COEO NEWS
REGISTER TODAY!
The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario
ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE 2023
OPENING DOORS TO THE OUTDOORS
Camp Couchiching, September 22-24
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS!
ILLUMINATING KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS!
ENGAGING PRECONFERENCE OPPORTUNITY!
The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario is excited to invite you to attend COEO’s Annual Fall Conference to be held at Camp Couchiching, September 22 – 24, 2023. This is on the traditional territory of the Anishinabee, Haudenosaunee, Huron Wendat and Mississauga peoples. It is part of the Williams 1923 treaty and in Longford Mills, Ontario.
Each of us are outdoor educators because we know how impactful connections made on and with the land can be. This conference is about expanding our toolboxes and perspectives on what barriers may exist in our spaces for folks to make those connections. We have a stellar line up of presenters lined up who work with folks across socio-economic statuses, races, genders, ages, abilities and cultures. A list can be found here.
Conference registration includes meals, accommodation, two keynote presentations, a weekend of workshops, evening games, music, and dancing (schedule here). Friday night entertainment include square dancing as well as some lawn and board games for those looking for a less musical kind of fun. The theme for this year’s Saturday dance party is “Dancing Under The Stars”. Prepare to dance Saturday night away with DJ Lisa dressed in whatever costume you associate with a night under the stars.
New this year, we will also be building a resource list for the conference and hosting conference wide workshop to help you consolidate all the ideas you may have encountered during the weekend. The conference will also host COEO’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday morning.
We are also hosting a PRE-CONFERENCE workshop led by Bonnie Anderson. Bonnie will be offering Leave No Trace facilitator certification on the afternoon of Friday September 22 before the conference. This workshop will certify you to lead Leave No Trace training with your class. The cost for the workshop and certification is $75. Spaces are limited so if you’re interested, sign up soon! Fill out this form to get started on registration.
AND, if that wasn’t enough, we are also going to be helping people make friends (because that can be hard as an adult, right?). We are going to be creating a “Find a Friend” wall where folks who feel comfortable talking to new people can put their photo and a few things that they like talking about on the wall. If you’ve got a skill that that you’re willing to share – that works too! Folks who want to talk to someone can see who may be open to having a new person join them for a meal or a walk between sessions to learn something new. People who volunteer to be on the friend wall can do so for the whole conference, or just a specific time window. If you would like to be one of the friends on the wall, please fill out this form. You can also sign up at registration.
To register for the conference, learn about our bursary program, and student group rates, please click here. To reach out to our accessibility coordinator Harley to discuss how we can support you at the conference, please email presenter_liaison@coeo.org and keep reading for more information. Please also invite folks who have never been to a COEO before to join you this fall.
Accessibility at the Fall Conference – Meet Harley!
Hi, I’m Harley, the Accessibility Coordinator for this year’s COEO conference. I’m hoping to connect with participants ahead of the conference who have access needs, as well as presenters (so if that’s you, please check out the “For Presenters” section below) so we can work together to figure out how we can best support your conference experience. As a lifelong wheelchair user, I understand that where accessibility is concerned, you are the expert on you. I’m here to help facilitate what you feel you need.
If you feel you could benefit from a chat with me, please send an email to presenter_liaison@coeo.org, and we can get to work on figuring out what COEO can do for you.
Here’s a bit of information specific to presenters and participants. Please take a minute to read over the section(s) that apply to you:
For Participants:
-Do you have any accessibility considerations you’d like to share with us? These can include (but are not limited to) building accessibility, requirements for dining, sleeping, and restroom areas, access needs for traversing the campsite (where/if required), assistance with camp activities, or anything else that might be relevant for you. Please tell us how we can help you.
For Presenters:
-Do you have accessibility needs (of any kind) that you would like us to be aware of, or that we can help you accommodate, for your presentation?
