COEO NEWS
ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE 2018
The 2018 COEO conference organizing committee has been hard at work and plans are now set for this year’s annual conference. Our theme, THE UNCONVENTION II, is an attempt to breakaway from the usual conference format and do things a little bit differently. This year’s conference will actually be comprised of “4 conferences in 1” or four separate conference streams. The conference will also include many unconventional elements and surprises—it will be an opportunity to explore new ideas and perspectives, learn and share best practices and rejuvenate and refocus for the year ahead. Our host site will be YMCA CAMP PINE CREST, located near Gravenhurst, Ontario.
Registration is now open! CLICK HERE to register and for more information!
Recognizing our Colleagues- Awards Season Coming soon!
Each year, we take time to pause and think about who in our dedicated organization of professionals may deserve some recognition… and then we CELEBRATE THEM! This year nominations for award recipients are due by September 5th. Please take some time over the coming weeks to craft a nomination so we may recognize those who are “out standing” in their field (or forest, or wetland, or alvar, or…)!
For full information on each award, and the nomination form, please refer to www.coeo.org/recognition/
Nominations should be emailed to deborah_diebel@bwdsb.on.ca (Deborah Diebel, Past COEO President)
The award categories, briefly described below, are:
The President’s Award
…is presented to a COEO member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of COEO and to outdoor education in Ontario. This award identifies an active outdoor educator who has volunteered their time to our organization.
The Honorary Life Membership Award
…recognizes substantial and lasting contributions of long-time and esteemed members of COEO who are a vital part of its traditions and successes. Specific criteria are detailed on the website. For this award, three COEO members must nominate each potential recipient.
The Dorothy Walter Award for Leadership
…recognizes a COEO member who has shown an outstanding commitment to the development of leadership qualities in Ontario youth and through outdoor education.
The Robin Dennis Award
….is presented to an individual (member or non-member of COEO), outdoor education program, or facility that has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of outdoor education in the province. The recipient of this award can be a non-member of COEO.
The Amethyst Award
The Amethyst Award is presented to an emerging professional (COEO member or non-member) new to the field of outdoor education, recognizing their potential as they begin their career.
COEO’s 2018 Photo Contest
COEO’s 2018 Photo Contest is now accepting entries until Friday, September 14th! Help COEO to create community and share the value of OEE by entering your favourite images of people experiencing the outdoors. Please contact Liz Kirk at owls@coeo.org for required waiver forms and more information about this year’s photo contest. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at this year’s fall conference at YMCA Camp Pinecrest! Good luck!
Protected Places Declaration
COEO has now signed the Protected Places Declaration, joining over 90 other organizations that have also given their support to this initiative from Ontario Nature. You can also make your voice heard and take part in the movement! Just take a minute to sign the online declaration to show you care about protected places and ask the governments of Ontario and Canada to meet our commitment to protect at least 17 percent of lands and inland waters by 2020. Currently, less than 11% of Ontario is protected.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
One year following the unfortunate drowning of 15 year old Jeremiah Perry on a canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park, the OPP has announced that Nicholas Mills, 54, is charged with criminal negligence causing death. Mr. Mills, a teacher at C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, was responsible for organizing and leading the trip. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on September 11th, 2018.
To follow the story:
- Breakfast Television Interview with Glenda Hanna from Youth Safe Outdoors
- The National
- CTV
- Global News
COEO has drafted an open letter of support for any outdoor educators, especially those who may be facing hesitancy or resistance from their administration when promoting the value of multi-day backcountry trips for students. Please read the following letter and forward it as you see fit. COEO encourages other organizations to write a similar letter of support to best serve the needs of their membership.
Click Here to read COEO’s Open Letter of Support
Human Kinetics Book of the Month
Dear Members,
Order now and get your Members-only special through HKCanada. Another great membership benefit brought to you by The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.
Use code B015 to receive 40% off regular price with HKRewards plus get the ebook for free. Rewards is Free …just sign up to receive an e-newsletter of your choice (click here to learn more & sign up). Offer expires 08/30/2018
Featured Book of the Month:
Canoeing is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities—more that 9 million people enjoy the experience each year. It allows you to socialize with friends and family while exploring new places as you relax and enjoy the outdoors. Canoeing not only provides you with the basic skills and knowledge you need to safely head out for adventures on a variety of water trails but also presents a strong foundational understanding of this recreational activity. For more details click here
Canadian Conservation Corps
The Canadian Conservation Corps is a new national program for 18 to 30 year olds where they will gain skills to engage their peers in meaningful conservation in their own communities. The program has three parts:
- 2-week Wilderness Expedition
- 3-Month Service Learning placement with a conservation expert and;
- Time in their home community to connect their peers with conservation.
For more information, go to: http://cwf-fcf.org/en/
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
The goals of this certification are:
1) Introduce participants to the standards of a trained wilderness hike leader, risk management for Wilderness Day Hikes where the hike is more than 2 km from road access.
