COEO NEWS
Make Peace with Winter 2020
Your 2020 COEO Make Peace with Winter Organizing Committee has been hard at work planning another amazing weekend packed full of professional development, experiential learning and winter fun. Make Peace with Winter is a retreat-style conference for educators interested in learning how to share the outdoors with their students in the coolest of seasons! Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and winter camping skills; games, crafts, learning activities; snow science, winter ecology and much, much more.
Plan to join us as we learn, share and laugh with kindred spirits from across the province and beyond. We’ll savour delicious food all weekend and enjoy an evening social program filled with fun, dancing and live music. You will 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! Our host site will be the Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre—a place of significant meaning and long standing connection to the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.
Amazing Keynote! 30+ Interactive Workshops! 2 Exciting Preconferences! Wintertime fun!!!
***Early Bird Conference Pricing ends December 15th!***
Horwood Conference 2020
The Canadian Student Outdoor Education Conference (aka The Horwood Conference) is an event organized by and for Canadian students studying outdoor and environmental education, health and physical education, outdoor recreation, adventure leadership, experience-based learning and/or related fields. It is hosted at Queen’s University each year and held over a weekend in February. Graduate, Undergraduate, B.Ed and College students from across Canada will meet at the Horwood Conference to present oral or poster contributions on various research topics related to outdoor education, as well as share games and learning activities, lead workshops, attend special invited lectures, and also meet with representatives from participating institutions that offer Bachelor of Education and graduate degrees with a focus on outdoor education. Students can choose to simply register as a conference participant or complete the presentation proposal form and attend as a conference presenter.
The Conference Organizing Committee is now accepting presentation proposals for the February 2020 conference. Proposals for paper presentations, posters, workshops, or creative projects will be accepted up until the submission deadline of December 15, 2019. The theme of this year’s conference is Moved by Meaning—an open theme chosen specifically to encourage a wide range of submissions, diverse in both format and topics related to outdoor education.
The Canadian Student Outdoor Education Conference 2020 (aka Horwood Conference) Call for Presenters
DATE:
31 January -1 February 2020
LOCATION:
SKHS Building at 28 Division Street, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS:
Dr. Angela James, Government of Northwest Territories
Dr. John Telford, Camosun College
COEO’s Advocacy Campaign
The Ontario government recently launched a public consultation about how to ensure the health benefits of nature are fully realized for all Ontarians. This is part of the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan commitment to provide people with more opportunities to enjoy provincial parks and support the worldwide Healthy Parks Healthy People movement.
“Spending time in nature and green spaces has a positive impact on our health and wellbeing,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “We’re fortunate in Ontario to have many beautiful parks and green spaces across the province, but we want to find more ways for people to use them as part of a healthy lifestyle.That’s why we want to hear from you about how we can improve Ontario Parks programs, policies and partnerships to connect more people with the health benefits of nature.” See a short video here.
The province is looking for valuable insights from the public, health care providers, researchers, educators, environmental organizations and the tourism industry about their experiences with nature and health. Feedback will help develop more effective programs, policies, and partnerships to improve Ontarians’ awareness of and access to the health benefits of provincial parks and green spaces.
QUICK FACTS
- Healthy Parks Healthy People is a worldwide movement to promote the positive health benefits that nature can provide.
- Ontario Parks has supported this movement since 2015, offering signature events including a Healthy Parks Healthy People day where there is no-charge for day-use visitation at all provincial parks, the 30×30 Challenge in August, and First Day Hikes on the first of January.
- Canadians spend 90 per cent of each day indoors and 69 per cent of their waking time sitting.
- Only nine per cent of Canadian kids aged 5 to 17 get the 60 minutes of heart-pumping activity they need each day.
- Spending time in nature can lower the risk of heart attack by 50 per cent, reduce the risk of mental health challenges and help combat chronic disease.
- The Healthy Parks Healthy People consultation will be open for comment until November 25, 2019. Participate now by following this link: Consultation: Healthy Parks Healthy People
COEO’s Advocacy page has been updated to share the details of our recent advocacy efforts. Be sure to check it out here.
Want to get involved in advocating for OEE in Ontario? Please contact your local MPP and request that they write a letter of support. https://www.ola.org/en/get-involved/contact-mpp
Please read and share the Op-Ed article published on July 15th, 2019, in the Toronto Star entitled The Value of Outdoor Education. Maybe you are able to write a similar article about your OEE experience and submit it to a local media outlet?
