COEO NEWS
CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS – ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE 2018
The 2018 COEO conference organizing committee has been hard at work and plans are well underway for this year’s annual conference. Our theme, THE UNCONVENTION II, is an attempt to breakaway from the usual conference format and do things a little bit differently. This year’s conference will actually be comprised of “4 conferences in 1” or four separate conference streams. The conference will also include many unconventional elements and surprises—it will be an opportunity to explore new ideas and perspectives, learn and share best practices and rejuvenate and refocus for the year ahead. Our host site will be YMCA CMAP PINE CREST, located near Gravenhurst, Ontario.
Is your work in outdoor education innovative, creative, unusual or unconventional? The conference organizing committee is seeking presentation proposals from individuals and groups wanting to facilitate workshops within any of these four conference stream areas:
- Crafting & Making: Handmade and hands-on solutions to everyday problems
- Creating Community: Connecting people to the environment and each other
- Leadership Development: Supporting the next generation of outdoor leaders in Ontario
- Nature Study: New approaches to help us rediscover our natural surroundings
Contributions are welcomed from all backgrounds that have an interest in, or an impact on, Outdoor and Experiential Education.
***FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE FALL CONFERENCE WORKSHOP PROPOSAL FORM***
Conference Stream Descriptions
Crafting & Making: Handmade and hands-on solutions to everyday problems
Our world is filled with messy problems, which require creative solutions. People must think innovatively, respond productively, and work collaboratively to face the challenges of today. And so, what role can outdoor and experiential education play in advancing the development of these skill sets in young people? This conference stream will explore crafting and making with a purpose, as we get our hands busy creating, building, hacking, reinventing and learning along the way. This is a call out to all makers and crafters in the COEO community—now is your time to shine! We want to see your skills: folk art or fine art skills, bushcraft skills, gardening skills, musical skills, computer hacking skills—show us your inventions, adaptions and contraptions. Whether it’s time and/or cost saving workarounds you’ve developed for your classroom, centre or camp, or innovative program ideas you’ve employed to get kids making, crafting and creating, we want to see it all!
Creating Community: Connecting people to the environment and each other
Let’s come together and connect! Community building is a cornerstone of any successful educational venture. As outdoor educators, we work particularly hard at creating supportive learning environments where communities can form and flourish, and we also endeavour to exemplify the qualities of a productive community members in the work we all do. Today, we face unique challenges (and opportunities) when it comes to connecting people to the environment and each other—from navigating social media platforms to engage online communities with the natural world or supporting the integration of newcomers and refugees in your local area, we are collectively working harder than ever. And in doing so, from an educational perspective, we will ask the following questions: what are some of the best practices for building and supporting strong communities, and how do we identify and eliminate the barriers that prevent productive communities from forming? This conference stream explore community-based educational practices such as integrated curriculum programs, place-based education, community-based informal and non-traditional learning environments, community environmental action projects, expeditionary learning, and more.
Leadership Development: Supporting the next generation of outdoor leaders in Ontario
The aim of this conference stream is to explore current practices and future possibilities in youth leadership development within Ontario. We will start at the beginning by discussing the various theories and approaches used to support the growth of emerging leaders and then move on to examine the program designs, mentorship styles and coaching methods we currently use in our own practice. Successful program models will be shared and discussed along with practical advice and tools for practitioners. An exciting and eclectic variety of workshops will showcase new and innovative practices, while also offering solutions to current issues faced in the field. Research and relevant resources will also be presented along the way. We will envision the future landscape of leadership development by locating needs, assessing trends and refocusing core objectives. Our overarching goal is to renew and further strengthen the area of leadership development within Ontario.
Nature Study: New approaches to help us rediscover our natural surroundings
Join us as we take a fresh look at an old idea. First, we will learn about the history of nature study and explore a variety of long established field-based approaches to learning science. We will then leap forward and examine some of the new and rebooted methods being used in outdoor education today. What are the similarities and differences between past practices and current trends, and how do they impact individuals’ spiritual, personal, and educational experiences within the natural world? This stream will explore the pedagogy and practice of this new wave of nature study and how it might best align with the Ontario K-12 and early years curriculum. We hope to share a variety of approaches in this stream offering, including, but not limited to: Citizen Science, BioBlitzes, Coyote Mentoring, Forest Schooling, Project-based conservation initiatives.
Call for Articles – “Shelter” theme issue of Pathways
The Editorial Board of Pathways: The Ontario Journal of Outdoor Education is now accepting submissions for the upcoming summer issue. The theme of this issue is Shelter – what does the word shelter mean to you and your work in outdoor education? What ideas, thoughts or memories does shelter evoke? Perhaps you have great instructions for a nesting box, bat house or insect habitat, or maybe a harrowing survival story you would like to share. From cabins and classrooms to tents and tarps to cavities and caves, shelter takes many forms in outdoor education. It’s a place of refuge, protection, and safety – it’s home. The Editorial Board will gladly consider a variety of submissions related to outdoor education for this special issue on Shelter. We are looking for articles, research reports, lesson plans, original learning activities and games, book reviews, fiction, poetry and more. Submissions are due June 10th. Please email pathways@coeo.org if you have any questions about this theme or if you would like feedback on a proposed idea.
