Who doesn’t dream of children learning by playing outdoors?
Karine Gravel founded Garderie Nature with the goal of offering her own children a daycare environment that reflects her values and lifestyle.
“I have always loved the outdoors, and having children didn’t change that,” she says. “I have always included them in all my activities.”
“I always knew that one day I would be an entrepreneur,” she says. “For a long time, I looked for a project that could give me the courage to take the plunge. I wanted a project focused on well-being, and I wanted to make a difference. Having my children was THE spark. I was looking for a daycare that reflected my vision and what was happening at home.”
Building on her many experiences in the great outdoors, her career path, and management studies, Karine decided to put down on paper her dream daycare: children in constant contact with nature, involved parents, and a different working environment.
She started to read up on early childhood education and education through nature. She got inspired, consulted specialists, and surrounded herself with professionals who could validate and flesh out her ideas.
I had to break down doors and argue for my idea with the Ministère. I was stepping outside the usual framework, but I was confident I could act in line with my values while following the department’s rules.”
After two years of preparatory work in the outdoors, Garderie Nature finally opened its doors on October 21, 2019 and offers a daycare environment that aims for holistic well-being for the child (psychological, cognitive, motor, emotional) to ensure their development and learning.
It was mission accomplished for Karine! But four weeks after opening, she faced a major personal challenge.
“I was completely exhausted. I was no longer functional. I had to take a few days off to recover my energy. I asked my team to take over. Their leadership was so reassuring. This episode positioned and entrenched my management style: human, humble, and transparent. It’s not up to me to make every decision. I like to compare us to Canada geese: we take turns leading the pack!”
Karine’s leadership style provides another distinctive element in the workplace that she offers educators.
“It’s a completely different job for educators: the rhythm of the day is different, they spend their days outside (even naps and most meals), they guide children toward autonomy and discovery. They have a great deal of freedom and take charge of projects. I value their initiative so much. The parents are also very involved and have the same values as the team. It requires a lot of communication between everyone.”
— Karine Gravel, Garderie Nature
Garderie Nature is like a village that everyone is involved in. The outdoors is the living environment for children and educators. Every morning, children put on their pinnies, take their backpacks, and set out to explore nature, their social skills, and their autonomy.
“Everyone is calmer outdoors. There are fewer tantrums and arguments; harmony and cooperation hold sway!”
In summer, chickens and a large garden are part of the children’s days.
“By creating an affective connection with nature, children naturally become positive agents of change for our environment. This reconnection is also necessary to maintain a balanced life.”
This major project enables Karine and her team to have a social and environmental impact with children and the entire community.
Garderie Nature also offers many services to parents, such as acting as a drop-off point for organic baskets, outdoor equipment loans, thematic conferences, and family activities.
“I feel like I’m making a difference every day, and that is very satisfying,” Karine tells me.
Currently, 80 families enjoy the daily benefits of this incredible environment.
Karine is thinking about what comes next. While she is an inspiration for many other initiatives in Quebec, what she wants most is to maintain balance in her life. “I want to take care of my life, just like we are teaching the children to do,” she says.
One thing is certain, this entrepreneur is an inspiration from every perspective.
To learn more about Garderie Nature:
