Planting
Seeds of Hope
Planting Seeds of Hope (PSOH) is a federally registered nonprofit organization delivering innovative land-based programs to children, families, schools, and community groups.
From 46 acres of organic farmland, meadows, forest, trails, and wetland, we offer programs that facilitate a journey of self-discovery and ecological awareness.
By helping children and young people develop meaningful relationships with the natural world, we promote the understanding that all life is interconnected and that all individuals have a role to play in caring for each other and the earth.
Through alliances with Indigenous organizations, we provide unique opportunities for children and families from all cultures and faiths to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous guiding principles regarding our responsibilities to Mother Earth, our place in the family of creation, and our sacred connection to the spirit world.
As we nurture all aspects of our well-being — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual — it becomes simple and intuitive to establish healthy relationships with ourselves, other people, and the natural world.
Connect
with
Nature.
Connect
with Nature
Children’s Lands Canada
PSOH was chosen by ANIA to be the national headquarters for training and supporting the implementation of the Children’s Lands methodology throughout Canada. The Children’s Lands methodology has been recognized by UNESCO as a best practice in Education for Sustainable Development and currently runs in eight countries throughout the world.
As children engage with the natural world, they are imprinted by the land and connected to the living spirit of Mother Earth, who teaches and heals them in ways no human being can. To this end, PSOH has donated most of its land to local children who are transforming it into a microcosm of the world they want to live in.
PSOH runs all Children’s Lands Canada training programs for parents, educators, and community facilitators, supporting the largest community-based Children’s Lands in Canada.
Soul of the Mother
PRIMARY INDIGENOUS PARTNER
Soul of the Mother is the ceremonial centre for Planting Seeds of Hope. Indigenous Elders and Ceremonial Leaders offer ancient land based teaching that encourage children and their families to re-establish meaningful and balanced relationships with Mother Earth and all of creation. Traditional Wisdom keepers introduce children to Indigenous life principles and help them to understand the sacred roles and responsibilities that we carry as the human family to walk in harmony with the natural world.
Work With Schools
PSOH provides land-based experiences for public school, private school, and home-schooled children of all ages. Programs are designed to meet the interests and needs of each school, and all programming allows children to connect with the land in authentic, meaningful ways, resulting in a deepened love and appreciation for the earth.
PSOH has previously partnered with TD Friends of the Environment to offer elementary school students experiential, hands-on learning that aligns with Ontario science curriculum requirements.
PSOH also works with many licensed childcare centres and Ontario Early ON programs to encourage positive land-based experiences from an early age.
Click here for information about bringing a school group to the land. INQUIRE NOW
Work With Organizations
PSOH enjoys helping community organizations create opportunities for their children and youth to engage with the natural world. We offer half-day and full-day programming for field trips, PA day camps, March break camps, and summer camps, as well as land-based training opportunities for educations and staff members.
Click here for information about opportunities for your organization to come to the land. INQUIRE NOW
Seasonal Curriculum
The PSOH outdoor curriculum is a living document that expands and strengthens the more it is used. We focus on activities that spark curiosity and encourage children and young people to think about the relationships that exist in the natural world.
Our pedagogy encourages exploration, questioning, observation, theorizing, engagement, and wonder. As children build and expand their understanding of the world around them, they learn to celebrate the diversity of every season and fully embrace the range of weather conditions experienced in our area.
Facility Rentals
Facility rentals are available for groups who wish to facilitate their own training and programming. Rentals provide access to all activities and to our 46 acres of organic farmland, meadow, forest, trails, gardens, and wetland, as well as a large indoor gathering space.
In the past, PSOH has shared the land with groups engaging in everything from provincial and staff trainings, organizational gatherings, and land-based school sessions, to regional bus tours for educators and special events.
Click here for information on rental packages for your group. INQUIRE NOW
INDIGENOUS PARTNERSHIPS
PSOH is honoured to partner with a number of Indigenous organizations
Native Youth Advancement with Education Hamilton (NYAWEH)
PSOH has partnered with Native Youth Advancement with Education Hamilton to provide leadership opportunities for Indigenous students to share teachings with elementary school children. NYAWEH has also used the land to host leadership training and land-based cultural programming for their students.
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg
Each week Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg brings their Head Start Preschool program to the land so the children can receive traditional teachings while exploring and connecting to the natural world. We have hosted Niwasa’s licensed early learning and childcare programs, as well as their Early ON families.
NPAAMB
NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment and Training prepares urban Indigenous youth for successful transitions into the labour market, while helping them build the confidence and self-esteem to become leaders in their communities.
PSOH has also had the honour of partnering with NPAAMB to employ local Indigenous youth who learn about environmental stewardship as they care for the land and share their insights and gifts with the children who visit each summer.
Visiting Elders
Through our alliance with Soul of the Mother, Planting Seeds of Hope has had the high honour of having Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers come to the land to share teachings and stories with the chidren. Their love, kindness and wisdom have nurtured so many of our children and offered important guidance and support to parents and family members. We are grateful for their inspiration and love.
