Voices From the field

The Servos Family

We had the pleasure of joining Billie Jo Reid for a free Library activity, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Billie Jo is a truly gifted educator - she communicates with such passion, clarity, and kindness. Her encouraging and reassuring nature made everyone feel welcome and confident to participate, no matter their experience level. Billie Jo's charismatic personality shines through in everything she does. She has a unique ability to connect people with the natural world in meaningful and accessible ways. Whether it was exploring, observing or learning through hands-on activities, she made every moment feel inspiring and important.  This was so much more than just an outdoor workshop - it was a reminder of how powerful connection to nature and family can be.  We are so thankful for the experience and can't recommend Billie Jo & Pine & Ponder Outdoors enough.  Gratefully

Patricia, Principal

"Having Billie Jo facilitate outdoor learning experiences for our students was truly
invaluable. She is a highly skilled educator and facilitator whose ability to connect with
even the most reluctant learners is remarkable. Billie Jo’s contagious energy and sense
of wonder infused every workshop, sparking curiosity and engagement across all age
groups. Long after her time at our school, students continued discussing data, asking
insightful questions, and reflecting on what they had learned - a testament to the lasting
impact of her work."

Seraphina, Grade 8

“The nature journalling experience was very fun and educational. The instructor offered
help and encouragement to everyone in the group. She guided us step by step and
never rushed us. Due to the weather conditions, my class was not able to do it outside.
The instructor brought some items from nature inside for us to look at. The overall
experience was lovely, and I would appreciate it if we could do it again.”

Grade 8, Student

“We were called down to the lower foyer. There were leaves and pods and pine cones
on the floor. There was a woman there and she gave us booklets. We each took a
piece of nature and wrote down our observations. Overall, it was a very fun experience.
It was a good learning experience too. The instructor there was very nice as well. It
was very helpful and it taught me to make very intricate and special observations about
things. Curiosity is a great thing!

James, Grade 2

“I liked hanging out with Billie Jo and doing nature journalling because she was nice and
fun. I liked sitting on the rocks with Billie Jo. It was better to have fresh air and feel the
leaves. It is good being in the nature, especially with Billie Jo.”

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Olivia, Grade 1

“Thanks for teaching us about nature. I learned more about my leaf. Thanks. You are
the best!”

Jasmine, Grade 1

“I love the book you gave us. I like to put stickers in it and bring it home. Thank you so
much!”

Samantha, Grade 1

“I really love the journalling. I really want to do it again sometime!”

Serena, Kindergarten

“I enjoyed working outside with all of the colours. I liked the feeling of the wind.”

Asher, Kindergarten

“I was very excited to colour and draw outside.”

Kian, Kindergarten

“I liked looking at the leaves and touching the leaves because it reminded me of my
fishing and camping trips.

Alison, Kindergarten

“I liked tracing the leaves and I liked the way that they felt.”

Leah, Kindergarten

It was fun to look for leaves and trace them. It was chilly outside when we found our
leaves.”