Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

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7:30am MDT

60 min Gentle Movement & Mindfulness Session FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT

Connect body, mind and spirit in this gentle all levels yoga and meditation class. We encourage you to bring your own mat or towel if you can.

Speakers

Heidi Davis

First Thunder Wellness

Heidi Davis - Iiniipoiakii, Buffalo Talking Woman, is a Recreation Therapist and Yoga Facilitator from Lethbridge (Sikookitoki), Alberta. She is passionate about offering inclusive, inspiring yoga, movement and art based programs that include story, connection, and options for all... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
201

Social Event

8:30am MDT

Check Out (Accommodation) and Free Time! FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Banff Centre Accommodation

If you are leaving Saturday please take this time to check out of your room - there are luggage storage rooms in both the PDC and Lloyd Hall.

Saturday May 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Banff Centre Accommodation

Plenary

9:30am MDT

Morning Gratitude

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am MDT

Kinnear Centre

Join to begin our day together in the right way.

Speakers

Sylvia Ann Fox

Elder in Residence

Sylvia Ann Fox, Ii’sts’pan’sts’aa’kee (Singing Alone from Above) has been the Traditional Wellness Coordinator at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for the past 8 years. She is the mother of three beautiful children and four grandchildren.Sylvia Ann studied Arts... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am MDT
Kinnear Centre

Plenary

9:44am MDT

*Education Session E*

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:44am - 11:00am MDT

Kinnear Centre

Meet on the patio of the Kinnear Centre

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:44am - 11:00am MDT
Kinnear Centre

Concurrent Sessions

9:45am MDT

Design Thinking for Environmental Education

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Butterfly

Design thinking has garnered a lot of buzz in recent years, but how might it be applied to your teaching practice? Join facilitators from the Alberta Council for Environmental Education in exploring how to use the Design Thinking process to answer the question, “How might students explore environmental education?” Using the lens of Environmental Stewardship, this hands-on session will give teachers an understanding of the design thinking process and how to implement it in their classrooms. Work through a crash-course in the design thinking process and come away with an outline for integrating environmental education and sustainability approaches throughout your school year.

Speakers

Amy Thompson

Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator, The Alberta Council for Environmental Education

As the Environmental Education and Engagement Coordinator for Southern Alberta, Amy joined ACEE with over a decade of non-profit and fieldwork experience. Amy holds an MEd (Interdisciplinary Education) and a BA and BSc. Amy enjoys creative pursuits outside of work, including nature... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Butterfly

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

From Fear to Fact: A Balanced View on Microplastics and Chemicals LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Otter

This workshop hopes to address fear-based reception about microplastics through a hands-on sample analysis with the Microplastics Educational Toolkit from Ocean Diagnostics. Guided by two Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP) Microplastics Ambassadors with backgrounds in microplastics research and chemistry education, participants will learn from microplastics sources & impacts on the environment and human health.

Speakers

Isabella Liu

Science Teacher & Department Coordinator, Branksome Hall

Isabella Liu Branksome Hall Innovation & Technology Coordinator Isabella Liu is the Innovation & Technology Coordinator at Branksome Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In this role, she supports K-6 digital learning & citizenship. A recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching... Read More →

Zoë Ungku Fa'iz

University of Toronto

Zoë is a masters student at the University of Toronto. Her eagerness to learn more about the harmful materials in our environment started with an internship with Ocean Uprise by Parley for the Oceans and a position as a field researcher with the U of T Trash Team’s Fighting Floatables... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Otter

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

How to teach about Climate Change: Guiding Principles LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Kingfisher

Climate change can be a daunting subject to teach about and discuss in the classroom: not only is it a complex issue to understand and address, it can also feel heavy, leaving both students and educators with difficult thoughts and emotions. This workshop will dive into strategies, techniques, and activities for teaching about climate change which aim to leave both educators and students feeling as equipped as possible to face and work through the issue. Since climate change is holistic, this workshop will benefit educators from all subject matters and all grades.
This workshop assumes you already have a good understanding of climate change knowledge basics. If you are interested in this workshop but feel like you could use more background on the issue, please consider also attending “Climate Change 101”.

