Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

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11:00am MDT

Taming the Anxious Brain with Nature in Mind FULL

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

This workshop delves into nature-informed therapy (NIT), an innovative approach that harnesses the healing power of nature to address anxiety and stress-related challenges. Participants will explore the neuroscience behind anxiety, gaining insights into its manifestations and the profound mental health benefits of connecting with the natural world. Through experiential exercises, attendees will learn practical nature-based strategies to enhance emotional regulation and resilience. The workshop will also focus on integrating NIT into existing mental health practices, discussing potential barriers and facilitators for successful implementation. By blending evidence-based techniques with the restorative qualities of nature, participants will leave equipped with valuable tools to promote mental well-being for themselves and those they support. Join us to discover how to cultivate a calmer, more balanced state of mind through the transformative power of nature.

Speakers

Heidi Schreiber-Pan

Founder and Director, Center for Nature Informed Therapy

Dr. Heidi Schreiber-Pan is the founder and executive director of the Center for Nature-Informed Therapy. Dr. Schreiber-Pan, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in counseling psychology, is internationally recognized for her expertise in nature-based mental health, resilience... Read More →

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

2:00pm MDT

Celebrating and Sustaining Experiential and Outdoor Education Programs LIMITED

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

Toad

This workshop invites educators, administrators, and advocates to both celebrate the immense value of outdoor and experiential learning and to confront the challenges these programs face. We will:
Examine the anatomy of exemplar experiential programs, showcasing innovative practices and their impact on students.
Explore strategies to build resilience and longevity into programs, focusing on advocacy, sustainable funding models, and embedding these approaches into the broader educational framework.
Engage in dialogue about the tensions inherent in critical pedagogies and their transformative potential for education systems.
Join us to envision a future where outdoor and experiential learning is not only celebrated but firmly rooted as an essential pillar of education. Together, we’ll strategize ways to ensure these vital programs thrive for generations to come.

Speakers

Nick Townley

Outdoor Education Teacher, TREK Outdoor Education Program, Vancouver School Board, TREK Outdoor Education Program, Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Assocation (EEPSA), and Take Me Outside

"Nick lives, works, and adventures on the shores of the Salish Sea. He has taught for the past ten years with the Vancouver School Board’s TREK Outdoor Education Program. He is the president of EEPSA, director of Take Me Outside, director of Classrooms to Communities, and a past... Read More →

Ryan Barfoot

qathet School District, Outdoor Council of Canada

Ryan Barfoot (@rybarfoot) completed his Bachelor of Education specializing in Outdoor and Experiential Learning at Queens University and a M.Ed. in Curriculum Development and Implementation at Simon Fraser University. His research interests include transformative education, contemporary... Read More →

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

Connecting to place through writing outside. FULL

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

Toad

Join Frances McCoubrey for 75 minutes of writing, journaling and working with literary devices - all outside. You will leave this workshop with writing exercises you can do next week with your elementary or secondary level students. All lessons require very little prep and utilize materials you already have in your classroom or school. Writing exercises will connect you and your students to the playful way you can use a literary device to describe places you explore, they can ground you in a moment and they can draw your attention to the magic and mystery of the natural world. Come prepared to write with low pressure, accessible exercises inspired by Lynda Barry, Adrienne Gear and John Muir Laws.

Please bring a clipboard, a writing utensil and if you like a sitting pad.

Speakers

Frances McCoubrey

SD27, EEPSA

Frances has been working as an educator connecting people to nature since her first job as a naturalist in 1996 at the Scout Island Nature Centre. Her experience as a naturalist along with training through her BEd, MEd (Counselling) and BSc in Environmental Science along with a passion... Read More →

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

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025