MAKE PEACE WITH WINTER 2012
The Institute for Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies
Wiarton, Ontario - February 3-5
Thinking about a winter getaway?
-Experience a weekend of relaxation on the Bruce Peninsula (Ontario's best-kept secret!) surrounded by beautiful scenery guaranteed to soothe the soul.
-Visit an amazing outdoor education destination and learn, share and laugh with kindred spirits from across the province and beyond.
-Savour delicious food all weekend and enjoy an evening social program filled with fun, dancing and live music.
-Leave this professional development experience feeling rejuvenated and with many new ideas and resources in hand.
-The final ingredient for a perfect winter weekend is you!
The buzz is building around this special COEO weekend event - see further details below!
Confirmed Workshops Include:
Sled building; moccasin making; a new approach to mammal tracking; star-gazing at our new observatory and an astronomy resources session; Snow science and winter ecology workshop; integrated programs forum; ropes and pulleys (be lifted to the rafters of our barn!); environmental team building games; morning yoga and Tai Chi; Inuit games; dogwood basket-making; surprise historical guest visitors; skiing; snowshoeing; Transition Town Movement – Lion’s Head; a net-working circle; a gear swap; and live music by a fun local teacher band, “Bored of Education”, followed by an open-mic night!
You may also choose to sneak out to ski one of three local ski trails (classic and skate) or take in some of the Wiarton Willie festivities!
***IMPORTANT DETAILS:
MAKE PEACE WITH WINTER CONFERENCE LOCATION
The Institute for Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies (IOEES) is located just west of Wiarton on Bruce County Road 13. Historically known as the Mason Family Farmstead, we are just a short drive to Lake Huron sunsets, or the crystal clear waters of Georgian Bay. Explore 320 acres of mixed forest, meadow, open fields, swamps, marshes, alvar, and two inland lakes. An extensive trail system connects visitors to nature at every turn. Our facilities include a brand new dorm and dining lodge, a school-house, the E.S. Fox Astronomy Observatory, and the original barn and stone farm-house.
DIRECTIONS
From the south, travel north to Owen Sound, where you will access Highway 6 at the west end of town. Travel on Highway 6 to Hepworth. From Hepworth, travel north to Wiarton on Highway 6. Once in Wiarton, travel north through town on Highway 6 and go up the north hill. Just as you crest the top of the north hill, you will see Mother's Fabrics and the Spirit Rock Motel on your right, and Jenny Street on your left. Turn left (west) onto Jenny Street. This will turn into Bruce County Road # 13, which will take you to the IOEES. Travel west on Bruce County Road # 13 for approximately 8 km. You will cross a bridge over the Rankin/Pike River. The IOEES is the first farm on the left (south) after the bridge. The fire # is 3092, however, you will travel just past this first driveway to the second. You will see Spry Lake Road to your right (north). Just after Spry Lake Road you will see a circular drive-way on your left. This is the parking lot for our dormitory facility where your weekend adventure begins! 3092 Bruce County Road 13, RR 3 Wiarton, Ontario.
MAP
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations will be in our dormitory facility. There is a wing for men, and a wing for women. In each wing there are four small rooms that sleep 4 people, and there is a large dormitory room that sleeps 18. The beds are bunks and you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. The Facility has In-floor heating, which means you can walk around in slippers and be comfy, but outdoor footwear will need to be removed at entrances. There are showers available, but access will be restricted to respect the limits of the well and septic system. Bring ear-plugs just in case, and please inform us of any special accommodation needs with a note attached to your registration form. If you snore, please let us know! We have space reserved for individuals or groups wanting to set-up their own canvas winter tents, but please inform us of you are choosing to do so before arriving on-site (same cost applies).
MEALS and SNACKS
The IOEES caterer will be providing delicious and nutritious meals for the conference. Please outline any dietary needs clearly on your registration form. Coffee, tea, juice and water will be provided at all times in the dining hall. Other snacks will be provided at times indicated. BYOWB! – Bring Your Own Water Bottle. ***Please note, alcohol is permitted on camp property (BYOB), but no glass beer bottles – cans only please.
THE GREAT WINTER GEAR AND CLOTHING SWAP
Upon your arrival at the IOEES, you may wish to display an item(s) in the gear and clothing swap. The swap will be set up in the hallway of our school-house from Friday evening until Saturday evening at 5 pm. Price tags will be provided for sellers to attach to their item(s) and then potential buyers can pay the asking price or try their hand at haggling with the seller. "Sellers" and "buyers" will be responsible for settling up, and removing the item from the classrooms by Saturday evening at 8:15 pm.
