COEO NEWS
Make Peace with Winter 2023!
HELLO FOLKS!
Yay, what a FUN weekend!!!
Well, we did it! A great big thank you to all who made this past weekend’s Make Peace with Winter 2023 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 presenters Peggy Laengert, Patricia Wilson, Stephanie Tschirhart, Iman Berry, Dionne Daley, Anne Tong, Rachel Kent, the membership greatly appreciates the time and effort they expended in order to provoke, engage, inform and inspire us all. Many of our keynotes use social media as tool for their important work, let’s support their work by following their social media pages for future updates/events!
A big thank you (and three cheers!) to Jacob, Susan and Lil and the rest of the amazing camp Kawartha staff who went above and beyond to host us!
A big thank you to our entertainer: Glen Caradus who shared his many talents with us.
Meegwetch and another big thank you to Peter and Lois 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 2023 MPWW Conference Organizing Committee: Shanshan Tian, Maria Paterson, David Spencer, Kyle Clarke, Hil Coburn, Claire Kemp, Arthur Murgatroyd, Leslie Hoyle, Minka Chambers, Quinn Vos, Billie Jo Reid-Orr, Tammy Hand, Val Freemantle, Clair Kemp, Danielle Barrett, M Nowick, Kim Squires and all the other that made this conference a success. Thank you!
***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 20-22 at Camp Couchiching. 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!
RECEIPTS: If you require an OFFICIAL MPWW CONFERENCE RECEIPT, please email conference@coeo.org and request a receipt. Kyle will try our best to send these out to people right away.
CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE: If you would like to receive a CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE, then also please email Kyle at conference@coeo.org to request one.
Thank you all and have a great winter!
2023 COEO Make Peace with Winter Conference Committee
***Please keep an eye out on social media in the coming days for missed connections, sharing of resources and photos/videos!
www.facebook.com/coeo.org
2022-2023 COEO Board of Directors
The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (COEO) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that promotes safe and high quality outdoor education experiences for people of all ages. It also acts as a professional body for outdoor educators in the province of Ontario. These aims are achieved through publishing Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education … Continue readingWho We Are
COEO Outdoor Learning Tips Document – Now available in French!
CLICK HERE to check out the French translation of our popular Outdoor Learning Tips document – Conseils pour faciliter l’apprentissage en plein air. Many thanks to Jennifer Bernier from Ecole La Fontaine, in Kleinburg, ON, for translating the English version and to Danielle Barrett (current COEO Board member) for editing. Feel free to download and share this version of the document with any French speaking colleagues!
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Human Kinetics Book of the Month
Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation, Second Edition, introduces students to the many career possibilities in the field of therapeutic recreation. Drawing on the combined wisdom and expertise of editors Terry Long and Terry Robertson, as well as 20 contributing authors who represent a broad spectrum of experiences within the discipline, the text provides the foundational concepts that are essential for understanding the profession.
o learn more click here. Use code B638 to receive 40% off regular price. Offer expires 2/28/2023
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
New Specilization in Graduate Program, Brock University
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University is thrilled to announce the launch oftwo new areas of specialization in their graduate program. Beginning in the fall of 2023, students can enroll in an MA in Applied Health Sciences with specializations in “Leisure, Health and Wellbeing” or “Recreation, Sport and Community.” These focus areas reflect a refreshed vision and strategic direction of the department, which includes an undergraduate Outdoor Recreation stream. The new curriculum will prepare students to engage in various theoretical and applied research endeavours.
The department is a multi-disciplinary community of scholars engaged in various methodologically and theoretically diverse research focused on recreation, sport, leisure, health and wellbeing. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact individual faculty members before applying to discuss their suitability and availability to supervise. Faculty profiles including their research interests can be found here.
Information on admissions, program requirements, and applications can be found here. Brock University offers a competitive funding package for both domestic and international students. General inquiries about the program can be directed to Dr. Garrett Hutson (ghutson@brocku.ca).
ROM U: Designing Bird-Safe Feeders for Urban/Suburban Spaces
Sunday, February 12, 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
How can we make our backyards and balconies welcoming and safe for birds this Spring? This adult workshop provides interactive learning on how to provide healthy and hearty meals for Toronto birds, while keeping them safe from urban wildlife predators and other dangers. Participants will each leave this workshop with a ready-to-hang feeder for your outdoor space.
Your registration includes a materials fee of $30.
To register visit https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/rom-u-designing-bird-safe-feeders-for-urban-suburban-spaces?fbclid=IwAR1Et1OS_qN7Y7RDm3t__KxMooc9vv3Ldu56gaQhzybKIDtVgRnA2nyNZyQ
Outward Bound Canada Training Academy
It is with great excitement that we announce the Outward Bound Canada Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals’ upcoming 2023 programs!
