The member organizations of the Outdoor Education Council of Ottawa are innovators and pioneers in the field of Outdoor Education. MacSkimming was established by the former Ottawa Board of Education in 1967 and was one of the first Outdoor Education centres in North America. The Y’s Bonnenfant Outdoor Centre has been in existence for more than 100 years, initially as a residential camp and more recently as an Outdoor Centre. It has been at its current location since 1947. The three conservation authorities serving the Ottawa area also have a long history in delivering Outdoor Education programs. Their first Outdoor Education centre was established at Baxter Conservation Area more than 30 years ago. Friends of Lasting Outdoor Education was instrumental in creating the OECO. It is a volunteer-led, community-based organization that coordinates public support for the Ottawa-Carleton
District School Board’s Outdoor Education centres.
The Outdoor Education Council of Ottawa was launched in late 2005. In 2006, a coordinator was hired to implement OECO’s initial work plan. The plan focuses on partnership development, sustainability and accessibility of the centres and their programs, and public awareness about the value of Outdoor Education. The TD Financial Group and the Province of Ontario are gratefully acknowledged in assisting this initial phase.
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