COEO NEWS
MPWW ’25 – REGISTER TODAY!
The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario is excited to invite you to attend Make Peace with Winter 2025 (MPWW ’25) at Camp Kawartha, January 24-26, 2025.
Your COEO Make Peace with Winter Organizing Committee is hard at work on another amazing weekend packed full of professional development, experiential learning, and winter fun! Make Peace with Winter is a retreat-style conference for educators interested in learning how to share (and embrace!) the outdoors with their students in the coolest of seasons.
Join us as we learn, share, and laugh with kindred spirits from across the province and beyond. We’ll enjoy delicious food throughout the weekend and engage in opportunities to connect. Embracing the experiences of the weekend will support you in feeling rejuvenated and leaving with new ideas and resources to enhance your professional journey. The final ingredient for a perfect winter weekend is you! Our host site, Camp Kawartha, is ready to welcome everyone.
MPWW Registration is open! Further information will be sent out through COEO’s email list and social media. Make Peace with Winter at Camp Kawartha is a smaller group so, if you hope to attend, we encourage you to register early. We look forward to having a range of participants and presenters at MPWW 2025 – the longtime members, the newer members, and the brand-new members!
Pathways – Call for Submissions
Calling for all memories of Bert Horwood! A special issue of Pathways will be created to honour Bert Horwood’s contributions to both COEO, and the outdoor and experiential education field in general. Please send any potential article, picture, memories (both short or long), reviews of his publications and how they influenced your work and shaped your educational philosophy or simply keep on lingering in your mind. Bert could be a real trickster and we plan to make this tribute issue reflect this man and his amazing influence on the field we all work in. Due date for submissions and artwork is December 1st. Please send all potential contributions to maceache@queensu.ca with “Bert Horwood” in the subject line.
Future of COEO Survey
We want to make sure that COEO grows and changes with the needs of the outdoor education community. Please share this anonymous survey with anyone you know who works in outdoor education. We want to hear from both COEO members and folks who aren’t members so that our growth and change can better support people in outdoor education. Thank you for supporting COEO to grow and evolve. Link to the survey: https://forms.gle/rrEuXhQPPjrKzcgs5
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Environmental Education Survey, Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has commissioned Abacus Data, a public opinion and market research firm, to conduct a confidential survey about environmental education across Canada. We would greatly appreciate you filling out the survey and/or sharing it with your colleagues! As part of our WILD Education network, and incredible ambassadors for environmental education across the country, we value your feedback and appreciate any insights you can provide to help us shape the direction of our education programs in the years ahead.
This survey aims to better understand and meet the needs of in-service teachers when it comes to environmental education. We hope to learn about current level of interest in teaching environmental topics, identify the barriers in bringing these teachings into classrooms, and explore the types of support that would best help overcome these challenges.
We know classrooms can be a gateway to nature, so please help us understand how we can best support teachers in enhancing environmental education opportunities for students across Canada!
English à https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50271198/739105d93d3e
Thank you in advance for your time!
Looking for a Great Outdoor and Seasonal Gift?
Longtime COEO member Grant Linney has now published his first book. It’s a series of 24 stories about Grant’s many and widely varying experiences in nature, both personally (e.g., canoeing; sea kayaking; snowshoeing; moose calling) and professionally, as a career outdoor educator spanning six decades.
Most children today grow up in an urban setting increasingly caught up in an electronic virtual world. Grant Linney’s life journey and essays are powerful reminders that nature is our home, the real world that provides all of our biological and spiritual needs and confers the sheer joy of existence.
David Suzuki, Grandfather
Outdoor Magic is a doorway into a lifetime of nature wisdom. Grant shares some of his own transformative experiences and then lets us in on innumerable tricks of the trade. From late night meanders to pre-dawn canoeing to forest running, he shows us that it’s still possible to incorporate moments of natural wonder in our own lives and in our students’ lives.
David Sobel, Author, Education Professor Emeritus, Antioch University, New England
Outdoor Magic is an essential read for all educators, parents, grandparents and nature enthusiasts. Grant provides an inspiring, urgent call to action for us all. We must immerse ourselves and our children in nature so that we can both save it and ourselves. Through captivating anecdotes of his many outdoor pursuits, Grant motivates the reader to cultivate ‘ecosystem thinking and feeling’ in our youth of today; if we connect with nature directly, we can care about and ultimately save our fragile planet.
Hilary Coburn, COEO President
For ordering information, go to www.loveyourmother.ca
Significant Outdoor Life Experiences Research Study, Laurentian University
Canadian Researchers (Jonah D’Angelo, Dr. Stephen Ritchie, Dr. Bruce Oddson, and Dr. Simon Priest) are conducting a study to explore how significant outdoor life experiences shape the life course of Canadians. We’re seeking outdoor professionals, educators, and students to participate in a brief 10–15-minute questionnaire that will help us understand the long-term impact of these meaningful experiences.
