COEO NEWS
COEO’s Advocacy Campaign
On behalf of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the immense importance of the work done so passionately by all outdoor educators. During this age of pervasive screens and social media, COEO maintains that outdoor education is an integral part of any person’s development of a positive connection to self, others and the natural environment. The recent cuts to public education announced by the Ford government have meant all school boards across the province are now faced with tough decisions regarding how to cut large amounts of money from their 2019-2020 budget. Plenty of long-standing OE programs and sites are slated to be cut this fall and these announcements have caused disappointment for many talented and passionate educators. Many people currently employed in outdoor educator roles will find themselves faced with a new and challenging reality in September 2019.
Given the organization’s mandate to act as the professional body for outdoor educators in Ontario, know that COEO is fighting back against the proposed cuts on behalf of all those affected. In response to these cuts, COEO representatives are working hard to launch an advocacy campaign about the value of outdoor education. The importance of access to hands-on experiences within natural environments cannot be understated, especially for youth living in urban settings.
COEO members, we will need your help to get the message across and make a strong impact. Please see the Call to Action request below and make your voice heard! We welcome your suggestions and ideas and hope you can find support from other outdoor educators while attending the upcoming Fall Conference, September 20-22nd, 2019, aptly named “The Power of Connection.” COEO stands behind the professionals employed across the province to coordinate outdoor education experiences. COEO is here to support all outdoor educators in the coming months, as we recognize this will be a difficult road ahead for many.
Liz Kirk
COEO President
OEE CALL TO ACTION
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. We at COEO are going to need your help to succeed in our effort to advocate for the importance of outdoor education within Ontario’s public school system.
COEO’s primary audience is Ontario outdoor educators. However, we also realize that, particularly in times like these, we need to promote the great, multiple and varied benefits of Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) to provincial politicians, school board trustees, and the Ontario Ministry of Education.
We have therefore engaged the services of Sussex Strategy, a highly-regarded Toronto-based government relations firm. They are working with the COEO Board to do the following:
- Distill relevant research information into readily usable and digestible information for the aforementioned audiences
- Show how the values, benefits and learning methodologies of OEE align with the current government’s priorities
- Facilitate in-person meetings with provincial politicians and Ministry of Education officials
- Assist in communicating with MPPs across the province and generating local media attention
As “Kindred Spirits” in OEE, THE SUCCESS OF THIS CAMPAIGN ALSO DEPENDS HEAVILY ON YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.
Please provide moving testimonials from parents, teachers and students about the powerful impact of OEE on their experience in school. The more that are received from a variety of locations across the province, the better. And, yes, this includes independent schools(as they can provide compelling evidence that applies to publicly-funded schools).
Specific mention of positive impacts on the following will be particularly useful:
- class attendance;
- graduation rate;
- school engagement;
- academic achievement (particularly in STEM);
- character;
- mental & physical health.
Queen’s Park meetings are set up for Monday June 17th, and COEO will be launching a social media campaign immediately afterward, so please submit statements as soon as possible. Please identify program, school and location with anything that you submit and forward to: Liz Kirk (lizkirk55@gmail.com) and Grant Linney (glinney1@cogeco.ca).
ALSO, please let us know of any summer OEE programs that are worthy of media attention.
There’s one other thing you can do right now for OEE in Ontario. Please join COEO’s Twitter account. Along with Instagram and Facebook, these social media channels will be used to advocate for OEE. The more followers we have, the better!
Follow us on:
Twitter (@COEOoutdoors https://twitter.com/coeooutdoors)
Instagram (@COEOoutdoors https://www.instagram.com/coeooutdoors/)
Dynamic Horizons: A Research and Conceptual Summary of Outdoor Education
Constitution update
Fall Conference Call for Presenters!
The 2019 COEO conference organizing committee has been hard at work and plans are well underway for this year’s annual conference. This year’s conference, The Power of Connection, will be held at Camp Couchiching, located near Orillia, Ontario.
We encourage all presenters to do their best to create interactive, experiential, hands-on, or discussion-based workshops. Our hope is to minimize the number of lecture-style slideshow presentations and disconnect from technology as much as possible, though if you’ve got a neat way to use tech as a means of connection we are keen to see that too!
We hope to see workshops on topics including, but not limited to: place-based education, folks skills, creating inclusive communities, school & community gardens, integrated programs, citizen science, bushcraft skills, traditional skills, forest schools, bioblitzes, leadership programs, diversity in outdoor education and nature ID.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Book of the Month:
For many runners, running technique is an afterthought—one they don’t think about until an injury or plateau keeps them from achieving their goals. Running Form underscores the importance of proper form and shows you how to elevate your performance to the greatest possible extent with the smallest risk of injury.