CONFERENCE BURSARIES
Each year the COEO Board of Directors sets aside funds for two individuals who require financial assistance in order to attend our MPWW conference. Those wishing to apply for this must submit a letter to President, Kyle Clarke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the requested amount and a rationale by January 20, 2012. Bursary applicants will be informed by January 25, 2012 as to whether or not they have received funding.
HEY STUDENTS!!!
Are you planning to attend the upcoming MPWW conference as part of group of four or more? Group discounts are available. Contact Deborah Diebel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.
REGISTRATION OPEN!
Regular Member $195
Student/Retiree $175
Saturday only $65
*Plese note, some workshops will require an additional fee for materials.
Download a copy of the 2012 COEO MPWW Conference Registration Form by clicking here.
*Membership: Registrants for the 2012 COEO MPWW Conference must hold a current COEO membership. Membership fees maybe included with registration. Membership information can be found here.
Have you seen this year's OFFICIAL MPWW CONFERENCE POSTER yet? Download a copy for your very own, print and display it with pride in your centre, school, camp, store, park, staffroom, office or outhouse!
THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE (SO FAR...)
Friday Evening
Registration from 5 – 10 pm
Pine Needle Baskets (ongoing throughout the weekend)
Begin a pine needle basket with the help of IOEES staff, which you can then work on over the course of the weekend. Samples will be available for you to look at. Each basket will be unique, and beautiful! ***Those who live in regions with Red Pines (yes, they must be Red Pine needles) are asked to bring along a garbage bag of fresh needles cut from the tree to stock our supplies.
The Great Winter Gear and Clothing Swap Set-Up
Upon your arrival, if you have gear to swap you will have time to visit our school-house where you will set up your swap item. Limited room, so please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in advance if special arrangements need to be made for your item.
Teaching Astronomy – Ideas, Resources, and Star-Gazing 7 - 8 pm
Walt Sepic will take you on a tour through the universe of supplies and resources available to you to learn more about astronomy, and to nurture a love of astronomy in your students. Discover books, tools, computer programs, and gadgets to help you navigate your way around the solar system, and then step outside for a wild trip through the stars. Keep your fingers crossed for a clear night!
Barn Dance! 8:30 - 10 pm
Join local square dance callers, Lorne and Cecille Lockrey, in our 1886 barn for a hootin’, hollerin’ good time! You will know you are “North of the Checkerboard”, as the locals say, when you step into this real-life barn dance! Bring your cow-boy/girl boots and hats, and checkered shirts for a hoe-down you won’t forget!
Saturday
Early Morning Yoga 7 - 8 am
Join Elaine Tutte, local yoga instructor, for an early morning Hatha Yoga session. Bring your own yoga mat, and breathe deep!
Breakfast 8 – 8:45 am
Cross-Country Check-up: Reflections on Outdoor Education After Running Across Canada
Keynote Address by Colin Harris of Take Me Outside 9 - 9:45 am
Using pictures and videos from his run across Canada, Colin will try to paint a picture of the outdoor education landscape as he sees it – where it stands now and where he thinks it could go. At a local level, many great things are happening. But is there room for a collaborative initiative that will help create a bit more national dialogue in this country about the benefits of getting outside? As individual organizations, the front lines are well taken care of. But as a collective whole, could we, as outdoor educators, have a bigger voice? Intertwining his experience of running across this country with exploring some of these questions, it’s Colin’s hope to create more conversations about how to move this movement forward.
Colin has worked in the field of outdoor education for about 12 years, gaining valuable experiences through work in the Northwest Territories with First Nations youth, Outward Bound trips in northern Ontario and his time as the Outdoor Education Director in Haliburton, Ontario. Over the past year and a half, Colin started Take Me Outside, a non-profit organization aimed at getting children and youth outside, active and connected to nature. This has included an apparel initiative promoting outdoor education with t-shirts selling in MEC’s across the country along as well as running across Canada. From January to October of 2011, Colin ran 7600 kilometres, equaling 181 marathons, going into almost 80 schools and talking to over 19,000 students about the importance of better balancing our time in front of screens and the time we spend outside.
