COEO NEWS
Membership
Have you renewed your membership this year? A reminder that our membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st, so now is the time to renew your membership if you have not done so already!
Being a COEO member means that you are part of a strong and active community dedicated to promoting and celebrating the value of outdoor and experiential education. By being a member of COEO, you add your much-needed support and voice to all the work being done by COEO.
You can renew your membership online or mail your completed membership form.
Fall Conference Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone involved in our virtual fall conference events! While we missed having a chance to meet in person it was lovely to see many of you over Zoom, learn together, enjoy your music & stories, and discuss important issues related to the future of COEO & outdoor education.
Thank you to educators Anaya Lambert and Olivier Adrien for facilitating the learning on Anti-Racism & Outdoor Education, Shanshan Tian for MCing, and Karen O’Krafka for organizing this important workshop.
Thank you to Ben Blakey for organizing our COEO’s Got Talent open mic social, as well as to all those who shared their talents.
Thank you to Liz Kirk for coordinating this year’s Annual Meeting and to Brian Lisson for chairing the meeting.
And finally, thank you to COEO’s very own Zoom tech wizard Liz Jankowski for taking on the tech duties for all three of the virtual events.
2020/2021 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for 2020/2021 were elected at COEO’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 27th.
President: Natalie Kemp
Past President: Liz Kirk
Vice President: Karen O’Krafka
Treasurer: Bill Schoenhardt
Secretary: Hil Coburn
Volunteer Coordinator: Aaron Parcher
Directors at Large: Liz Jankowski, Barbara Sheridan, Ben Blakey, and Danielle Barrett
Membership Secretary: Minka Chambers
Find out more about the members of the Board here.
Diversity & Allyship in Outdoor Education
Wondering how to support diversity in the outdoors and be a better ally to BIPOC folx within our industry?
Check out this great webinar Black Outdoors: The Connections Between Race and Outdoor Space put on by the Toronto Public Library, featuring Jacqueline L. Scott in conversation with Demiesha Dennis.
Read The Melanin Base Camp Guide to Outdoor Allyship.
Support Miesha Dennis & the Brown Girl Outdoor World Gear and Equipment Library (based in Toronto), either through a monetary donation or equipment donation. Read more about her work and this project here.
Support Colour the Trails and the incredible work being done by Juju Milay to inspire, engage, and uplift people of colour. Donate to this work to help more people access the outdoors.
Support Project Love Run, which is all about womxn’s mental health, community and running. Find out more about them here.
Check out the stories and work shared on social media during #BlackBirdersWeek, #BlackHikersWeek, and #BlackBotanistsWeek.
Read about the movement Bird Names for Birds and sign the petition.
COEO Awards – Call for Nominations
COEO Awards provide an important opportunity to recognize individual and group efforts, as well as to celebrate the varied expression of outdoor education within our organization and throughout the province of Ontario. Click HERE for more information about the 5 separate categories of COEO Awards and consider nominating a deserving colleague or organization. Due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of our in-person Annual Fall Conference for 2020, award nomination forms will be received on an ongoing basis in advance of our next in-person awards ceremony in September 2021 at Camp Couchiching. Simply fill out a COEO Awards Nomination Form, then email the completed form to: owls@coeo.org (Liz Kirk, COEO Past President). Thank you for your nomination of an outstanding outdoor educator or organization in Ontario!
COEO’s Outdoor Learning Tips for Teachers
Looking for a document aimed to help teachers get started in preparing to take their students outside this fall? Check out the Outdoor Learning Tips and Resources found here!
Webinar – Outdoor Education for Kindergarten in 2020/21
Many educators are now thinking about what returning to schools in September will look like, many considering the us of outdoor spaces for teaching and learning. In this webinar, gain tools and knowledge that explain how outdoor education programs can be both safe and grounded in solid teaching pedagogy. Our immense thanks goes out to the webinar organizer, Deb Diebel, as well as the incredible panel of seasoned outdoor educators that took part in this live, online discussion.