The Training Academy is fully funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, which means we are able to offer all training for free. Through this exciting opportunity we are reimagining the outdoors to be more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant. We hope you will join us in our efforts to develop Canada’s next generation of technically skilled and socially and emotionally intelligent outdoor leaders.
Highlights:
✓ Free training that addresses the skill gaps in the outdoor sector
✓ Program design to match different experience levels
✓ Mentoring and career support for one year after the start of the program
✓ Programs that will be offered across Canada
✓ Programming geared toward individuals who are 18+ and interested in pursuing a career in the outdoor sector
✓ Gear and expert instruction included for all outdoor field journeys
✓ Accommodation and food provided for overnight expeditions and workshops
Ready to learn more? Join us on February 10, 2023, during one of our sessions!
Session Times:
12:00 PM EST
To register for the information session: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outward-bound-canada-training-academy-information-session-tickets-522630821857
Visit our website: https://trainingacademy.outwardbound.ca/
We can’t wait to see you there! Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
Natural Curiosity – Online group coaching
Natural Curiosity is thrilled to announce that our Online Group Coaching program is back for another year. We are now accepting registrations for three coaching groups, commencing January 2023! Space is limited.
This program supports educators in transforming and/or deepening their Natural Curiosity teaching practice by providing a safe online space for open conversation, community and collegial friendship. A small group (max 20 educators) will meet monthly to unpack key principles in Natural Curiosity. Coaches will loosely structure workshop sessions with ample time for group discussion, challenging participants to reconsider their pedagogical practice while sharing and learning from one another. There are 3 separate groups that you can learn more about below.
Early Years—Primary: Velvet Lacasse, BEd, OCT, MEd Candidate (OISE-UofT)
Junior—Senior: Maria Vamvalis, BEd, OCT, PhD Candidate (OISE-UofT)
Cycle Préparatoire, Primaire et Moyen: Chantal Larivière, Facilitatrice
2023 Open Enrollment Workshop Schedule – Challenges Unlimited (CUI)
Challenges Unlimited (CUI) has released their 2023 Open Enrollment Workshop Schedule! CUI is a Preferred Vendor Member of the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and is a full service challenge course provider who has served clients in Ontario for over 30 years.
To register, please click here. For questions, please email Miles Villneff, Manager of Training Services at miles@challengesunlimited.com
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
EECOM National Conference
February 15-17, 2023, Virtual/Online
Outdoor Learning Conference, Take Me Outside – Sold Out/Waitlist Full
May 4-6, 2023, Banff, Alberta
The overarching theme for the 2023 Outdoor Learning Conference is “Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens”. This year’s inaugural Conference will focus on Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Health and Wellbeing and Environmental and Climate Change Education.
For more information: https://takemeoutside.ca/conference/
AEE Internation Conference
Novemeber 2 – 5, 2023, Madison, Wisconsin
/https://www.aee.org/2023-international-conference
JOB POSTINGS
Outdoor Educator (PT and FT) Multiple Positions, Mansfield Outdoor Centre
The Mansfield Outdoor Centre is currently searching for Outdoor Educators, with
experience working with school-aged children, to lead groups through their trip and deliver selected
Outdoor Education programming.
This position is offered as a seasonal part-time or seasonal full-time. Hours are dependant on group
bookings. During the busy season (April-June and late September-early November) expect full-time
hours. The Outdoor Education position is available from now until June with the option to stay on during
the summer month (July & August) for camp. If not wanting to be involved in camp, the position would
resume in September.
To view position and to apply visit the Mansfield Outdoor Centre website.
Manager of Camping and Outdoor Education, YWCA of Toronto
Are you passionate about creating and providing a high-quality camp experience for girls and gender diverse youth? If the concepts of feminism, anti-oppression, racial and gender diversity speak to you, have we got a job you should consider! On the shores of Georgian Bay, 93 year old YWCA Camp Tapawingo is in the midst of an exciting re-imaging of a traditional girls camp to reflect the evolving demographics of multicultural Toronto within a beautiful wilderness environment with all the benefits and fun of challenging outdoor activities.
The successful candidate is required to live on site at YWCA Camp Tapawingo in Parry Sound from April to October. Hours of work are irregular during the summer months and include regular travel. Must have access to a motor vehicle. During off-season, the incumbent will work from the office in Toronto.
To view this position and to apply visit the YWCA of Greater Toronto website.
