The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario is excited to invite you to attend COEO’s Annual Fall Conference to be held at Camp Muskoka, September 23 – 25, 2022.
Plans are set and anticipation is building for this year’s very special 50th anniversary conference! That’s right, 50 years – as an organization we have a great many things to celebrate as well as many accomplishments to be proud of. And as we come together to reflect and look back upon all of the significant work we have done, we will also make time to look ahead, and imagine all of the possibilities that the future may hold.
Our conference theme,“Gather ‘Round the Fire”,is an invitation to all COEO members – past, present and future – to come together and learn from one another as we have traditionally always done. Using the campfire as a metaphor, we will explore the varied roles we can all play as professionals, colleagues, innovators in education, leaders both outside and within our organization, and members of a very unique community of practice. We will ask ourselves: how can we “be the spark” or “feed the fire”? And in what ways can we “tend the embers”, “fan the flames”, or take time to “warm ourselves”? As we discover the many ways in which we can engage and support learners, we are also preparing ourselves for the great many changes and challenges our province and planet will face in the next 50 years.
As with our 40th Anniversary Conference, COEO’s original founders and long-time sustainers will be invited to return to share in the celebration of how our organization was born and nurtured; we’ll showcase current best practices and together envision what our future can be.
Please plan to join us as we explore new ideas and perspectives, learn and share, refocus and rejuvenate for this special 50th anniversary year ahead!
***REGISTER TODAY!***
CONFERENCE LOCATION
Camp Muskoka is in the business of making “happy campers” and helping children believe in themselves. The camp program philosophically is grounded in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Simply put, they firmly believe that everyone has physiological needs that must be met in order to have any hope of meeting their more refined needs. For example, a camper won’t be able to enjoy the mental and physical activities at camp without proper nutrition or a comfortable, good night’s sleep. Likewise, a camper won’t be able to build confidence and friendships if they don’t feel safe. Whether it be providing our campers with healthy well balanced meals throughout the day, having air conditioned lodging to ensure a good night’s rest or nurturing a healthy and safe environment so campers are recognized for their personal achievements; everything they do is about helping our camper’s reach their highest potential.
DIRECTIONS
Camp Muskoka is located at 1745 Fraserburg Road, Bracebridge, Ontario. The camp driveway is located on the north side of the road. Drive past the Gate House. The driveway is 1 km long – drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. Once on-site, please check-in at the registration table to let us know that you have arrived. The main office is a small tray building in the parking lot adjacent to Cougar Lodge. Please see the detailed directions and map below.
From Toronto & Southern Ontario
Take Hwy 400 North to Hwy 11 North to Bracebridge. Exit from Hwy 11 onto Cedar Lane (Exit 184. The 2nd Bracebridge Exit). Turn right. Travel North West on Cedar Lane to Fraserburg Road (if you pass the OPP station you have gone 100 m too far). Turn right (east) onto Fraserburg Road. Travel for approximately 8 km – the address is 1745 Fraserburg Road.
From East of Toronto & South Eastern Ontario
Take Hwy 401 to Hwy 12 in Whitby. Travel North on Hwy 12 to Hwy 169 (just North of Brechin). Travel North on Hwy 169 to Hwy 11 (just past Washago). Travel Hwy 11 North to Bracebridge. Exit from Hwy 11 onto Cedar Lane (Exit 184. The 2nd Bracebridge Exit). Turn right. Travel North West on Cedar Lane to Fraserburg Road (if you pass the OPP station you have gone 100 m too far). Turn right (east) onto Fraserburg Road. Travel for approximately 8 km – the address is 1745 Fraserburg Road.
From Northern Ontario
Take Hwy 11 South to Taylor Road (Bracebridge). When you exit turn right (West). Your second left is Cedar Lane. Travel South on Cedar Lane to Fraserburg Road (approximately 100m past the OPP Station). Turn left (east) onto Fraserburg Road. Travel for approximately 8 km – the address is 1745 Fraserburg Road.
From Ottawa
Take Hwy 417 West to Hwy 17 West to Hwy 60 West through Algonquin Park to Hwy 11. Take Hwy 11 South to Taylor Road West (Bracebridge). Your second left is Cedar Lane. Travel South on Cedar Lane to Fraserburg Road (approximately 100m past the OPP Station). Turn left (east) onto Fraserburg Road. Travel for approximately 8 km – the address is 1745 Fraserburg Road.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations will be in shared camp cabins at Camp Muskoka. Facilities include flush toilets and hot showers. Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel and flashlight. Tent camping is available on the Camp Muskoka property (same cost applies). Please inform us of any special accommodation needs on your registration form.
