Free Virtual Workshops

Free Outdoor Learning Seasonal Virtual Workshops!

Offered in partnership with Take Me Outside and our Outdoor Learning Partners!

  • Registration is FREE and there will be plenty of draw prizes for attendees!
  • All registrants will receive a discount code to access outdoor learning resources when they register
  • All Virtual Workshops are 60 minutes and will take place at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern
  • For those who can’t attend live these will each be recorded and all registrants will be emailed with the link to the recording
  • Following the workshop, participants will receive a link to access a Certificate of Attendance
Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching TEENS

Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching TEENS

September, 17th 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (60 Minutes)

With Award-winning Indigenous Authors Monique Gray Smith and Richard Van Camp

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Join two award-winning Indigenous voices who will share their stories on Reconciliation and Land-based Learning. Monique and Richard will share about their offerings ‘The Journey Forward’ and ‘Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults, and offer guidance on these and other resources for land-based learning and reconciliation with teens.

Monique Gray Smith is Cree and Scottish, a proud mom of twins, an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant. She adapted the best-selling book, Braiding Sweetgrass, to a youth audience: Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. Monique’s books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

Richard Van Camp is a recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories and proud Tłı̨chǫ Dene from Fort Smith, NWT. He is the author of 28 books in 28 years. He is also a storyteller, professor and film producer.

All registrants will be entered to win some great draw prizes! All registrants will receive a discount code to access the resources shared, the recording, and a link to access a Certificate of Attendance.

Resources to support teens in their reconciliation journey:  
Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching CHILDREN

Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching CHILDREN

September, 24th 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (60 Minutes)

With a diverse group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Educators and Authors

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Join an incredible group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators and authors as they share resources to teach children about Land-based Learning and Reconciliation. 

All registrants will be entered to win some great draw prizes! All registrants will receive a discount code to access the shared resources, the recording, and a link to access a Certificate of Attendance.
 
  • Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall is from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation, Eskasoni First Nation in Unama'ki-Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Co-author of Walking Together and a fluent speaker of Mi'kmaw, he has brought forth the concept of Etuaptmumk / Two-Eyed Seeing which honors the strengths of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing for the benefit of all.
  • Louise Zimanyi, is a non-Indigenous Ally, professor and co-author of Walking Together. She is co-learning from and with the Land and wise teachers, co-transforming early childhood pedagogy and practice.
  • Willie Poll is a proud Métis who has spent the last ten years working in Indigenous education. She is very passionate about supporting Indigenous youth to reach their dreams and reclaim their power. Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat as One is her first book.
  • Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, non-Indigenous Ally and author of Heart of a River, explores the intersection of landscape, history, and human imagination through her writing, maps, and visual notebooks, with a focus on Indigenous culture and the significance of water.
  • Ariana Roundpoint, a Mohawk children's author and the co-author of Sila and the Land , helps school boards deepen their understanding of culture and art from an Indigenous perspective.
  • Rachel Vander Veen, non-Indigenous Ally and author or the Land Outside my Window, has spent many years advocating the benefits and joys of reading and more recently, giving children the opportunity to connect to the Land. These days, you will find her out exploring and learning with the Bushkids!
This panel will feature authors and creators of excellent children's resources such as: 
How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention

How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention

October, 1st 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (60 Minutes)

With renowned Educator and Author, John (Jack) Muir Laws

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There is no computer program that can replicate the richness of seeing a flower up close, the intrigue of making friends with bugs, or the calm of laying on your back and watching clouds. The key to developing a closer connection with nature is deliberately enhancing your powers of observation and wonder. 

Join us to learn how the methods of nature journaling help learners notice more, be actively curious and remember what they discovered. A nature journal is a lens that focuses our attention and crystalizes our observations, thoughts, and experiences. The system is creative, rigorous, playful, easy to begin and learn, and will offer educators opportunities to assess learning in an enjoyable way for both educator and student alike.

John (Jack) Muir Laws is a leader and innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. He is a naturalist, artist, and educator who has dedicated his work to connecting people to nature through art and science. He teaches nature study and natural history workshops that incorporate illustration and scientific note-taking as a means to greater observation, memory, and curiosity.