Missed the webinar? Check out the recording here
Pathways Call for Articles
Life Pre and Post Pandemic: Navigating a Greener Future to Reform Culture
Take advantage of this time spent indoors and behind a screen to compose a Pathway’s article or art submission that fits this situation of extraordinary times: Human’s first pandemic in a global world of devices. Let’s learn to move forward and envision the sustainable future we want and unit our ability to communicate and inspire global environmental efforts. Due September 15, 2020. Submissions and questions can be sent to pathways@coeo.org.
Suggested Topics:
- Have you learned to appreciate nature or technology more in this time?
- In what ways have you shifted your practices of being in nature for well-being?
- What links from the history of experiential education (rooted in being prepared for crisis), have you reflected upon?
- How have you maintained a practice of being in nature to heal? What have you found serves as a ‘best remedy’ in handling social confinement?
- How did you bring nature into your limited space, shift your sit spot, learn about solos?
- What new norm are you imagining will come from this pandemic? (will we value and encourage more green space in urban areas?)
- Did you learn a new skill or practice as a means of education or homeschooling yourself or others in your own home?
- In what ways have you been able to encourage others and continue the long-standing practice of service associated with experiential education?
- Have you implemented new creative outlets?
- What personal impact did you experience when your contact with Nature was constrained? Did your connections to environmental justice broaden?
- How did you maintain your fitness in a limited space? Did you substitute good habits by instilling other worthy practices? Did you create new ways to play?
Call for Volunteers
Are you interested in practicing the skills involved with video filming or video editing? We are currently looking for volunteers to assist in a video project collaboration between COEO and OSEE (Ontario Society for Environmental Education). The goal of the project is to create a series of short, informative videos that will illustrate some basic techniques, tips and activities related to outdoor learning. This video collection is intended to inform educators, as well as provide examples of processes and materials that will help to encourage more “green time” for students.
If interested, please contact Liz for more details at: owls@coeo.org
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical application that teachers and coaches need to confidently teach their students and athletes the skills and game sense they need to successfully compete in games and sports.
This text, inspired by the authors’ previous book, Developing Game Sense Through Tactical Learning, offers new material since the publication of that 2011 book, particularly in relation to curriculum, assessment, and physical literacy. “Our version of a game sense model has been modified over time and adjusted to meet the changing needs and requirements of learners and programs,” Breed says. “This book is an updated and improved variation of our original book, and it will assist teachers and coaches in integrating game sense into their sessions and curricula.”
Through Developing Game Sense in Physical Education and Sport, teachers and coaches will be able to do the following:
- Provide a logical sequence and step-by-step instructions for maximal learning, skill transfer, and game skill development
- Accelerate learning by linking technical, tactical, and strategic similarities in three thematic game categories (There are 19 invasion games, 13 striking and fielding games, and 14 net and wall games.)
- Save preparation and planning time by using the extensive planning and game implementation resources
- Set up games with ease and effectively relate game sense concepts by following the 90 illustrations and diagrams created for those purposes
To see more click here Use code B287 to receive 50% off regular price. Offer expires 10/31/2020
Survey about the impacts of COVID-19 on Outdoor Recreation in Canada
We’re looking for individuals to participate in a research study on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted outdoor recreation participation patterns in Canada from July 13, 2020 until today and how the closures and reopening of areas have impacted individuals’ perceptions of their mental, physical and overall health. You can participate in this phase regardless of whether or not you completed Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 of the study.
We need your help in completing a confidential, anonymous online survey for this important and time-sensitive study. The survey takes about 20-25 minutes of time to complete. You must live in Canada, be 18 years of age or older, and engage in outdoor recreation activities.Due to the time sensitive nature of this study, the survey website is only open until October 12, 2020.
The survey is available at: Impacts of COVID-19 on Outdoor Recreation in Canada – Phase 3
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Tim O’Connell, Principal Investigator at: tim.oconnell@brocku.ca
Call for resources from Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC)
As teaching outside is gaining in popularity across the country, we want to be there to share best practices and support teachers in going outdoors. Want to give us a hand? We are building a database of professional development workshops enabling teachers to bring students outside. If you know of any, please contact us. If you have relevant news or scientific articles, don’t hesitate sending them our way also.
