Spotlight: Stefanie Blakley – Questcoast Kids

My name is Stefanie and I am passionate about getting our kids outside! I provide high quality, research-based, and 100% outdoor programming for kids ages 1 to 12 years.

I have had a passion for working with littles my whole life and while getting a degree in acting and training in dance, I worked as a nanny on the side. In my work, I felt there was more I needed to know to do the best job I could to assist the littles I was with and got a diploma in Early Childhood Education.

I worked full time running a licensed in-home daycare while doing my education and was able to take research-based approaches and apply it directly to the children I worked with. I saw the impact and benefits right before my eyes which has led me to use a research based approach in all of my programs.

Questcoast Kids is working to create community, create environmental stewards and assist families in our neighbourhood.

Dancer, educator, founder of Questcoast Kids

Stefanie is a multi-talented individual who uses her diverse skills to create amazing programming for kids.

I asked Stefanie a few questions about Questcoast Kids, here is what she had to say:

Q. Are you really 100% outside?

A. Yes!! Exploring in natural spaces helps children with social, emotional, physical, creative and intellectual development. Nature regulates our bodies and nervous system. There is even research showing that increased time spent outside improves immunity, focus and academic performance. It might seem like it rains all day every day, but that's not actually the case and we get to enjoy the beauty of those times spent before and after rain when everything is quiet and the puddles are just for us!

Q. What is play-based learning?

A. Play-based learning fosters exploration and imagination through hands-on and engaging activities that promote confidence and competence on critical and creative thinking. This is not free play, this is engaged educators watching and listening to the children and enhancing their learning through what they are doing and what they are interested in.

Q. How do you ensure safety while children are playing in the forest?

A. All of our children wear high-visibility vests while attending our program to ensure they are easily seen to keep our group together. We practice wildlife drills regularly so children know what to do if we encounter an unleashed dog or bear. We take safety very seriously and are educated to assist children as they engage with the natural environment. Research shows, there is more risk playing on a man-made playground than there is climbing and exploring in natural spaces.

Q. What ages are your programs suited for?

A. We offer programs for kids as young as 1 year old all the way up to Grade 5! Our Questies morning program is for young forest explorers from age 1 to 6 years, and our before and after school Nature Club is for kids from Kindergarten up to Grade 5. All programs incorporate age-appropriate curriculum and activities.

Q. What if a child has diverse needs, can your program accommodate?

A. Absolutely! Play-based is a wholistic and individualized approach, all children can find a way in through play. We find the environment allows for diverse needs to be cared for due to the regulating nature of being outdoors. We support all children to the best of our abilities and welcome all families!

One of my Studio Parents told me about this fantastic outdoor adventure program that their child was participating in - and of course, I just *had* to know what it was all about!

That's how I met Stefanie, and right away we knew that we had to find a way to bring our two businesses together.

She invited me to be a part of her Chili Cook-Off on July 1st, and unfortunately I'm away but our wonderful Yoga instructor Merve will be there to run an all-ages family Yoga session at 11:30.

Look for more collaborations between Little Words and Questcoast in the near future!

Free Community Event: 2025 Chili Cookoff!!

Questcoast Kids is hosting a Chili-Cook Off at Peanut Park (Simon Fraser Hills Park). They will have local businesses coming together to create community and connect! There are a few spaces left if you would like to enter the contest, all ages and cooking levels welcome!

All attending will get the opportunity to judge which chili is the best of our neighbourhood. There will be a yoga session, kids activities and ice cream! Enter the contest or just join the fun, everyone is welcome!