I met Megan near Le champ des possibles, where she spends most of her days playing outside with kids. Not a bad gig if you can get it!
What’s her project all about?
Le lion et la souris (The Lion and The Mouse) is a community organization influenced by the concepts of forest schools and playwork. It brings kids outside and facilitates non-structured play in an open environment. Megan is also involved in many programs and projects built around similar ideas.
Who were you before Le lion et la souris?
“I was born in Halifax, but grew up out West, in a rural environment. So I played outside a LOT, and from a young age. I was always interested in working with kids and community organizations, and my first jobs were as a CIT in daycares and camps. I studied sociology and education, and I was thinking about becoming a teacher, but became disillusioned with the rigidity of the education system. I didn’t agree with a lot of its governing principles and curriculum. After school, I picked up my things, travelled and worked in child programs in Montreal, Bolivia and Alberta. At one point, I was working a desk job at a bank in Calgary and had a moment where I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is like Office Space, I can’t do this!’. So I moved to Montreal and entered a grad program at Concordia university.”
Where’d the inspiration come from?
“At its core, it came from a school project my co-founders and I were working on. We were learning about alternative education models at that time, and thought it’d be cool to open one here. Looking at the different models available (CPE, home-based daycare, etc.), we decided to found a community organization that offered a small playschool program and other programs that provided opportunities for nature-based, play-centred teaching. We raised a few thousand dollars privately to help us with the space (furnishings, paint, etc.) and launched in 2013.”
What’s been difficult?
“We had to reconcile our own idealist visions for offering our programs in the way we wanted to while being accessible to all. We had to accept that we were limited by certain rules and the need for the programs to make sense as a business, even as a non-profit community organization.
We do have small scholarships available and most programs qualify for some reimbursements or tax credits, but it was a major reality check to see was what it costs to pay our bills, including our staff. Even with the success of the program and a large base of families, it continues to be a challenge for us.”
What are some lessons you’ve learned?
“So many! [laughs] Create your own job. It’ll be made-to-measure to you! And enjoy it, because otherwise, what’s the point? Your enjoyment will be contagious!
Find a need and fulfill it. It’s really a lesson we learned with the programs we were offering. We saw how it spoke to parents we were talking to – there was definitely an opportunity there.
With regards to the work itself: trust the kids, and focus on the process more than the end result. At first, I was very Pinterest-envious, you know? I wanted the kids’ projects to *look* nice. But that doesn’t really matter. The creation process, the learning opportunity, that’s the whole point. In general, you also need to learn to assert your right to public space. Sometimes, people will make you feel like children aren’t welcome at a certain place, but public spaces are a right for everyone.
Finally, I’d say reflection is important with colleagues. Carve out the time to chat and reflect on what you do and how you do it. It’s essential when working with an emergent, child-led program, and to feel supported in tougher moments. It helps orient the future and improve continuously.”
What advice would you give your past self?
“Don’t underestimate the paperwork and management of a project, be it administration, balancing the books or marketing. It’ll take up a lot of mindshare, so prepare accordingly.
Don’t forget about work-life balance! I used to overcommit myself, and while this is still my nature, I’m trying to give myself more downtime. Working with kids can be tiring, especially in the extreme heat and cold, so give yourself time off accordingly! In my case, I now try to always take Sundays off and give myself a couple evenings a week with no commitments.”
Cool, that’s a lot of good advice – and links to read! [laughs] Thanks for the inspiration!
“No problem, I’ll see you around! :)”
Le lion et la souris is very much a communal organization, and we would be remiss to not mention the other co-founders: Cameron MacLean, Margaret Fraser and Grace Shamy. You can get information about programming and events on its website and Facebook page.