Contact: franz.plangger@outdoorcouncil.ca
Ontario Camps Association (OCA) is lobbying government for funding to sustain summer camps #savecanadiancamps
The Ontario Camps Association (OCA) is lobbying the federal government for a $200 million sustainability fund, and the Ontario government for an additional $30 million, to help camps survive the COVID-19 pandemic. For overnight camps in remote areas, it isn’t viable to operate day programs, meaning some businesses have lost 100 per cent of their revenue. The camp industry annually generates $2 billion for the national economy, with about two million kids attending camps each year, and 70,000 jobs, usually first time jobs for youth. Many camps are charitable organizations or not-for-profits. Read more HERE.
The OCA needs your help to #SaveCanadianCamps. Camps, campers, parents, camp staff, and alumni, your voice matters! Write a letter to your MP and MPP and let them know why camp is important and what camp means for you. Thank you for your support!
Discover an huge repository of resources from the OCA in response to COVID-19 HERE, see a copy of the letter sent to lobby the Federal government HERE and listen HERE to an interview with Mark Diamond.
Share your stories with Get Kids Paddling – Interactive Map Project
Want to help get more kids paddling? Click HERE to complete a short survey and your testimonial will become part of an online Interactive Map. The goal of this project, initiated by Get Kids Paddling, is to connect people, places and stories from different parts of our province, in order to capture the ways in which paddling has influenced so many our lives. By showcasing these stories publicly on an Interactive Google Map, the hope is to highlight the value of these types of experiences and promote the future of paddling in Ontario. Survey participation is open to all ages, lived experiences and ability level and should take 10-20 minutes to complete.
COVID-Inspired Outdoor Adventure – Canoe4Covid
When COVID-19 cancelled their summer jobs as camp counsellors, six Toronto friends decided they would use their outdoor wilderness skills and experience for a good cause. The recent high school graduates — who all met at Camp Ahmek in Algonquin Park — decided to embark on a 60-day, 2,000-kilometre canoe trip through Ontario. On August 24th, the group safely landed in Ottawa, concluding their 60 day trek in front of Parliament. Although they surpassed their goal of raising $60,000 in funds to support Canadians affected by COVID-19, you can still contribute HERE on the Canoe4Covid website. Check out the CBC News story and video HERE and listen to an interview HERE from August 4th to find out more about the trip.
LSF Call to Action for Outdoor Education
COVID-19 presents an opportunity for Canadian schools to embed learning outdoors as part of our culture of education, both for the short-term benefits of better infection control and the long-term benefits of outdoor learning for our children’s physical and mental health and academic success.
Please review the Call to Action for Outdoor Learning that Pamela Schwartzberg, President and CEO of Learning for a Sustainable Future, recently sent to Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Education, teachers’ federations and school boards across Canada.
You are invited to take this letter, modify it to include your specific organization’s offerings, and send it to Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Education, teachers’ federations and school boards in your networks. Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) would appreciate their leadership on the call to be acknowledged in the letter, in some way. From experience, we know that it is more impactful if decision-makers get 25 emails with the same message, rather than one email with multiple signatories. Please share this call to action widely!
Articles and Blog Posts by Bob Henderson
Wondering what’s on Bob’s mind these days? Check out his latest articles, published on his blog website HERE. Two of his most recent pieces include A Case for School Canoe Trips: Rethinking Risk and Thoughts and Admittedly a Bit of a Rant on the Wilderness Superhero “Look at Me” Adventure Narrative. Enjoy!
Thrive Outside Launch Kit, Child and Nature Alliance
Are you interested in connecting children with nature through outdoor learning and play?
Explore Thrive Outside — a free resource portal on outdoor learning and play available now!