*Saturday Morning Sessions 10 am – 12 pm
Slip and Slide! Sled-Making with Rob Stevens
½ day workshop, Materials Fee of $125
Workshop participants will assemble a toboggan constructed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), with hardwood crossbars attached by stainless steel screws. It is intended for hauling winter camping gear, pulled by people on snowshoes or skis (not a dog sled).
UHMWPE is very slippery, so provides very little resistance when pulled over the snow. and is not prone to shattering in very cold temperatures yet remains flexible. In use it bends to the contours of the terrain making it stable on relatively level ground. It can be rolled for compact storage and transport.
The harness (loop of seat belt web) and pull lines are attached relatively low at the front to provide efficient forward pull, with a little upward tension to ride over soft or deep snow. The length of pull line is adjustable to suit personal preference, weather and terrain conditions. Position the harness where most comfortable; over either shoulder, across the chest or around the waist. For downhill travel or crossing a slope a second person may be needed to “back rope” to impede free downhill run (or into the haulers legs), or to prevent the loaded toboggan from sliding sideways or rolling.
- Alexandra & Garrett Conover (1995, revised edition 2006 –also published as “Winter Wilderness Companion” in 2001). Also see; http://wintertrekking.com/equipment/sleds-toboggans/
Make Your Own Moccasins
Full day workshop, Materials Fee of $25, Restricted to the First 12 Registrants
By the end of this workshop you will have completed a pair of moccasins, either for yourself or as a gift for someone else. This workshop does not require any prior experience working with leather. The pattern is easy to follow, and involves the sewing and punching of holes through the leather which is somewhat more challenging. The process is fun, and the final results are very rewarding! This workshop is limited to 12 participants, but if there is more demand we will consider adding a handful more. Judy Robinson has been a Program Staff member at the IOEES for 3 years, during which time she has taught many people how to make their own moccasins.
A New Approach to Mammal Tracking
½ day workshop
One of the great pleasures on an early winter morning is going out to read the story the forest has to tell in tracks of the wild ones who were there before you. What’s old is new again as you learn ancient methods of identifying track patterns and extrapolate animal movements. Join Skeet Sutherland for a morning of tracking using your newly gained knowledge of the categories of the ways animals move and leave prints. You may bring or borrow snowshoes for this session, if necessary. On this 320 acre, diverse property, you never know what may be waiting for you on a winter’s morn’! Skeet Sutherland is the founder of Sticks and Stones Wilderness School, and is a student of ancient arts and ways of being in the outdoors. He is excited to share his passions with COEO members for the first time at this gathering.
Everything you always wanted to know about snow (but were afraid to ask)
½ day workshop
This is it, the presentation you drove two + hours to see! Well maybe not, but Kyle will definitely be able to answer any questions you have about snow. Through this interactive workshop, participants will get up close and personal with snow in its various forms. Snow language and classification will be explained, as well as its ecological role during winter months. We will explore a variety of snowy details – from its usefulness as a building material, to why avalanches occur and the various ways to turn it into water for drinking. This workshop will cover many snow-related learning activities, experiments and games that can be done with children during wintertime.
Kyle Clarke is currently a Graduate Student at Queen’s University and soooo excited to be presenting at this year’s Make Peace with Winter gathering.
Get Suspended at the IOEES! Ropes and Pulleys for Grade 4's
½ day workshop
In this fun and creative workshop, Carlin will make hard to understand physics seem like grade 8 math. Participants will take advantage of the IOEES’ century old barn, and show you how to take math/science to new heights.
Objectives:
- Learn about different forms of mechanical advantage
- Learn history about ropes and pulleys
- Learn how to use ropes and pulleys to create efficient hauling systems (i.e. C-pulls, Z-pulls)
- Learn how to identify the degree of mechanical advantage in a number of situations.
- Learn how to present this information in a creative/fun way that will leave lasting impressions on future students.
Carlin Val is an Outdoor Education Specialist at the IOEES, and founder of At Last Adventures, a guiding company that takes climbers to new heights on the rock-faces of the Bruce.
*Lunch 12:10 - 1 pm
The History Of This Place… 1 – 1:30 pm
Be delighted by our surprise guests.
Networking Circle 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Bring your business cards for this networking circle where you will either share your expertise, or ask for help and ideas in 30 seconds or less. This is a great way to meet and greet more people at the conference than you thought possible to meet – it’s speed dating for educators!