Please follow our social media accounts and keep an eye on local media as we continue our advocacy efforts to ensure that outdoor education remains top of mind as we prepare to transition from summer into a new school year.
Follow us on:
Twitter (@COEOoutdoors https://twitter.com/coeooutdoors)
Instagram (@COEOoutdoors https://www.instagram.com/coeooutdoors/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/coeo.org/)
Dynamic Horizons: A Research and Conceptual Summary of Outdoor Education
Recent Research Project
Response to online OEE AQ at Queen’s University
In the spring of 2019, Queen’s University created an Additional Qualification Course in Outdoor & Experiential Education. However, the decision to make this an online course comes as a detriment to professionals working in the field of Outdoor and Experiential Education (OEE). Natalie Kemp, COEO President, will be sending a letter to Queen’s University on behalf of COEO members, but any additional individual responses (especially from alumni of the Queen’s OEE program) would be appreciated. A letter with some discussion points and contact information for specific individuals can be found here.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
University of Alberta Canadian OE Research Survey
As a member of The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, you are invited to participate in a study about Outdoor Education in Canada, conducted by Morten Asfeldt and Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, Ph.D., from the University of Alberta.
We are interested in learning about your experiences and opinions about outdoor education programs or courses. We are collecting information from outdoor educators who work at summer camps, K-12 secondary programs, and college/university programs.
If you think there is someone in your organization who is more well suited to complete this survey than you, please forward this invitation to them. Please complete only one survey per organization.
By completing this survey, you will be contributing to establishing a unified voice for Outdoor Education in Canada. Your participation is voluntary and strictly confidential.
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.
All those who complete the questionnaire will have an opportunity to enter their name into a draw for a $50 gift card from Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). We will draw a name for every 25 surveys submitted, making your odds of winning one-in-twenty-five (1:25).
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6KV3WN
Book of the Month:
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Adventureworks Associates, Inc.
-LEAP Series Workshops:
Facilitating Adventure and Reflection with Shawn Stetson, Adventureworks Associates, Inc.
December 6, 2019, Norval Outdoor School
Adventure Program Supervisors Forum with Kathy Haras
March 27, 2020, Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Challenge Course Training & Certification Courses
Ropes Course & Climbing Program Management (CCM)
March 3-6, 2020, Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Assistant Ropes Course Instructor (Level 1)
March 30-April 1, 2020, Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Ropes Course Instructor (Level 2)
March 30-April 1, 2020, Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Advanced Rescue Skills
April 4, 2020, Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
For more information visit: https://www.universe.com/users/adventureworks-associates-inc-BKCR4T
2019 Climate Change Video Contest, Learning for a sustainable future
2019 Climate Change Video Contest
Do you know an amazing teacher, administrator or student who is passionate about climate change and would like to share their story with Canadians?
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 2020
January 17-19, Bradford Woods, Indiana
JOB POSTINGS
Youth Leadership Specialist, Canadian Wildlife Federation
In support of the Canadian Conservation Corps program, CWF is hiring a Youth Leadership Specialist. This program, which is supported by the Canada Service Corps, combines expeditionary travel with service learning as 18 – 30 year olds plan and execute service projects across Canada.
Click here to view the full posting
Kindergarten Teacher, North 44° Academy (formerly Guelph Outdoor School)
We are the continuation of Guelph Outdoor Preschool and have expanded into the primary/junior grades (North 44° Academy). Many of the children who currently attend North 44° Academy have grown up going to Guelph Outdoor Preschool. These children have a genuine love for the natural world around them and have a passion for learning.
We are fortunate to spend most of our time learning in our outdoor classroom—600 beautiful acres at Ignatius Jesuit Centre. Children’s interests and natural curiosity help guide learning, encouraging question asking and problem solving. Being outside daily allows the children to develop an informed and compassionate connection with the environment around them. Attentive, patient, and flexible teachers support children with their learning and passions. Please visit our website to gain a further understanding about what our school is about and whether values align.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a kindergarten teacher to join our team. We are looking for a high-energy teacher that can provide authentic opportunities to a small group of students. The class is of mixed-age, composing of students in senior and junior kindergarten. They must have an enthusiasm for the outdoors as most of the day is spent outside. They must be able to maintain a balance of teaching core skills while providing real-life opportunities for the children to explore and consolidate these skills. Good communication, and strong organizational skills are key.
They must be passionate and be able to develop strong rapport with students. They must understand the value of child-directed learning and how to support it.
