Otters: Discovering God’s Creation Through Play
For boys and girls ages 5–7. A joyful beginning to the FNE journey, where young children discover the beauty of God’s creation, develop lasting friendships and begin to grow in their love for Jesus.
Welcome to the Otter Lodge
Every great adventure begins with a first step!
For our youngest members, that step is taken in the Otter Lodge — a joyful place filled with friendship, discovery, laughter and new experiences.
Like real otters, children of this age are playful, curious and eager to explore the world around them.
Through games, stories, songs, crafts, prayer and outdoor adventures, Otters learn to share, cooperate, help others and discover the happiness of belonging to the FNE family.
Guided by dedicated volunteer leaders, children are encouraged to develop good habits, discover their abilities and grow in kindness, confidence and love for Jesus.
The Otter programme is more than an opportunity to have fun. It is the beginning of a journey of faith and character that can continue throughout their years in FNE.
Growing in Faith, Friendship and Character
Young children learn best through play, example and simple experiences.
Every Otter activity offers opportunities to develop the habits and virtues that will help children grow into joyful, responsible and caring young Catholics.
Friendship and Kindness
Learning to welcome others, share, take turns, play fairly and build friendships founded on kindness and respect.
Cooperation and Helping Others
Discovering the joy of working together, listening to others and lending a helping hand.
Curiosity and Discovery
Exploring the wonders of nature, asking questions and learning to appreciate God's beautiful creation.
Confidence and Responsibility
Trying new activities, learning simple practical skills, caring for belongings and experiencing the satisfaction of doing their best.
Love for Jesus
Beginning to know and love Our Lord through simple prayers, Bible stories, songs and everyday acts of kindness.
These early lessons help children discover that even small actions can bring joy to others and please God.
Life in the Otter Lodge
Little Adventures. Happy Memories. Important First Lessons.
Life in the Otter Lodge is filled with activities that encourage children to be active, curious, creative and helpful.
Games and Outdoor Adventures
Fun, energetic games encourage cooperation, fairness, movement and friendship. Children discover the joy of playing together and learning to respect simple rules.
Exploring God's Creation
Nature walks and outdoor activities introduce Otters to plants, animals, insects and the changing seasons.
They begin learning that the natural world is a beautiful gift from God, deserving of wonder, gratitude and care.
Arts, Crafts and Practical Activities
Through hands-on projects, children develop creativity, coordination, patience and confidence while discovering the joy of making something themselves.
Stories, Songs and Imagination
Stories and songs make learning memorable and enjoyable, helping children discover important lessons about kindness, friendship, honesty and good behaviour.
Prayer and Catholic Faith
Simple prayers, stories about Jesus and the saints, and opportunities to participate in the Catholic life of the FNE family help children begin developing their relationship with God.
Friendship and Belonging
Within their Lodge, every Otter is encouraged to feel welcome, valued and part of a happy community.
Along with regular meetings, Otters may enjoy special outings, nature experiences and other age-appropriate adventures organized by their local FNE group.
Growing Closer to Jesus
Planting the Seeds of Faith
At the heart of the Otter programme is a simple and beautiful purpose: helping children discover how much Jesus loves them.
Through prayer, stories, songs and small acts of kindness, Otters begin to understand that loving God also means loving and helping others.
As they explore the beauty of nature, they are encouraged to recognize God's goodness in the world around them.
As they learn to share, forgive, cooperate and care for their friends, they take their first steps in living the Christian virtues.
These joyful experiences plant the seeds of faith that will continue to grow throughout their FNE journey.
Supporting Parents in Their Important Mission
Parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and FNE is privileged to support them in this important responsibility.
The Otter programme complements the Catholic faith and values taught at home by providing a happy, wholesome environment where children can make friends, develop good habits and discover new abilities.
Dedicated volunteer leaders encourage kindness, cooperation, responsibility and a growing love for Jesus through positive example and age-appropriate activities.
Together with parents, we help children begin their journey toward becoming faithful, joyful and generous young Catholics.
What FNE Parents Say
“My son can’t wait to get to his Otter lodge to play with his new friends, to listen to stories and enjoy one adventure after another.”
— Jack & Charlene G., FNE Parents
Begin Your Child's FNE Adventure
Little Steps. Great Discoveries. A Growing Love for Jesus. Give your child the opportunity to discover new friendships, explore God's creation and begin a joyful journey of faith, character and adventure.
As children grow, their FNE journey continues in the Timberwolf Den, where new adventures help them develop greater courage, responsibility and Christian character