His work has been internationally recognized. He is a research associate of the California Academy of Sciences. He was awarded the Conservationist of the Year by the John Muir Association in 2024. He was given the 2020 Bay Nature Local Hero award for his work in environmental education. In 2009, he received the Terwilliger Environmental Award for outstanding service in Environmental Education.

John Muir Laws offers the exceptional resource How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention

Climate Connections: Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning

Climate Connections: Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning

October, 22nd 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (60 Minutes)

With 'Accelerating CCE (Climate Change Ed) in Teacher Ed'

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In partnership with TMO WEEK, learn about integrating Climate Change Ed (CCE) into your teaching practice in this virtual workshop, which offers inspiring ideas for CCE for elementary teachers and their students. It will introduce promising practices from K-8 teachers that connect CCE to socio-emotional learning, Indigenous ways of knowing, climate justice, critical hope and age-appropriate climate action.  

Offered by Hilary Inwood and Maria Vamvalis of the Accelerating CCE in Teacher Ed, which supports and accelerates Climate Change Education (CCE) in Teacher Education. Educators at all levels, from Kindergarten to higher education, are well-positioned to lead the cultural shifts needed for equitable, just and sustainable forms of living on the Earth. The ACCE-TE team supports professional learning in CCE for faculty and students in preservice teacher education programs, and for those already in the teaching profession (in-service teachers).  

We have a new section focused on Climate Change Education Resources.  

This includes great resources, like:  

 
FutureMakers: Resources to Inspire Students for Sustainability

FutureMakers: Resources to Inspire Students for Sustainability

October, 29th 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (60 Minutes)

With Wildsight Education

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Instead of messages of doom, FutureMakers provides students in grades 4 to 7 with the knowledge to design a thriving sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future and give them space to feel creative, resilient, and capable. 

Join us to learn more about the FutureMakers Program which showcases new technology and inspiring solutions that lead the way to a sustainable future. The decision-making power is put into students’ hands to inspire hope for their future, and give them space to feel creative, resilient and capable.

Offered by Wildsight Education, whose goals of their education programs are simple yet powerful: get children outside into their wild backyards in order to instil a sense of connection and place, and to give them the tools to face the challenges of sustainability with knowledge and inspiration.

We have a new section focused on Sustainability and Climate Change Education Resources 

This includes great resources, like the FutureMakers Program!
Virtual Book Launch! Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots

Virtual Book Launch! Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots

November, 5th 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (30 Minutes)

With Author and Educator Lauren MacLean

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Join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the Author and listen to an excerpt from Lauren's new exciting book 'Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots'.

Building on her popular work around sit spots this resource will really help you to develop your sit spot practice, that offers cross curricular and personal development learning each and every time.

There will be an opportunity for short Q&A with the author as time allows.

All registrants will be entered to win a copy of the book! All registrants will receive a discount code to access the resources shared and the recording. Order the book now:
Virtual Book Launch! Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom

Virtual Book Launch! Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom

November, 19th 2024 - 4:00 PM Pacific / 7:00 PM Eastern (30 Minutes)

With Authors and Educators Launa Purcell and Carl Sam

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Join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the authors, Launa Purcell and Carl Sam, and listen to the Whispers of the Earth. Experience learning from many of our other relatives and experiencing Indigenous language and wisdom as you journey through this beautiful book.

Launa is a member of the Xa’xtsa First Nation and a mother of two. Launa works as an Indigenous Educator and teaches Indigenous outdoor camps.

Carl Sam is "Ha7li" of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St'at'icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish.

There will be an opportunity for short Q&A with the authors as time allows.

All registrants will be entered to win a copy of the book! All registrants will receive a discount code to access the resources shared and the recording.

Order the book now:

Some feedback we've received:

  • “Thank you so much for all of the professional learning sessions — they affirmed that getting kids outside and connecting kids with place and planet is worth it!”
  • “Everyone with a thirst for knowledge should jump in here! Beginners, experts, there’s something for everyone. AND information you can take back to your students use tomorrow!”
  • “This series of workshops was a breath of fresh air! I enjoyed logging on and listening every week, it was what kept me excited to go back into the classroom the next day and try new things. I am so thankful for this series.”