Who we are
We see ourselves as co-researchers and co-learners with the children. We are there to help them pursue and explore their interests. As a team, we are committed to nurturing our community’s curiosities, passions, and relationships.
We are deeply grateful for our ever-present co-teacher, the beautiful Land we call home. We take great pride in providing a safe, cozy, reciprocal, and loving atmosphere.
Shilah Karius
Co-Founder & Co-Learner
Born and raised on the West Coast and in the Okanagan, my most cherished childhood memories took place in the bountiful nature BC has to offer. Gathering around the campfire with loved ones, skating on frozen ponds, and catching frogs at the off-grid cabin my family built with our bare hands. Every summer, I couldn’t wait to get back to an outdoor sleepaway camp, first as a camper and later as a group leader. These memories and experiences are foundational to who I am today and sparked my desire to work with children outdoors.
I am currently in my final year of pursuing a Bachelors Degree of Early Childhood Care and Education through Capilano University. This learning journey provoked me to focus on inclusive care and outdoor learning. During my education, I was blessed with the opportunity to study in Denmark, where I got to spend some time in a Danish Forest Kindergarten. These encounters solidified my passion for working with children and communities in outdoor learning environments. I also hold a 90-hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training through gloWithin, which has deeply inspired my trauma-informed approach and commitment to creating spaces where children feel seen, loved, and supported. My practice is rooted in listening. Listening to children’s questions, emotions, and ways of being, and in following the rhythms and flows of the Land.
It brings me such joy to witness children lean into their curiosity, experiments, and discover something new. I love the messiness of learning! The process of trial and error, the never ending questions, and the way learners challenge eachothers ideas. I feel inspired by the risks they take as they realize just how capable and competent they are. I love supporting children as they grow in confidence, show kindness to others, and build respect for (non)human others. For me, relationships are at the heart of learning; I believe knowledge is socially constructed, and that we grow best when we have safe spaces to listen, share, and learn together. What I value the most about outdoor classrooms is that they are alive: always changing, and embracing diversity wholeheartedly! Each day, each season, brings something new to discover both around and within us.
Around Squamish, you might find me walking my cat, chasing hotsprings, kayaking, baking, biking, beading, practicing yoga, or listening to live music! I am thrilled and grateful to be living, learning, and building this outdoor learning community with y’all in the moments yet to come!
Geogia Smith
Co-Founder & Co-Learner
I have always had a deep love for playing with children and take great pride in helping them navigate the joys and troubles of being human! As early as I can remember, I knew that when I grew up, my job would revolve around children. I was the toddler with 4 baby dolls in my arms at all times and always introduced my little brother as my baby.
In 2018, I moved from Tennessee to Squamish to attend Quest University. I absolutely loved my years at Quest and during my time there I fell in love with outdoor education and cooking rooted in connection to the Land. I began volunteering and eventually began teaching at a local nature school as an ECEA and as their food curriculum director.
I love making art— especially printmaking, sewing, and ceramics! I love swimming, cheese, ladybugs, chess, and the book Braiding Sweetgrass.
Thank you for trusting us with the most wonderful people in the world. I’m humbled and honored to know and love your children. I'm so lucky to be part of their story and this community. I'm incredibly grateful to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw stewards who have long protected this sacred and stolen Land. I feel deep reverence for the Land we play on/with, and the plants and animals who share the space with us every day.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Contact us
Keen for more info? Send us a message or email us at bloomandbelongoutdoors@gmail.com— we’ll do our best to get back to you asap!