-Can you think of any elements in your presentation/workshop that could present barriers for those with access needs (mobility, visual, auditory, sensory, etc.)? We’ll use this information to help you reduce barriers if/where possible and to help participants with access needs choose the most suitable presentations/workshops for them (Note: if your presentation/workshop is to be held outside, we will work with participants as needed to determine what is suitable for their needs).
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOP – LEAVE NO TRACE TRAINER COURSE
We are excited to be offering the Leave No Trace Trainer Course before the conference this year! Facilitated by Bonnie Anderson, this training will take place on Friday September 22, 2023 at Camp Couchiching before the main conference.
Become a certified Leave No Trace facilitator so you can lead awareness workshops with your students while on trip. This program is for secondary teachers (and those who create programming for them) who will be taking students out trips as part of an SHSM or Integrated OE programs. This will be an INTENSE DAY PROGRAM – you will need to be on time to attend all parts and complete some work BEFORE coming to be certified in this program. If you are unclear as to the criteria and commitment of this training, please contact banderson@scdsb.on.ca for further information.
The cost for this program is $75. Participants will be responsible for bringing their own food. If there is interest, organizers can support connecting participants looking for carpooling with other participants. If you are interested, please fill out this form to start the registration process: https://forms.gle/Q2uTSLXxrfsANhzM8
Call for COEO Board Members!
Do you have skills and lived experience, energy and a commitment to Ontario’s incredible Outdoor Ed community? The Board of Directors is excited to continue our 51 year young legacy of volunteer excellence as a membership organization and we need you! All roles are annually up for election and there are a few we need filling including:
Volunteer Coordinator
Membership Secretary
To learn more about the opportunities and commitments of volunteering, please email info@coeo.org
Make Peace with Winter – Save the Date and Call for Conference Volunteers!
Make Peace with Winter will return to Camp Kawartha January 19-21st! We need volunteers like you to support this extraordinary injection of mid-winter professional development and winter FUN! Please email info@coeo.org with an expression of interest and what skills you can flex to support the conference.
Last call for COEO Recognition Awards Nominations – Due Sept 1!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgC5WeUCdx2uoBQhDqPu-FPhm8X88mFtz7rdlHUyOzs8YZiA/viewform
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Human Kinetics Book of the Month
Engaging the mind and toning the body, orienteering offers a mind–body workout that builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the natural environment. Written in an engaging manner, Discovering Orienteering: Skills, Techniques, and Activities offers a systematic approach to learning, teaching, and coaching orienteering. Discovering Orienteering presents the basic skills and techniques of the sport for beginners. It also functions as a review for advanced orienteers, featuring stories of orienteering experiences to illustrate the fun, challenge, and adventure of the sport.
For more information, click here.
Use code B723 to receive 40% off regular price. Offer expires 9/30/2023
Outdoor Learning in Canada
COEO is delighted to announce the arrival of this open-access textbook of peer-reviewed chapters about the vast array of outdoor learning in Canada.
It is written for, about, and by Canadians.
It is edited by Simon Priest (now-retired professor; prolific author, editor and speaker) and Stephen Ritchie (School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, Laurentian University).
The site currently hosts some 40 articles. This will increase to 60 in the fall when the site has its hard launch.
To access the site, visit https://olic.ca
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
National Forest Week – Semaine nationale de l’arbre et des forêts
Greetings,
Version française ci-dessous
Each year, the Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut of forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC) leads and coordinates a national distribution effort in celebration of National Forest Week (NFW).
NFW is celebrated across Canada by many individuals and diverse organizations from coast to coast to coast. This year, NFW will take place from September 17-23, 2023. The theme for NFW 2023 is “Canada’s Forests: Supporting Biological Diversity”.
The CIF-IFC will once again be distributing promotional materials prior to NFW celebrations, including posters and postcards, FREE of charge!
The bilingual poster is available in a large size (24″x31.5″) or medium size (11″x17″), and the promotional postcard is available in either English or French. If you would like to receive a shipment with either or both of these items, please place your order by completing and submitting an online order form. The deadline to order promotional materials is June 30, 2023.
