COEO NEWS
OWLS ’20 Announcement – CANCELLED
It is with a heavy heart we inform you that the Ontario Wilderness Leadership Symposium (OWLS), scheduled to take place at Norval Outdoor School on May 8-10th, 2020, has been cancelled for 2020. Given all that is going on in Ontario right now regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and government regulations around social distancing, COEO has decided it is in everyone’s best interests not to run this year’s symposium.
The Ontario Wilderness Leadership Symposium (aka OWLS) is an annual event organized to support the development of emerging wilderness trip leaders in Ontario. This low-cost, three-day symposium offers attendees opportunities for relevant leadership and skills-based training, a chance to network with others employed in this unique field and explore a variety of potential avenues for future career development. Young adults, with experience leading wilderness trips and residing in Ontario, are encouraged to apply to participate in this annual professional development event.
Our generous funding from Cabela’s Outdoor Fund will be deferred to next year’s OWLS. Hope to see you there! For 2021, the Ontario Wilderness Leadership Symposium is pleased to receive financial support from Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund.
Outdoor Education Resources During COVID-19
I hope all of you are staying safe during this ongoing pandemic. With schools closed for at least another month, and government social distancing regulations closing most trails & conservation areas, we as outdoor educators have been challenged to keep everyone connected to nature without leaving their neighbourhoods (and for some folks their homes). I have been so impressed by the excellent work I’ve seen from some of our members, and as I know we are an incredibly collaborative group of people I want to ensure we are sharing these efforts throughout the COEO community. Here are a just a few examples of the great work that has been done thus far:
Peel District School Board Field Centres have been posting activities using #peelconnected on their Twitter (@peel_fc) and Instagram (@pdsbfieldcentres) three times a week—Mindfulness Mondays, Nature Drawing Lessons Wednesdays, and Weekend Wonder Fridays. PDSB’s newly launched website, Learning Naturally, is a space to find activities that encourage learning, connecting and building relationships with the natural world. The activities include K-8 curriculum ties in each of the streams for Mathematics, Language, Arts, Sciences, and Social Studies. There are also five, ten and thirty-minute “Fresh Air Perspective” activities available as we encourage time for all to slow down, and really appreciate and give thanks to the natural world we are part of. Please consider sharing the site details with colleagues, friends and family through email and/or social media #learningnaturally. If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions for activities please email PDSBlearningnaturally@gmail.co
The Toronto District School Board‘s highly qualified staff of Teachers and Outdoor Education Specialists have proudly put together the following resources to keep learning IN, ABOUT, and FOR the environment from home to support teachers and families to continue this learning from home. These activities have been designed in an effort to build a deeper connection to our natural and built environments, encourage a connection to our Earth, and be meaningful stewards for generations to come.Immersing students in safe, active and enriching learning experiences in both natural and urban environments continues to be our focus and we hope you find these engaging. Be sure to check out this Learn from Home resource!”
Hardwood Nature School has been writing regular blog posts with resources to support Nature (home)School, which you can read here.
Royal Botanical Gardens just launched RBG at Home, which is a growing lineup of videos, interactive online programs for students and teachers, family activity ideas, gardening hints, adult learning and more.
Ontario Nature‘s magazine ON Nature has an incredible collection of 4-page resources called Nature Notes, covering a wide range of environmental topics, geared toward kids aged 10 to 12. You can access the whole collection of Nature Notes HERE.Nature guides for all ages are also available HERE covering interesting topics such as bats, spiders, species at risk, butterflies and moths.
Please follow our social media accounts, as we will do our best to highlight and share the great work being done by so many of our members during this challenging time. And if you have been creating any content (activities, videos, blog posts, etc.) please let us know—we’d love to highlight your efforts!
Follow us on:
Twitter (@COEOoutdoors https://twitter.com/coeooutdoors)
Instagram (@COEOoutdoors https://www.instagram.com/coeooutdoors/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/coeo.org/)
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, 20202. 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 5/31/2020
How to Help Summer Camps
Join Cheryl Gallant, M.P. for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, as she is calling on the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to fight for the interests of children by saving Canadian camps. Unfortunately, the seasonal nature of the business means many Canadian camps do not qualify for any of the federal support programs announced so far. You can write a personal letter or place a phone call to Minister Hussen using the contact information here or sign the pre-written Camps in Crisis petition here.
Research Participants Wanted: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outdoor Recreation Participation in Canada
Do you live in Canada, are 18 years of age or older, and engage in outdoor recreation activities?
Then we’d like to hear from you!
