COEO NEWS
Fall 2020 Conference Update
We miss you and would love to gather virtually this year! In lieu of this year’s in-person Annual Fall Conference we are excited to host three virtual events throughout the weekend: a workshop, an open mic social, and our Annual General Meeting.
Register for any or all of these virtual events here.
Workshop: Anti-Racism and Outdoor Education
A workshop with educators Anaya Lambert & Olivier Adrien, hosted by Shanshan Tian
Saturday, September 26th, 1-3pm.
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We are grateful to have co-educators Anaya Lambert and Olivier Adrien facilitate an online workshop that will critically explore anti-racism and outdoor education – our ‘sphere of influence’ as outdoor educators and as an organization, navigating despair/hope in anti-racism work, including the real time unfolding of this curriculum, and will highlight actions and resources. This is an invitation to gather around work that is necessary and ongoing in COEO and all our communities.
From Anaya: “Because the systems we have inherited are built on structures of oppression (racism, misogyny, ableism etc) my team holds a complex analysis of some of the common barriers that show up repeatedly in the Outdoor Industry both for educators and for the youth we serve.”
This workshop will be held over Zoom, and will require registration through our website. Tickets will be sold on a sliding scale, by donation. We suggest a contribution of $25, or $5. All ticket proceeds will go towards paying our facilitators for their time and excellent work.
We are so grateful for these brilliant educators and to share this workshop with COEO. Participation will be capped at 90 and the recording of the workshop will not be publicly available after the event, so don’t miss it!
COEO’s Got Talent – Open Mic Social
Saturday, September 26th, 8-10pm.
One of the best things about COEO is the community, especially time spent at conferences sharing our talents around a campfire. While we can’t come together in person this year, we hope to connect with that community virtually through an open mic night!
If you are interested in performing please take a moment to sign-up HERE
Annual General Meeting
Sunday, September 27th, 10am-12:30pm
We certainly couldn’t have a conference weekend without everyone’s favourite event—the AGM! This year, please join us over Zoom from the comfort of your home to find out all that’s been happening over the past year and vote to approve the incoming Board of Directors. You must register in advance through the website if you plan to attend
If you plan on attending the AGM, please register here so we can ensure you are sent the Zoom link. Remember that you will need to renew your membership prior to the AGM, which you can also do 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?
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
Aerial Adventure Environments: The Theory and Practice of the Challenge Course, Zip Line, and Canopy Tour Industry With Web Resource provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to the aerial adventure industry. The first of its kind, this text combines the key components of high and low ropes challenge courses, zip lines, canopy tours, and aerial adventure parks into one essential guide for students and existing professionals.
Aerial Adventure Environments is at the cutting edge of this exciting and fast-growing sector of the outdoor adventure industry and is an invaluable resource for navigating the industry and understanding current practices, philosophies, and trends.
For more details click here
Use code B186 to receive 40% off regular price Offer expires 09/30/2020
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!
Orange Shirt Day is September 30th
Orange Shirt Day (September 30th) is a day when we honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and learn more about the history of those schools. Need some inspiration on how to share information with your students about Orange Shirt Day? Check out this amazing resource on Pinterest, organized by the folks behind Natural Curiosity. These boards aim to support educators in discussing Residential Schools and their ongoing legacy with their students and are intended for reflection and learning on the part of educators.
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Outdoor Learning Webinars, hosted by LSF:
All webinars begin at 7pm EDT & registration is closing at 75 people.
September 21st- 25th:
- Tuesday September 22nd: What’s the Story? Picture Books & Science Literacy (K-6)
- Wednesday September 23rd: Outdoor Learning & STEAM (7-12)
- Wednesday September 23rd: Looking for Curriculum Connections Outdoors (K-6)
- Thursday September 24th: Community Walks and Engaging Community (K-12)
- Monday September 28th: Reading the Trail: Bringing Picture Books Outdoors (K-6)
- Tuesday September 29th: Teaching virtually? Extend your teaching to the outdoors! (K-12)
- Wednesday September 30: Outdoor Learning & The Arts (K-12)
- Thursday October 1: Outdoor Learning for Principals (K-12)
Outdoor Learning: Getting Started Webinars
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
Adventureworks! Associates Inc. – Upcoming Workshop
Join Brian Lisson, Kathy Haras, and Shawn Stetson on October 3rd as they share some of their favourite team building, leadership, and reflection activities. This workshop will introduce participants to a series of engaging experiential activities that can be used for leadership training, team development, and community building. Reflective strategies for enhancing learning will also be explored. During the highly interactive workshop Brian, Kathy, and Shawn will share classic activities, including variations, adaptations, and facilitation approaches for achieving specific team building and leadership outcomes. All of the activities will incorporate physical distancing approaches.
October 3, 2020 at Canterbury Hills, Ancaster, ON – Register Now!
Adventureworks! 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
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
Outdoor Educator, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
The Outdoor Educator is responsible for delivery of the NPCA nature school curriculum to students. The incumbent will provide high quality education in a primarily outdoor environment while ensuring the health and safety of all students.
(a) Delivers high quality, curriculum linked, experiential outdoor education lessons in line with the NPCA Nature School curriculum
(b) Assists in developing supporting program documents including work sheets and activities
(c) Develop daily teaching plans that align with child-led, inquiry-based learning principles
(d) Maintains productive relationships with program participants and their guardians facilitating open dialogue to enhance the learning experience
(e) Liaise with other NPCA staff and partners as experts in providing programming content
Applications are due Monday, September 21st at noon. To view the complete posting CLICK HERE.
Outdoor Adventure Guide, full time, District School Board of Niagara
Reporting to the Outdoor Education Supervisor, the successful applicant to this position will:
• work with other Outdoor Experiential Education staff to deliver educational programs at the sites;
• collaborate with other Outdoor Experiential Education staff to develop creative and innovative programming in outdoor experiential education;
• have and share knowledge of and interest in the environment and outdoor education activities (i.e., flora and fauna identification skills, knowledge of forest management and the Niagara escarpment, outdoor survival skills and orienteering, GPS, low ropes, an interest in local Niagara history, etc.)
Applications due Friday, September 25th at noon. To view the complete posting: CLICK HERE
Camp Director, Bellwood Lodge and Camp
Reporting to the Camp Chairperson, the Director, is responsible for execution of strategies to meet the summer recreational needs of children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. High level duties
include:
Direction and operation of all in-session (camp-on) activities as well as off season administration;
Staffing, assignment of staff responsibilities, reporting relationships, hiring, discipline and remuneration;
Management and maintenance of onsite and offsite camp assets, infrastructure and leasehold improvements;
Administration of the camp operation including accounting, budgeting, inventory, enrolment, programming, human resources, public and client relations, marketing and advertising;
In cooperation with the Board of Directors, developing the strategic direction of the camp and the implementing programming, marketing, fundraising, and other supporting tactical operations;
Being the conduit between the Board and the operations of the camp.
Applications will be accepted until September 30th. To view the whole posting CLICK HERE
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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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.