COEO NEWS
MPWW 2020 – SO MUCH FUN!
A great big thank you to all who made Make Peace with Winter 2020 such a great success!
Sooo many people to thank:
First off, we’d like to thank all who attended. COEO continues to be a vibrant and supportive community due in large part to the energy and enthusiasm of its members. One of COEO’s aims is to provide access to high quality professional learning opportunities that speak directly to the current needs of its members, and so the organization hopes that everyone found value in this past weekend’s event.
Thanks also go out to all our terrific conference presenters who volunteered to share their knowledge, experience and expertise with other members. Without their preparation and effort, this conference would really not have been possible.
A big thanks to our keynote presenter AND pre-conference workshop leader, Bonnie Anderson. The membership greatly appreciates the wonderful keynote and workshops she gave in order to provoke, engage, inform and inspire us all.
A big thank you (and three cheers!) to Maria and the rest of the amazing Bark Lake staff:)
A big thank you to our entertainers: Kim Sedore and the Happy Campers, and the ever-patient square dance calling of Mr. Walt Sepic.
Meegwetch and another big thank you to Peter, Lois and Caleb for sharing their teachings and helping us explore how to best approach, explore, and respect indigenous perspectives, practice, and relationships.
And finally, thanks to the 2020 MPWW Conference Organizing Committee: Ben Blakey, Kyle Clarke, Aaron Parcher, Claire Kemp, Minka Chambers, April Nicolle, Karen O’Krafka, Sandra Dabrowski, M, and Barb Sheridan.
***SOME IMPORTANT NOTES:
Planning for next September’s COEO Annual Fall Conference will be getting underway shortly. If you’d like to be part of this conference organizing committee (or even next year’s Make Peace with Winter!), then please forward a note of interest to conference@coeo.org. The fall conference will be taking place September 25-27 at RKY Camp. If you’d like to suggest a theme or something else, again please submit an email to conference@coeo.org with your suggestions or request to be involved.
***It’s very hard to believe, but COEO is a VOLUNTEER RUN ORGANIZATION, and our conferences and regional events don’t happen without the volunteer efforts of our members like you!
Thank you all and have a great winter!
2020 COEO Make Peace with Winter Conference Committee
***Pictures from this past weekend have been posted on COEO’s Facebook page.
COEO’s Advocacy Campaign
COEO’s Advocacy page has been updated to share the details of our recent advocacy efforts. Be sure to check it out here.
Want to get involved in advocating for OEE in Ontario? Please contact your local MPP and request that they write a letter of support. https://www.ola.org/en/get-involved/contact-mpp
Please read and share the Op-Ed article published on July 15th, 2019, in the Toronto Star entitled The Value of Outdoor Education. Maybe you are able to write a similar article about your OEE experience and submit it to a local media outlet?
Please follow our social media accounts and keep an eye on local media as we continue our advocacy efforts to ensure that outdoor education remains top of mind as we prepare to transition from summer into a new school year.
Follow us on:
Twitter (@COEOoutdoors https://twitter.com/coeooutdoors)
Instagram (@COEOoutdoors https://www.instagram.com/coeooutdoors/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/coeo.org/)
Dynamic Horizons: A Research and Conceptual Summary of Outdoor Education
Response to online OEE AQ at Queen’s University
In the spring of 2019, Queen’s University created an Additional Qualification Course in Outdoor & Experiential Education. However, the decision to make this an online course comes as a detriment to professionals working in the field of Outdoor and Experiential Education (OEE). Natalie Kemp, COEO President, will be sending a letter to Queen’s University on behalf of COEO members, but any additional individual responses (especially from alumni of the Queen’s OEE program) would be appreciated. A letter with some discussion points and contact information for specific individuals can be found here.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
Teamwork is critical to the success of any group—students, athletes, businesspeople, community members, and others. Team Building Through Physical Challenges: A Complete Tool Kit, Second Edition, takes a proactive approach to building teams as it explains the concepts of team building, shows how to set up teams to facilitate growth, and provides 67 mentally and physically challenging games and activities that will foster team building and the development of numerous social and emotional skills. These activities are an ideal way to start the school year, a sport season, corporate training, an adventure trip, or any endeavor that requires working together.
