COEO NEWS
Annual Fall Conference — The Power of Connection
The 2019 COEO conference organizing committee has been hard at work and plans are well underway for this year’s annual conference. This year’s conference, The Power of Connection, will be held at Camp Couchiching, located near Orillia, Ontario.
This year’s conference is all about fostering connections. How can we use outdoor education to build bridges between classmates, create engaged citizens, and deepen relationships with nature? These are some of the questions we hope to tackle at this year’s conference! We will share ideas around how educators can build or strengthen connections between their students and the land, their community, their peers, their food, and more. This year we’ll also have more workshops that let us disconnect from technology, foster discussion, get hands-on or be immersed in nature. More information about the conference can be found here.
Our annual conference marks an important time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of COEO members and other outdoor educators who are doing incredible work throughout the province. Join us after dinner on Saturday evening as we acknowledge the recipients of this year’s annual COEO awards. Please consider nominating a deserving colleague or organization — visit the COEO awards webpage to read about our five major awards. A nomination form can be downloaded from the bottom of that page. Please submit nominations to Deb Diebel, past president, no later than September 5th, 2019! Deborah_Diebel@bwdsb.on.ca
***Registration is now open, with special early bird pricing ending on August 15th. REGISTER TODAY!
COEO’s Advocacy Campaign
Our website’s Advocacy page has been updated. 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, with similar requests for action from the new Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce. https://www.ola.org/en/get-involved/contact-mpp
If you haven’t already seen it, take a minute to read and share the recent Op-Ed article published in the Toronto Star entitled The Value of Outdoor Education. Maybe you can 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
Constitution update
COEO Recognition Awards
There are five awards that may be presented yearly, all of which have their own particular significance:
The President’s Award is presented to an individual 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 through their participation on the Board of Directors, editorial support of Pathways, conference organization or other similar contribution.
The Honourary Life Membership Award recognizes the substantial and lasting contributions of long-time and esteemed members of COEO who are a vital part of its traditions and successes. Candidates for this award should meet the following criteria: 10 or more years of distinguished service in the field of outdoor education, held leadership positions within COEO for several years, nominated by three COEO members.
The Dorothy Walter Award for Leadership was created in 1986 to give recognition to an individual who, like Dorothy Walter herself, has shown an outstanding commitment to the development of leadership qualities in Ontario youth and through outdoor education.
The Robin Dennis Award was created in tribute to Robin Dennis, one of the founders of Ontario outdoor education in the 1950s and 1960s. It is presented to an individual, outdoor education program or facility that has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of outdoor education in the province. This award is open to non-members of COEO and the person making the nomination can also be a non-member of COEO.
The Amethyst Award, in memory of Brent Dysart is presented to an emerging professional new to the field of outdoor education. This award recognizes individual potential in those beginning a career. The recipient of the Amethyst Award receives a complimentary one-year membership to COEO and free admittance to the annual fall conference.
COEO members are encouraged to put forward the names of deserving candidates for these awards. Nominations should include the following:
- Name and contact information for nominator
- Name and contact information for nominee
- Award category
- Summary of achievements related to award criteria.
Nominations are to be received by the current COEO Past President (see the inside cover of Pathways for contact information) no later than September 10th of each year.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
Gain the plant-based advantage! Join the thousands of athletes—runners, bodybuilders, and athletes from virtually every sport—who rely on foods and beverages made without animal products. Every day an increasing number of athletes, even those who are not fully vegetarian or vegan, incorporate a plant-based diet when training or recovering from competition.
In Plant-Based Sports Nutrition, registered dietitians Enette Larson-Meyer and Matt Ruscigno combine decades of evidence-based research with personal experience working with—and as—vegan and vegetarian athletes to offer you a reliable and complete explanation of how, when, and why you need to plan your nutrient intake to maximize nutrition and get the best results. They will help you make smart decisions about properly fueling your body so you have the energy and stamina to boost your training and excel during competition.