All responses are confidential and anonymous. Before the questionnaire, you will be presented with an informed consent process with detailed information about the study. Please join us in shedding light on the profound role of the outdoors in personal and professional growth!
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO PARTICIPATE: https://rc.laurentian.ca/surveys/?s=WCHE8LWDLA
Thank you in advance for your contribution!
New OUTSIDEPLAY Tool for Elementary School Teachers!
OUTSIDEPLAY is excited to announce the launch of a new free educational tool made by teachers for teachers who want to take their classrooms outdoors! Find it at: https://teacher.outsideplay.org
This tool is the newest addition to our OUTSIDEPLAY.org suite, joining existing parent and early childhood educator tools. It is the result of years of practical hands-on experience and the PhD thesis work of Megan Zeni, a teacher who teaches exclusively outdoors. She worked with teachers across BC and Canada to develop the material. The development of the Teacher.OutsidePlay.org tool was funded by the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The 16 modules cover topics that teachers most want to know about, ranging from the basics of outdoor play and learning in schools to practical tips on getting started. We’ll continue to build out the tool with additional resources. We’re planning a speaker weries to dive deeper into the concepts introduced in each module.
For any questions or more information, reach out to our team at outsideplay@bcchr.ca. Also, please follow us on Instagram @playoutsideubc for regular updates and give our posts a thumbs up!
Sustainability and Education Policy Network, Update on Flagship project
Saskatoon, June 11, 2024 – SEPN is thrilled to be sharing the final reports for the Sustainability and Education Policy Network’s flagship project, SEPN-Canada. They hope they will be used by schools, universities, students, educators, and policymakers to help advance transformative approaches to sustainability in formal education in Canada and globally.
Over eight years, SEPN explored the uptake of sustainability in education policy and practice across primary, secondary, and higher education in Canada. This ambitious project led to the creation of a robust international network that continues to make an impact on sustainability and climate change education policy and practice through large-scale comparative education research, including the MECCE Project.
These final reports synthesize SEPN-Canada’s findings from a series of policy analyses, surveys, and site visit case studies on formal education across Canada. Companion reports summarizing policy and practice examples collected through the research are also available on SEPN-Canada’s webpage.
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Challenge Course Training and Certification, Adventureworks!
Low Ropes Facilitator (Level 2)
Teamwork & Teamplay: Live with Jim Cain
December 6, 2024 – Norval Outdoor School
https://www.adventureworks.org/upcoming-courses
Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators, The Outdoor Learning Store
Join us for these four engaging and insightful online sessions which will unpack the essential elements of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults.
This will be facilitated by award-winning and best-selling Indigenous author, Monique Gray Smith, who adapted Robin Wall Kimmerer’s New York Times Best selling book, Braiding Sweetgrass for a new generation of readers. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.
Monique will take you on a learning journey, exploring the 6 sections of the book and the chapters within each of them, including key content for classroom and school use.
Dates and Times:
- Wednesday, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 – 4pm Pacific Time / 7pm Eastern Time on Zoom Meeting
- Recorded and recordings made available to registrants after for those who can’t attend live (available for 3 months after the session)
In each session we will attend to:
- Indigenous wisdom
- Teaching of the Plants
- Scientific Knowledge
- History and Social and Emotional Wellness
- The reflection questions, calls to action and beautiful illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt
All registrants will receive:
A Certificate of Completion
4 x virtual 60 min learning sessions with Monique Gray Smith!
Access to the recordings (available for up to 3 months following the sessions)
Learn more and register
Course registration has been extended to November 30th, 2024. COEO members receive a 20% discount using code CERT20.
Certified Outdoor Educator Course, Take Me Outside
Over the past year, Take Me Outside and The Outdoor Learning Store have been developing a comprehensive 30 hour online course that will certify K-12 educators in integrating outdoor learning into their teaching practice. This certification program will provide the foundations of outdoor, environmental and place-based pedagogies with practical and tangible resources at the ready. An overview of the course can be found here: www.takemeoutside.ca/certification
To register:
Other Learning Opportunities, The Outdoor Learning School and Store
- Free Fall Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshops – starts Sept 17 with 2 incredible Indigenous educators & authors, Richard Van Camp & Monique Gray Smith 🧡
- Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Fall Course – early bird open until September 30
- Take Me Outside Day – sign-up open for Oct 23
Get Kids Paddling – New Webinar
Watch past recordings of Get Kids Paddling webinars here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ljieEaveomEdKJ7S3jiTJL0YzFKrRdeG/view
Outdoor Learning Webinars, hosted by LSF
Some of the newest webinar offerings include:
A series of webinars designed specifically for and by secondary teachers
Tips for getting outside even in cold winter months!