Learn more about the National Forest Week on our website here.
À chaque année, l’Institut forestier du Canada / Canadian Institute of Forestry (IFC-CIF) distribue des affiches et cartes postales partout au Canada pendant la Semaine nationale de l’arbre et des forêts (SNAF).
La SNAF est célébrée par plusieurs personnes et de nombreuses organisations à travers le Canada. Cette année, la SNAF se déroule du 17 au 23 septembre 2023. Le thème retenu cette année est « Les forêts du Canada : Elles soutiennent la diversité biologique ».
Encore cette année, l’IFC distribuera avant les célébrations de la SNAF des affiches en deux formats différents, ainsi que des cartes postales, et ce, tout à fait GRATUITEMENT !
L’affiche bilingue est disponible en grand format (24 po x 31,5 po) ou en format moyen (11 po x 17 po), et la carte postale promotionnelle (5 po x 7 po) est disponible en anglais ou en français. Pour recevoir un envoi avec l’un ou l’autre de ces articles, ou les deux, veuillez passer votre commande en remplissant et en soumettant un formulaire de commande en ligne. La date limite pour commander du matériel promotionnel est le 30 juin 2023.
Pour plus d’informations, cliquez-ici !
Upcoming Courses, Adventureworks!
Ropes Course Instructor (Level 2)
November 20-24, 2023 – Muskoka Woods
Low Ropes Facilitator (Level 2)
November 28-December 1, 2023 – Canterbury Hills
Challenge Course & Climbing Program Management (CCM)
November 28-December 1, 2023 – Canterbury Hills
https://www.adventureworks.org/upcoming-courses
Decolonization in the outdoors: A virtual panel discussion – OBC Training Academy
Join the Outward Bound Training Academy team on Wednesday September 13 at 9 am (PST)/12 pm (EDT) for a virtual panel discussion featuring individual perspectives on decolonization through the teachings of indigenous groups from across the country.
A diverse group of panelists will discuss different perspectives on the environment, outdoor education and decolonization, best practices related to Truth and Reconciliation; land-based practices and responsibilities.
This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the experiences of some Indigenous Peoples, their teachings, and different practical ways we can all contribute to decolonization.
To learn more about the event and save your spot.
2023 Open Enrollment Workshop Schedule – Challenges Unlimited (CUI)
Challenges Unlimited (CUI) has released their 2023 Open Enrollment Workshop Schedule! CUI is a Preferred Vendor Member of the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and is a full service challenge course provider who has served clients in Ontario for over 30 years.
To register, please click here. For questions, please email Miles Villneff, Manager of Training Services at miles@challengesunlimited.com
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
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Interpretation Canada Conference
September 26 – 28, 2023, Virtual
Call for Proposals is now available!
For more information: https://interpretationcanada.ca/2023-online-conference
NAAEE Conference
October 18 – 20, 2023, Virtual
Join us for our return to a virtual gathering at NAAEE’s 2023 conference. We will focus on the powerful role education can play in creating healthier communities and tackling today’s complex environmental and social issues. We’ll dig into vital topics in our field, such as climate change education and climate justice, the benefits of connecting to nature, building a green workforce, protecting biodiversity, and centering equity in our work.
We’ll explore creative new approaches and delve into ways in which current research can increase our effectiveness as we work to transform communities so they are more just and sustainable. The Annual Conference and Research Symposium will offer inspiring and thoughtful keynotes, a rich variety of workshops, symposia, traditional sessions, research panels, roundtable discussions, bright spots, and posters, along with great opportunities for networking, growth, and change.
For more information: https://conference.naaee.org/conference
AEE Internation Conference
November 2 – 5, 2023, Madison, Wisconsin
/https://www.aee.org/2023-international-conference
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Sixteenth Biennial Research Symposium
January 12-14, 2024
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly Conference Center, Black Mountain, NC, USA
The purpose of this gathering is to advance the empirical, conceptual, and theoretical bases of outdoor education. Like the first fifteen CEO Research Symposia, this symposium will bring together a wide array of researchers to explore current and future trends in using the outdoors for educational purposes. In addition to spotlighting current research, the program includes featured presentations on timely issues and ample time for both structured and informal dialogue
Call for presenters!