Owen Anderson, PhD, is a coach to elite runners from around the globe. In Running Form, he describes the common problem of runners moving on “square wheels” by braking with each step, adopting inefficient stances, or risking injury with excessive ground impact. He pinpoints the components of good form—foot-strike, shin and shank angle, stance time, cadence, body lean, and posture—to help you understand where you can make small changes that offer significant improvements.
For more details click here
Use code B082 to receive 40% off regular price. Be sure to sign up to receive our e-newsletter to stay informed, click here to sign up! Offer expires 6/30/2019
Canadian Youth on Climate Change
Longtime COEO member and climate activist Grant Linney has now produced a stirring video which features Canadian teens speaking out forcefully and passionately about our immediate need to massively confront climate change. Please feel free to “like” and to share widely. With a federal election rapidly approaching, this will hopefully be a “front and center” issue. Please be sure to do your part.
P.S. Check out the supporting website, loveyourmother.ca … still in development.
Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education:
The Lawson Foundation is pleased to release Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education: A Discussion Paper which is a synthesis of a multi-sector symposium convened in October 2018. The discussion paper shares the major themes of the Symposium and proposes concrete actions to advance outdoor play and early childhood education.
Please join us in circulating this discussion paper far and wide. Note that the French version will be available in a few weeks. If you are able to disseminate the paper through a major distribution network, please advise our Communications Director, Amanda Mayer amayer@lawson.ca.
Links to resources related to the discussion paper:
- Discussion Paper – Advancing Outdoor Play and Early Childhood Education
- Executive Summary (2 pager)
- Stakeholders in Outdoor Play diagram (image)
- Outdoor Play – An ecosystem lens diagram (image)
- Discussion paper front cover image
We also want to take the opportunity to extend our congratulations to Mariana Brussoni, the CEECD team, and all of the authors of the new outdoor play topic that’s now part of the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. The information, recommendations for policy and practice, and research questions identified will serve many stakeholders and our own ongoing work. We encourage you to share this within your networks.
A review of Outdoor Education Programs in English Secondary Schools in Ontario:
Do you teach outdoor education at the secondary school level in an English-speaking public school board in Ontario? Do you work with a private or board run outdoor education centre that serves Ontario secondary students? Are you passionate about advancing outdoor education programs in the province?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, we need your help! COEO has partnered with UBC and M.Ed student Chris Shibley (Limestone District SB) on a study looking at the state of Outdoor Education in Ontario Secondary Schools. The study, titled “A review of Outdoor Education Programs in English Public Secondary Schools in Ontario” is a continuation of COEO’s 1979, 86 and 92 publication “Catalogue of Programs and Personnel Sites and Services in Outdoor Education in Ontario”.
The study will look at different Outdoor Education programs (Integrated Curriculum Programs, stand alone PAD courses, SHSM offerings, Private and Board led OE centres) and opportunities being offered across the province. The goal of this study is to share information about programs operating across the province, and facilitate the sharing of ideas, resources and support between Outdoor Educators.
We are looking for teachers, administrators and instructors from all 34 public, English school boards in the province, as well as anyone involved with privately operated Outdoor Ed centres used by high schools in the province.
Results of this study will be made available publicly, and to our members in Spring 2019.
If you, or someone you know, is interested or fits the criteria mentioned above, please click the link below to fill out the 5 minute questionnaire, or contact a member of the Research Team below.
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bx9UWYj57s4B7A9
If you have any questions about the study please contact a member of the research team.
Principal Investigator: LeAnne Petherick – leanne.petherick@ubc.ca – 604 818 6970
Co-Investigator: Chris Shibley – chris.shibley@alumni.ubc.ca – 613 583 1328
Citizen Science Research Study!
Nisbet Research Lab, Department of Psychology, Trent University
Tell us what it’s like to be a citizen scientist!
We’re researchers interested in citizen science activities and would like to hear from you. Click here to learn more and help us by completing a brief survey. Participants who complete this study will be entered in a draw for a $100 gift card (Amazon, MEC, or REI; $CDN or $US depending on region). There will be a draw every six months and participants can only win once.
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Lakehead University Summer Outdoor Experiential Education AQ Course – Registration closing soon!
Visit the Lakehead University website for more information and to register for this course.
