COEO NEWS
Make Peace with Winter 2026
What role is education called upon to play in this time of accelerating ecological catastrophe driven, in no small part, by a deep disconnection of kinship between humans and the rest of the natural world? It is, we propose, nothing less than to find ways to enact the profound re-creation of our society; to establish a different set of values and ways of living toward them. Each one of us, as educators (of which we all are, in myriad capacities), is thus called upon to rebel – to refuse the systems and practices which have brought us to the brink and to seek different (sometimes new, sometimes old) ways instead. An act of radical hope, the question is not what is possible, but rather what is worth doing, even if we fail? It is a fundamentally educational act: the planting of a tree on the last day of the world.
A bold, provocative, far-reaching theme. Let’s break it down.
-Transforming: changing fundamentally, in an active and ongoing way (hence the suffix ‘ing’), the base-level. A radical process of questioning and re-orienting.
-Education: strip away the blackboards and chalk, the desks and assignments, the canoes and paddles. What is left? Kneel close, peer behind the bushes, and you will discover that most wonderful of things. A process and a practice, a theory and an action. A foundationally hopeful attempt to discover good ways of being human in this world, and a desire to share in those ways with others.
-Eco-Centric: moving toward a renewed kinship with the natural world wherein the flourishing of all living and natural beings and, crucially, the relationships between them, is the driver of human action.
-Change: an active process aimed toward re-thinking not only what we might start doing more of, but also what we might start doing less of, or stop doing altogether.
More than a conference theme, Transforming Education for Eco-Centric Change is a long-term philosophical project – a process and an aim – toward which we hope this year’s Make Peace with Winter can make a substantial contribution. To this end, we are opening our conference to two types of workshop proposals, both of which will be intermingled during the various workshop blocks and available for anyone to sign-up and attend.
Types of Proposals:
1) Practical workshops: the first are those practitioner workshops, grown from hard-earned insights from years in the field, on the front lines of transforming education toward an eco-centric world.
2) Research and/or theory: the second are more novel to COEO, aimed explicitly at bringing theoretical insight to the table and merging it with pedagogy and practice. We invite any students (at the undergraduate, masters, or PhD level), professors, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and anyone else with ideas to share to submit papers which fit under the general theme of the conference. These could be essays written for classes, previously published ideas re-worked to fit the conference theme, or new papers written explicitly for this conference. If selected, these papers will be published in a special issue of COEO’s academic journal Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education, as well as having the author present a workshop at the conference.
Unlike most academic conferences and paper submissions, COEO is a unique opportunity for academics to present their ideas to an explicitly practitioner audience of people who work in the diverse field of education day-in and day-out. For this reason, while the papers themselves should be academic in nature, the workshop about the paper should focus on the dissemination of knowledge and putting theory into practice. Workshop proposals should outline how the paper and its ideas will be presented in this way. Get creative, as COEO is a community-based organization and the conference theme values being radical. Usual formal rules of academic presentation do not apply here. We also invite the submission of papers for which the author wants to contribute to the Pathways special issue but either cannot attend the conference or does not want to present.
We especially urge students to submit papers, as this is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in academic publishing, presenting, and, uniquely, disseminating knowledge outside the academic world. All with the aim of making real, profound cultural changes on what is certainly the overriding issue of not only our time, but any time in our species’ history.
Soar high, dive deep, go bold, and be radical. Our conferences are nothing without their presenters, and we cannot wait to see what you submit in response to the urgent need of Transforming Education for Eco-Centric Change. You have much to offer.
Those interesting in submitting a paper and/or presenting a workshop may apply using the following link: https://tally.so/r/3jOKPE
The deadline for submission is December 10, 2025. We will do our best to contact all applicants before December 15, 2025.
If you’re at all thinking about submitting a proposal, but aren’t sure how it might fit with the conference, we welcome you to contact the conference co-chairs anytime at: conference@coeo.org
We look forward to seeing you in joyous, cozy, conspiring communion at Camp Kawartha from January 23rd – 25th for COEO’s annual Make Peace with Winter 2026.