Connecting primary and middle school math curriculum to the outdoors
For an up to date list of upcoming webinars, continue to check LSF’s R4R outdoor learning page
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
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Teamwork & Teamplay: Live with Jim Cain
December 6, 2024 – Norval Outdoor School
JOB POSTINGS
Summer 2025 staff, Camp Kirk
Camp Kirk is an overnight camp that empowers neurodivergent children and youth to thrive. We’re looking for enthusiastic, caring individuals to join our team in a variety of roles, from frontline staff to leadership positions. These roles are ideal for students who are passionate about working with children, interested in neurodiversity, or seeking experience in a fun, dynamic outdoor setting.
Highlights of Working at Camp Kirk:
- Meaningful Work: Staff make a tangible difference in the lives of neurodivergent children.
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience, leadership skills, and training in neurodiversity support.
- Supportive Community: Be part of a team that values inclusion, relationships, and personal growth.
- Outdoor Adventure: Spend the summer surrounded by nature!
Seafront Activities Coordinator, Pearson College UWC, Victoria
The Seafront Activities Coordinator supports the delivery of student seafront activities and programs by providing logistics and technical support, recreational watercraft maintenance and Safety Vessel operation to activity leaders, instructors, students and other College clientele. The Seafront Activities Coordinator’s role in supporting the delivery of seafront experiential education and other seafront programs is an essential component of the College’s educational mission.
https://pearsoncollege.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seafront-Activities-Coordinator-.pdf
Education Coordinator, Aquatarium, Brockville
Outdoor Educators, The Boundless School, Palmer Rapids
Boundless hires Teachers (either new or slightly used), Mental Health Counsellors (CYCs, CYWs, BSWs and MSWs) and Outdoor Educators to join our merry and sometimes exhausted band of brothers and sisters. All contribute equally to the clumsy educational utopia that we are trying to achieve at Boundless.
By joining our team, you will engage teenagers – sometimes laden with baggage – in high school and wilderness based education. You must be adventurous and resilient. You shall also be facilitating programs for multi-generational and diverse communities. To succeed at this, you must be open-hearted and approachable.
The job takes place on a 600-acre piece of wilderness paradise in the Madawaska Valley of Eastern Ontario. It’s a venue that will seduce your soul.
/https://theboundlessschool.com/about-us/staff/
Ontario Urban Wild Casual Instructor, Outward Bound Canada, Toronto
Outward Bound Canada operates an urban outdoor program in and around the GTA as a complement to our wilderness programming. This program pairs canoeing, backpacking, and urban navigation to provide continuous journeys through the natural spaces in and around our cities.
Education Program Instructor, Downsview Park, Toronto
The Program Instructor will be responsible for the implementation of Downsview Park’s education and community programs, under the direction of the Education Manager.
https://jobs.clc.ca/job/Toronto-Program-Instructor%2C-Education-ON-M3K-2C5/728482547
Program Instructor, Canada Lands
Job Description
- Instruct curriculum-based education programs for elementary, middle, and secondary students with an environmental focus.
- Lead community groups through outdoor education activities.
- Ensure that programs are delivered smoothly by helping to prepare all required supplies and resources and maintaining clean and well-organized programming spaces.
- Assist the Education Manager with the following tasks: developing programs and teaching tools, creating, and maintaining educational displays and learning centers.
- Keep the Education Manager informed of all aspects of programs and feedback.
- Support the Education manager in building and maintaining partnerships with the park community, teachers, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and community groups.
- Take direction from and provide advice to the Education manager, as it relates to the efficient implementation of the programs.
- Assist the Education Manager with the planning, development, and facilitation of programming for the community.
To view the full posting and to apply visit: https://jobs.clc.ca/CLC/job/Toronto-Program-Instructor%2C-Education-ON-M3K-2C5/728482547/
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ABOUT THIS ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
For consistency, the COEO electronic newsletter is now published on the first of each month. Anyone having an item of interest to outdoor & experiential educators and desiring publication in this newsletter needs to submit it to newsletter@coeo.org at least two days before the publication date.
The newsletter is generally organized according to the following headings: COEO News, Other OEE & Related News, P.D. Opportunities, Opportunities for Students, Resources, Job Postings. If your organization wishes to post information (e.g., notice of upcoming events, etc), it needs to be an organizational member of COEO.
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