*Saturday Afternoon Sessions 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Moccasin Making Cont’d
Full day workshop, Limited to 12
Using Winter in Your Science!
½ day workshop
Make your science real by using our amazing winter months to get your students outside and exploring. From habitats, to energy conservation, changes in matter and the grade 7 Heat Unit, there are numerous ways that our wintery world can be integrated into student learning. Anne Range and Anne Grieve will provide ideas for Primary, Junior and intermediate programs. Anne x 2 are Bluewater District School Board science teachers who are instrumental in the organization of Bluewater DSB’s science fair program each year. Anne Range once took on the persona of Mother Earth to deliver nature-based programs to students across Grey and Bruce. Anne Grieve sports her own unforgettable persona with vigour! Both currently teach in Bluewater.
Integrated Programs Discussion Forum
½ day workshop
More of a discussion amongst the teachers of these programs than a question and answer session, this workshop will provide Integrated Program teachers a chance to meet, share ideas, and problem-solve. This session is still coming together, but the hope is we will have a facilitator (pending) who can share information and research to set the tone for the session, and then to keep the discussions going and record minutes for everyone to share. Those not currently involved in running an Integrated Program may choose to participate in this session as an observer, and to network.
Environmental Science Initiatives/Games
½ day workshop
Tired of teaching/learning right out of a textbook? So are your students! In this workshop, you will learn a series of environmentally themed games that make teaching Environmental Science fun! This workshop is designed for teachers who want to start teaching subjects such as environmental science in an integrated way. If you have reservations, and need to build your confidence with some new ideas, this workshop is for you!
Carlin Val is a graduate of the Lakehead’s OE3 program (outdoor, experiential, environmental education). While at Lakehead, Carlin learned how to put teaching practice into games, and has used these skills to make his programs at the IOEES a success. Carlin is an all-around-fun-guy with a knack for gaining the trust and respect of students. Expect to be active, and to learn without even realizing it!
Tuning Into Winter
½ day workshop
This 75 to 90 minute interactive outdoor session will encourage participants to consider, explore and feeeel nature in its winter clothes. While it often seems like a time of “less nature” and to be inside, winter provides as many marvels to enjoy as any other season. So...let's get some stuff on, head outside and share some ideas, activities and feelings.
Steve Nash has presented at the 2009, 2010 and 2011 COEO conferences and looks forward to sharing at this winter session. As a former professional soldier/officer, presently working on his M Ed, he has spent several hundred nights and days in the arctic and other cold weather locations, and greatly enjoys the challenges and rewards of this often ignored, resisted or maligned season of nature.
Saturday Live at 5!
TBA
Dinner 5:45 pm
Gear Swap Closing
*Saturday Evening Sessions
Astronomy Viewing at the E.S. Fox Observatory 7:15 pm
The sky is there for everyone who lives on our planet and what a beautiful, exciting sky it is! Being situated on the Bruce Peninsula, the IOEES has the added advantage of dark skies, and the northern Bruce is a Dark Sky Preserve! In September 2010, the E. S. Fox Observatory was officially opened and astronomy in the new facility for students, the public and the members of the BAS began. This astronomy workshop will provide some general information regarding “whatʼs up there”, and resources to help you embellish your astronomy courses. You will make your own planisphere (plus receive a template to make as many as you need for your classes) and learn how to “operate it”. Then, hopefully, the sky will be free of clouds and you will use your planisphere outside, as we direct you with a green laser through some of the constellations available to view this time of year. A tour of the new observatory will highlight the workshop, and you will be taken out of this world at the eyepieces of some of our telescopes. Winter skies are crisp and sparkly, but the air is also extremely crisp, so dress as toasty as possible!
Joan Skelton is a passionate astronomer and member of the Bluewater Astronomical Society. During the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, she inspired her outreach committee of the 50-membered BAS to present 117 events - no other astronomy club in Canada came near matching this feat! As chairperson of the outreach and education committee of the BAS, Joan is regularly involved with sky tours and presentations, workshops, kidsʼ astronomy summer camp, etc..
BAS Website: http://www.bluewaterastronomy.info/
Bored of Education – Live Music and Open Mic Night! 8:30 pm
Bored of Education consists of 4 teachers and 1 student from Georgian Bay Secondary School in Meaford. The group has been playing together in different configurations for the past few years, primarily in the Grey/Bruce area at charity events, private parties and restaurants. The group covers a wide range of music, such as classic rock, folk, country and western, and jazz. The group members are Richard Fletcher, Jack Watson, Thomas Thwaits, Ron Pretli and Michael Dykstra. Following their performance, the band has graciously agreed to leave their equipment standing for COEO members who wish to share their talents with the crowd. We’ll wrap up by 11 pm so everyone can get some zzzzzs!
