Chelsea Holley

Nature Educator

• • Blue Heron Forest Program (Quadra Island)

Hello, I’m Chelsea Holley.

It’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Hand-In-Hand team. My son was one of the first HIH forest school kids many years ago and it was a wonderful experience. I’m a homeschooling mother of two high-schoolers who have learned at home since the very beginning. We spent most of their early years outside caring for our farm animals, gardens, fishing and exploring the woods. During those years I became ECE assistant certified and ran a small home daycare with a strong outdoor theme. I had the pleasure of offering some fun workshops at the big HIH Campferences at Rathtrevor Beach. My farm became the backdrop for many epic adventures as I facilitated homeschool workshops and summer camps. We practiced primitive arts like fire making, cordage, basketry, natural pigments, archery and foraging.

I’m often in the woods with my dog, and a collection of young homeschool kids who’ve become like family, collecting berries, herbs, mushrooms or materials for art projects. When I’m not off on wild adventures, I might be chipping away at a Master Herbalist diploma that I’m working towards. The blending of my love for the natural world, and the absolute joy I find in facilitating deep nature connection for children have brought me into an exciting full-circle moment, offering my service as a HIH guide.