Speakers

Dr. Ellorie McKnight

Outreach Climatologist, Yukon Univeristy

Ellorie McKnight (PhD) (she/her) is a climate change researcher and educator. She currently works as Yukon University's Outreach Climatologist providing climate change education support to a variety of audiences including educators and students across the Yukon. Ellorie holds a degree... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Kingfisher

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Introduction to Nature Journaling and incorporating it as a Cross Curricular Tool LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Owl

In this workshop, you will be introduced to one way of Nature Journaling and provided a scaffolding that introduces the art of Nature Journaling to students and adults. Nature Journaling allows participants autonomy over their learning by documenting their own observations, being curious and making connection to the world around them. Nature Journaling is not a one off activity but a tool that can be used cross curricular incorporating science, language, art, math, etc. Not only will you be introduced to this method, but you will experience it by nature journaling yourself! You will be guided through the scaffolding presented and then given an opportunity to discuss ways it can be incorporated into the classroom. Please bring a note book and pen/pencil. NO artistic ability is required for this workshop, just the ability to be curious and have FUN!

Speakers

Billie Jo Reid

Canadian Water Resources Association - Project WET Canada

Billie Jo Reid is the National Program and Delivery Coordinator for Project WET Canada, a role she embraced in March 2024. Her journey with Project WET began in 2016 as an Outdoor Educator, where she first participated in a Project WET Workshop. Later that year, she became a certified... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Owl

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Leaning into grief together LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Turtle

"Moving Through Ecological Grief Together: A Hands-and-Hearts-On Workshop

Ecological grief, is a defining emotional challenge of our time. This interactive workshop offers tools and practices to help individuals and communities navigate this grief, build resilience, and foster connection. Participants will explore the emotional impacts of ecological loss through group discussion, creative expression, and reflective exercises. Drawing on reconciliation frameworks, eco-grief research, and grief recovery practices, the session emphasizes transforming grief into purposeful action. The workshop includes creative expression, community-focused exercises, and actionable strategies for resilience and advocacy. Participants will leave with a practical toolkit to process grief, nurture connection, and create hope in the face of ecological challenges."

Speakers

Dr. Sarah Brown

Mount Royal University

Sarah Brown is an Associate Professor at Mount Royal University, a contract instructor at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary and an active adventure guide and instructor. Her passion is connecting people with the natural world through education, play and... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Turtle

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Nature for All: Connecting Adaptive Learners Through Sensory Science LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Toad

Nature for All: Connecting Adaptive Learners Through Sensory ScienceJoin Families in Nature for a hands-on session exploring a sensory science curriculum developed in collaboration with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This session will delve into the curriculum's creation and implementation, focusing on connecting students to the natural world through tactile, auditory, olfactory, and kinesthetic experiences. This curriculum emphasizes experiential learning in nature, fostering connections to the environment, enhancing scientific literacy.

Speakers

Jo Joly

Families in Nature

Jo Joly is an outdoor guide and environmental educator serving as program manager for Families in Nature (FIN) in Austin, Texas. At FIN, she leads immersive outdoor programming including camping trips, conservation education and wilderness skills workshops that help families build... Read More →

Heather Kuhlken

Families in Nature

Heather Kuhlken is a biologist, educator, and author who combines her scientific expertise with a passion for connecting families to nature. As a leader in environmental education, she authored "Adventures in Ecology," a comprehensive guidebook featuring over 1,100 hands-on, science-based... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Toad

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Learning: Building Solutions Together LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Bee

"Are obstacles and barriers stopping you, your school, or your organization from gaining all the benefits of taking learning outside? Then this is the space for you. Bring your burning questions and discover practical strategies to overcome a variety of common barriers.
Using a unique facilitation strategy called ‘Open Space Technology’, we will collaboratively identify key challenges. Logistics, safety concerns, and limited resources – you name it. Through a facilitated and inclusive process, we will tackle each of these challenges head-on, with each person bringing unique wisdom, perspective, and proven practices into the circle.
By working together to exchange ideas and create actionable solutions, all workshop attendees will leave with practical, action-able strategies to implement outdoor education in your own classrooms. PLUS, the key learnings emerging from this collaborative workshop will be shared with participants in a PDF on “Solutions and Successes in Outdoor Learning"