Open Letter of Support for School-run Backcountry Trips
COEO stands behind the professionals employed across the province who coordinate outdoor education experiences for students, including multi-day backcountry trips. COEO encourages all school boards to continue to focus on the benefits of these trips and extend support to teachers in mitigating and addressing all perceived risks. Therefore, COEO has drafted an open letter of support for any outdoor educators, especially those who may be facing hesitancy or resistance from their administration when promoting the value of multi-day backcountry trips for students. Please read the following letter and forward it as you see fit. COEO encourages other organizations to write a similar letter of support to best serve the needs of their membership.
Click Here to read COEO’s Open Letter of Support
Recognizing our Colleagues- Awards Season Coming soon!
Each year, we take time to pause and think about who in our dedicated organization of professionals may deserve some recognition… and then we CELEBRATE THEM! This year nominations for award recipients are due by September 5th. Please take some time over the coming weeks to craft a nomination so we may recognize those who are “out standing” in their field (or forest, or wetland, or alvar, or…)!
For full information on each award, and the nomination form, please refer to www.coeo.org/recognition/
Nominations should be emailed to deborah_diebel@bwdsb.on.ca (Deborah Diebel, Past COEO President)
The award categories, briefly described below, are:
The President’s Award
…is presented to a COEO member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of COEO and to outdoor education in Ontario. This award identifies an active outdoor educator who has volunteered their time to our organization.
The Honorary Life Membership Award
…recognizes substantial and lasting contributions of long-time and esteemed members of COEO who are a vital part of its traditions and successes. Specific criteria are detailed on the website. For this award, three COEO members must nominate each potential recipient.
The Dorothy Walter Award for Leadership
…recognizes a COEO member who has shown an outstanding commitment to the development of leadership qualities in Ontario youth and through outdoor education.
The Robin Dennis Award
….is presented to an individual (member or non-member of COEO), outdoor education program, or facility that has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of outdoor education in the province. The recipient of this award can be a non-member of COEO.
The Amethyst Award
The Amethyst Award is presented to an emerging professional (COEO member or non-member) new to the field of outdoor education, recognizing their potential as they begin their career.
OTHER OEE & RELATED NEWS
Human Kinetics Book of the Month
Order now and get your Members-only special through HK Canada. Another great membership benefit brought to you by The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario.
Use code W891 to receive Free Shipping on orders of $25 or more + get 40% off if you sign up for HKRewards (click here to sign up). Good for 1x use only. Offer expires 06/30/18.
Featured Book of the Month:
Outdoor Program Administration: Principles and Practices is the essential guide for outdoor program administrators. It provides extensive coverage of all major duties of an administrator, including program design, risk management, budgeting, marketing, staff recruitment, training, and assessment. Administrators will learn how to improve their skills and enhance their programs. For more details click here
Canadian Conservation Corps
The Canadian Conservation Corps is a new national program for 18 to 30 year olds where they will gain skills to engage their peers in meaningful conservation in their own communities. The program has three parts:
- 2-week Wilderness Expedition
- 3-Month Service Learning placement with a conservation expert and;
- Time in their home community to connect their peers with conservation.
For more information, go to: http://cwf-fcf.org/en/
OEE P.D. OPPORTUNITIES
Lakehead University OEE AQ Course
Hike Ontario- Wilderness Day Hike Club Leader Certification
The goals of this certification are:
1) Introduce participants to the standards of a trained wilderness hike leader, risk management for Wilderness Day Hikes where the hike is more than 2 km from road access.
2) Provide direction towards the Wilderness Overnight Trip Hike Leader and National Hike Leader programs and other Hike Ontario programs.
For more information and to access the course calendar click Here
MEC Paddlefest Toronto- June 9-10, 2018
We’re throwing a party to welcome the 2018 paddling season! Dive into the world of kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can go for a test paddle, learn skills from the experts, and browse exhibitor booths. We’ve got lots on deck, and everyone’s welcome!
Click Here for more information
Yoga in the Park- Credit Valley Conservation Authority
This summer, shutdown, unplug and recharge your mind outdoors. From now until October, CVC is offering yoga sessions at Island Lake and Terra Cotta Conservation Areas.
Bring a friend and enjoy the beauty of our parks!
Click Here for more information and to register
Paddle the Rouge- Rouge Beach
Date: Saturday June 16, 2018
Location: Rouge Beach
Join the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society for the 5th annual Paddle The Rouge and in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wildlands League! Register online for a free paddling lesson and then rent a canoe or kayak, or bring your own, to enjoy the beautiful Rouge River Watershed which is home to Canada’s first national urban park. Enjoy live music, food trucks, face-painting, the marketplace, a picnic on the beach or take part in some activities provided by Parks Canada and Wildlands League and of course, come out for a paddle on the Rouge River. Parking is available on site or travel to the event by GO Train or TTC. A shuttle bus will be available from the Rouge Hill GO Station or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront path to the event.