Paddle Canada Certification Program, Leaders of the Day
Nationally recognized certifications delivered by expert wilderness Instructors
Paddle Canada Advanced Level Canoe Tripping + Introduction to Lake Skills Combo.*This is the current level of certification required by O.P.H.E.A. to take students on canoe expeditions
When: August 18th to 23rd 2019 in the Algonquin Interior
Our promise….Mind-blowing adventures, patient instruction and Transformative Experiences. Have you made promises of your own for 2019? Let us help you keep them! Say YES to embracing new adventures in your Life!
http://www.leadersoftheday.com/skills-certifications/advanced-canoe-tripping-tandem-and-solo/
Guide Star Training Program: 4 Great Certifications in just 8 days!
When: August 18th to 25th 2019 in the Algonquin Interior
- Paddle Canada Advanced Canoe Tripping
- Paddle Canada Introduction to Lake Skills
- Wilderness and Survival Skills Program
- Back-country Navigation Level 1
This program is perfect for those looking for a full spectrum immersion experience in the Canadian wilderness. Our small class size ensures that you get lots of one-on-one mentoring. You do not need to be a Pro to apply! In fact we have had many students over the years who weren’t even looking for the certs but for the adventure itself. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this amazing training adventure!
http://www.leadersoftheday.com/skills-certifications/guide-star-certification-program/
Adventureworks! Workshops:
Ropes Course Instructor (Level 2)
September 18-22, 2019
Canterbury Hills, Ancaster
Summer Teacher Training
Canadian Wilderness Medical Training and Bear Creek Outdoor Centre have put together 10 day comprehensive training program for teachers and outdoor educators to further their professional development in outdoor leadership and meet OPHEA and Board requirements for Outdoor Education programs.
We are delighted to offer a special discount code for COEO members
Enter Promo Code COEO when registering online in 2019
Wilderness First Aid and Canoeing
The 10 Day “one stop shopping” teacher training course at Bear Creek Outdoor Centre will include:
- Wilderness First Aid
- Paddle Canada Lake Canoe Tandem Instructor
- Paddle Canada Paddle Canada Camping Leadership: formerly Advanced Canoe Tripping
Course Dates: July 9-18, 2019
Course Tuition: $1325.00 + HST
*Tuition includes all meals, lodging, group equipment, training and certifications. Paddle Canada instructor membership fee is not included in the course tuition and individual registration with Paddle Canada will take place prior to the time of the training.
Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario
Hello, friends!
June is upon us, and with it comes sunshine, greenery, and our special event, Are You Ready? – Impacts of Climate Change in Ontario! Join us for this free event with climate science experts Heather Auld and Don MacIver.
- June 9, 2019 at 2 PM
- Centre for Urban Ecology, Humber College North Campus
- 205 Humber College Boulevard
RSVP today! Be sure to arrive early and enjoy the beauty of Humber Arboretum.
See you Sunday!
–Alice Casselman and the ACER Team
Take Me Outside News:
Student Video Contest now on:
We’re super pleased to be presenting our Student Video Contest for the 7th year running in partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. The theme is Canada’s Backyard – Show us why we have one of the best backyards in the world and how you like spending time in it, wherever you live! Individual students can enter or it can be a group/class project. The Grand Prize is a 3 day trip to Banff National Park where the winning short film will be screened during the opening weekend of the Film Festival to a sold out audience. There are some great prizes from MEC as well – all aimed at getting students outside! A huge thanks to MEC and the Banff Centre for their support in this project.
http://takemeoutside.ca/contes
New initiative: Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge Teachers, principals and educators have been telling us that they are ready to up the ante on outdoor time during the school year, but want resource support and a shared community to help stay the course. We have designed the TMO for Learning Challenge to be simple and fun with tangible tools to help them commit to taking their students outside for one session a week throughout the school year. This program will launch officially in August 2019. We’ll send more details then.
http://takemeoutside.ca/take-m
Hold the Date: TMO Day 2019 is on Wed October 23rd
Take Me Outside Day is our signature event and we are so excited to be heading into our 9th year. On this day last year more than 200,000 students from across Canada spent (at least) an hour outside during the school day to help raise awareness about the importance of outdoor learning and play.
http://takemeoutside.ca/tmo-da
New Take Me Outside T-Shirts now available at MEC (& on our website)
We’re pleased to show off our newest t-shirt designs which are available at select MEC stores across Canada (thanks to MEC for being our super awesome retail partner!) and on-line at our shop. Our apparel committee worked super hard through the winter to refresh the look of our signature shirts and we think they look fab! Look for them in your city and heed the message for a spring (and summer) outside!
We’re always happy to hear from you so please get in touch if you have questions or things to share. Wishing you all the best for the last leg of the school year / spring season!