New and updated materials for this resource include the following:
Updated content on how to implement the activities
A new emphasis on social and emotional learning
A new web resource with video demonstrations, reproducibles, and a sample team-building course outline
For more details click here
Use code B183 to receive 40% off regular price. Offer expires 2/29/2020
University of Alberta Canadian OE Research Survey
As a member of The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, you are invited to participate in a study about Outdoor Education in Canada, conducted by Morten Asfeldt and Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, Ph.D., from the University of Alberta.
We are interested in learning about your experiences and opinions about outdoor education programs or courses. We are collecting information from outdoor educators who work at summer camps, K-12 secondary programs, and college/university programs.
If you think there is someone in your organization who is more well suited to complete this survey than you, please forward this invitation to them. Please complete only one survey per organization.
By completing this survey, you will be contributing to establishing a unified voice for Outdoor Education in Canada. Your participation is voluntary and strictly confidential.
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.
All those who complete the questionnaire will have an opportunity to enter their name into a draw for a $50 gift card from Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC). We will draw a name for every 25 surveys submitted, making your odds of winning one-in-twenty-five (1:25).
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6KV3WN
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Lakehead University Outdoor Experiential Education Additional Qualification Course
Adventureworks Associates, Inc.
LEAP Series Workshops:
Challenge Course Training & Certification Courses
March 3-6, 2020
Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
March 30-April 1, 2020
For more information visit: https://www.universe.com/users/adventureworks-associates-inc-BKCR4T
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Forests Ontario Annual Conference
February 14, Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, Ontario
This year’s theme is We the Forest.
Our forests are our future.
They provide us with food, shelter and warmth. They support the ecosystem services we depend on and they fight climate change.
But who speaks for the forests? In a complex economic and political climate, full of competing interests and priorities, how do we ensure that our forests remain at the forefront of our collective consciousness? How do we plan for their future when short-sightedness impacts their very existence?
Join us as we discuss the ways we can collaborate to ensure our forests’ future. Bring your passion; bring your voice.
Registration and more information about this event.
OSEE EcoLinks 2020
May 22, High Park Nature Centre, Toronto, Ontario
We are currently inviting proposals for presentations, sessions, workshops and other facilitated learning opportunities at the EECOM 2020 Conference.
For applying for General Sessions: https://ecoschools.ca/eecom/call-for-proposals/
For applying to present at the Research Symposium: https://ecoschools.ca/eecom/research-symposium/
Canadian Outdoor Summit
September 29 – October 2, Gatineau, Quebec
This inaugural event is about bringing people together to celebrate contributions and tackle some key structural challenges affecting all outdoor programs from coast to coast to coast. This national gathering is aimed at celebrating our contribution to Canadian society and solving key challenges faced by outdoor programs. This project is a collective effort of the outdoor sector, therefore your perspective and contribution offers tremendous value. More information can be found on the event website: http://canadianoutdoorsummit.com/ and social media channels. Please follow and share: Instagram, Facebook, Canadian Outdoor Summit Promotional Video
EECOM National Conference
October 21- 24, Toronto, Ontario
EECOM’s National Conference in Environmental Education is coming to Toronto – save the date! EECOM’s conferences are Canada’s largest, regular gatherings of environmental learning stakeholders, and provide unparalleled professional development and networking opportunities. This conference is being hosted in Toronto by EcoSchools Canada, the Environmental & Sustainability Education Initiative at OISE, University of Toronto, and the Toronto District School Board’s Sustainability Office.
AEE International Conference
November 12 – 14, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
JOB POSTINGS
Outdoor Education Instructor, Norval Outdoor School – Upper Canada College
The Norval Outdoor Education Instructor is a wonderful opportunity to develop experience, be mentored by outstanding seasoned faculty members, and have phenomenal exposure to a top quality educational experience. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating program and curriculum at the Norval Outdoor School. A prime focus of the position is to stimulate learning and an appreciation of the environment and the community. The Norval staff team, assumes all in-class and outdoor supervisory duties while students reside at the school, as well as maintaining and developing resources and equipment on site.