Designed by educators, for educators, Thrive Outside helps you to re-imagine what back to school can look like beyond the classroom. Visit www.thriveoutside.ca to get started today!
There are many more resources to come — including a French portal. Follow The Child and Nature Alliance of Canada on social media for updates!
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Outdoor Learning Webinars, hosted by LSF:
Outdoor Learning: Upcoming Webinars / Apprentissage en plein air : Prochains webinaires October 5th – 15th
Monday, October 5th at 7pm EDT The Arts Go Outdoors Elementary (K-8)
Tuesday, October 6th at 7pm EDT Bringing Outdoor Learning Into The Virtual Classroom K-12 Focus
Wednesday October 7th at 7pm EDT Getting Started: Bringing Curriculum Outdoors Elementary (K-6) focus
Thursday October 8th at 7pm EDT Outdoor Learning and STEAM Secondary (7-12) Focus
Tuesday October 13th at 7pm EDT Reading the Trail: Outdoors with Books Elementary (K-6) Focus
Wednesday October 14th at 7pm EDT Outdoor Learning: What do Principals Need to Know? Principals
Wednesday October 14th at 7pm EDT Finding and Doing More with Curriculum Outdoors Elementary (K-6) focus
Thursday October 15th at 7pm EDT Community Walks and Engaging Community K – 12 Focus
Mercredi 7 octobre à 19h EDT Allons Dehors! Comment mettre en place l’apprentissage en plein air M à 6e
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
Webinar Recordings from Natural Curiosity:
Recordings for Webinars 1 and 2 of a 4-part series are now available through a “pay-what-you-can” model on the University of Toronto Press website!
Part 1: Educator Strategies for Getting and Staying Outside
Part 2: A COVID-look at the Indigenous Lens on Natural Curiosity
Online Coaching, Natural Curiosity:
Natural Curiosity is launching an exciting new pilot project for online small group coaching sessions. This online professional learning space has been designed to support educators for a full academic year, as they inquire into deepening their NC teaching practice in a safe and collegial environment.
Our first coaching group will be led by Maria Vamvalis. Maria brings over 20 years of experience in educational consulting in inquiry-based citizen education with a deep connection to Indigenous perspectives, climate change and the development of agency in children and youth. Maria’s teaching practice has been primarily focused on junior elementary, intermediate, and high school.
Adventureworks! Associates Inc. ropes certification courses
Ropes Course Instructor (Level 2)
October 26-30, 2020
Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Refresh & Recert (Level 2)
October 29-30, 2020
Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
LEAP Series: Adventure Program Supervisors Forum: Virtual Edition
A 4 session workshop 3:00-4:30pm on Nov 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 2020
Zoom
Ontario Camping Association- Campfire of Inclusion
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
70th Annual Cortland Recreation Conference
This year’s theme is “Sustainability: The Role We Play.” Join us as we come together in a virtual setting, reducing our ecological footprint while promoting positive action and helping create a viable future for all.
The conference will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. Sessions will be available following the conference for individuals unable to attend synchronously. Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be offered for persons who request them. If you are interested in speaking at the conference, please fill out a proposal HERE.
AEE International Conference
Registration is now open! From November 12-14th, 2020, AEE’s 48th Annual International Conference will bring attendees together in a virtual setting who share the goals of promoting, defining, developing, and applying theories and practices of Experiential Education.
Click for more information about the Association for Experiential Education’s International Conference.
Canadian Outdoor Summit
Postponed to September 29 – October 2, 2021, Gatineau, Quebec
The in person Canadian Outdoor Summit has been postponed to 2021. 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
Postponed to April 28 – May 1st, 2021, 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.
We are currently inviting proposals for presentations, sessions, workshops and other facilitated learning opportunities at the EECOM 2021 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/
Youth Climate Action Summit
NEW DATE – May 3rd and 4th, 2021, 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.
JOB POSTINGS
Project Director, Northern Youth, NWT
We’re hiring a new Project Director!
