About us
Focus on Nature is a Guelph-based, non-profit photography program created in 2008 to nurture creativity and inspire young people to explore and appreciate nature.
Aligned with the Ontario visual arts curriculum for grades 4 – 8, our workshops focus on teaching the “elements of design”, and using these as a focus for exploring, observing and describing the natural world. By giving students hands-on, positive experiences in local natural areas, we hope to cultivate environmental stewardship and self esteem in youth.
Students are taught through:
- interactive slideshow presentations
- walking photography field trips
- nature and photography activity stations
- photo editing, sharing and feedback sessions
- extension activity ideas for students and teachers
Our full-day workshops are offered at a subsidized rate of $250 thanks to private sponsorship and government grants. All supplies and equipment are provided (students are encouraged to bring cameras when available), and a team of 4 – 6 community partners with skills in photography and outdoor education act as mentors for the students, helping them to use their cameras as tools for observing and expressing their views of the natural world.
To book a workshop for your Guelph (and area) school, please contact Simon Bell, executive director, at 226-971-0701, or simon@focusonnature.ca.