Qualifications and Requirements
· Ontario College of Teachers Qualification (OCT) (early childhood specialty preferred)
· Up to date Police Vulnerable Sectors Check
· Up to date Standard First Aid and CPR-C or higher
· Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children
· Outdoor/environmentalist/naturalist experience is preferred
Assets of being part of North 44° Academy:
Living a balanced life is integrated into our everyday rhythm:
· Small class size allows a strong relationship with students and gives the flexibility to bring ideas to life
· Supportive work environment
· Being part of a community
· Getting fed delicious, heathy food everyday
Application procedure:
Please submit a resume and cover letter in a single PDF to masha_kaz@yahoo.com using the subject line: Kindergarten Teacher.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; please apply as soon as possible.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls please.
If you do not meet the required qualifications listed but feel that you would be a good fit for this role, we encourage you to apply and address these differences in your cover letter.
Environmental Project Coordinator, Reimagine Co
Reimagine Co is looking for a candidate with extensive experience with project management, coordinating events and managing communications. The candidate will be responsible for planning every aspect of our environmental events and must be well-organized and have strong attention to detail.
The Environmental Projects Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating 20-25 events per year including workshops, networking events, promotional displays and full day forums in London, Ontario. Typically, there will be 2-3 events per month, with approximately half of the events taking place on evenings and/or weekends.
Click here to view the full posting
Sustainability Education Assistant, Ecosource
Ecosource is seeking a passionate, creative, and self-motivated individual who enjoys a fast-paced environment to lead environmental programming in both indoor and outdoor settings across Peel Region. The position will include the preparation, maintenance, and delivery of educational activities for students, teachers and community members, as well as support community events and other Ecosource programming. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable about outdoor education and best practices in sustainability education. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
Click here to view the full posting
School Program Assistant (co-op), Reforest London
We are seeking a co-op student to support our “Seeds to Forest” school program. In this program, we deliver a series of four educational activities to local elementary schools which teaches students in Grades 4-6 about the many benefits of our trees and forests, encourages a deeper understanding of the role trees play within our community, and empowers kids to make positive environmental change – all while planting more trees, enhancing schoolyards, and contributing to London’s Million Tree Challenge. This is a full-time, 14-week position (37.5 hours/week) beginning January 2020 and ending in April 2020.
Click Here to view the posting
Multiple Postings, Scouts Canada
Want to change the world? At Scouts Canada our Vision is “Canadian youth making a meaningful contribution to creating a better world.” We need passionate people who share our Mission to develop well rounded youth better prepared for success in the world.
Scouts Canada has the following positions currently available: Associate Director, Program Support (Ottawa), Program Support Manager (Ottawa), Program Support Manager (Greater Toronto Area), Program Support Manager (Southwest Ontario), and Director of Safe Scouting.
Experiential Education Partnerships Coordinator, York University
Reporting to the Associate Director, Experiential Education, the Experiential Education Partnerships Coordinator will build and cultivate relationships with community organizations, employers, alumni and campus partners to enhance the number of experiential education and learning opportunities available to students within the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. This includes providing outstanding service delivery to professionals across a range of settings, paying attention to marginality, diversity and inclusion. A key focus for the position is to increase community, alumni and employer engagement in experiential education and learning programs within the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies to grow internship opportunities for students. The Faculty is also committed to seeking various types of experiential learning opportunities/placements in Indigenous communities and with government organizations, (I)NGOs, community and for-profit organizations involved in matters related to Indigenous communities and governance. The Experiential Education Partnerships Coordinator will support the vision, mission, values and strategic direction of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and York University, and contribute to a positive, supportive and student-focused team environment of high performance, respect, trust, collaboration and continuous improvement. embraces diversity and fosters inclusion.
Click Here to view the full posting
Toronto Centre Course Director, Outward Bound Canada
The Toronto Centre Course Director oversees the safety, quality, and educational effectiveness of all courses. Primary responsibilities include supervising and evaluating Instructors, managing technical student sites, scheduling staff team, and overseeing all logistical details of courses in the field.
Click here to view this job posting.
ONTARIO CAMPS ASSOCIATION – JOB BOARD
The OCA Job Board is always an excellent place to find job postings in the field of outdoor education. Check out their website, as many full-time positions at outdoor centres and camps are now being advertised.
Find us, friend us, like us, tag us or follow us online:
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/coeo.org
Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/coeo.org
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/COEOoutdoors
Twitter https://twitter.com/COEOoutdoors @COEOoutdoors
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.
If you would like to be removed from COEO’s eNewsletter mailing list, please send an email to newsletter@coeo.org and ask to be unsubscribed.