The Heart Behind Buddies in Bloom
I Didn’t Start With a Business Plan
Buddies in Bloom started with a simple idea: that childhood should feel like muddy boots, curious questions, and long days spent outside.
At Buddies in Bloom, everything we do begins with one question: what kind of childhood do we want to create? We believe early childhood education should feel joyful, connected, and meaningful—not rushed.
I started this journey because I saw a need for something different in early learning and childcare in Vancouver—something slower, more connected, and deeply rooted in nature-based learning.
Inspired by Nature, Built With Intention
I was deeply inspired by outdoor preschools and forest schools around the world that create space for children to build resilience, take healthy risks, and grow through outdoor play and hands-on learning experiences.
When I moved to Vancouver, I quickly noticed how many nature-based childcare and outdoor learning programs were already thriving, and I jumped at the opportunity to be part of that community. As someone who spends as much time outside as possible, it felt incredibly meaningful to share my love and knowledge of the outdoors with children—especially those who truly see and appreciate the magic in it.
I began working at a nature preschool and instantly fell in love with the work. But over time, I also started to notice a number of things I wished were done differently within the childcare and early learning field.
Community Comes First
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Buddies in Bloom.
Building genuine, meaningful relationships quickly became a top priority—not just with the children, but with families as well. We believe in meeting people where they are and approaching every interaction with kindness, compassion, and respect—for each other and for the environment around us.
To us, community is built through open communication, trust, inclusion, and understanding. We want families to feel supported, connected, and genuinely involved in their child’s early learning journey.
Supporting Educators Matters
I also became aware of how many early childhood educators—myself included—have had difficult experiences with management in this field.
Because of that, I made it a priority to ensure that our educators feel supported, valued, respected, and heard—that their voices, mental wellbeing, and experiences truly matter. The quality of care in early childhood education spaces is deeply connected to the wellbeing of the educators within them.
Without supported, passionate, and happy educators, the entire philosophy of Buddies in Bloom falls apart.
A Different Approach to Early Learning
I began to notice that this level of care and intention wasn’t always present in many childcare programs—and it only strengthened my commitment to making it a foundation of our own.
We strive to create a nurturing preschool environment where parents can truly see the growth, confidence, and resilience in their children. A space where children feel safe, supported, and free to take risks—while being nurtured emotionally, socially, and creatively.
At Buddies in Bloom, child-led learning truly means just that. Children’s interests guide the day, their ideas shape the experience, and they take an active role in creating the flow (and yes—even most of the rules).
With less intensive educator direction, children are given the freedom to explore, problem-solve, express themselves, and fully be who they are through play-based learning and outdoor education.
The Kind of Childhood I Would Have Wanted
I was inspired by the kind of preschool and outdoor learning environment I would have wanted as a child—one rooted in freedom, curiosity, creativity, and connection.
A place where educators genuinely cared about my interests and nurtured them—until suddenly, those interests became something we could all share and explore together.
How It All Came Together
And then it all came to life—with the support of parents in my community who lent a helping hand, and educators who aligned with my philosophy and shared a love for the adventure, creativity, and growth that outdoor education brings.
Today, Buddies in Bloom continues to grow as a nature-based preschool and outdoor childcare program in East Vancouver, built on connection, community, and a deep respect for childhood.