Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

arrow_back View All Dates

2:00pm MDT

The Power of a Relational, Values-Driven Approach to Building Adult Capacity for Outdoor Early Learning LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

From 2021-2023, the Lawson Foundation supported eight diverse projects working to build adult capacity to support outdoor early learning. The work targeted professional learning, early learning and child care programs, and multi-sector influencers of outdoor learning (e.g., Indigenous knowledge keepers, government officials, nonprofit partners). This workshop will share 4 Calls to Action based on taking a relational, values-driven approach to systems change. We will share our learning about effective approaches to foundational components of change-making: professional learning, outdoor learning spaces, parent engagement, and organizational policy change, and we will reflect on differences in how Indigenous ways were honoured in this work. We offer practical, actionable considerations to support early learning leaders (e.g., post-secondary faculty; early learning directors, managers, and pedagogical leaders) to gain a more nuanced understanding of change-making for outdoor learning.

Speakers

Christine Alden

Program Director / Fondation Lawson, Directrice de programme, Lawson Foundation

Christine Alden, M.Ed., Ph.D., has worked in the fields of early child development and education for thirty years. She began her career as an elementary teacher in Latin America, which catalyzed her interest in child development. Over the last twenty years, she has worked in early... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Otter

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

The Big Reconnect: How Innovative Outdoor Education Cultivates Connection to Self, Community, and Nature in K-12 Schools LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Otter

"Participants will inhabit the roles of teacher and student in an interactive outdoor learning experience using innovative technology and project-based learning to connect to self, community, and nature. Guided by Cornell Lab and Friends Academy educators, participants will engage in 21st century outdoor learning activities that spark connection, inquiry, research, and collaboration.

Participants will also learn about Cornell Lab’s K-12 Education Program and how it partners with schools like Friends Academy to build science skills in young people. Through its partnership with schools, the Cornell Lab inspires young people to connect to local habitats, explore biodiversity, and engage in participatory-science projects. This workshop will model and explore how the Cornell Lab partnered with Friends Academy, providing its educators with professional development in an inquiry-based approach to science, and partnering with students and teachers on a cutting-edge interdisciplinary project."

Speakers

Susan Licher

K-12 Education Learning Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University

Susan Licher is the K-12 Learning Coordinator at Cornell Lab of Ornithology where she develops and delivers transformational training for educators that supports them in connecting students to nature, strengthens their skills in using participatory (citizen) science, and increases... Read More →

Daniel Mendel

Friends Academy

Daniel Mendel is the Dean of Innovation at Friends Academy. His work is focused on K-12 program development, innovative teaching and curricular design, and teacher support and training. Through pedagogical approaches such as problem-based learning and interdisciplinary project-based... Read More →

Jen Halliday

Jen Halliday is the Associate Head of School and Director of Academic Affairs at Friends Academy, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic vision and ensuring the delivery of exceptional educational experiences for all students. With a deep commitment to fostering a... Read More →

Alana Kessler-Yudin

Alana Kessler-Yudin is the Forest Program Lead at Friends Academy, where she fosters outdoor learning experiences that connect students to nature and inspire personal growth. She holds an M.A. in Special Education with a focus on Arts Integration and a B.A. in Religious Studies from... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Otter

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025