2) Provide direction towards the Wilderness Overnight Trip Hike Leader and National Hike Leader programs and other Hike Ontario programs.
For more information and to access the course calendar click Here
Yoga in the Park- Credit Valley Conservation Authority
This summer, shutdown, unplug and recharge your mind outdoors. From now until October, CVC is offering yoga sessions at Island Lake and Terra Cotta Conservation Areas.
Bring a friend and enjoy the beauty of our parks!
Click Here for more information and to register
Rhythm of Learning in Nature 2018, York Region Nature Collaborative
The Rhythm of Learning in Nature is an opportunity offered by the York Region Nature Collaborative for like-minded educators to come together in place to experience nature, outdoor play, Reggio-inspiration and forest school practices.
Date: August 13-17
For more information and to register, CLICK HERE
Teaching & Learning with Monarch Butterflies, Ojibway Nature Centre (and other locations across Ontario)
Our hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the Monarch’s life cycle, migration and habitat requirements, and develop the necessary skills to bring Monarchs into any educational environment.
Delivered by experts from the Monarch Teacher Network of Canada, this workshop helps participants build their confidence to work with Monarchs, through rigorous and comprehensive training. Topics include:
- The significance of milkweed for Monarch habitats
- Appropriate care and handling protocols throughout all life stages
- History of tagging and tracking of migrating Monarchs
- Ethical considerations related to species conservation
To register, and for more information CLICK HERE
Public Wolf Howl, Algonquin Park
When: August 9, 8:00 pm- 11:00 pm
Join us for a famous Algonquin Park Public Wolf Howl. After a talk on wolf ecology, participants receive special instructions, and we then travel by car (on rare occasions, walk) to a place where wild wolves may answer the imitations given by the naturalist staff.
For more information CLICK HERE
Introductory Rock Climbing, Rattlesnake Point
When: August 25 9:00 am- 12:00 pm
Cost: $120 per person, includes park entrance fee
Conservation Halton and ONE AXE Pursuits have teamed up to offer you an introductory rock climbing course at Rattlesnake Point! If you have never tried climbing before and are curious about the activity, this half day course is for you. You will spend half a day at the cliff learning about safety, equipment use and care, basic knots and climbing techniques. This program is well suited for both individuals and families who are looking to try the sport. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided.
Pre-registration required. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
NAAEE Annual Conference 2018, Environmental Education: A Force for the Future
October 9 – 13, 2018, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
EECOM 2018, Classrooms to Communities
October 18 – 21, 2018, St. Eugene Mission Resort, Ktunaxa First Nation
AEE International Conference 2018
November 7 – 10, 2018, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
8th International Outdoor Education Research Conference
November 19 – 23, 2018, USC, Sippy Downs Campus, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
JOB POSTINGS
Multiple Positions, YMCA Cedar Glen
YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is a 263 acre site that has two significant program focuses: summer camp programs and year round outdoor education programs. Cedar Glen welcomes outdoor education, retreat and conference groups, offering meals served in our dining hall, overnight accommodation, meeting facilities and a variety of outdoor experiential education programs. Outdoor education programs are also delivered at off-site locations including Toronto Island, in schools, and in other facilities.
Outdoor Educators provide direct program delivery in all outdoor education programs, including leadership and team building activities for groups of all ages. In addition, Outdoor Educators assist the Outdoor Centre Director and Assistant Outdoor Centre Director with the development of new programs, as well as the revision and updating of existing programs.
Shared staff accommodation is available on-site in our staff cottage.
To view the full posting Click Here
Heritage Presenters, Parks Canada
Do you have a passion for Canada’s natural and cultural heritage? Does working at a national park or historic site interest you? If so, we welcome you to apply to the Heritage Presenter positions for Parks Canada’s Southwestern Ontario Field Unit. Become a member of a team that delivers dynamic, engaging and innovative interpretive presentations, programs and activities to the public. Learn and share interpretation techniques and practices that contribute to providing visitors with opportunities to discover, appreciate, learn and enjoy Parks Canada’s Southwestern Ontario sites.
To view the full posting Click Here
Coordinator, Take Me Outside
TMO is seeking a dynamic, focused, and self-motivated individual who is passionate about getting kids outside. This part-time position, based anywhere in Canada, will be integral in the day to day operations of TMO and will work with the Executive Director to grow and expand TMO. We are looking for someone with a sound knowledge of outdoor and environmental education and well-versed in the issues within this field. The ideal candidate is someone who has an understanding of how to drive a non-profit organization forward. You will use your skills to help TMO administratively, while giving input on the bigger vision for TMO and will ultimately help to drive that vision through your frontline day to day work.
To view the full posting Click Here
Sessional Instructor – Outdoor Education, Yukon College
Yukon College is looking for qualified people to teach, on a casual/sessional basis, undergraduate courses in Outdoor Education. For detailed information on the current courses, please go to www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/programs/liberal-arts. The ideal candidates will have a Masters’ degree or PhD in a relevant discipline. Previous experience instructing adults in a post-secondary education environment will be considered an asset. A combination of related graduate-level education and experience will also be considered.