Key Responsibilities:
● Plan and schedule weekly programs with other Norval faculty;
● Plan and deliver lessons for visiting groups (SK to adult), utilizing both outdoor and indoor settings;
● Demonstrate an understanding of the unique dynamics of single gender, mixed groups, and customizes programs and activities accordingly;
● Share in supervision of students throughout the day including program, free time, meals, evenings and overnight;
● Share in conveying of key information to students e.g., mealtime announcements; arrival & departure routines; recreation activity rules;
● Take charge of the management & maintenance of specific program materials as assigned by the Norval Director. This includes bees & apiary equipment; the garden; high and low ropes elements & equipment; cameras; ski equipment; classroom plants and displays; archery range; first aid kits and first aid cabinet;
● Initiate first aid and crisis response as needed during any supervision of a group;
● Perform site-specific administrative duties (e.g., cataloguing of group photos;keeping of records; library; inventory);
● Assist with housekeeping, kitchen operation and other on-site routines/tasks as needed.
Key Knowledge and Competencies:
● Display enthusiasm and participate fully in the UCC community;
● Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop strong professional relationships with students, colleagues, administration and parents;
● Collaborative team member;
● Exemplary communication, organizational and problem solving skills;
● Ability to recognize individual learning styles and the characteristics of learners;
● Invest in personal development and strive to grow professionally;
● Highly accountable with strong follow through on commitments;
● Exhibit a high level of commitment, perseverance, initiative and adaptability;
● Display creativity and innovation both in and out of the classroom;
● High degree of flexibility and adaptability.
Key Education, Qualifications and Experience:
● B. Ed. degree required;
● An undergraduate degree in an outdoor-related program is an asset;
● Current First Aid and CPR certifications;
● Proven competency in outdoor and beyond-the-classroom skill areas;
● Previous experience working with children of varying ages in outdoor settings;
● Well developed written and oral communication skills;
● Computer Competency an asset.
Additional Requirements:
● Must lead and participate in often strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., hiking, cross- country skiing) and be able to respond to emergencies during such programs;
● Adaptability to be on call during off hours and occasionally weekends.
All letters of intent and resumes should be forwarded to Timea Godor in HR attgodor@ucc.on.ca by end of day Tuesday February 11, 2020. All referrals welcomed! If contacted for an interview, please advise us if you require any accommodations.
Outdoor Education Instructor, Scanlon Creek Conservation Area – LSRCA
Working with LSRCA’s team of educators, the role of the Instructoris the delivery of education programs to school, community groups and camp groups at the Scanlon Creek Nature Centre and throughout the Lake Simcoe watershed. This position reports directly to the Manager, Education.
What you offer:
- Post-secondary education in Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, Education, Environmental Studies or related discipline(s)
- Scheduling flexibility and availability
- Demonstrated experience leading environmental and/or outdoor education programs to children and youth in a school and/or community setting
- Working knowledge of the provincial education curriculum
- Ability to apply different teaching methodologies and adapt program instruction to meet different learning needs
- Strong verbal communication, interpersonal skills and group management skills.
- Solid customer service skills
- Valid Class G driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification
- Current and clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check
Assets to be considered:
- Member in good standing, Ontario College of Teachers
- Proficiency in a second language
- Experience in adult education instruction
What you will do:
- Lead, co-lead and support group program instruction as assigned
- Daily pre-visit preparation of required teaching aids, supplies, materials and equipment
- Daily post-visit clean-up, including replenishment of supplies and materials, and maintenance/repair of teaching aids and equipment
- Provide excellent client support and service, including assistance with administrative tasks
- Contribute to program review, improvements and development, including risk assessment and management, as required
- Ensure full understanding and compliance with LSRCA’s site/program standard operating procedures
- Ensure the health and safety of staff and program participants at all times
- Other duties as assigned
Start Date: April 2020
Hours of Work: 35hrs/week (5 days/week)
You will work 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with some evening and/or weekend work, as required.
Scheduling will be based on operational requirements and determined on a week-to-week basis.
Please apply directly to careers@LSRCA.on.ca, with a single pdf document that includes a résumé and covering letter to LSRCA’s Human Resources, referencing Competition#07-2020, by 4:00 pm on February 21, 2020.
Program Facilitator, Adventureworks!
Adventureworks! is hiring talented and experienced Program Facilitators to deliver adventure programs
to school, youth, and community clients. Facilitators work at the Adventure Learning Centre at
Canterbury Hills in Ancaster, ON as well as at partner sites in the GTHA. Many programs use High Ropes
and Low Ropes courses to provide challenge and promote participant learning. Program Facilitators will
work as members of the program team to meet client needs and make a lasting impact for participants.
To view the posting Click Here
UCC Facilitator Position, Adventureworks!
