Naturalist and Bushcraft Instructor
Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .
Garrin began his deep dive into bushcraft and naturalist skills with a 7 month apprenticeship with Sticks and Stones Wilderness School in the Spring of 2012, which at the time was held on the very same property that Wilde School now tends.
After completing this apprenticeship he began teaching with Sticks and Stones while developing his skills and working along side some of the most talented nature connection facilitators in the country. Garrin went on to work with many organizations such as The Pine Project, Earth Tracks, Luna Adventures, The Pine Institute and many others while refining his approach of using bushcraft to connect people with themselves, the land and those they share it with.
In the fall of 2021 he found himself back on the hills of the Beaver Valley when he joined the amazing team here at Wilde to share the magic of the valley with the next generation.
Garrin is a firm believer that while knowledge of our natural world is valuable, it is experiences that truly foster connection and lead to its preservation.
When a person heads out into the woods and turns what they find there into food, clean water, shelter and fire (and more!) that person begins to build a relationship with the natural world that is deeper than what can be found with knowledge alone.
Experiences, unlike knowledge, are not taught but guided through. A mentor is someone that walks beside the student and shares in the learning.
Garrin grew up crawling through the woods and creeks of Southern Ontario chasing the local reptiles and amphibians.
Many years later those wild places called him back in the form of a 7-month apprenticeship with Sticks and Stones Wilderness School on the hills of the Kimbercote property where he lived the survival and stewardship knowledge passed on to him.
Meet Our Team & Faculty
The exceptional and diverse team at WILDE School Blue Mountains is committed to transforming education through a mix of traditional and innovative strategies. We believe in every child's potential and guide them to become lifelong learners and future leaders.
Firstname
Position Title
Introduction to staff member.
Brayden
Director of Education
After getting over kicking himself for not starting something like WILDE School 20 years ago, Brayden is honoured to be a leading member of the WILDE team.
Dave
The Wilde Bus Driver
Dave is the beloved driver of The Wilde Bus, known for his unwavering reliability, friendly demeanour, and the profound trust he has earned from both the parents and children of our school community.
Shelagh
Grade 2 & 3 Teacher
Shelagh is an educator with experience teaching students all over the globe.
Sophie
Grade 7 & 8 Teacher
"I strive to empower students as critical thinkers and independent learners, encouraging them to follow their interests while supporting their unique academic needs."
Jeff
Founder & Executive Director
Jeff is the visionary founder of WILDE School Blue Mountains, with a rich background in outdoor education and ecotourism, dedicated to fostering a new generation of passionate, educated changemakers through meaningful educational experiences.
Diane
Kindergarten Teacher
Diane is a multifaceted educator who combines her diverse skills to offer a uniquely immersive and creative learning experience.
Olivia
Music/French Teacher
Olivia is our Music and French teacher, who values nature's classroom through nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection through outdoor learning.
Pam
Grade 1 & 2 Teacher
Passionate about sustainability, creativity, and adventure, Pam brings learning to life through exploration, foraging, and connecting with the land. She also shares her love of horses, weaving stories and lessons from her lifelong journey.
Curtis
Grade 5 & 6 Teacher
Curtis’s own lifelong learning goals and experiences thus far have embedded in him a sense of wonder that he seeks to share with his students.
Leah
Program Director / Camp Director
Leah is a creative and passionate person focused on outdoor learning and weaving the WILDE way into every part of children’s lives—both inside and beyond WILDE.
Garrin
Naturalist and Bushcraft Instructor
Garrin is a passionate nature connection facilitator that uses bushcraft and survival skills to help others relate to their natural surroundings .
Maria
Kindergarten EA
"Hi, I’m Maria! I strive to help kids discover confidence and curiosity through outdoor learning. I love being part of an environment that supports growth, and I aim to build strong, supportive connections with students and staff."
CD
Grade 4 & 5 Teacher
CD is a teacher and lifelong learner who inspires students through exploration, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to become well rounded, capable humans.
Ali
Director of Teaching and Learning / Teacher
Ali inspires her students to be engaged, critical thinkers and creative problem solvers through her interactive teaching approach, deeply rooted in respect for the environment and a passion for healthy active living.
Leah
Leadership & WILDE Friday Director & Occasional Teacher
Leah is a dedicated outdoor educator with a strong background in environmental education and a deep commitment to connecting children with nature.
Interested in Joining the Team at Wilde School?
Empower the leaders of tomorrow and make a lasting difference in the world of education.