In hope and wonder,
Devin Mutić, Rayanna Santiago, and Lee McArthur, conference Co-Chairs
Introducing the 2025/26 Board of Directors
Every year our fall conference culminates with our Annual General Meeting where we vote in the upcoming Board of Directors. This year, our board is filled with diverse backgrounds and expertise to help steer our organization and serve our membership community.
Meet our 2025/26 Board of Directors –
President: Peggy Cheng
Vice-President: Ben Blakey
Past President: Hilary Coburn
Secretary: Kim Squires
Treasurer: Valerie Freemantle
Volunteer Coordinator: Devin Mutic
Membership Secretary: Lee McArthur
Directors at Large:
Angel Suarez Esquivel
Rayanna Santiago
Julie Read
Lilla Scott
You can read their bios at https://www.coeo.org/who-we-are/. We look forward to meeting you at a future COEO event!
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Calling all Queen’s University OEE Grads!
Founded in 1968 by Bob Pieh, the Queen’s OEE program has been an icon for outdoor experiential education throughout the country. With Zabe McEachren’s retirement last June, the program has been officially suspended for the current school year. Its future is yet to be determined.
IF YOU ARE A QUEEN’S U OEE GRAD OR YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, WE NEED YOUR HELP IN ANSWERING TWO KEY QUESTIONS:
1. How has this program influenced your career?
2. How has this program influenced you personally?
Please send your responses to longtime COEO member Grant Linney: climategrant@gmail.com as soon as possible and no later than November 30, 2025. Your answers will be compiled and sent to the new Dean of the Queen’s Faculty of Education.
Please forward this message to any other graduates of the Queen’s OEE program that you know.
Thanks!
Research Survey: Impacts of climate change and ways of adapting physical education teaching in pre-school, school (primary, secondary), college (or high school) and university environments.
Dear colleagues,
We would like to invite you to participate in a study on the “Impacts of climate change and ways of adapting the teaching of physical education in pre-school, school (primary, secondary), college (or high school) and university settings”.
This project is being carried out in collaboration with a team of researchers from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) in Canada and Universités de Rennes, de Lyon 1 in France.
You’ll be asked to answer a questionnaire on a number of themes related to physical education (PE) and health and/or sport and climate change (e.g., your sensitivity to the environment, your behaviors in relation to the environment, your experiences with events such as floods, heat waves, ice storms, etc.) as well as to participate (if you wish, by leaving your email contact at the end) in a focus group and/or individual interview to delve deeper into several themes around your PE experience in relation to climate change.
We would therefore like to invite you to complete and/or relay the following questionnaire to your colleagues, teachers of physical education.
Link to the questionnaire: https://sondage.uqam.ca/255825?lang=en
On behalf of the entire research team, we thank you for your participation and help with dissemination.
Tegwen, Matthieu, Paquito and Brice
New OUTSIDEPLAY Tool for Elementary School Teachers!
OUTSIDEPLAY is excited to announce the launch of a new free educational tool made by teachers for teachers who want to take their classrooms outdoors! Find it at: https://teacher.outsideplay.org
This tool is the newest addition to our OUTSIDEPLAY.org suite, joining existing parent and early childhood educator tools. It is the result of years of practical hands-on experience and the PhD thesis work of Megan Zeni, a teacher who teaches exclusively outdoors. She worked with teachers across BC and Canada to develop the material. The development of the Teacher.OutsidePlay.org tool was funded by the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The 16 modules cover topics that teachers most want to know about, ranging from the basics of outdoor play and learning in schools to practical tips on getting started. We’ll continue to build out the tool with additional resources. We’re planning a speaker weries to dive deeper into the concepts introduced in each module.
For any questions or more information, reach out to our team at outsideplay@bcchr.ca. Also, please follow us on Instagram @playoutsideubc for regular updates and give our posts a thumbs up!
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Wilderness First Responder Course and Recertification, Brock University
Wilderness First Responder Course and Recertification at Brock University
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University is hosting a hybrid Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course (February 16-20, 2026) and hybrid WFR recertification course (February 21-22, 2026). WFR is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments.
