Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

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11:00am MDT

Nature Journaling: A Tool for Conservation and Connection LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

Come explore the world of nature journaling outdoors! Nature journaling can act as a catalyst for observation, evoking curiosity and a sense of wonder in students of all ages. Nature journaling is interdisciplinary by nature and can be easily incorporated into regular classroom routines. Join Sonya and David as they share their own experiences of nature journaling, and the role it has played in both their personal and professional development. Participants will gain insights into the art of nature journaling, play with
watercolours, and practice five different exercises they can take into their community or into their classroom.

No previous art experience necessary.

Speakers

Sonya Rokosh

Environmental Educator & Teacher, School District 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF)

Sonya Rokosh splits her time working at a local horticultural therapy farm in Kamloops, substitute teaching, and engaging with both youth and educators in the grasslands. She has over 19 years of experience in the world of outdoor education & leadership. She sits on the board of directors... Read More →

David Norwell

David Norwell is an author, illustrator, and philosopher dedicated to his community. He is the author of the bestselling illustrated travelogue - A Complex Coast: A Kayak Journey From Vancouver Island to Alaska. "A Complex Coast" was a finalist for the 2024 BC and Yukon Book Prizes... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Porcupine

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

2:00pm MDT

Let's Meet Kakwa (Porcupine) LIMITED

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

Porcupine

"The porcupine was the original bead producer for Indigenous people. We use the guard hair in our regalia, we take the quills and color them and produce works of art. This slow moving creature can be useful when a person is in survival mode and are very useful for regalia (roach making), as well as fur for tufting, and quills for art work.
I am usually gifted animals or use what has been taken by traffic. Information about how the porcupine was gifted its quills and what are the best methods of coloring quills will be presented. The workshop will also include how to clean and prepare quills including dying and then 3 styles of quill artwork is shown.
Using quills is like beading; it is a way to learn to be in the present and not thinking of the what if's, or worrying about what happened earlier. It is a mindfulness technique that allows you know what's next. If you aren't in the moment you have the possibility of being poked."

Speakers

Genevieve Prevost

Teacher

"Genevieve Prevost is a nehiyaw-skwew (cree woman) from the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatoon. A medicine carrier, knowledge keeper and teacher. She has been teaching for 18 years in a variety of areas including on reserve, inner-city elementary and Indigenous inner... Read More →

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

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

“Scavenger Hunts, Compass Courses, Maps and More: Engaging Your Students with Curriculum-Connected Outdoor Exploration” FULL

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

Porcupine

"Scavenger hunts are a staple in most outdoor educators' toolboxes. Do you want to learn how to maximise both fun and learning in your scavenger hunts? Do you want to learn tips and tricks to weave in compasses and maps to your scavenger hunts? This is the workshop for you!

In this hands-on workshop participants will get a crash course on how to intentionally design and facilitate various scavenger hunts and map/compass courses. Participants will not only get to try several different styles of scavenger hunts, there will also be a discussion on how to modify them for various curricula and locations."

Speakers

Braeden Kelly

Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre

Braeden Kelly (BSc, BEd) is an outdoor, environmental, and experiential educator with the Canadian Rockies Outdoor Learning Centre. He works with teachers in the Canadian Rockies Public School division to co-create outdoor experiential learning experiences that connect to the curriculum... Read More →

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

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025