Sunday
Start the day with early morning Tai Chi 8 - 8:45 am
One of the best ways to rise and shine, especially on a cold winter morning, is to get the blood circulating by doing some of the calming moves and foundation exercises of the tai chi set. Experience an introduction to the slow stretching and turning, also known as “moving meditation”. With regular practice, the Taoist Tai Chi set gives a massage to the entire body; practitioners experience the health benefits of improved circulation, balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, and reduced stress (a real bonus for teachers!)
Joan Skelton is a certified instructor with the Taoist Tai Chi Society, teaching in Owen Sound (a satellite of Collingwood Branch). One of her astronomy trips included a solar eclipse to China. Wanting to “do as the natives do”, she began her tai chi studies prior to the trip and, yes, did join the natives in the parks at sunrise. Even before her plane landed in China, she was beginning to feel the benefits of practicing tai chi and could not resist the addition of tai chi to her many teaching fields.
Monk’s Breakfast 8:30 – 9:15 am
*Sunday Morning Sessions 9:30 – 11:15 am
Inuit Games
½ day workshop
Join Peter Allemang and Martin Kerr to actively explore the heritage of Canada's first winter sports! Before hockey Canada's Inuit inhabitants faced off on the ice and in the snow. Get your blood pumping and adrenalin flowing with activities like, the Wild Goose Chase, Balancing Bones, Walrus Walk and the Seal Hunt (no seals will be harmed in the execution of this game!). The facilitators are experienced IOEES staffers Peter Allemang and Martin Kerr. Allemang is okay and will help point the way, but Kerr in particular has a penchant for bringing out the sunny side of even the iciest activities.
Transition Town Movement – Lion’s Head
½ day workshop
Hey! Are high oil prices, climate change and an unstable economy getting you down? Don’t despair…..Transition Communities to the rescue! Come join in on one of the most upbeat global responses to our world’s woes. Find out what the North Bruce Peninsula Transition Community is doing to develop resiliency in a joyful and forward thinking manner. See how Bruce Peninsula District School has joined in the efforts. Participate in our activities to develop a deeper understanding of the pressing issues and how to develop your own home/ school or community response. Enjoy the lively and interactive 2hour session (highlighting Rob Hopkins) concepts for change with Betsy Burrows and Terri Munn. Terri and Betsy are teachers at a K – 12 School in Lion’s Head. A few years ago, while researching climate change for her grade 7 science class, Terri ran across the concept of Transition Towns. She presented the concept to the local environment group, and unexpectedly had many people approach her wanting to move forward. Terri teamed up with firiend, Betsy who does the Blog for the Transition Town, and it has been full-steeam ahead ever since!
Dogwood Basket Making
½ day workshop
Join Skeet Sutherland of Sticks and Stones Wilderness School to learn a variety of Dogwood basket making techniques. If time permits, you will also harvest your own Dogwood from the property. Skeet Sutherland is the founder of Sticks and Stones Wilderness School, and is a student of ancient arts and ways of being in the outdoors. He is excited to share his passions with COEO members for the first time at this gathering.
Lunch 11:30 am
Find Your Head
Sunday Closing Keynote Address With Carlin Val of the IOEES 12:30 pm
“AHHHHHHH! I am so stressed out!” If this sounds like you, this seminar is for you!
Ontarians’ health concerns, including increasing risk of heart disease, obesity and mental illness can be a direct result of the stress we expose ourselves to each day. Many Ontarians who endure chronic stress do not possess the tools required to relieve their stress. It is important to be aware of the consequences of chronic stress, and it is even more important to find healthy avenues to relieve such pressure. What do you do to conquer the stress in your life? Carlin climbs. Come and relax before your drive home, and listen to Carlin’s stories.
Carlin Val is an accomplished adventurer who has found his outlet. Through exciting, jaw-dropping stories, Carlin explains how the perceived “risky sport” of climbing has contributed to a healthy body and mind. Carlin will leave you wanting to find your own rock to climb. Maybe climbing is not your outlet of choice to reduce stress, but Carlin will leave you thinking about what is! Find your head!