—
Colin Harris
Executive Director
Take Me Outside
www.takemeoutside.ca
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Sept 9-12, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Interpretation Canada is excited for our 2019 National Conference, Unpacking Dialogue, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg in September. We recently opened our call for session proposals and I am hoping that you would be able to share this with your members who may be interested in joining us.
From September 9 to 12, we will be joined by interpreters from coast to coast to coast to explore incorporating dialogue into our practice. We will unpack what it means to use dialogic interpretation, explore various tools and techniques, and uncover what it means to create a safe space for open discussions.
JOB POSTINGS
Interim Director, Natural Curiosity
We Are Hiring! | Natural Curiosity
Interim Program Director – Natural Curiosity One year maternity leave coverage contract. Natural Curiosity was developed by the Laboratory School at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, which is part of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto.
Challenge Course Supervisor + other positions, Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre
Follow this link to the job posting:
Outreach and Program Development Manager, Outward Bound Canada
We are searching for highly motivated outreach professionals to expand our
organizations’ efforts in Ontario and Toronto. This exciting role will focus on building
relationships with new and existing clients in these markets, supporting increased
participation in Outward Bound’s main program areas: Group programs and Individual
programs.
To view the full posting, and to apply click here
Outdoor Trip Leader, Collingwood School, BC
Collingwood School is a coeducational day school located on two campuses in West Vancouver, BC. Our purpose is to teach, model, inspire and encourage our students, ultimately preparing them to become successful global citizens. With an innovative, evolving approach to teaching, the totality of our curriculum provides students with a wealth of diverse, meaningful and transformative educational experiences.
We are seeking a Trip Leader to join our Explore Program at Morven Campus. We are looking for an Outdoor Education specialist to deliver 3 weeks of our Grade 8 hiking and backpacking program in the Fall with potential for more work beyond that. We invite applications from candidates who exemplify leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and a well-rounded background in experiential education and/or leading hiking trips to complement this highly regarded program. This is a Temporary position from September 10 to October 9 2019.
Instructor Fall 2019, ALIVE Outdoors
ALIVE Outdoors is Accepting Fall 2019 Instructor Applications.
We are seeking Educators, Wilderness Guides & Outdoor Instructors with a variety of skillsets: canoe tripping, leadership, outdoor centre programming, nature programming, and workshop facilitation.
It continues to be a privilege to expand our network and collaborate with incredible individuals who deepen the relevance and creativity of education today.
Apply online or find out more at www.aliveoutdoors.com/instructors
Instructor/Residential Care Worker, Wendigo Lake Expeditions
Instructors/Residential Care Workers for Project DARE & REACH Residential Adventure Therapy Programs provide direct service programming including delivery of the intensive therapeutic and behaviour management program; facilitating adventure activities ranging from games/initiatives, low and high ropes courses and other challenge activities; leading wilderness expeditions; supporting the school program; and facilitating life skills programming including cooking and daily chores routines.
Instructors are paid a variable per diem based on work experience, services provided, and level of responsibility. A typical annual income ranges from $40,000-$50,000 plus benefits including an extended health care plan. Work schedules vary per program, but average 15 days per month. If you are well-qualified, enjoy the challenge of working with youth who have very challenging behaviours, and would like to work as a member of a motivated team of exceptional people within a culture of support and feedback, send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@wendigolake.com
Outdoor Wilderness Therapy Coach, Emergo Recovery
Emergo Recovery is seeking a passionate professional with strong leadership training, outdoor education and recreation background and/or fitness background. A professional who can show a commitment to positively impacting people utilizing your years education and formal professional experiences.
All candidates must be minimum twenty-five (25) years of age (due to insurance regulations). Must posses a valid drivers license, have a clean drivers abstract, agree to mandatory drug testing for all team members, and be tobacco free.
MUST be willing and able to work weekends.
Position is available immediately. This position can be full or part time and is a one (1) year contract (independent contractor) position. Compensation ranges from $18 – $25/hr, depending on skills, experience, and education. Local candidates only need apply, no relocation (residential property is near Alliston, ON).
Please submit both a cover letter and your C.V. by email only. In your cover letter, please highlight what skills you bring that make you an asset – and why do you love the outdoors.
Please view the Emergo website for more info: emergorecovery.com
Teachers, Educators, Counsellors, The Boundless School
Our mission is to go to the ends of the earth to help teens achieve academic and social outcomes beyond their wildest dreams. We are quite relentless in insisting people be good to each other. The result is an exquisite learning environment where kids don’t want to leave. In the Fall and Winter, we deliver an adventure-based boarding school for struggling teens.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
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.