COEO NEWS
OWLS ’20 Announcement – CANCELLED due to COVID-19 concerns
The Ontario Wilderness Leadership Symposium (aka OWLS) is an annual event organized to support the development of emerging wilderness trip leaders in Ontario. This low-cost, three-day symposium offers attendees opportunities for relevant leadership and skills-based training, a chance to network with others employed in this unique field and explore a variety of potential avenues for future career development. Young adults, with experience leading wilderness trips and residing in Ontario, are encouraged to apply to participate in this annual professional development event.
In 2020, the Ontario Wilderness Leadership Symposium is pleased to receive financial support from Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund.
Registration is now open!
Registration is now open for OWLS ’20. The OWLS Planning Team is expecting that there will once again be a lot of interest in this event. The event is limited to 40 participants, and so it is important that you register online ASAP. To register online click here. Once registered, please complete and return the supplementary information form found here.
COEO’s Advocacy Campaign
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/)
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.
Response to Ontario College of Teachers regarding OEE AQ
COEO President Natalie Kemp and active COEO member and OEE advocate Grant Linney recently submitted a letter to the Standards of Practice and Education unit of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). This letter was drafted in response to a request made by the OCT to COEO for feedback on the current draft of guidelines for the Outdoor and Experiential Education (OEE) Additional Qualification (AQ) course. The importance of retaining a face-to-face component within this course was highlighted. You can find a copy of the letter here.
Call for Curriculum Writers on Topic of Traditional Winter Camping with School Groups
It was recently been brought to the attention of COEO that there are gaps in the OPHEA guidelines that make it challenging for teachers to take students winter camping, particularly those wishing to use traditional hot camping techniques. We are looking for someone to gather more information on the topic of traditional winter camping with school groups, with hopes to use this in the future to create a course which could prepare teachers to safely introduce these techniques to the youth with which they work. This would include information such as pro and con distinctions between hot and cold camping techniques for different ages of participants and group sizes, safe tent & stove set up and general risk management, history and evolution of winter travel techniques, and equipment considerations. Anyone interested in taking on this task should contact COEO President Natalie Kemp at natalie.b.kemp@gmail.com
Teaching Awards
Know someone who is doing incredible things for outdoor education in your school or community? Nominate them for an award to recognize and share these acheivements to inspire others! Here are a few awards that are currently seeking nominations:
Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) Teaching Awards – Nominations close March 31st
Ontario Teachers Federation (OTF) Special Recognition Award – Nominations close March 31st
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Awards Program – Nominations close April 2nd
Earth Steward Teaching Awards – Nominations close April 30th
Natural Curiosity Educator Awards – Nominations close April 30th
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
Outdoor Leadership, Second Edition, is the definitive text for developing student leadership in outdoor and adventure settings throughout the world. Crafted by an author team internationally recognized for their research, teaching, and experience in outdoor and adventure leadership, this new edition provides students with the foundational knowledge they need to develop as competent professionals in the field.
Grounded in Eight Core Competencies
Through Outdoor Leadership, Second Edition, students are introduced to eight core competencies that the authors consider essential to outdoor leadership:
- Foundational knowledge
- Self-awareness and professional conduct
- Decision making and judgment
- Teaching and facilitation
- Environmental stewardship
- Program management
- Safety and risk management
- Technical ability
For more details click here
Use code B184 to receive 40% off regular price. Offer expires 3/31/2020
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Lakehead University Outdoor Experiential Education Additional Qualification Course
Registration is now open. For more information about this course and to register, please click here.
Adventureworks Associates, Inc.
March 30-April 1, 2020
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Youth Climate Action Summit
April 20-21st, 2020, The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing, Brockville, Ontario
Are you a high school educator in Eastern Ontario? Consider registering a team of 4 or 5 students to participate in the first ever Youth Climate Action Summit held in Canada. Spaces are limited – maximum of 20 teams. There is no cost for registration. Teams have to pay their own cost of transportation and accommodation (if needed). Visit the website to find out more details here.
OSEE EcoLinks 2020
May 22, High Park Nature Centre, Toronto, Ontario
We are currently inviting proposals for presentations, sessions, workshops and other facilitated learning opportunities at the EECOM 2020 Conference.
For applying for General Sessions: https://ecoschools.ca/eecom/call-for-proposals/
For applying to present at the Research Symposium: https://ecoschools.ca/eecom/research-symposium/
Canadian Outdoor Summit
September 29 – October 2, Gatineau, Quebec
This inaugural event is about bringing people together to celebrate contributions and tackle some key structural challenges affecting all outdoor programs from coast to coast to coast. This national gathering is aimed at celebrating our contribution to Canadian society and solving key challenges faced by outdoor programs. This project is a collective effort of the outdoor sector, therefore your perspective and contribution offers tremendous value. More information can be found on the event website: http://canadianoutdoorsummit.com/ and social media channels. Please follow and share: Instagram, Facebook, Canadian Outdoor Summit Promotional Video
NAAEE Annual Conference and Research Symposium
October 14-17, Tucson, Arizona
Inspiring Change – The focus of the 2020 NAAEE Conference and Research Symposium is positive change. We will explore the ways in which environmental education informs and inspires, and how it builds human capacity, influences attitudes, and galvanizes actions to create healthier communities and a healthier environment for all.