To view the full posting Click Here
Outdoor Educator, Wye Marsh
To conduct daily educational, recreational and special interpretive programs for visitors to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Seasonal contract (up to a maximum of 35 hrs/wk) from mid-September – November, with the possibility of extension. Deadline to apply: August 19 2018.
To view the full posting Click Here
Part-time Outdoor Education Instructor, St. Francis Xavier University
The Faculty of Education and Department of Continuing and Distance Education, St. Francis Xavier University, seeks a Part-time Instructor to teach in Fall Session 2018, as part of the Certificate in Outdoor Education Program, Bridgewater/Online. Fall Session, EDUC 405A.P1 – Teaching Cooperative Games & Leadership in Public Schools (Provincial cohort). Candidates should have a PhD or MEd with significant experience in the course area. The committee will begin consideration of applicants on August 16, 2018.
To view the full posting Click Here
Toronto Urban Instructors, Outward Bound Canada
Make a career out of your passion – join the Outward Bound Canada team! We’re hiring for a number of instructor roles for our fall season. CLICK HERE to see the full posting and to apply.
Elementary Teacher, Beachcombers Academy & Little Oysters Preschool
Beachcombers Academy is seeking an enthusiastic elementary teacher passionate about children’s learning. We are a unique rural independent school with a nature-inspired curriculum specializing in coastal studies, respect and kindness, and respect for the environment. Small class sizes makes this kind of inspired teaching possible.
Beachcombers offers teachers a positive and supportive work place with a 4-day school week, ocean-view classrooms and class sizes that range from 12 to 16 students per class. We embrace the new curriculum and offer teachers the support and flexibility to be creative in their teaching. Students at Beachcombers are typically engaged and happy learners. Beachcombers is a place where teachers can strive for their teaching ideals and be fulfilled by seeing the joy of learning in their students. Beachcombers Academy is a warm and joyful school.
CLICK HERE to see the full posting
Expedition Operations Coordinator, Outer Shores Expeditions, BC
The successful candidate will play a central role and work closely with our Owner/President, Guest Services and Marketing Coordinator, and all our Expedition Crew to deliver world-class, ship-based, wilderness, wildlife, and cultural expeditions throughout the BC Coast.
CLICK HERE to see the full posting
Director, Active Living & Outdoor Centre – Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary
The University of Calgary Faculty of Kinesiology is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Active Living & Outdoor Centre. The Director, Active Living, reports to the Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, and is responsible for the effective management of Active Living and the Outdoor Centre. The Director is responsible for strategic planning, development of business and operational plans, financial oversight, and leadership of a team of management, professional, and unionized staff.
CLICK HERE to see the full posting
Instructor/Residential Care Worker (Full time, Permanent), Wendigo Lake Expeditions
Instructors/Residential Care Workers for Project DARE & REACH Residential Adventure Therapy Programs provide direct service programming including delivery of the intensive therapeutic and behaviour management program; facilitating adventure activities ranging from games/initiatives, low and high ropes courses and other challenge activities; leading wilderness expeditions; supporting the school program; and facilitating life skills programming including cooking and daily chores routines.
Instructors are paid a variable per diem based on work experience, services provided, and level of responsibility. A typical annual income ranges from $32,000-$42,000 plus benefits including an extended health care plan. Work schedules vary per program, but average 15-18 days per month. If you are well-qualified, enjoy the challenge of working with youth who have very challenging behaviours, and would like to work as a member of a motivated team of exceptional people within a culture of support and feedback, send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@wendigolake.com
Teachers, Educators, Counsellors, The Boundless School
Our mission is to go to the ends of the earth to help teens achieve academic and social outcomes beyond their wildest dreams. We are quite relentless in insisting people be good to each other. The result is an exquisite learning environment where kids don’t want to leave. In the Fall and Winter, we deliver an adventure-based boarding school for struggling teens.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
ALIVE Outdoors is currently hiring Outdoor Educators and Instructors for both In-camp and Canoe Trip Programs this September and October 2018.
Interested applicants can apply online at www.aliveoutdoors.com/instructors
Program Coordinator, Tim Horton Onondaga Farms
Location: St George Ontario
Type: Full Time
The Program Coordinator will support the successful execution of camp activities and wilderness trip experiences based on the THCF Program Frameworks.
CLICK HERE for full posting and to apply
Teacher, Waabshki Penasi School, Dryden, ON
Waabshki Penasi School is seeking a certified teacher to provide instruction in numeracy, science, and social studies, along with an outdoor component. The teacher will be providing instruction to the grade 1-4 class and 5-6 class on a rotary schedule. The school also provides an outdoor program on Friday afternoons, which the teacher will be provided a prep to plan for.
To see the full posting CLICK HERE
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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