Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

11:00am MDT

Relationship with Land, Truth and Reconciliation LIMITED

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

Going outside is an act of reconciliation and ignites a passion to advocate for Mother Earth. Join us for an experience that will deepen our relationships with land, truth, stories and reconciliation. Adrian Alphonso and Lise Brown have developed a model for outdoor educators call "The Seven Relationships of an Ethical Forest and Nature School in Kanata" that has guided their work in Treaty 1 and has also been adopted by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada to guide their Forest and Nature School Practitioners Course. After spending time on the land in a recent workshop, a learner said "[This was] not only practical but profound personal and professional development. It was so much more than just learning about Forest School, it was about reconciliation" (Learner in wînipêk, 2024). This workshop will be outdoors, experiential, fun and meaningful. It will hold space for you as a learner, no matter where you are in your relationship with land, truth and reconciliation.

Speakers

Lise Brown

Momenta Inc.

Lise Brown (she/her), Facilitator and Co-Founder of Momenta Inc. (2006). Lise began her career at camps in Manitoba as an outdoor educator and guide. Lise completed a Bachelor of Recreation in 2001, a Master of Social Work in 2007 at the University of Manitoba, and the Forest School... Read More →

Adrian Alphonso

Momenta Inc.

Adrian Alphonso is from Anishinaabe and Guyanese parents and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Adrian is passionate about Indigenous perspectives in tourism and storytelling. He is a bicycle knowledge holder, Truth & Reconciliation Facilitator and Experiential Educator. Adrian... Read More →

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

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

2:00pm MDT

An exploration of how Celtic wisdom and nature connection can promote well-being on a personal and collective level. LIMITED

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

Racoon

The workshop will be an intimate nature-based experience, where participants will explore spiritual, emotional and metaphorical connections. Informed by ancient Celtic wisdom, this immersive experience will guide participants on a journey that promotes well-being by incorporating the ancient wisdom of the Celtic Trinity Knot, indigenous Irish craft skills and nature connectedness activities that foster mindful practice. The journey aims to generate an interconnectedness with the past, present and future. The workshop will use a holistic approach to create a sense of purpose in the individual through Celtic wisdom, the Irish language and the arts.

Speakers

Niamh Oliver

Student, Atlantic Technological University - Mayo Campus

Niamh Oliver is a student on the MSc in Outdoor Education Sustainability and Well-being in ATU. She works within the youth work sector and has a deep connection to rural communities and Celtic traditions. Raised in a farming family, Niamh has cultivated a keen interest in Irish folklore... Read More →

Peter Walsh

Student., Atlantic Technological University, Castlebar Campus, Mayo, Ireland

I have worked as an Outdoor Instructor for over 20 years in the west of Ireland. I have recently started a Masters in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Well-being.

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

Health and Wellbeing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

Nature-based learning and risky play in a public school setting FILLING

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

Racoon

Join Sylvie for an engaging and interactive session focused on the benefits of nature-based risky play. Through an active session that includes exploring natural environments and sample materials, participants will gain insights and examine practical strategies to bring risky play into any public school outdoor classroom. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss their own experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges in implementing these practices in various settings.

Speakers

Sylvie Tissandier

Edmonton Public School Board

Sylvie Tissandier is a certified Forest and Nature School practitioner and teacher in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a nature play and forest school program in an urban K-3 public school. With a passion for fostering students' connection to nature, Sylvie offers opportunities... Read More →

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

Health and Wellbeing 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

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025