Speakers

Sarah Deyoung

Clean Foundation- Education & Engagement

Sarah Deyoung (she/her) is the Professional Learning Lead at Clean Foundation, where she has developed and delivered dynamic programs that support educators in bringing climate and environmental education into their classroom. Sarah is passionate about weaving outdoor learning, social... Read More →

Haley Guest

Clean Foundation- Education & Engagement

Haley (she/her) is a passionate and experienced environmental educator and program manager who resides in unceded Mi'kma'ki, land of the Mi’kmaq people. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and her Masters in Environmental Education & Communications, and... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Bee

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Terra Divina: A Practice of Mindful Wonder, Spirituality and Gratitude for an Era of Environmental Crisis LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Eagle

This workshop involves guided immersive connection with the earth and exploration of the power of gratitude for this wondrous, miraculous, planet. The workshop also digs into opportunities for sharing this wonder and experiences of gratitude in a range of pedagogical and social contexts. The mindful wonder, or eco-spiritual, part of the workshop will follow what author Victoria Loorz calls Terra Divina – or a “divine conversation with the sacred land.” Participants will learn about and explore the four stages of this divine experience: wander (lectio), listen (meditatio), respond (oratio) and release (contemplation). We will then share our Terra Divina experiences in a talking circle. The workshop will conclude with a group discussion about how people of all ages can be guided to celebrate eco-spirituality, wonder and the revolutionary power of gratitude.

Speakers

Dr. Jenellen Good

Associate Professor, Brock University

Jennifer Ellen (Jenellen) Good (PhD Cornell University): I am a professor at Brock University and I research the role of communication in how people relate to the “natural environment.” More specifically, I explore intersections of screens and the climate crisis, materialism... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Eagle

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

9:45am MDT

Building Connection and Resiliency Through Loose-Parts Play FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Racoon

Join us for an immersive workshop on harnessing outdoor loose parts play to foster child-led exploration and essential skill-building. Tailored for educators and program leaders, this session explores creating a loose-parts program that engages children aged 2-14 in developing problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. We’ll cover practical steps for program setup, sourcing and managing materials, storage solutions, and gaining staff and parent support.

This workshop also addresses modern challenges, focusing on disconnecting from technology and encouraging play that many children may not have experienced but is critical for development and connectedness. Learn how to use outdoor settings and Canada’s diverse climate, including inclement weather, to enrich play experiences and deepen children’s connection to nature. Gain strategies, resources, and insights to create a resilient, inclusive program that promotes creativity, connection, and growth.

Speakers

Kait Lefaivre

Paula Hamilton

CTR Catholic School Division

Paula Hamilton is an elementary teacher with 18 years of experience, currently teaching kindergarten at Holy Spirit Academy in High River, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and is a nature and forest school practitioner as well as... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Racoon

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

9:45am MDT

Deepening the Connection to Nature Through Music and the Arts (French) LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Chickadee

La musique et les arts nous permettent de partager nos émotions du fond de nos coeurs. C’est une façon de créer un engagement riche envers aider la terre. En utilisant la musique, la danse, le drame, les arts visuels et les arts de la langue, les participants apprendront des façons à inspirer leurs élèves à se connecter plus profondément aux espaces naturels dans les cours d’école, et dans leurs quartiers. Les participants s’engageront avec les expériences artistiques qui aident à développer l’empathie et le soin de la terre autour des élèves, avec le mouvement créatif, jouer des rôles, des expériences sonores, etc.
Ces activités se poursuivront sur les activités offertes dans la session de 2024.

Speakers

Jennifer Engbrecht

Music Teacher, Louis Riel School Division

Jennifer Engbrecht was thrilled to have the opportunity to present about learning in nature through music and the arts in 2024, and is so happy to return this year in 2025. Jennifer has been infusing various subject areas into music classes for many years - especially the environment... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Chickadee

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

9:45am MDT

Don't Stop Be-leafing: Games for Every Outdoor Enthusiast! FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Raven

"Don’t just survive in your classroom...believe in it and make it an adventure! Get familiar with tons of resources and activities for your group! Whether you are on a trip, doing icebreaker games, or having fun, team building will always be important on your journey. This session will cover activities your group can do for team building, confidence, communication and leadership. One key concept that is often overlooked after a trip, pursuit or adventure is the power of a strong debrief. Debriefs can help bring meaning and closure to events and are also a key component for sustainability and improving the growth of your group.
Join us as we explore the classroom beyond four walls and entire nature with attitudes loaded with fun!"

