Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

3:15pm MDT

Empathy, Immunity and Nature: The Symbiotic Relationship Forged Through Play LIMITED

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Join Adam to explore the impact of biodiverse environments on social, emotional, and physical well-being. Discover the gut-brain axis connection and strategies for full-sensory learning and play in nature. Adam highlights how immunology, child development, and education intersect in natural spaces, emphasizing that outdoor learning requires more than green fields—it thrives with natural flora overhead and living soils underfoot. Vibrant schoolyards foster deeper connections to nature, enhancing cognitive and physical development. With emerging research linking biodiversity, immune health, and climate change to child development, Adam weaves compelling data and stories to bring these connections to life.

Speakers

Adam Bienenstock

Founder, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds Inc

"Adam is an internationally acclaimed designer, researcher, and advocate for nature-based play spaces and the founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. He champions the belief that authentic connections to nature are vital for the future of children, communities, and the planet... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Moose

Health and Wellbeing Workshop, Health and Wellbeing

11:00am MDT

Diverse Voices, Open Spaces: Storybook Adventures with Loose Parts LIMITED

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

Moose

This workshop invites participants to explore the power of storytelling in outdoor spaces, with a special focus on incorporating loose parts to deepen engagement and creativity. Grounded by the work done by Nadia Kenisha Bynoe and Angelique Thompson, we'll learn how to share stories that celebrate diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. Using stories as a starting point, participants will foster a deeper connection to nature and one another.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
-Understand the significance of using storybooks in outdoor spaces.
-Identify and challenge dominant narratives in outdoor recreation and environmentalism.
-Utilize loose parts to enhance creativity and engagement in storytelling.
-Develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and identity.

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 →

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

2:00pm MDT

Walking the Labyrinth: A Journey of Mindfulness and Wellness in Nature LIMITED

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

Moose

Join Prospect Human Services in an immersive workshop exploring the ancient practice of labyrinth walking, a powerful tool for restoring the mind-body connection, reducing stress, and fostering mindfulness. Grounded in the principles of place-based education, participants will engage with their natural surroundings as a classroom, constructing a labyrinth from locally sourced materials.

Through walking meditation, journaling, and reflection, you’ll experience the therapeutic benefits of this meditative practice while learning its history and how to adapt it for diverse contexts. Discover how physical environments shape learning and well-being and leave with practical tools to integrate mindfulness into your community or workplace.

Speakers

Marjan Akbari

Program Coordinator, Prospect Human Services

Marjan Akbari is an Art Program Coordinator with Prospect Human Services, where she has dedicated over eight years to teaching essential skills through art, outdoor activities, and community-building initiatives for individuals with developmental disabilities. Despite her academic... Read More →

Meagan McNichol

Outdoor Pursuits Program Coordinator, Prospect Human Services

Meagan McNichol (she/her) is an Outdoor Pursuits Program Coordinator working with persons with disabilities at Prospect Human Services in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) within Treaty 7 territory. Meagan spent much of her youth adventuring in Kananaskis Country, leading to an Ecotourism and... Read More →

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

Learning/teaching Indigenous games LIMITED

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

Moose

While the workshop will be centred on learning/playing Indigenous games, the foundation the session will be built on learning about the importance of protocol. Within Indigenous circles being mindful of protocol is important. Each group or nation has its own protocol for various cultural settings. In this session, participants will actively participate in learning about protocol as well as taking only what you need when it comes to harvesting from Mother Earth to create many of these games.

Speakers

Terry Lakey

Lead Teacher, Red Deer Pubic Schools

Terry Lakey has been a teacher with Red Deer Public since 1999. As well as a classroom teacher, he has spent many years developing and sharing, both with students, district staff, and provincially as well, resources connected to Indigenous peoples authentic histories, stories, and... Read More →

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

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

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025