For more details click here
Use code B084 to receive 40% off regular price. Be sure to sign up to receive our e-newsletter to stay informed, click here to sign up! Offer expires 8/31/2019
Canadian Youth on Climate Change
Longtime COEO member and climate activist Grant Linney has now produced a stirring video which features Canadian teens speaking out forcefully and passionately about our immediate need to massively confront climate change. Please feel free to “like” and to share widely. With a federal election rapidly approaching, this will hopefully be a “front and center” issue. Please be sure to do your part.
P.S. Check out the supporting website, loveyourmother.ca … still in development.
Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education:
The Lawson Foundation is pleased to release Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education: A Discussion Paper which is a synthesis of a multi-sector symposium convened in October 2018. The discussion paper shares the major themes of the Symposium and proposes concrete actions to advance outdoor play and early childhood education.
Please join us in circulating this discussion paper far and wide. Note that the French version will be available in a few weeks. If you are able to disseminate the paper through a major distribution network, please advise our Communications Director, Amanda Mayer amayer@lawson.ca.
Links to resources related to the discussion paper:
- Discussion Paper – Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education
- Executive Summary (2 pager)
- Stakeholders in Outdoor Play diagram (image)
- Outdoor Play – An ecosystem lens diagram (image)
- Discussion paper front cover image
We also want to take the opportunity to extend our congratulations to Mariana Brussoni, the CEECD team, and all of the authors of the new outdoor play topic that’s now part of the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. The information, recommendations for policy and practice, and research questions identified will serve many stakeholders and our own ongoing work. We encourage you to share this within your networks.
Citizen Science Research Study!
Nisbet Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Trent University
Tell us what it’s like to be a citizen scientist!
We’re researchers interested in citizen science activities and would like to hear from you. Click here to learn more and help us by completing a brief survey. Participants who complete this study will be entered in a draw for a $100 gift card (Amazon, MEC, or REI; $CDN or $US depending on region). There will be a draw every six months and participants can only win once.
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Paddle Canada Certification Program, Leaders of the Day
Nationally recognized certifications delivered by expert wilderness Instructors
Paddle Canada Advanced Level Canoe Tripping + Introduction to Lake Skills Combo.*This is the current level of certification required by O.P.H.E.A. to take students on canoe expeditions
When: August 18th to 23rd 2019 in the Algonquin Interior
Our promise….Mind-blowing adventures, patient instruction and Transformative Experiences. Have you made promises of your own for 2019? Let us help you keep them! Say YES to embracing new adventures in your Life!
http://www.leadersoftheday.com/skills-certifications/advanced-canoe-tripping-tandem-and-solo/
Guide Star Training Program: 4 Great Certifications in just 8 days!
When: August 18th to 25th 2019 in the Algonquin Interior
- Paddle Canada Advanced Canoe Tripping
- Paddle Canada Introduction to Lake Skills
- Wilderness and Survival Skills Program
- Back-country Navigation Level 1
This program is perfect for those looking for a full spectrum immersion experience in the Canadian wilderness. Our small class size ensures that you get lots of one-on-one mentoring. You do not need to be a Pro to apply! In fact we have had many students over the years who weren’t even looking for the certs but for the adventure itself. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this amazing training adventure!
http://www.leadersoftheday.com/skills-certifications/guide-star-certification-program/
Adventureworks! Workshops:
Ropes Course Instructor (Level 2)
September 18-22, 2019
Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Summer Teacher Training
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training and Bear Creek Outdoor Centre have put together 10 day comprehensive training program for teachers and outdoor educators to further their professional development in outdoor leadership and meet OPHEA and Board requirements for Outdoor Education programs.
We are delighted to offer a special discount code for COEO members
Enter Promo Code COEO when registering online in 2019
Take Me Outside News
Student Video Contest now on:
We’re super pleased to be presenting our Student Video Contest for the 7th year running in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. The theme is Canada’s Backyard – Show us why we have one of the best backyards in the world and how you like spending time in it, wherever you live! Individual students can enter or it can be a group/class project. The Grand Prize is a 3 day trip to Banff National Park where the winning short film will be screened during the opening weekend of the Film Festival to a sold out audience. There are some great prizes from MEC as well – all aimed at getting students outside! A huge thanks to MEC and the Banff Centre for their support in this project.
