Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

9:00am MDT

Forest Play FULL

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT

"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!"

Speakers

Megan Zeni

Teacher Consultant, Provincial Outreach Program for the Early Years (POPEY)

Megan has over 25 years’ experience as a professional K-7 classroom teacher and is a mum of 3 active teenagers. Megan is widely known for her expertise in school gardens and risky play at school, and is currently employed as a Teacher Consultant with the B.C. provincial outreach... Read More →

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 →

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am MDT
PDC (professional development centre)

Optional Field Trip