ripple effect that strengthens communities.

At Childhood Connect, we’re more than just a program - we’re a movement dedicated to shaping the next generation of confident, compassionate, healthy and curious explorers, who will draw on their relational connections with nature formed here for many years to come.

Owner & Director - Cara Caudle MEd, BASc, RECE, FNP

Cara Caudle leads operations of Childhood Connect and shapes nature-based programs for children, along with offering professional learning for early years and elementary teams. With a Masters in Education, a Bachelors Degree in Child Studies, a couple diplomas Early Childhood Education, and certification as a Forest and Nature Practitioner, Cara combines her educational background and passion for nature to create inclusive, relationship-centered environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, and community. She also teaches Early Childhood Education at First Nations Technical Institute, guiding future educators in developing their own sustainable, child-centered practices.

Cara has written for PLAYOutdoor Magazine, presented with the 2024 International Bright Starts Conference, is a 2x featured podcast speaker and continues to pursue events and publications. Follow us on Instagram @ChildhoodConnect to tune in to our adventures!

Nature-Based Program Lead

Nature-Based Program Leads welcome children and families attending our Nature-Based Programs each day. They facilitate fun activities, and promote exploration alongside children! These dynamic individuals come from backgrounds in outdoor education, environmental science, early years education, elementary teaching, youth mental health and more! They are well equipped with the knowledge and experience to cultivate environments and experiences that promote learning, connection, growth and wellbeing. Nature-Based Program Leads are partners in play, coaches, emotional supports and so much more! Stay connected to our team member updates @ChildhoodConnect on Instagram.

Content Curator

Content Curators join our team on an ongoing basis to help diversify our Teaching & Learning Nest content in ways that enrich the lens of healthy development in childhood and the potential for learning and growth through playful experiences in nature. We deeply appreciate our ongoing partnerships with Content Curators who join the Childhood Connect team.

Social Media Curator

Our Social Media Curator cultivates community connections on our Instagram page. They take the lead in crafting engaging content that represent and reflect Childhood Connect philosophy, values and programs, while also inspiring and supporting parents and early years professionals throughout their early years journey.

Find us on Instagram @ChildhoodConnect!