For more information and the link to register, please visit https://brocku.ca/applied-health-sciences/recreation-leisure/wilderness-first-responder/
Sho Than K’e Ho Chi Dok: Land and Peoples Relationship Ways 2026 Mentorship Program
Starting January 2026, the Sho Than K’e Ho Chi Dok: Land and Peoples Relationship Ways 2026 online mentorship program will bring its first cohort together around the key lessons of the Land and Peoples Relationship Model and Canada’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In partnership with Rivers to Ridges and the Government of Canada’s SUstainable Development Goals Funding Program, Sho Than K’e Ho Chi Dok: Land and Peoples Relationship Ways 2026 is a 5-month virtual mentorship program focused on local action projects that make headway on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Registration is open until Dec. 19, 2025. Sliding scale pricing and payment plans available.
Some common questions about the program are answered below:
- Q: When does the course start and end?
- A: The course runs from January 14, 2026 to May 20 2026. There will be an application for the land-based bonus session in Whitehorse, Yukon in late Summer 2026.
- Q: How much does the course cost?
- A: In an effort to make cost more accessible, we have implemented sliding scale pricing beginning at $950 (Roots Tier), $750 (Branches Tier), and $550 (Seed Tier). If cost is a barrier, please reach out to our team.
- Q: What is the weekly time commitment for the course?
- A: The weekly commitment will be approximately 2-3 hours.
- Detailed answer: Participants will gather twice a month for two hours virtually for course sessions, and will be expected to review course materials and complete assigned work in the “off” weeks.
- Q: What are my registration fees paying for?
- A: 20+ hours of virtual instruction with Elder Copper Joe Jack and other Knowledge Holders, with the potential for bonus session hours on the “off” weeks. It also includes course content, such as video recordings of Elder Copper Jack’s teachings, PowerPoint slides, and other additional resources, as well as course support.
- Q: What outcomes should I expect from the course?
- A: Each participant will emerge with a drafted project plan that is grounded in SDG’s 13, 14, and/or 15 and the teachings of the Land and Peoples Relationship Model, and connected to a problem/project/initiative of their choice. Completion of the mentorship program will also lead to an invitation to apply to the 2026 summer land-based program.
If you are interested in participating in this mentorship program, registration is open now via this link until Dec. 19, 2025.
Visit our website for further details about the program, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to info@respectcareshare.ca.
Winter Indigenous Language Learning Courses, Outdoor Learning School & Store
- Indigenous Language Learning Courses: Starts in January with several languages relevant to Ontario
- Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators Course: Starts in January with Robin Wall Kimmerer & Monique Gray Smith
- Outdoor Learning Certification Program: Ongoing intake with Take Me Outside
4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning
Online Learning
Beginning in the Fall and running until the Spring each year, this course serves to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships. Learn more & register.
Intro Language Course and 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning, Natural Curiosity
Nominate an educator today! Prime Minister’s Awards
Consider nominating an educator for a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award! Download your nomination package today. The Prime Minister’s Awards nomination deadline is January 14, 2026!
Teachers and early childhood educators are inspiring children in all areas of life, from science and math to schoolyard interactions.
Now’s your chance to thank a teacher or early childhood educator in your life. Nominate them for a Prime Minister’s Award. Students, parents, colleagues, principals, supervisors, community leaders, or people with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution can nominate.
Prime Minister’s Awards recipients can receive:
• A certificate from the Prime Minister
• National recognition and promotion of their best teaching practices
Looking for inspiration? Check out the 2025 Prime Minister’s Award recipients.
Get Kids Paddling – New Webinar Series in 2025!
Watch past recordings of all Get Kids Paddling webinars here: Webinars – Get Kids Paddling
Outdoor Learning Webinars, hosted by LSF
Some of the newest webinar offerings include:
A series of webinars designed specifically for and by secondary teachers
Tips for getting outside even in cold winter months!
Connecting primary and middle school math curriculum to the outdoors
For an up to date list of upcoming webinars, continue to check LSF’s R4R outdoor learning page
Check out the recorded webinar sessions for each grade group:
Kindergarten/Early Years: Webinar recording | Webinar slides
Grades K-6: Webinar recording | Webinar slides
Grades 4-10: Webinar recording | Webinar slides
Climate Action Photovoice, CAMH
Outfitted Hot Tent Winter Camping Experiences! Now offered by Lure of the North Outfitters and Headwaters Wilderness Program
Attention fellow all-season wilderness enthusiasts!
