● Programs
Nitzanim Toddler Program
It’s never too early to connect to the earth.
● Program Overview
What It’s All About
Toddlers (18 months to 4 years old) and their caregivers are invited to spend 4 Sundays exploring the water, mud, sticks, and stones in the great outdoors with Shoresh educators.
Together, we will adventure through parks and ravines in a toddler-friendly manner while wild-crafting, singing songs, and making connections to Jewish values and holidays.
Fall
Sessions
Start October 18
Spring
Sessions
Start April 25
Program Structure
Arrival
As we wait for the children to arrive, we investigate nature and explore with our senses.
Welcome Song
We always begin with a short song circle as a fun way to greet each other and create community.
Hike
As we hike, toddlers are given various missions and we make nature observations. Hikes are all relatively short and toddler friendly. We encourage our little friends to go stroller free on these hikes.
Sensory and or Nature Activity
The child and caregiver are given an activity to do together, from a craft to a scavenger hunt, sensory activity or game.
Closing Circle
We reflect on our experiences and share what made us say “WOW!” and sing our closing song.
Dates and Locations
Nitzanim runs on Sundays in Toronto in two parks:
📍Cedarvale Park: midtown mornings 10AM-11AM
📍High Park: west end afternoons 3:30PM-4:30PM
Fall 2026 dates:
October 18, October 25, November 8, November 15
Spring 2027 dates:
April 25, May 2, May 9, and May 16
Age Group
Nitzanim is designed for kids 18 months to 4 years old. Is your child a bit younger or older? Reach out to us at nitzanim@shoresh.ca and we can help you figure out if this program might be right for you.
Pricing and Subsidies
The fee for all 4 sessions of a season is $160. Sliding-scale pricing ($120-$200) and subsidies are available to help ensure the program is accessible to all families.
Needs-Based Subsidies
We are grateful to be able to provide financial scholarships through the Howard Malach Legacy Fund For Jewish Nature Connection. To apply, please register for the program and select the Howard Malach Legacy Fund option. You will pay an $18 deposit and then asked what amount your family is able to afford.
To contribute to the fund and support community members in accessing Jewish learning outdoors, please donate.
Jewish Pluralism at Shoresh
Shoresh welcomes Jews of all different backgrounds and affiliations. While learning about Jewish values and teachings, holiday celebrations, rituals, and prayer, we will be open to the many different ways that our community members interpret these traditions and how they choose to live and learn Jewishly. As well, we create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
What Families Are Saying
“I’ve never seen my child so engaged, excited, and eager in a program as he was with you on Sunday – thank you, thank you – it means so much to our family. I’ve also really enjoyed being there with the kids!”
— Lauren, nitzanim parent“We love Nitzanim! This is the second time we’ve done it and the sessions were great for both my 20 month old and my 3.5 year old. The educator always brings fun activities and makes lovely Jewish connections.”
— shay, nitzanim parent“TBD”
— tbd, nitzanim parent● Staff
Meet the Educator
Tamar
Tamar is a teacher, student, and doer in the world of Jewish outdoor education, specializing in trees. Her work in trees in Toronto’s public and private sector and her years of experience leading canoe trips for Camp Ramah in Canada led her to the inevitable conclusion that the best place to be is outside. Tamar has studied in many institutions of Jewish learning, including TanenbaumCHAT, Associated Hebrew Schools, Pardes, and Urban Adamah. Tamar is a coordinator at heart, always looking for efficiencies in service of facilitating Jewish community gatherings focused on ritual, song, and nature connection.
Coordinator, toddler program● Program Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! If your child is at least one and you feel they will be able to engage in the program you're welcome to register them. Some of the programs do involve walking in non-stroller accessible areas, so please take that into consideration when deciding if it will work for your child/family.
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Shoresh welcomes Jews and interfaith families of all different backgrounds and affiliations. We are open to the many different ways that our community members interpret Jewish traditions and how they choose to live and learn Jewishly. We also create space for honouring the other cultural, religious, and spiritual identities that participants may be bringing to our programs.
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Yes! Sliding-scale pricing and scholarships are available to help ensure the program is accessible to all families.
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No problem. The program is already subsidized, so we don't offer a per-session rate, but all Shoresh programs have a sliding scale payment system and the option to request a scholarship if the cost of missing a session is a barrier to your family's participation.
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If you want to join Nitzanim with two children of eligible ages, your second child is eligible for our 36% sibling discount. If your younger child is under 18 months, you do not need to pay for them to be there.
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Children should be dressed for the weather and spare clothes and layers should always be brought along. Nitzanim runs rain or shine, but if the weather is not safe for outdoor play and we need to cancel the session we will notify all participants via email an hour before the start time. Each season has a make up date in case a session is canceled.
● Contact
Request Information
Thinking about registering? Curious whether this program would be a good fit for your family? Whatever you’re looking for, we’re here to help.