Speakers

Court Rustemeyer

President, GEOEC - Global, Environmental, & Outdoor Education Council

Court has been a full-time outdoor educator in Calgary, for over 17 years. He is President for the ATA Specialist Council - GEOEC. He is also an Executive Director for the Outdoor Council of Canada, serving as the Director of the Prairies. Court was the recipient of the 2020 EECOM... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Raven

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

9:45am MDT

Exploring, Engaging, Journaling: Outdoor Learning to Cultivate Well-Being LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Cougar

Today's curriculum is often packed with content, creating pressure and stress for both students and educators. Incorporating regular outdoor learning opportunities into the curriculum can alleviate stress, foster well-being, and encourage a more positive mindset.

Let`s explore simple, practical activities that take students outdoors on a regular basis, to engage with their environment through place-based learning. These activities are designed to promote curiosity, mindfulness, and meaningful connections with nature, benefiting both students and educators.

Through intentional exploration, observation, and journaling, students will learn how to document their discoveries, reflect on their experiences, and engage in thoughtful discussions. This nature-inspired journaling session will help students capture details and insights while building calmness and emotional resilience.

Speakers

Kelly Fahey

Teacher, Morin Heights Elementary School

Kelly Fahey is an educator and teacher mentor with a Master’s Degree in Leadership Education who shifts the curriculum to the outdoors for place-based pedagogy. She managed an outdoor education center - Arundel Nature and Science Centre, regularly develops outdoor pedagogy, transformed... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Cougar

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

9:45am MDT

The Power of Play: Games in the Garden LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Deer

This workshop is presented by outdoor educators Weslie, Daniel and Alysha-Lynn, who live and work in Lac Seul First Nation, Ontario.

Speakers

Tamika Whitenack

Garden Educator, The Edible Schoolyard Project

Tamika Whitenack is a lifelong student of the outdoor world! As an educator with The Edible Schoolyard Project in Berkeley, she designs and facilitates experiences that promote students' connection to each other and our ecosystems. Tamika believes that gardens and food offer exciting... Read More →

Sophia Maria Fox

Garden & Cooking Educator, The Edible Schoolyard Project

Sophia Fox loves teaching out of doors with her favorite co-worker, Mama Earth! She holds a MEd and has been working in education for 20 years, teaching and learning in diverse settings including wilderness camps, horticultural therapy, ranch programming, and currently at The Edible... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Deer

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

9:45am MDT

It Starts With Us: The Role Settler Teachers Must Play in Meaningful Reconciliation LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Snail

One of the things I make sure non-Indigenous people understand is we don’t need you to help heal us, we need you to fix yourselves.” (Murray Sinclair)

In this session, participants will gather and exchange experiences through activity and conversation about how they as educators are working towards respectfully and meaningfully integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into their pedagogy. I enter into this space with ultimate humility as a white settler Canadian teacher, but also as an act of genuine respect and reconciliation. To start the session, participants will take part in a few activities transferable to their own learners/clients. As a teacher who still continues to work in the classroom full-time, I hope to connect with others with a view for practical implementation of ideas, using a workshop approach to facilitate a conversation, while also providing some ideas that teachers can walk out of their classrooms and use on “Monday morning."""

Speakers

Jaime Groeller

Connect Charter School

Jaime Groeller is a settler Canadian who has been teaching for 15 years at a school with a focus on outdoor education and inquiry-based learning. This school is located in what is now often referred to as Calgary, Alberta, but is historically and currently known as Moh'kinstsis, Wîchispa... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Snail

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

9:45am MDT

Reconciliation resources for French language educators LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Great Blue Heron

Partie 1
Dans cet atelier, nous vous présenterons des ressources francophones pour aller à la rencontre des peuples autochtones. Ensemble, nous découvrirons des livres et des sites web afin de mieux tisser les savoirs autochtones dans notre pédagogie en nature dans un contexte francophone. Nous mettrons également à l'avant-plan des exemples d’occasions de collaboration qui découlent du fait d’être tous deux dans un contexte de minorité langagière.
In this workshop we will share different French-language resources to better weave indigenous knowledge into our outdoor learning in a francophone context. We will also highlight examples of collaborative opportunities between french speaking communities and indigenous communities that arise from both being in a minority-language context.

