Top 10 Courses, Guides, & Resources for Summer Camps
Summer Camp is an important time for educators to weave environmental education knowledge into fun-filled days of outdoor adventure.
Here are the top 10 courses, workshops & resources for summer camps to take your learning & outdoor experience to the next level.
Courses
1. Outdoor Learning Certification Program
Learn how to integrate the outdoors into your practice using effective strategies and resources in this interactive online course! You will receive: an Outdoor Learning Certificate (upon completion), 30 hrs of Self-paced Learning through 10 Online Learning Modules, 3 live (and recorded) workshops to supplement learning… and more! Psst: you can start and finish it anytime!
2. Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoor Learning Course
Nurture the power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities by bringing knowledge to camp. Starting in October 2024, this course, Dr. Ruth Wilson & Karen Lai will share expertise and their lived experience perspective on what it means to truly offer inclusive programming!
3. 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning
Summer camps retain a rich history of individuals strengthening their connection to Land. The 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning course is an acknowledgement that authentically undertaking a personal learning journey towards Truth and Reconciliation takes more than just a day or month each year, but should be across all 4 Seasons.
Guides
This Duraguide (durable guide) provides a simplified step-by-step reference on how to tie the most popular outdoor knots! Boating, fishing, climbing and camping, your outdoor camp can foster learning about a variety of outdoor challenges.
Learn about all the connections in nature around you and understand the flora and fauna of the summer camp area. Observe flora and fauna, and use basic identification features to name your local critters!
Check out the amazing resources we carry for:
- Freshwater fishes
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Dragonflies & Damselfies
- …and more! Resources specifically for Canada and Resources specifically for the United States will help frame your learning outdoors to the place that you are exploring.
6. Skyways Book About Astronomy
Seasons, stars, solar systems – oh my! Developed by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, this hands-on guide can help you navigate the night sky. Bonus: Start with Discover the Universe – An Online Workshop Recording from Outdoor Learning Store & Partners to ground yourself before shooting for the stars.
Resources
Offered in partnership with National Geographic, with all proceeds going back into environmental education and conservation efforts, these binoculars have a 315ft field of view at 1000 yards. Spot birds, bees, mammals and trees!
View incredible worlds at incredible scales. Enough said! These handheld field magnifiers are sourced from our friends Jaye & Shelli – who understand the importance of durable materials in the outdoors. These are no match for weather, scratches, and with 3x the magnifying power, will wow campers of all ages!
Outdoor Sit Pads can greatly enhance your outdoor activities by keeping your campers dry outdoors while sitting. The Basic Sit Pads are easy to carry around and access while outside and the Enhanced Sit Pads are made out of recycled water-proof materials. While rigorously testing camp foam mats, we found these as fantastic alternatives!
Looking for a catch-all for outdoor programs at summer camp? Check out this kit that will come in a backpack made out of recycled pop bottles and this incredible pack:
- National Geographic 10x Magnification Binoculars
- Handheld Field Magnifier & Explore your World Lanyard
- Two-way Nature Viewer
- Animal Tracks & Traces Guide
- Bugs & Slugs Guide
- Pond Life Guide
- Dip Net
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As always, 100% of proceeds from The Outdoor Learning Store goes back to supporting non-profit outdoor learning initiatives.
