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
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
Emergency and Disaster Management Planning, Free workshop
This winter, Chris Gilmour is co-hosting an online professional workshop on Emergency and Disaster Management Planning for organizations that want to strengthen their safety culture and preparedness.
There is a FREE intro web class on Thursday, January 15th at 9am PST (12pm EST) called:
Why Most Emergency Plans Fail (and how to build one that works)
Here is the link for the free web class – https://earthactivisttraining.org/webinar/#emergency
Chris will also be offering a 6-week in-depth training this winter on Emergency & Disaster Planning.
The training is designed for organizations navigating an increasingly complex landscape of natural and human-caused emergencies. It introduces practical emergency management frameworks that support both personal and organizational readiness.
Participants are guided through applying the material directly to their own organization, identifying strengths, areas for growth, and mapping clear next steps to build capacity and confidence across staff and leadership.
Sessions take place during the workday, and reduced group rates are available for teams, as organizations tend to get the most value when staff attend together.
More details here:
https://earthactivisttraining.org/emergency-disaster-planning/
Knowing Nature in Winter, Chris Outdoors
Nature in Winter is a free, family- and school-friendly mini-series designed to help people not only identify birds, trees, and animals, but also begin learning how to read and interpret the stories being told by the natural world all around us.
Over the course of a week, participants receive three short videos and simple worksheets that introduce:
Bird Language
Birds don’t just make pretty sounds. They have an elaborate language and communicate information about changing weather, predators on the landscape, and movement in their environment.
Wildlife Tracking
As animals move across the landscape, their tracks leave behind a detailed account of where they’ve been and what they were doing. Through the art and science of tracking, participants learn how to read these signs and gain insight into the often hidden lives of wildlife.
Trees
How to identify common trees in winter and how trees act as seasonal markers, revealing patterns about weather, habitat, and place.
The series is practical and accessible, while also inviting a deeper way of paying attention to nature. Rather than memorizing names alone, participants begin developing observation skills that help them notice relationships, patterns, and change over time.
Learn more and sign up here:
https://www.chrisoutdoors.ca/natureinwinter
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/
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.
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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