All kids need nature.

A recent report from Children First Canada highlights poor mental health as the second most urgent threat to childhood in Canada.

Nature connection provides hope! Study after study shows that spending time outside supports children’s health, happiness, and personal development. It’s so critical that doctors are even prescribing time in nature.

But for many families, cost is a barrier to accessing outdoor programs.

Since COVID, demand for Pine bursaries has more than doubled, and economic pressures on families continue to rise. Each year, we see more families requesting support to ensure their children can participate in these life-changing experiences.

Pine is struggling to meet these growing needs. Without increased support, many children will miss out on the chance to connect with nature and experience its benefits.

Join us in making a difference.

Each spring, Pine staff, board, and community members take on the “Sit Spot Challenge”. The challenge is simple: commit to sitting in nature and ask friends, family and community members to donate to your sit.

Every dollar raised goes directly to Pine’s Bursary Fund, helping children from low-income families access life-changing nature connection programs.

We are deeply committed to making sure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers. Will you join us?

There are many ways to support:

DONATE to support kids from low-income families.
Become a Sitter to raise funds while connecting to nature! (Click “more info” below to learn more!)
Spread the word about Sit-a-thon by sharing this webpage.
Help us connect with families who could benefit. If you know someone who would love Pine programs but cost is a barrier, tell them about the Bursary Fund!
Get outside! Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature and your community is what it’s all about.

Your support gives children the chance to explore the outdoors, build confidence and resilience, and develop a lifelong connection with nature that will benefit them for years to come.

Why sit in nature?

We've found that sitting quietly outdoors, engaging our senses, and observing our surroundings is one of the most powerful ways to learn from nature. This practice, known as a "sit spot," is one of several core routines of nature connection that we incorporate into our programs. With time and practice, sit spots expand our awareness, reduce stress, build naturalist skills, and foster a deep sense of connection and belonging.

It sounds simple - just sit outside and observe. But in a world full of distractions, truly slowing down and immersing ourselves in nature is harder than you’d think. It's a real sit spot challenge!