We are very excited to announce that Lure of the North Outfitters and Headwaters Wilderness Program are working together to offer a range of outfitted Hot Tent Winter Camping experiences to OE organizations, school groups, universities, outdoors clubs, scouting programs, and families across Ontario.
The outfitted hot tent camping program provides groups that want to get out of the classroom in the winter season with the opportunity to conduct their program in a warm and comfortable wilderness-living environment, within the natural beauty and solitude of Ontario’s winter wilderness landscape. A variety of camp locations are possible across central and southern Ontario, and logistical support and educator training can be customized to meet each program’s specific needs.
With Lure of the North Outfitters providing all the gear and logistical support, and Headwaters providing professional educator-guides as well as custom curriculum development, this program provides people of all ages an authentic, safe, warm, and truly unique winter camping experience.
Basic Winter Camping Packages include
• Snowtrekker canvas tent and wood stove
• Ground tarp and padded flooring
• Firewood, drinking water, and safety kit
• Trail toboggans and pulks
• Camp setup assistance and guidance
• Average cost of ~$70-$100/person/day (for outfitting only)
• Average cost of additional $100/person/day for Headwaters guiding and educational programming
Educator Training includes (but not limited to)
• Basic winter camp setup
• Safe stove operation
• Stovetop cooking
• Orienteering
• Forest activities
** Make it a season-long group crafting and adventure exercise! Make your own toboggans, snowshoes, anoraks, moccasins, or mittens from ready-made DIY-kits**
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lure of the North Outfitters or Headwaters Wilderness Program with your questions, comments, or ideas.
Best wishes for all your wilderness adventures this season!
Learn more here: https://www.headwaterswildernessprogram.ca/winter-hot-tent-camping https://lotnoutfitters.com/pages/winter-camping-outfitting-program
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
International Outdoor Education Research Conference, June 22-26 in Oslo, Norway
JOB POSTINGS
Canoe Trip Leaders summer 2026, Project Canoe
Canoe Trip Leaders are responsible for planning, packing, and leading backcountry wilderness canoe trips in Algonquin Park with Project Canoe’s youth. Each canoe trip is composed of 2-3 Canoe Trip Leaders and 4-6 youth participants. Canoe Trip Leaders co-lead canoe trips and are responsible for pre- and post-trip prep/cleanup, engaging and supporting youth while on the trip, and making appropriate safety and leadership decisions. At all points of the trip, the Canoe Trip Leaders must maintain a youth focused approach and keep the emotional and physical safety of the youth as their primary concern.
https://canoe.org/employmentinfo
Interpretive Guides (seasonal or casual available), Grand River Conservation Authority
https://www.grandriver.ca/who-we-are/job-opportunities
Forest School Supply Teacher, Cambridge Farm and Forest School
Program Facilitator (Part-Time), Trails Youth Initiative
Reporting to the Program Director, Facilitators work with youth aged 11-17 in an overnight setting. Facilitators provide 24-hour supervision to participants in addition to teaching principles of healthy living and seasonal outdoor activities such as canoeing, swimming, camping skills, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. During the summer, Facilitators are also responsible for leading camping trips at Trails Lakeside site in Stouffville (Years 1 and 2) and/or off-site canoe trips (Years 3, 4, 5) in Ontario’s backcountry (e.g. Algonquin Park, Temagami). https://trails.ca/about/work-at-trails/
Ontario Urban Wild Casual Instructor, Outward Bound Canada
Ontario Urban Wild Casual Instructor, Outward Bound Canada
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ABOUT THIS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
For consistency, the COEO electronic newsletter is now published on the first of each month. Anyone having an item of interest to outdoor & experiential educators and desiring publication in this newsletter needs to submit it to newsletter@coeo.org at least two days before the publication date.
The newsletter is generally organized according to the following headings: COEO News, Other OEE & Related News, P.D. Opportunities, Opportunities for Students, Resources, Job Postings. If your organization wishes to post information (e.g., notice of upcoming events, etc), it needs to be an organizational member of COEO.
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