Speakers

Julie McLean

École élémentaire et secondaire publique Rivière Rideau, Child and Nature Alliance of Canada

Julie is a teacher who is passionate about outdoor education in all its forms. She currently teaches outdoor sciences and is the coordinator of a forest and nature school program in a Franco-Ontarian school where she coaches and mentors other educators in implementing this type of... Read More →

CYNTHIA LAPIERRE

Conseil de la Nation Huronne-Wendat

"Cynthia Lapierre yiatsih. Franco-Ontarienne chia' Wendat endi'. Yänionnyen' iwayitiohkou'tenh. My name is Cynthia Lapierre. I am Franco-Ontarienne and Wendat. I am Bear Clan. I have called many Lands home. I was born and raised on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Great Blue Heron

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

9:45am MDT

The Blanket Exercise LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Beaver

The KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) is an experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada.

The Blanket Exercise is based on using Indigenous methodologies and the goal is to build understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy."

Educators, please note, depending on the discussion the workshop could go, a bit overtime.

Speakers

Jacenta Marina

Indigenous Education, Mckim School (Kimberley, BC)

As a passionate and experienced Indigenous educator, who is a member of the Blood tribe, of the Blackfoot nation, I believe in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships, with Elders and knowledge keepers, indigenous families, students, parents, and school staff. I have... Read More →

Rosella Many Bears

Kainai Blood Tribe

I'm fluent in the Blackfoot language; it is my first language. I'm from the Kainai tribe and a survivor of St. Mary's residential school. I've recently retired from the Kainai board of education. I taught for 25 years. I taught at the Cutswood school, a Blackfoot language emersion... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Beaver

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

9:45am MDT

Traditional Games in the Classroom FILLING

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Moose

This hands on and interactive workshop will cover many curriculum outcomes, with a focus on numeracy concepts, as well as science.
It will be a fast paced workshop and hands on, so be prepared to move!
With knowledge of well over 100 games, Lamarr will cover not only games, but also the teachings behind as well as how to make the games.

Speakers

Lamarr Oksasikewiyin

Sweetgrass First Nation

"Lamarr is originally from Sweetgrass First Nation. He has been presenting on Traditional Games for over 17 years. He has been in the education career since graduating from the University of Saskatchewan. He has presented all over Canada as well as Brasil and New Zealand. Lamarr... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Moose

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

9:45am MDT

“Indigenous ways of BEING” LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT

Porcupine

Miigwech Wendams” – This workshop designed for all Educators to incorporate Indigenous ways of ‘Being’ in respectful and playful ways that are appropriate to guide educational practices. We will be learning to embody true reciprocity in a variety of ways: How can we change from “What can I take?’ to “What can I give?” During our time together, we will be opening with a ‘movement as prayer’ sequence as a means of demonstrating to students how to express daily gratitude physically, spiritually and emotionally. Everyone will have the opportunity to create a “teaching stick” to use with their students as well as using animal play puppets as a way of connecting with each other and the land.
One of the things I make sure non-Indigenous people understand is we don’t need you to help heal us, we need you to fix yourselves.” (Murray Sinclair)

Speakers

Ann Cummings

Kenjgewin Teg

"Ann Cummings Biography Boozhoo! Ann Cummings n’disnikaas, Wewebjewong (Little Current, Ont) n’doongeba. Originally from T’Karonto (Toronto) I am incredibly grateful to now call Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) my home. With a unique career path, I bring my multiple years... Read More →

Sophie Pheasant

Sophie is guided by clanship and identity as a Bode’wadmi Kwe of the Three Fires Confederacy from Wiikwemkoong First Nations on Manitoulin Island. A mother of three children, Sophie is rooted in honouring Anishinaabe ways of being and knowing. Passionate about engagements that will... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am MDT
Porcupine

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

11:00am MDT

Break/ Reflection Time LIMITED

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MDT

Kinnear Centre

Tea, coffee and snacks are not provided during this break.

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MDT
Kinnear Centre

Break

11:15am MDT

Health and Wellbeing Keynote Speaker

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT

Kinnear Centre

Join Dr. Sabine Thomas to speak about youth mental health and belonging.