We’re looking for individuals to participate in a research study on how the COVID-19 pandemic has
impacted outdoor recreation participation patterns before, during and after the start of stay-at-home, social distancing strategies and closure of outdoor recreation areas in mid-March, 2020 in Canada and how these closures have impacted individuals’ perceptions of their mental, physical and overall health. Please feel free to share the survey widely with your networks.
What’s Involved: Complete an anonymous, confidential online survey that takes approximately 15-20
minutes of your time. The survey is only available until May 15th, 2020.
You can find the survey link HERE
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Tim O’Connell, Principal Investigator by email at: tim.oconnell@brocku.ca
Teaching Awards
Know someone who is doing incredible things for outdoor education in your school or community? Nominate them for an award to recognize and share these achievements to inspire others! Here are some awards that are currently seeking nominations:
Natural Curiosity Educator Awards – Nominations have been extended to MAY 11th, 2020 for both awards – the Burtynsky Award for In-Service Educators and the Suzuki Award for Pre-Service Educators. Nominate a colleague today!
Support for Conservation Authorities – Letter to Premier Ford
Recently, the provincial government asked for public input on the role of Conservation Authorities (CAs). Over 100 organizations signed a letter voicing support for the role of CAs in land-use planning, permitting, monitoring, stewardship and education, standing together to resist the trend towards environmental deregulation in Ontario. These organizations included nature and environmental groups, agricultural groups, land trusts, and recreation organizations as well as businesses, engineers, and the private sector. The letter of support for the Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities asking the government to retain their current mandate can be found HERE
Catalogue of Programs, Personnel, Sites and Services in Outdoor Education in Ontario – Updated by Chris Shibley, M.Ed.
Last published by COEO in 1992, check out the newly updated version of the Catalogue of Programs, Personnel, Sites and Services in Outdoor Education HERE
The intent of this document is to provide as complete a listing as possible of programs, personnel, sites and services offered in Outdoor Education in English, Public Secondary School Boards in Ontario in 2018/2019. The purpose of this document is to encourage the sharing of ideas, resources, and information amongst outdoor educators across the province. By making readily available the contact information, and descriptive details about OE courses, centres, ICPs (integrated curriculum programs) and wilderness trips the document shares timely and relevant knowledge about OE. If you are reading this document, you are encouraged to reach out to the people listed in this report (all of whom have consented to have their contact information published). The intent of this report is to create a “community of sharing” amongst outdoor educators across the province, strengthening the field of OE as a whole, while attempting to support fellow OE practitioners.
Please note – This document is not to be used as a mailing source for commercial purposes.
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Lakehead University Outdoor Experiential Education Additional Qualification Course
Registration is now open. For more information about this course and to register, please click here. ***Update: This course will still be taking place as scheduled. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the retreat will no longer be possible, and the corresponding $300 fee will no longer apply. The course will include several synchronous online sessions, some vlog instruction, and several guest presenters.
Summer Camp Professionals COVID-19 Slack Group
Travis Allison, founder of the summer camp pros Facebook Group has started a slack group for all camps and outdoor education centers. This group connects folks from different communities, provides tips, tricks and webinars on how to run online programming and is a great place to ask questions, share resources and learn.
To sign up for the Slack group, CLICK HERE
Penn State University- Free online classes
Penn State is hosting free online classes on a variety of different subjects, including Teach for Forests: Forest Education for teachers and youth leaders.
Sign up and take your free class HERE
Access to Online Webinars
From the Ontario Teacher’s Federation (OTF) HERE
From the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) HERE
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Youth Climate Action Summit
NEW DATE – October 5-6th, 2020, 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.
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
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/
AEE International Conference
November 12 – 14, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
JOB POSTINGS
Project Leader, Katimavik
Full-time, one-year contract, Katimavik House in one of the following locations: Nanaimo, BC, Calgary, AB, Winnipeg, MB, Peterborough, ON, Quebec City, QC, Moncton, NB. The Project Leader will be supported by Katimavik staff and will be offered training prior to the start date. This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week. Project Leaders will reside in-house with the Katimavik Participants and will set their own work schedule based on the project needs. The salary is $32,000 per year and Katimavik will cover living expenses (rent, utilities, food). A clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search are required. To see the for job posting, visit the Katimavik website: https://katimavik.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Project-Leader-Job-Posting-May-20201.pdf
Please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@katimavik.org by May 14, 2020. Katimavik will continue to receive applications in an effort to establish a pool of interested candidates for future Project Leader position openings.
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.
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.