Wilderness Trip Guide and Naturalist, Algonquin Adventure Tours
With Algonquin Adventure Tours celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2023, we require additional outdoor education & adventure specialists, who desire a career position (4.5 month annual season), with an industry leader. Founded in 1996, Algonquin Adventure Tours specializes in providing guided Algonquin Provincial Park educational adventures to travelers from around the world.
We are the #1 rated Algonquin Park tour company since 2013. As such, our clients expect the most skilled, organized & knowledgeable guides in Canada. If you are self-motivated to perform at the highest level, and seek compensation to match, we want to hear from you.
To view this position and to apply visit the Algonquin Adventure Tours website.
Teacher – Kortright Centre for Education, TRCA
How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team? You will Deliver high quality, curriculum linked, experiential outdoor education lessons to school groups and public programs focusing on the environment, green energy, cultural history or recreation to a wide range of audiences. With direction and guidance from Supervisor, Kortright Education, researches and develops new programs, refines and enhances existing Kortright education lessons and public programs that support TRCA strategic plan,…
To view this position and to apply visit the TRCA website.
Urban Summer Day Camps Multiple Positions, P.I.N.E Project
Our team members love nature and work hard to inspire children to feel the same.
We know that nature connection is a lifelong journey. That’s why we offer a range of training and professional development opportunities to help staff and volunteers realize their full potential. We foster a positive working environment that embodies our core values of respect, hard work, continuous learning, gratitude and fun.
The Pine Project is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to promoting equity, inclusion and diversity within our workplace and greater community. We work proactively to develop a barrier-free selection process and inclusive work environment that is increasingly representative of the communities we live and work in, and where all team members are able to express ideas, opinions and experiences.
To view all positions and to apply visit https://pineproject.org/about/join-us/
Registered Early Childhood Educator, Greenbelt Academy and Early Learning Centre
Mission: Education rooted in nature to inspire in our students a deeper connection to the community around them.
Vision: Every child is given the opportunity to learn about their world through daily access to extended time in nature. Quality educators facilitate an emergent curriculum that reflects the needs of the whole child and meets the demands of the world in which we live.
Our preschool provides participants with a nature immersion experience guided by qualified Educators while onsite in our enriched learning environment, or while we access the local parks and forests in our community.
Skills
- Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience working with children aged 18 months-6 years old
- Experience communicating with parents through various mediums
- Knowledge and/or a passion for environmental education, and an understanding of the benefits of providing children with regular access to nature, will be seen as an asset.
To view the posting and to apply visit http://greenbeltacademy.ca/job-postings/childhood-educator/?fbclid=IwAR1sYLiCLfO9D3adDve-KVNz-ob-TGVPAIKju1Ko1x5FAEjfG-zNqMDDpCE
Ontario Wilderness Course Director, Outward Bound Canada
The Ontario Wilderness Seasonal Course Director will help oversee and manage Outward Bound courses, from course planning and preparation, through implementation and wrap-up, serving as the primary link between program management and Instructors. This is an excellent position for those who have spent considerable time leading expeditions and looking for an introduction to a supervisory role working with seasoned instructors. You will also work closely with our Full-time year around Course Director as a mentor and support. Our expedition areas range from Algonquin Park to Western Quebec and Northern Ontario.
To view the posting visit: https://www.outwardbound.ca/about-us/work-with-us/jobs/ontario-course-director/
Camp Director, Blue Mountain WILD School
We are seeking a multi-talented and creative Camp Director to oversee camp operations and
programming. This will include managing logistics and supporting our program staff as they carry
out their daily roles. The Camp Director will build and foster positive relationships with client
families and assist in maintaining a strong camper-focused and educational culture. Your contract will
run from June 19th to August 25th.
To view the full posting: https://wildschool.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Camp-Director.Updated.pdf
Program Facilitators (Spring and Fall), Adventureworks
At Adventureworks! our mission is to create opportunities for people to develop and practice the values, attitudes, knowledge, and skills required to create healthy communities. We believe that meaningful involvement in adventure-based programs enables participants to develop a greater capacity for understanding themselves, build healthy relationships, exercise effective leadership, and enhance their environment. Join us and add your skills and passion to the diverse talents of our professional team.
To view all job postings CLICK HERE
Teachers, Outdoor Educators, and Counsellors, The Boundless School
We are looking for teachers, outdoor educators or those with counselling experience to join our band of merry maniacs, and help kids have the adventure of their lives.
If you are audacious enough to actually join our team, you will engage teenagers (sometimes laden with baggage) in high school education, OE and mentorship. The gig 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.
To apply, please complete this application form found at theboundlessschool.com/staff and email this, along with your resume, to steven@theboundlessschool.com
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.
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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.
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.