WHAT TO BRING
Things you’ll need at the conference:
-Sleeping Bag
-Towel
-Swimsuit
-Clothing to be comfortable in Rain or Shine, Cold or Warm
-Toiletries & personal items
-Journal/pen
-Water bottle
-Coffee/Tea Thermos or Mug
-Costume!
Optional items:
-Ear plugs
-Alcohol (no glass beer bottles please – cans only)
-Musical Instruments
-Daypack
-Slippers
-Business cards
-Snacks (nut free please!)
Extra cash: The COEO silent auction is always filled with amazing items, so don’t forget to bring some extra cash or perhaps even your cheque book! Additionally, the President’s Raffle will be taking place again this year, and you may want to purchase tickets to win a terrific prize!
***Also, don’t forget to bring your costume for the “Dancing Through the Decades” dance on Saturday night. This year’s Saturday night costume theme is (should you choose to participate/it’s challenge by choice people)…Come dressed as your favourite decade! So, it’s time to dust off those boogie shoes, or grab a piece of corrugated cardboard for that breakdance backspin you’ve been working on, or iron out those Hammer pants! As always, DJ Lisa will be spinning the tunes and she’s bound to have a few tricks up her sleeve.
***Feeling like an old-time sing-song jam session around the campfire? Well, bring your banjos and guitars to join in the fun (accordions and harmonicas are welcome too!) There will be a campfire on Saturday night with lots of jammin’ potential.
***Bring your cowboy hats and boots for the Square Dance on Friday night.
MEALS AND SNACKS
The Camp Muskoka will be providing delicious and nutritious meals for the conference. Please outline any dietary needs clearly on your registration form. Coffee, tea, juice and water will be provided at all times in the dining hall. Other snacks will be provided at times indicated. BYOWB! – Bring Your Own Water Bottle. ***Please note, alcohol is permitted on Camp Muskoka property (BYOB), but no glass beer bottles – cans only please.
CONFERENCE BURSARIES
Each year the COEO Board of Directors sets aside funds for individuals who require financial assistance in order to attend our annual conference. This year, COEO Alumni have also stepped forward and contributed funds specifically for students and young professionals who require financial assistance to attend the conference. Those wishing to apply for conference bursary must submit a letter to COEO Conference Committee Member, Kyle Clarke at conference@coeo.org with the requested amount and a rationale by September 1, 2022. You will be informed by September 3, 2022 to whether or not you have received funding.
CARPOOLING
As always, the COEO Conference Committee encourages carpooling when possible and will help facilitate this by organizing a list of drivers with available space in September – please contact conference@coeo.org if you require a ride or are willing to offer a ride to someone else. Please email with your name, email, where you’re coming from (area/town) and how many spaces you have or will need in a car.
SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION
Now an annual conference tradition, we are again having a Silent and Live Auction and we will need your help. We are looking for a variety of items to be donated by you or your affiliated organization. We hope to have about 30 items in the silent auction, and 5 for the live auction. We are open to welcoming whatever you have to offer. Past auctions have included donations of: gift certificates, books, organization-related clothing, camping gear, gift baskets, artwork, handmade crafts, etc. Please contact conference@coeo.org if you have any potential items you wish to donate. All proceeds from the auction will go towards COEO Conference Bursary Fund.
EXHIBITORS
Individuals and companies that would like to market programs, services or products at the 2022 COEO Conference will be able to do so at the Exhibitor Showcase. Organizational members of COEO may reserve exhibit space at no extra cost. Exhibit space is limited; contact conference@coeo.org to reserve your spot and avoid missing out on this great communication-promotional opportunity.
HEY STUDENTS!!!
Are you planning to attend the upcoming conference as part of group of six or more? Group discounts are available. Contact conference@coeo.org for more details.
REGISTER NOW!
Regular and Organizational Members $275 (Early Bird Rate) $295
Student and Retiree Members $235 (Early Bird Rate) $275
Saturday-only Special Day Rate $95
Registration can be done online or by mail. Download a copy of the 2022 COEO Annual Fall Conference registration form by clicking here or register online to make payment using your credit card.
*Membership: Registrants for the 2021 COEO Annual Fall Conference must hold a current COEO membership. Membership fees may be paid with registration.
Also, please note that the special early bird pricing is only valid until July 31st, 2022 – to qualify, you must register online or mail-in your registration form and payment postmarked on or before this deadline!
The Saturday day-only rate includes all workshops and programming taking place during the day, as well as lunch.
CONFERENCE POSTER
Want your own copy of this year’s poster to hang up at your school or outdoor centre? Download a copy by clicking here.
