Discover Outdoor Ways of Learning & sharing
O.W.L.S.
A professional development opportunity for educators to increase capacity for outdoor learning in schools.
Discover Outdoor Ways of Learning & sharing
O.W.L.S.
A professional development opportunity for educators to increase capacity for outdoor learning in schools.
What is OWLS
O.W.L.S. stands for Outdoor Ways of Learning & Sharing. Launched in 2019, the program is a partnership between the Near North District School Board, Nipissing Parry Sound Public Health Unit, and the Canadian Ecology Centre.
OWLS is both a student program and a professional development opportunity for educators. Teachers are supported in creating safe, experiential, curriculum-linked, and inquiry-based lessons that flow naturally between outdoor and indoor learning. By co-planning and co-facilitating with educators, OWLS builds teacher confidence and capacity for innovative, creative teaching practices.
For students, OWLS focuses on social and emotional growth, while also expanding skills in inquiry, self-regulation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The program began with JK–Grade 3 students and has now expanded to all grades across all four local school boards.
Program Goals
Support Social & Emotional Growth
Development of Leadership & Teambuilding Opportunities
Promote Environmental Stewardship
Fostering Resiliency, Responsibility & Adaptability
The Vision...
Curriculum Links
Literacy & math
Outdoor Learning
Schoolyards & nearby nature
Bridge Spaces
Indoors ↔ Outdoors
Resiliency
All seasons, all weather
Inquiry
Meaningful for all ages
Assessment
Tools & strategies outdoors
Resources
Ongoing support for teachers
Safety
Risk assessment strategies
Professional Growth
Networking & development
OWLS Main Intentions
Explore
Explore new and different ways to engage students in the outdoor and experiential learning environment.
Help & Support
Help and support the curriculum and assessment expectations in a variety of subject areas (based on teacher and student needs)
Discover
Discover connections and relationships between the learning that takes place in both the outdoor and indoor learning environment.
Observe
Observe and acknowledge the emergent learning of students as they participate in inquiry/exploration based activities.
OWLS is for Everyone!
How can we help?
Risk, Safety & Policies
Safety is our top priority in all outdoor learning experiences.
By combining safe outdoor learning practices with effective outdoor classroom management, students develop resilience, self-regulation, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
OWLS facilitators also collaborate with teachers to create schoolyard risk assessment plans that align with each school’s outdoor policies.
ELK/Primary/Junior
Curriculum-Based
Outdoor learning & assessments
Social & Emotional Growth
Supporting students’ well-being
Inquiry & Play
Discovering emergent learning
Math & Literacy Skills
Hands-on, real-world practice
Cross-Curricular Connections
Integrating multiple subjects
Intermediate/High School
Curriculum-Based
Meaningful outdoor learning experiences
STEAM Connections
Science, technology, engineering, arts & math
Creative Assessment & Projects
Hands-on, project-based learning
Critical Thinking Skills
Problem-solving and reasoning
Real-World Applications
Links to careers and workplace skills
Cross-Curricular Connections
Integrating multiple subjects
French & English Available
OWLS programs are available in both French & English.
OWLS facilitators can deliver outdoor learning experiences in French to support:
French school boards,
French Immersion programs,
and bilingual classrooms.
This ensures all students can engage meaningfully while strengthening language skills in authentic, real-world contexts.
From Our Participants
My experience with the OWLS program has changed my way of planning. Now I ask myself, “How can I create an outdoor learning experience that connects with the big ideas I am teaching in class?”
The students were soooo excited about playing outside in rain. It’s funny because we NEVER get the opportunity to do this. Whenever there is rain, recess is usually cancelled and when we are at home we often don’t go outside (especially to play). So, they were extremely excited.
Student who do not participate actively inside the classroom were more involved with their learning during the outdoor sessions.
Post session, students were calmer and more balanced. They were able to work through problems instead of blowing up in the classroom.
OWLS Program Options
Which one is right for you?
OWLS Mentor
Teacher Mentorship Program
Professional development to grow your outdoor teaching skills!
Designed to help create ongoing, meaningful outdoor learning experiences, this mentorship program helps educators integrate curriculum and assessment connections seamlessly into their lessons.
This is ideal for teachers who are new to outdoor learning—or those looking to expand their pedagogy—participants receive guidance, resources, and hands-on support to confidently bring outdoor education into their classrooms.
OWLS Discover
Outreach/Preview Program
Experience OWLS in action!
Get a firsthand preview of the OWLS experience.