Dates: Thursday April 16-Saturday April 18, 2020 Staff Training
Monday April 20th thru April 24th, 2020 Program Expedition
Responsibilities: Assume a leadership role for 13 – 14 year old boys, in the delivery, debriefing, reporting and evaluation of a multi-day, multi-activity experience that includes camping, bush craft skills,
canoeing, crayfish study, high ropes, low ropes, rock climbing, rappelling, and a service project.
To view the posting Click Here
Senior Consultant: Training and Programs, Adventureworks!
Adventureworks! Associates is looking to hire an experienced Trainer and Facilitator to deliver high quality services to our clients across the country. The Senior Consultant: Training and Programs will work directly with our senior program and challenge course services teams to design and deliver adventure experiences and to provide comprehensive training and program support services to our clients. As a Senior Consultant they will provide leadership in the design and development of program & training curriculum; operation and training manuals; and other resources for our clients and staff.
2020 Job Ad Senior consultant training and programs
Program Staff, Camp Kirk
Camp Kirk is a registered charity that provides residential programming for children who have learning
disabilities, attention deficit disorders, and high functioning autism. We offer a nurturing and non-competitive environment that emphasizes strengths and builds confidence. We provide a community experience that promotes strong mental health so that our campers can lead productive, meaningful and happy lives.
2020 Program Staff Job Posting
Multiple Postings, Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound Canada’s greatest asset is our instructional staff. We value group facilitation skills, life experience, passion, dedication, resiliency, and teaching ability as highly as technical proficiency.
As a leader in outdoor, experiential education, Outward Bound Canada offers a diverse selection of working opportunities in scenic and remote wilderness or urban areas. Our busiest season is from April to October, with winter and year-round programs on offer only in select regions. We accept instructor resumes year-round.
At Outward Bound Canada, each region conducts its own staff training before the start of the summer season. Successful instructor applicants will be selected to attend these trainings in BC, the Rockies, or Ontario. In BC and the Rockies, this is a four or five-day training program for instructors who have been offered contracts.
Outward Bound Canada has the following positions currently available: Toronto Centre Course Director, Rocky Mountain Director, Northern Ontario Course Director, Atlantic Canada Winter Wilderness Instructor (2 Positions), Northern Ontario Instructor.
Outdoor Education/Adventure Specialist, Camp Kawartha
Are you passionate about outdoor education and environmental stewardship? Would you like to work for
an award winning outdoor and environment centre? Are you available to work from March to the end of
June, 2020? With over 80 curriculum linked programs on offer and plans to become a nationally recognized environmental leadership centre, Camp Kawartha is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic educator to join our talented team.
Outdoor-Education-Adventure-Specialist
Canoe Trip Leaders, Camp Tamakwa
Camp Tamakwa, a children’s residential summer camp for ages 7-16, located in majestic Algonquin Park is seeking Canoe Trip Leaders.
The dates of employment are June 15, 2020 to August 15, 2020.
For more information please visit the Camp website at
https://tamakwa.com/work-at-camp and scroll down to Canoe Trippers/ Guides for more information.
Applications are made online and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
We hope you will join us for a summer to remember!
Facilitator/Teachers, Trails Youth Initiative
Trails Youth Initiatives is a charity and private school that provides a long-term programme for
vulnerable youth. We focus on fostering community, emotional intelligence, and self-knowledge
through outdoor experiential education. We augment students’ traditional schooling with intentional
community-building, conscious challenge, and lifelong support in order to position them for success.
We are currently looking for facilitators/teachers to join our summer staff team working 10-14
day sessions, with opportunities to extend contracts to continue working with groups on weekends
throughout the year (October 2020 through to May 2021).
Multiple Positions, Camp Kintail
Camp Kintail is currently recruiting for both Spring and Summer positions. Visit https://www.campkintail.ca/get-involved/employment-opportunities/ for all details, and to apply!
Multiple Postings, Scouts Canada
Want to change the world? At Scouts Canada our Vision is “Canadian youth making a meaningful contribution to creating a better world.” We need passionate people who share our Mission to develop well rounded youth better prepared for success in the world.
Scouts Canada has the following positions currently available: Associate Director, Program Support (Ottawa), Program Support Manager (Ottawa), Program Support Manager (Greater Toronto Area), Program Support Manager (Southwest Ontario), and Director of Safe Scouting.
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.
Find us, friend us, like us, tag us or follow us online:
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.