In all seasons, member organizations of the Outdoor Education Council of Ottawa deliver quality Outdoor Education programs providing children with valuable knowledge and life experiences. Outdoor Education programs are aligned with the Ontario curriculum, can be customized to meet the needs of different age groups, and deepen students’ understanding of the natural environment. An exciting array of hands-on learning opportunities awaits!
Award-winning sites and educators
Formal Outdoor Education programs started in the Ottawa area with the opening of the MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre in 1967. For the centre’s long-standing contributions to the promotion and development of Outdoor Education, both the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (COEO) and the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) recognized MacSkimming, as well as the Bill Mason Centre, with achievement awards in 2007. COEO also presented Baxter Conservation Area manager Peter Goddard with an award in 2007 for his outstanding commitment to the development of leadership qualities in Ontario youth through Outdoor Education. In 2008, OECO coordinator, Diane Beckett was the co-recipient of COEO’s Robin Dennis Award for her outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of outdoor education in the province.
Building Canadian identity and environmental stewardship
Canada’s history is intricately linked to our natural environment. Hands-on learning at Outdoor Education centres provides a real-life context for the Canadian experience and extends vocabulary for new Canadians. Connecting to Canada’s natural surroundings deepens students’ Canadian identity, sense of belonging, and concern for the environment.
Developing leadership and team-building skills
Promoting personal growth and group development are some of the major outcomes of Outdoor Education programs. Climbing walls and low-ropes and high-ropes courses at Bonnenfant and MacSkimming are instrumental to self-discovery and character education.
Making history relevant and real
With the Pioneer Village, comprised of relocated 1880s-era buildings including a schoolhouse, a two-storey log house, six sleeping cabins, a sugar shanty, and a village inn, Canadian history comes alive at MacSkimming.
Reaching children with special needs
The multi-sensory approach of Outdoor Education makes learning more fun and meaningful for the child with special needs. In addition, many of the Ottawa-area Outdoor Education centres, including Baxter, Bill Mason and MacSkimming, have boardwalks and gravel trails and may be equipped with specialized all-terrain wheelchairs.
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
Baxter Conservation Area brings the Ontario science curriculum on renewable energy into the hands of students with its Energy Trail, featuring on-site photovoltaic electricity generation, geothermal heating and cooling, and bilingual signage. Mill of Kintail Conservation Area’s Climate Change Program exposes students to environmental themes of water and energy conservation, food systems, consumer awareness, and global citizenship.
Water Fun and Safety
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area and Baxter Conservation Area allow children to explore the wonders of our water resources, learn about water stewardship, and understand important safety lessons through water festivals and spring water awareness programs.
Links to First Nations
Using First Nations historical artifacts to explain the history of maple syrup, South Nation Conservation offers children and adults a unique learning experience that explores maple sugaring from Aboriginal times to today.
Community Access and Facility Rentals
Many of the Outdoor Education centres offer community programs and have extensive facilities available for single and multi-day event rental. Community organizations, corporations, and school groups will discover a wide array of natural beauty, fun, and learning at Ottawa-area Outdoor Education centres.
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