Speakers

Dr. Sabine Thomas

Dr. Sabine Thomas is a Naturopathic Physician and co-owner of JSOL STUDIOS, a family-wellness centered and nature-embodied organization supporting the parent-child relationship. She also leads The Nature Prescriber PLLC, a private naturopathic medical practice, where she combines... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm MDT
Kinnear Centre

Plenary

12:00pm MDT

Closing Ceremony

Saturday May 10, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT

Banff Centre Amphitheatre

Let us close our circle and the conference in a good way with closing words and sharing from Blackfoot Elder Sylvia Ann Fox.

Saturday May 10, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
Banff Centre Amphitheatre

Plenary

1:59pm MDT

*Post Conference Field Experiences

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:59pm - 5:30pm MDT

Kinnear Centre

Saturday May 10, 2025 1:59pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre

Optional Field Trip

2:00pm MDT

Connecting Classrooms to Climate: Water Quality Testing at Bow River*

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Banff Centre

Join Water Rangers for an inspiring outdoor field trip along the Bow River in Banff, designed for educators to experience hands-on water quality testing and community science! This session will engage participants in water quality testing methods using our accessible kits, sparking discussion on how environmental monitoring can empower students to address real-world environmental issues. Through this immersive experience, educators will explore water parameters like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, and learn how to integrate water testing and climate literacy into their own classrooms. Participants will leave equipped to engage students in environmental action that connects local ecosystems with global climate resilience.

Session Host

Water Rangers

Speakers

Praise Osifo

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Banff Centre

Optional Field Trip

2:00pm MDT

Engaging with the Land Through Birds and Technology FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Kinnear Centre

Get to know your local birds using the magic of Merlin! Prior to the workshop, please download the Merlin app and then install the Canada West and your local bird packs so you’re ready to explore your local birds and the birds of Banff. Bring your binoculars too, if you have them.

The Merlin Bird ID app lets you discover which birds are sharing the land with you from season to season, by sight or sound. This app uses billions of eBird observations shared by participatory scientists from around the world to generate a list of potential birds based on your location and date. Its technology allows users to identify birds by sight, sound, or using a photo. We will explore the four clues to bird ID, research your local birds using the app, draw a focus bird, and then take a bird walk to gain real-life practice using these tools.

Session Host

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

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 →

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Kinnear Centre

Optional Field Trip

2:00pm MDT

Forest Play FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

PDC (professional development centre)

"Rediscover your child-like passion for the world and join us for a fun morning of exploring nature and building connections. In this experiential session, Dave will share some of the core elements of Forest Play – a popular program that has been running in Canmore since 2011. You’ll have the opportunity to:

Fuel your enthusiasm for nature connection programs
Play, laugh, share stories, activities and songs you can use with your groups
experience what it is like to participate in a program based on the Coyote mentoring model
be introduced to the natural learning cycle and essential routines that ground and reconnect us with the natural world

Come prepared for playing outdoors (dress in layers and for the weather - there will be periods of physical activity and moments of less activity) and having some fun adventures in the forest near the Banff Centre!"

Session Host

Forest Play

Speakers

Dave Verhulst

Director, Forest Play

Dave believes the natural world is one of our most powerful teachers and mentors. Dave co-founded Nature's Tracks Forest Play in 2011 with the goal of facilitating programs that connect people to nature, others and themselves. Forest Play is grounded in the learning philosophies of... Read More →

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
PDC (professional development centre)

Optional Field Trip

2:00pm MDT

Reflection Through Nature Journaling FULL

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT

Start at Banff Centre & Walk Together down to River

Let’s take some time to reflect on our weekend experiences, as we ground ourselves in the landscape of this remarkable place through a mindful nature journal practice. Participants will be gently guided through a writing exercise and a short journaling exercise. The majority of our time together will be self-guided and you can expect to have over an hour of time to yourself with watercolour paints and journal materials. If you are looking to set aside some intentional time to reflect and process some of the learnings from the conference, this field trip is for you! No previous art experience is needed, all supplies will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own personal journals during this time. (We will be walking about 15-20 minutes on an uneven path to our main journaling space)

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 →

Saturday May 10, 2025 2:00pm - 5:30pm MDT
Start at Banff Centre & Walk Together down to River

Optional Field Trip

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025