http://takemeoutside.ca/contes
New initiative: Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge Teachers, principals and educators have been telling us that they are ready to up the ante on outdoor time during the school year, but want resource support and a shared community to help stay the course. We have designed the TMO for Learning Challenge to be simple and fun with tangible tools to help them commit to taking their students outside for one session a week throughout the school year. This program will launch officially in August 2019. We’ll send more details then.
http://takemeoutside.ca/take-m
Hold the Date: TMO Day 2019 is on Wed October 23rd
Take Me Outside Day is our signature event and we are so excited to be heading into our 9th year. On this day last year more than 200,000 students from across Canada spent (at least) an hour outside during the school day to help raise awareness about the importance of outdoor learning and play.
http://takemeoutside.ca/tmo-da
New Take Me Outside T-Shirts now available at MEC (& on our website)
We’re pleased to show off our newest t-shirt designs which are available at select MEC stores across Canada (thanks to MEC for being our super awesome retail partner!) and on-line at our shop. Our apparel committee worked super hard through the winter to refresh the look of our signature shirts and we think they look fab! Look for them in your city and heed the message for a spring (and summer) outside!
We’re always happy to hear from you so please get in touch if you have questions or things to share. Wishing you all the best for the last leg of the school year / spring season!
—
Colin Harris
Executive Director
Take Me Outside
www.takemeoutside.ca
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Interpretation Canada, 2019 National Conference
September 9-12, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Interpretation Canada is excited for our 2019 National Conference, Unpacking Dialogue, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg in September. We recently opened our call for session proposals and I am hoping that you would be able to share this with your members who may be interested in joining us.
From September 9 to 12, we will be joined by interpreters from coast to coast to coast to explore incorporating dialogue into our practice. We will unpack what it means to use dialogic interpretation, explore various tools and techniques, and uncover what it means to create a safe space for open discussions.
AORE-AEE Joint International Conference 2019
November 13-15, Spokane, Washington
The goals of the AORE – AEE 2019 Conference, Learning Expedition: A prescription for better health and wellness, include broadening collaboration within the fields of experiential education and outdoor recreation, creating higher-quality educational opportunities, building professional skills and knowledge, strengthening professionalism within their memberships, broadening networking opportunities, leveraging both communities in advocacy and public policy efforts, and raising awareness of the value and impact of experiential education and outdoor education.
Conference information and registration details can be found here
JOB POSTINGS
Experiential Education Manager, CWF
The Experiential Education (EE) Manager is in charge of experiential program design, delivery and evaluation in accordance with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) strategic plan: Lead development of national non-formal community wildlife education initiative (30%), Develop and manage national wildlife & nature immersion program (30%), Represent CWF in the collaborative development of nature connection conferences & training (20%), Act as key liaison with the experiential education community (10%), and Manage intern program (10%).
Youth Program Facilitator, Ecosource
Ecosourse is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and organized individual to coordinate the regional Peel Environmental Youth Alliance (PEYA) project, which involves supporting the student Executive Committee of PEYA to develop and maintain a youth-directed environmental network in Pell Region that offers peer support and participants in climate change action events in collaboration with community partners.
Click here to view the this job posting.
Residential Teaching Assistant, TRCA
As the on-site, live-in-member of the Field Centre staff team, the Residential Teaching Assistant provides assistance and support to the weekday education program through teaching, client service and administrative duties. Tasks include overseeing the health and welfare needs of groups visiting the Field Centre, supervising students’ routines, some light building maintenance, and leading or assisting with education lessons and activities during the school year and summer camp. The Residential Teaching Assistant works closely with Education Coordinators and Teachers and reports directly to the Field Centre Supervisor.
Click here to view the this job posting.
Youth Program Coordinator, Government of Yukon
The Youth Programs Coordinator develops, promotes, coordinates and delivers Environment Yukon’s Youth Corps (Y2C2) and Conservation Action Team (CAT) programs. The Y2C2 program provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience working on conservation projects, while the CAT program provides youth with adventure-based learning in the Yukon outdoors. Our ideal candidate is creative, passionate in working with youth, is patient and has a healthy sense of humour. This position requires exceptional leadership, listening and communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, organizational and decision-making skills. Experience acquired in a leadership role for programs tailored to youth in a wilderness setting and the ability to inspire students to learn in a safety conscious environment are essential.