JOB POSTINGS
Clubs and Community Programs Coordinator, High Park Nature Centre
The Clubs and Community Programs Coordinator will coordinate all our Nature Clubs and community programs (i.e. organizational teambuilding, corporate events, mentorship programs, etc.) at the High Park Nature Centre, as well as teach environmental education programs to children, youth, and adults. This role will include building and stewarding relationships and partnerships with external organizations, and coordinating bookings, planning, developing and adapting the current programs under this portfolio. About 70% of this role is administrative, including planning program schedules, and updating our registration program (CampBrain), creating sign-in sheets, and planning program activities. Approximately 30% of this role is teaching, mostly to early years (children ages 0-5 years and their caregivers) and children ages 4-12 years. In July and August this role will be directly involved in our Summer Camp through teaching programs and mentoring seasonal staff.
To view the full posting and to apply visit: https://highparknaturecentre.com/clubs-and-community-programs-coordinator/
Outdoor Educator (Part-Time), Evergreen
Outdoor Educators play a key role in on-the-ground program delivery, utilizing their unique skills to help our programs come alive. They have a passion for teaching, care about and share their knowledge of local ecology, geology, and history, and are eager to learn.
Outdoor Educators thrive in a dynamic outdoor setting and extend caring, creative support to both program participants and their colleagues. They are mature team-players and strong communicators who believe in the power and importance of outdoor play and nature connection in transforming children’s lives.
To view the full posting and to apply visit https://can231.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/evergreen/Posting/View/1109
Fall Contract, ALIVE Outdoors
ALIVE Outdoors – Contracts Available for Fall 2023
ALIVE Outdoors is a Toronto based experiential education organization. At the root of ALIVE is
the belief that how well we know and understand ourselves is what determines the quality of
our lives. We have over 20 years of history developing and facilitating meaningful and engaging
outdoor, international, and city-based programs, focused on helping people develop a strong
centre core, as well as an authentic connection to the natural environment and their peers.
Expand your community – share your unique skills.
September and October contracts (1 – 6 weeks in length).
The ALIVE community is made up of educators, outdoor instructors, guides, group
facilitators and interested individuals with a ride range of experience.
Work during the week, play during the weekend in Algonquin, Haliburton, and Muskoka
areas of Ontario this fall.
Experience the beauty of Ontario this fall.
Camp-based experiential growth and empowerment programs and/or short wilderness
canoe trips.
Work with students from Ontario and International schools who annually participate in
ALIVE programs.
Visit our INSTRUCTOR HUB to learn more about the ALIVE community, for a full job
description and our online application.
www.aliveoutdoors.com/instructors/
Wilderness Instructor, Pine River Institute
Pine River Institute is a live-in treatment center for youth 13 to 19 years of age struggling with
substance abuse and addictive behaviours. Our program includes; a therapeutic wilderness
program phase near Algonquin Park, followed by a live-in phase at our campus located on a
200-acre site 100 kms northwest of Toronto. Our program uses a progressive discharge
approach that is complemented by an aftercare program. Our family-centered program is
innovative and highly structured, and creates opportunities for adolescents to engage in a
focused transformation process through a fusion of education, therapy, recreation, and life
skills. The majority of our students are from Ontario.
We are currently seeking experienced Wilderness Field Instructors to help us deliver this unique program, primarily in Algonquin Park area. We are looking for individuals with the qualifications and related experience in Wilderness fieldwork. This individual will demonstrate patience, integrity, commitment, an ability to maintain clear boundaries, and a sense of humour.
To view the posting: https://pineriverinstitute.com/work-for-us/full-time-wilderness-instructor/
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.