This is an exciting career opportunity based in #Yellowknife directing a small non-profit that offers free on-the-land leadership programs for youth from across the NWT and Canadian Arctic. Northern Youth Leadership is a project on the @makeway_together shared platform (formerly Tides Canada). If you’re looking for a career that combines your organizational management experience with your passion for working with youth & being on the land, this position may be for you.
We’re looking for a candidate with extensive experience in grant writing, program management, youth work and land-based/wilderness programming. The Project Director is responsible for all aspects of planning, implementing and evaluating NYL’s remote wilderness programming. Experience working in Northern and remote settings is a significant asset. This position will be of particular interest to those with backgrounds in social work, outdoor education, child and youth work or non-profit management.
The Project Director answers to a dedicated group of volunteer Steering Committee members and works closely with MakeWay Charitable Society to maintain operating, financial and administrative systems that support operations.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Please see full job description at www.northernyouth.ca/join-our-team. Contact hr@northernyouth.ca with any questions and with your CV and cover letter to apply
OLE Instructor and OLE Support, Pine River Institute
Pine River Institute is an innovative co-ed residential treatment program for teens struggling with addictive behaviours. We are a family-centered program comprised of 4 phases: Wilderness (Outdoor Leadership Experience), Residential, Transition, and Aftercare. Every student, upon entering the program, spends 8 or more weeks in Huntsville before moving to the residence. Day-to-day activities in wilderness include canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, group initiatives, group and individual therapy, and journaling. Youths live and work in nature in groups of up to eight, with three staff.
Our campus is situated on 200 acres of spectacular Niagara Escarpment land near Shelburne, Ontario. The program here includes outdoor education, individual, group, and family therapy, expressive arts, athletics, and life skills, as well as the more traditional academic offerings.
We are currently seeking experienced Wilderness Field Instructors to help us deliver this unique program, primarily in Huntsville or Algonquin Park and also at the Shelburne campus.
Qualifications
We are looking for individuals with the qualifications and related experience in Wilderness field work. This individual will demonstrate patience, integrity, commitment, and an ability to maintain clear boundaries, and a sense of humour.
To view the postings, click the links below.
OLE Support posting new 200131JR
Director of Outdoor Education, Mulgrave School
Mulgrave is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational school which is committed to providing an outstanding holistic education for young people from Pre-K through Grade 12. Outdoor Education (OE) is a well established and important part of Mulgrave’s holistic education programme. The Director of Outdoor Education is expected to further develop and execute a vision for an extensive and world class PreK-12 Outdoor Education programme which excites and engages students in outdoor pursuits while actively contributing to their social and emotional development and furthering their understanding of sustainability and indigenous values. Working with a team of Outdoor Education teachers, the Director will coordinate and lead a range of developmentally appropriate learning experiences, oversee a range of co-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and lead appropriate training for staff and students. The successful applicant will be a knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic outdoor educator with a range of training and/or certifications in recognized outdoor pursuits.
To view the full posting, CLICK HERE
Causal Outdoor Education Instructor, Blue Mountain Wild School
We are seeking a multi-talented program coordinator and outdoor educator to join our team and help us build our program beginning on acasual basis starting this summer with our wild day camp and evolving with us into the regular year. The BMWS Outdoor Education Instructor is required to have a strong knowledge of the natural world, be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and be adaptable to instruct to a wide range of students (From 7 to 13) in an outdoor setting. Valid driver’s license and access to your own vehicle is required in order to travel to our various program locations within the Blue Mountains region.
Please send a cover letter and resume to Jeff Barrett, Coordinator of Blue Mountain Wild School at info@wildschool.ca. If you have any questions feel free to call Jeff at 416-700-3737.
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. Are you a natural team leader and a creative problem-solver? Do you enjoy giving back to the community and inspiring others to do good? Katimavik is looking for open-minded, resourceful individuals to lead youth development projects. This challenging and rewarding position provides leadership for up to 11 youth at a time, guiding them through a six-month experience of volunteerism, learning, discovery, growth, and accountability. The Project Leader will reside in-house with the group.
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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.