Educators can observe our facilitators delivering engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor lessons, gain insight into hands-on, inquiry-based learning strategies and see how outdoor education can be seamlessly integrated into their classroom practice.
Choose from a list of preset lesson plans
OWLS Custom
Custom OWLS program
Each school or teacher may have unique needs that don’t fit our standard OWLS programs.
Our custom “A-la-Carte” option allows us to design a tailored program to meet the specific goals of individual schools or boards.
This flexible approach ensures meaningful, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences for every setting.
Including those outside our regional area.
Program Overview/Pricing
Develop meaningful outdoor learning experiences with hands-on guidance, practical resources, and strategies to connect curriculum and assessments.
This mentorship empowers teachers to confidently bring engaging, inquiry-based experiences to their students.
In person sessions: Five sessions (approximately 1–2 hours each) are delivered by an OWLS facilitator. Facilitators collaborate with participating teachers to integrate curriculum connections (based on current in class curriculum focus) into engaging outdoor lessons. A mentorship teacher must be present for each session.
Intro & Risk Assessment:The OWLS facilitator will meet with the teacher and administration (virtually or in person) prior to the 5 sessions to review the program and discuss their unique needs and site. This will include guidance on a site risk assessment.
Mentorship Pricing:
- Full Program: $2,500 + HST
- 5 classroom sessions
- Access to OWLS lesson plans (BONUS: Outdoor Learning Kits)
- Add a Teacher: $1,500 + HST /additional teacher
- Maximum 3 teachers per day
- attend on the same day All teachers must be from the same school and attend on the same day
Get a firsthand preview of the OWLS experience.
Observe our facilitators delivering engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor lessons and discover how to bring hands-on, inquiry-based learning into the classroom.
Program: 1 session (30 min – 1 hr) delivered by our OWLS facilitators. Teachers choose from a list of preset grade specific lessons linked to literacy, math and science (list coming soon).
Discover Pricing:
- 1 Class: $350 + HST
- Session Length: 30–60 minutes
- Add a Class: $150 + HST/additional class
- Maximum 3 classes per day
- All classes must be in the same school and occur on the same day.
Tailor an OWLS program to fit your school or board’s unique needs. Flexible, curriculum-linked outdoor learning experiences can be designed for any setting—even outside our regional area.
Contact us to discuss how OWLS can support you!
Our Facilitators
OWLS facilitators are qualified educators with extensive experience in outdoor and environmental education.
Many hold additional training in Early Childhood Education, Forest School practices, Wilderness First Aid, and risk management.
With diverse teaching backgrounds from JK to Grade 12, our team works collaboratively with educators to create safe, meaningful outdoor learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
OWLS Resources
Browse through and download lessons we have used in our OWLS programs.
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit supported the evaluation of the pilot program during the school year for all four of our local school boards.
Browse through activity ideas, OWLS news stories, and the NNDSB Administrative Guideline on Outdoor Learning
Conferences
Sharing OWLS with the education community
PHE Canada: Healthy Schools Forum
2023
Ottawa, ON
Exploring how bringing learning outside helps build resilient school communities.
Presenters:
- Coral Bissett (CEC)
- Heather Dabrowski (NNDSB)
- Eileen Berwick (NPSC)
- Josee Bisson (NPSDHU)
OHSC: Ontario Healthy Schools Conference
2023
Ajax, ON
OWLS: A collaboration to bring learning outside to build resilient school communities.
Presenters:
- Coral Bissett (CEC)
- Heather Dabrowski (NNDSB)
- Eileen Berwick (NPSC)
- Josee Bisson (NPSDHU)
Outdoor Play Canada: Breath of Fresh Air Summit
2025
Ottawa, ON
OWLS: A collaboration to bring learning outside to build resilient school communities in Northeastern Ontario.
Presenters:
- Coral Bissett (CEC)
- Heather Dabrowski (NNDSB)
- Eileen Berwick (NPSC)
- Josee Bisson (NPSDHU)
Join OWLS Today!
Discover the transformative Outdoor Ways of Learning & Sharing (OWLS) Program. Deepen your connection with nature and enhance your teaching toolkit through hands-on, experiential learning. Join OWLS today to bring the outdoors into your classroom and enrich student learning.
Email: education@canadianecology.ca
Join OWLS Today!
Discover the transformative Outdoor Ways of Learning & Sharing (OWLS) Program. Deepen your connection with nature and enhance your teaching toolkit through hands-on, experiential learning. Join OWLS today to bring the outdoors into your classroom and enrich student learning.