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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
FORED BC Society is a century old, non-partisan charity offering free K–12 educational resources and youth contests focused on forests, sustainability, Indigenous Traditional Knowledgeand other natural resources. Volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities also available.
About FORED BC Society
Trusted since 1925, FORED BC Society is an independent, non-partisan charity founded by volunteers and BC foresters in government, industry, and NGOs. The organization focuses on public education about the environmental, cultural, and economic values of forests and other natural resources in British Columbia and across Canada. FORED works with Indigenous leaders, educators, and community partners to promote lifelong learning and balanced decision-making that considers social, economic, and environmental benefits in resource management.
What does FORED BC offer teachers, parents & youths?
FORED BC offers complimentary, downloadable lesson plans and learning activities for teachers, homeschool parents, youth group leaders, and non-formal educators working with K–12 learners. Resources cover topics such as forest ecology, FireSmart and forest fire prevention, plants and animals, Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and community stewardship. These materials are designed by teachers, volunteers, outdoor education experts, and Indigenous partners, and align with themes in BC’s sustainability and natural resources curricula. Youths use our website to help them prepare essays and homework assignments with credible citations.
Are FORED BC resources really free to use?
Yes, FORED BC’s online educational resources are offered free of charge for anyone working with young people, including schools, NGOs, youth groups, and First Nations communities. Materials can be downloaded and used for classroom instruction, outdoor education, community projects, or homeschool programs, subject to respecting FORED’s intellectual property and attribution guidelines. Some contests and projects may be supported by grants, foundations, and donations, but participation in the core educational offerings does not require a fee.
What age groups are FORED BC programs designed for?
Many FORED BC activities and lesson plans are organized by age ranges across grades K–12. Youth contests commonly accept entries from children and teens aged 5–18. Educators can select and search resources based on grade level, subject area, and specific themes like forests, climate, or Indigenous knowledge.
What contests does FORED BC run each year?
FORED BC sponsors annual art, photography, and video contests for youth that highlight forests, sustainability, and Indigenous traditional knowledge. Regular themes include National Forest Week art/photography/video contests and an Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine contest. Winning entries typically receive cash prizes ($150 dollars per winner) and may be featured in FORED BC promotion and media to showcase youth creativity
Who can enter FORED BC youth contests?
Eligibility varies by contest, but National Forest Week contests are generally open to Canadian youth aged 5–18. The Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine contest is open to Canadian youths aged 5–18 with Indigenous, Inuit, Métis, or self-declared ancestry. Each contest requires original photography, artwork, or video, and submissions must follow age, theme, and format guidelines provided on the contest page and entry form.
How do students submit contest entries?
Entries are usually submitted electronically using FORED BC’s contest entry form linked from the website. Accepted digital formats commonly include image and document files such as .jpg, .png, .pdf, and video formats like .mp4 or .mov, along with required contact and school information. Students are asked to briefly describe how their submission relates to the contest theme and to provide details such as name, grade, teacher, school, and (when applicable) Indigenous ancestry or band affiliation.
What is National Forest Week and how is FORED BC involved?
National Forest Week is an annual Canada-wide event held in the third week of September to raise awareness of the importance of forests to communities, culture, and the economy. FORED BC participates by organizing an annual National Forest Week art, photography, and video contest that encourages youth to explore forest-related themes, such as resilience, forest jobs, and environmental challenges like fires and invasive species. These activities support broader National Forest Week goals of helping students and communities understand forests support our daily needs, such as homes or parks, and stewardship opportunities.
How does FORED BC work with Indigenous communities?
FORED BC collaborates with Indigenous leaders and partners to create educational resources and programs that highlight Indigenous relationships with lands and waters. Initiatives include Indigenous-focused lesson content, youth messages about staying in school and pursuing natural resource careers, and a dedicated Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine art, photography, and video contest. The organization also seeks donor support to expand contest categories and prizes for Indigenous youth.
How is FORED BC funded and how can people support it
FORED BC receives financial or in-kind support from Indigenous partners, government grants, foundations such as the Vancouver Foundation, and individual donors. Donations help maintain free educational resources, or expand youth contests. Supporters can contribute through linked fundraising campaigns (such as GoFundMe for Indigenous contest categories) or by providing feedback, volunteering, and sharing FORED BC programs in their communities.
How can educators and parents stay updated on FORED BC programs?
Visitors can subscribe to FORED BC’s newsletter to receive updates on new lesson plans, contests, youth art and video showcases, and other educational activities. The society also shares news and resources through its website and social media channels, including Instagram. Newsletter sign-up requires only an email address, which FORED BC indicates is used solely for its own educational communications and is not shared with third parties. Sources: 1.https://www.foredbc.org/about-us-fored-bc 2.https://www.volunteerconnector.org/vancouver/fored-bc-society 3.https://www.foredbc.org/youth-activities-age-10-13 4.https://www.bctf.ca/classroom-resources/details/complimentary-lesson-plans-by-teachers-for-teachers-k-12---foredbc 5.https://www.foredbc.org/traditional-knowledge-contest 6.https://www.cif-ifc.org/events/nfw-2025-fored-bc-national-forest-week-art-contest/ 7.https://www.foredbc.org 8.https://www.bcnfw.ca 9.https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/pdfs/curriculum/sciences/2008susres1112.pdf 10.https://engagewithnbs.ca/downloads/ENBS-BC-Urban-Streams-Watersheds-EnviroScience12.pdf