Funding Options

Making quality outdoor education accessible to families.

We work with various funding providers to make quality outdoor education accessible to all families.

Funding Information

Families with children who have diagnoses (ADHD, ASD, learning differences, or behavioural needs) may be eligible for up to $1,400/month in provincial funding through BC’s Autism or Support Needs programs.

This often covers most or all of KOLA’s tuition.

We can help connect families with DL schools and assist with the application process. KOLA partners with programs that support customized learning plans.

Program Name:

KOLA – Outdoor Learning Academy Nature-Based,
Emotionally Attuned Learning for Ages 6–18

Overview:

KOLA is a therapeutic outdoor learning program designed to support neurodivergent youth through social-emotional growth, nature connection, and individualized learning pathways. Our academy fosters confidence, self-regulation, and community belonging through a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach.

Program Format:

  • Ages Served: 6–18
  • Schedule: 4 or 5 days per week full day
  • Location: Columbia Valley, BC (near Invermere) & Kelowna, BC
  • Group Size: Small cohorts with high staff-to-student ratios
  • Environment: Outdoor-based

Support Strategies:

  • Emotion coaching, sensory supports, and flexible structure
  • Guided peer interaction, conflict resolution coaching
  • Nature-integrated therapeutic activities (e.g. bushcraft, animal care, hiking, art)
  • Individual learning goals supported in a low-pressure, non-graded format
  • Collaboration with families and professionals where relevant

Program Benefits:

  • Increases emotional regulation and resilience
  • Builds social skills through real-life collaboration
  • Reduces school-based anxiety and behavioral stress
  • Encourages executive functioning and independent thinking

Eligibility for Autism Funding:

KOLA offers fee-for-service programs designed to enhance children’s functional, emotional, and social development. While we operate independently of the RASP system, our experienced neurodivergent educators and RBT-trained facilitators provide high-quality, individualized support in nature-based settings.

Contact for More Info / Invoice Setup:

Emily Grace – Program Director
KOLA – Outdoor Learning Academy
Email: info@learnwithkola.ca
Website: www.learnwithkola.ca
Phone: 672-970-3813

Using Autism Funding?

KOLA is eligible to apply for Autism Funding approval through the Request to Pay Service Provider process, subject to approval by the Autism Funding Unit.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/autism-spectrum-disorder/autism-funding/autism-support-services-therapy

Families who wish to use Autism Funding can submit a Request to Pay form with our program details for review. We’re happy to help with this process.