Bus to the mountain to escape the cold – the forest group solved the daycare's space problem
A daycare group in Ylläs, Finland, has creatively addressed space issues during the busy tourism season by conducting outdoor activities in the nearby forests and utilizing the ski resort's facilities.
In Kola, near the Ylläs ski resort, local daycare centers are experiencing overcrowding due to the fluctuating number of tourists during the peak season. To tackle this issue, a creative solution was proposed involving a forest group that allows 4 to 6-year-olds to spend most of their week outdoors. On a recent excursion, children packed their lunches and storybooks to head out into nature, donning yellow vests for safety. With the temperature significantly warmer in the elevated ski areas, outdoor activities have become more feasible, providing children with an exciting environment to learn and play.
The daycare group operates under the guidance of Janne Kylmämaa, who encourages outdoor learning experiences. Despite frigid temperatures in the village, the ski resort nearby offers a more pleasant climate for fun activities such as sledding. This innovative approach not only addresses the space constraints but enhances children's connection with nature and encourages physical activity. A special room at the ski resort has been designated as a resting area for the children, allowing for a seamless integration of outdoor play and indoor comfort.
Ultimately, this outdoor-oriented group was formed out of necessity, emphasizing the importance of adapting to external circumstances. By utilizing the resources offered by the surrounding environment and the ski resort, this daycare is setting a precedent for how care and education can evolve in response to local challenges, and it may inspire other institutions facing similar situations to adopt creative solutions for outdoor learning.