To register: Click Here
For more information: paddletherouge.com
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
EECOM 2018, Classrooms to Communities
October 18-21st, 2018, St. Eugene Mission Resort, Ktunaxa First Nation
8th International Outdoor Education Research Conference
November 19-23rd, 2018, USC, Sippy Downs Campus, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
JOB POSTINGS
Multiple Positions, YMCA Cedar Glen
YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is a 263 acre site that has two significant program focuses: summer camp programs and year round outdoor education programs. Cedar Glen welcomes outdoor education, retreat and conference groups, offering meals served in our dining hall, overnight accommodation, meeting facilities and a variety of outdoor experiential education programs. Outdoor education programs are also delivered at off-site locations including Toronto Island, in schools, and in other facilities.
Outdoor Educators provide direct program delivery in all outdoor education programs, including leadership and team building activities for groups of all ages. In addition, Outdoor Educators assist the Outdoor Centre Director and Assistant Outdoor Centre Director with the development of new programs, as well as the revision and updating of existing programs.
Shared staff accommodation is available on-site in our staff cottage.
To view the full posting Click Here
Camp Staff, YouthLink
We are seeking two (2) Youth Leaders to deliver and assist with Camp FIT (Fun, Inclusion, Teamwork) – a new sports and recreation camp initiative for youth between the ages of 16 and 21 with intellectual disabilities. Camp FIT is designed to provide an opportunity for youth to engage in community sports, recreation and physical activities to help promote physical fitness, socialization skills, and teamwork.
To view the full posting and to apply Click Here
Wilderness Program Manager, Outward Bound Canada
The Wilderness Program Manager is in charge of ensuring that the transformational journey experienced by the student is planned and delivered in a highly organized, responsible manner. This role will manage the northern Ontario expeditions including: employees, program site areas, and programs, including: course administration, course planning, programming, delivery, logistics, risk oversight, supervision, and evaluation. In addition, the Program Manager provides support to instructors, client, partners and all other organizational relationships. This position is based in Katrine (approximately 30 minutes north of Huntsville, Muskoka, ON). The expeditions are delivered year round and include canoeing, dogsledding, and backpacking.
To view the full posting and to apply Click Here
Forest School Educators (part-time), Chelsea Forest School
Chelsea Forest School has evolved from a traditional nursery school (Chelsea Cooperative Nursery School) that has been a Chelsea institution for over 50 years. We have been operating as a Forest School since 2013.
Our semi-rural community just outside of Ottawa-Gatineau is situated adjacent to Gatineau Park and nature has always played a large role to the families that we attract and in our programming.
Our programming follows the Forest School philosophy and is play based, child led and primarily outdoors. We believe passionately in the benefits to children, young and old of being immersed in nature.
To view the full posting: Click Here
Canoe Expedition Leaders, YMCA Camp Pine Crest
Lead 25 – 35 day expeditions down historic Canadian rivers for our campers this summer! Our Leadership Programs center around the preparation and execution of a multi-week white water trips. We are looking for staff to run the following trips:
- Hayes River– Norway House to York Factory. 7-week program, 35 days on the water.
- Harricanaw River– Amos to Moosonee. 5-week program, 22 days on the water.
Required Certifications: Certifications are required by contract start date. The camp will subsidize all certification fees by 50%. Bronze Cross, Wilderness First Responder, White Water Rescue Technician.
Click here for more information about this position.
Contract Lecturer Positions, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, Lakehead University
Qualifications: Minimum Masters degree in outdoor recreation or related field; PhD preferred. Courses include, Fall term, OUTD 1150 FA: Land Relations, OUTD 1150 FB: Land Relations (class and lab combined into 2 blocks which are 4 hours each for a total of 8 hours/week), OUTD 2210 FA: Theory and Practice in Outdoor Leadership. Winter term, OUTD 2350 WA and Lab W1: Outdoor Skills and Theory II (1 class 2 hours long and 8 hour lab on Fridays, requires some weekends), OUTD 3310 WA: Expedition Management, OUTD 4911 WA: Standards of Practice in Therapeutic Recreation. See the Lakehead University Employment Opportunities webpage for more information about this position: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/hr/employment-opportunities/employment-opportunities-db/node/47214
Instructor/Residential Care Worker (Full time, Permanent), 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 $32,000-$42,000 plus benefits including an extended health care plan. Work schedules vary per program, but average 15-18 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
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.
Casual Outdoor Education Instructors, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
The Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Outdoor Education Centres (MacSkimming & Bill Mason Centre) provide outdoor curriculum-based hands-on programming to a wide range of classes and students within the OCDSB and from across the Ottawa area.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is currently seeking Outdoor Education Instructors to work on a casual basis at our two Centre locations – Bill Mason Centre and MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre.
If you would like more information about becoming a casual Outdoor Education Instructor, please contact Kevin Wallace, Coordinator of OCDSB Outdoor Education Centres, at (613) 833-2080 or kevin.wallace@ocdsb.ca .
Click here for the full job posting.
ALIVE Outdoors is currently hiring Outdoor Educators and Instructors for both In-camp and Canoe Trip Programs this September and October 2018.
Interested applicants can apply online at www.aliveoutdoors.com/instructors
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.