More information can be found on the event website: https://naaee.org/conference
EECOM National Conference
October 21- 24, Toronto, Ontario
EECOM’s National Conference in Environmental Education is coming to Toronto – save the date! EECOM’s conferences are Canada’s largest, regular gatherings of environmental learning stakeholders, and provide unparalleled professional development and networking opportunities. This conference is being hosted in Toronto by EcoSchools Canada, the Environmental & Sustainability Education Initiative at OISE, University of Toronto, and the Toronto District School Board’s Sustainability Office.
AEE International Conference
November 12 – 14, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
JOB POSTINGS
Day Camp Counsellor, the Bluewater Education Foundation
The Bluewater Education Foundation is looking for a capable, and enthusiastic Day Camp Counsellors for its Outdoor Adventures Day Camp this summer (July 6 – August 14th).
General Information About the Outdoor Adventurers Day Camp Program
The Outdoor Adventures Day Camp is a summer day camp program run by the Bluewater Education Foundation at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre near Wiarton. The program is committed to creating high quality, fun, outdoor experience for children. The goal is to build on each child’s comfort level and experience in the outdoors, team-work and leadership skills, confidence, and connection to nature through games, skills practice, arts, and general adventuring! Outdoor Adventurers is a full-day program for children aged 8 -12. The BEF Site Development Administrator and Camp Coordinator will be on-site most days for support.
To view the full posting Click Here
Coordinator, Community Outreach, Credit Valley Conservation
This is a full-time, permanent position. Reporting to the Senior Coordinator, Community Outreach, this position will support CVC’s youth stewardship and outreach programming including the Branch Out, Conservation Youth Corps, and Frontline programs. At times it will also support the corporate and community conservation programs. This position works 35 hours, Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends required. Anticipated Start Date: April 6, 2020. Salary starting at: $54,992. Forward resume by March 15th, 2020. Click here for more information and to view the official job posting.
Adventure Tourism Program Instructor, College of the Rockies
You will teach in the College’s highly-regarded Adventure Tourism Business Operations Certificate and Diploma programs. Your courses will cover a variety of Business, Adventure and Environmental topics. Your initial assignment may include these courses: Introduction to the Tourism Industry, Risk Management, Advanced Natural Interpretation, Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Stewardship, Practicum, Cross Cultural Tourism, Introduction to Outdoor Skills, Backpacking Level 1, Avalanche Skills Training Level 2, Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Adventure Tourism or a closely related field with industry certifications in outdoor adventure activities. This position also requires experience as a professional guide and requires excellent communication and organizational skills. Teaching experience is an asset. Other equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Click here for more information and to view the official job posting.
Male Program Director, Camp Awakening
Are you a student looking for your next summer adventure? Look no further!
Camp Awakening offers summer camp programs that give youth with physical disabilities the opportunity to increase independence, make lasting friendships and accomplish things they never thought possible.
The Program Director (aka PD) is responsible for the onsite management of the Camp Awakening program at our host camp –Kilcoo Camp for boys in Minden.
The overriding concern of the PD shall be the health and welfare of the campers and their fellow staff. The PD will perform all of the duties of a Camp Awakening counsellor with additional administrative duties.
To view the full posting Click Here
To apply or for more information, email info@campawakening.com or call us in the office at 416-487-8400
Outdoor Educator/Naturalist, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
The successful applicant will conduct daily educational, recreational, and special interpretive programs for visitors to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. This is a full-time contract position from May 2020 to September 2020 with a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week. This position will be required to work some weekends and statutory holidays. Deadline for application: April 3rd, 2020.The hourly wage will be $14.50 – $15.00 with experience. To Apply, send cover letter and resume to: Emily Metcalfe, Program and Education Manager. Click here for more information and to view the official job posting.
Teacher, Field Studies, The Riverwood Conservancy
You are an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher, capable of delivering and leading Education Naturally, a curriculum-linked, outdoor environmental science program to elementary school students, including students with special needs.
Reporting to the Director of Program and Operations, you will train and supervise volunteers and occasional staff who support program set-up, delivery and clean-up. You will liaise with the Volunteer Coordinator on volunteer matters. This position is supported by an Education Committee team consisting of partners from Peel District SB, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District SB, University Toronto Mississauga and Credit Valley Conservation. You will liaise with the Conservation Specialist on stewardship lessons. Experience with teaching secondary school Field Science programs / curriculum will be considered a highly desirable asset.
The salary for this short term maternity leave contract is $12,500. Interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a cover letterby email (in Word or PDF format only please) by Monday March 16, 2020 at 8 a.m. to:
Brian Packham
The Riverwood Conservancy
4300 Riverwood Park Lane, Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7
Info@TheRiverwoodConservancy.org
Click here for more information and to view the official job posting.
Multiple Postings, Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound Canada’s greatest asset is our instructional staff. We value group facilitation skills, life experience, passion, dedication, resiliency, and teaching ability as highly as technical proficiency.
As a leader in outdoor, experiential education, Outward Bound Canada offers a diverse selection of working opportunities in scenic and remote wilderness or urban areas. Our busiest season is from April to October, with winter and year-round programs on offer only in select regions. We accept instructor resumes year-round.
At Outward Bound Canada, each region conducts its own staff training before the start of the summer season. Successful instructor applicants will be selected to attend these trainings in BC, the Rockies, or Ontario. In BC and the Rockies, this is a four or five-day training program for instructors who have been offered contracts.
Outward Bound Canada has the following positions currently available: Toronto Centre Course Director, Rocky Mountain Director, Northern Ontario Instructor.
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.
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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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