Click here to view the this job posting.
Middle School Teacher (Part-Time), Kawartha Montessori School
We are seeking a part time grade 7/8 Co-Teacher (Adolescent Guide) for our Middle School program. The program is a unique and academically rigorous Montessori experience. Its integrated curriculum is grounded in experiential, inquiry-based, and student-directed learning. Students work in a collaborative environment where accountability and critical thinking are encouraged. As in other KMS classes, our Middle School program aims to foster respectful interpersonal relationships, self and group leadership, caring, and empathy. This unique program is empowering and challenging for students and staff!
In collaboration with the full time Lead Teacher/Guide, the part time Co-Teacher/Guide will be responsible for delivering curriculum, guiding students, and facilitating a variety of learning experiences within Middle School program.
The ideal candidate has a solid grounding in adolescent education and experiential learning, holds a Bachelor of Education degree, and understands Montessori philosophy. Classroom and field experience with grades 7 and 8 is an asset, as are any of the following certifications: NLS, WFR, Wilderness first aid, or ORCKA Canoe or Kayak, or equivalent. The candidate should possess strong interpersonal personal skills and be a dedicated lifelong/life-wide learner. They should be adept to working in a fast-paced and complex school environment. They should possess excellent skills in organization, decision-making, collaboration, oral and written communication, language, and math.
Weekend Site Attendant and Nature Interpreter, Tommy Thompson Park, TRCA
The Weekend Site Attendant and Nature Interpreter is someone who has a passion for nature and wildlife, loves interacting and sharing information with others, and who is confident and has a dynamic personality. Situated at the most unique park in Toronto, the Weekend Site Attendant and Nature Interpreter at Tommy Thompson Park engages with park visitors during every shift. Interactions range from interpreting park history, wildlife, habitats and restoration projects, to assisting with emergencies and enforcing park rules. The Weekend Site Attendant and Nature Interpreter is comfortable working alone, under minimal supervision, and has a reliable car that can be used during working hours for park patrols. As part of a small team, each Weekend Site Attendant and Nature Interpreter typically works a full weekend (Saturday and Sunday and holidays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m./4:30 p.m. (summer/winter)) every third weekend, however, the schedule is flexible. This is a permanent occasional position in the environmental field. To view the posting and to apply Click Here
Challenge Course Supervisor + other positions, Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre
Follow this link to the job posting:
Outreach and Program Development Manager, Outward Bound Canada
We are searching for highly motivated outreach professionals to expand our
organizations’ efforts in Ontario and Toronto. This exciting role will focus on building
relationships with new and existing clients in these markets, supporting increased
participation in Outward Bound’s main program areas: Group programs and Individual
programs.
To view the full posting, and to apply click here
Tree Planting Stewardship Manager: Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign
The candidate for this position will help to create a targeted outreach program to increase tree planting opportunities on publicly and privately-owned land and will also be responsible for the implementation of this program. The individual will be expected to market and sell the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign to various landowners. Under general supervision, they will also provide project planning, delivery and support for the over 1.8 million “Service Trees” that will be planted on private and publicly owned land. This person will work for HOHTC but will carry out duties associated with tree planting programs at the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (Lead Authority), Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and Lower Trent Conservation and may be required to work closely with the various municipalities that are connected by the Highway of Heroes.
To view the whole posting and to apply Click Here
Instructor Fall 2019, ALIVE Outdoors
ALIVE Outdoors is Accepting Fall 2019 Instructor Applications.
We are seeking Educators, Wilderness Guides & Outdoor Instructors with a variety of skillsets: canoe tripping, leadership, outdoor centre programming, nature programming, and workshop facilitation.
It continues to be a privilege to expand our network and collaborate with incredible individuals who deepen the relevance and creativity of education today.
Apply online or find out more at www.aliveoutdoors.com/instructors
Outdoor Adventure Specialist/Residential Care Worker, 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 $40,000-$50,000 plus benefits including an extended health care plan. Work schedules vary per program, but average 15 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
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.
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.