The Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals

A Letter From Our Director

Welcome to the Training Academy’s 2022 Year in Review. The purpose of this publication is to share foundational information about Outward Bound Canada’s Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals and to highlight the developments over the last year.2022 was a year of growth, change and connection. Not only did we launch programs in three regions across Canada and bring together a new staff team, we also deepened connection with our communities and gained new perspectives that informed our continued program development. Our work was made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada through their Sectoral Initiatives Program and the dedication of the Outward Bound Canada staff, whose passion and expertise created the foundation for this amazing initiative.Over the past three years, the outdoor sector has experienced significant disruption due to shutdowns during the pandemic, a lack of representation within the industry, high demands for outdoor recreation and the complex needs of our population. While we have made strides towards rebuilding, racial justice and equity thanks to the diligent work of many organizations, there are still barriers to entry for equity-seeking groups and a lack of relevant skills training opportunities. Our work this past year is a testament to the passion and perseverance of many dedicated staff, and yet there still remains much to do. We will continue to grow and connect with Indigenous, Black and Leaders of Colour in order to invest in the change needed until we are all sustained and thriving as a collective outdoor sector.

In gratitude and community,
Josephine Baran

A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Training Academy is an initiative of Outward Bound Canada that was created to address the representation gap within the outdoor sector and provide exceptional training to outdoor leaders. This fully funded program provides technical skill development to grow social and emotional competencies so that Canada’s next generation of outdoor leaders can respond to the evolving needs of Canada’s diverse population.Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives program as an investment in the outdoor sector’s economic recovery, this innovative and exciting program is offered nationwide.

DIVERSITY AT OUR CORE

At the heart of all our programs is a foundation of equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create accessibility for equity-seeking groups and create programming that is inclusive.

About The Training Academy

Mission, Vision, Values

OUR MISSION:
HOW WE CREATE THE FUTURE

We deliver comprehensive, inclusive and equitable training, nationally, through an innovative combination of experiential workshops, outdoor journeys and virtual training that aims to address the skill gaps in the outdoor sector.

OUR VISION:
WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE

We envision a diverse and vibrant outdoor industry that offers exciting opportunities for Canada’s next generation of outdoor leaders.

OUR VALUES:
HOW WE WORK

A small but mighty team, the Training Academy team is built on the following principles:

We are all adventurers. We embrace the unknown and challenges in our work and lives. We dare to learn and to try something new.
Diversity is at the heart of what we do. Diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it’s how we grow. Whether through a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, opinions or views, diversity is how we will build a thriving organization and outdoor sector.

Be curious and seek to understand. We consider and actively explore diverse perspectives. Only from a place of shared understanding can we care for each other and the world around us.
Channel courage in all we do. We think big, speak up and are empowered to act. Whether it’s the courage to share a new idea or to have a difficult conversation, we embrace our vulnerability and cultivate everyday bravery.
Trust is built everyday. We consistently build trust through every interaction; conducting ourselves in an open, professional and honest manner. We accept responsibility and quickly correct mistakes because trust is built through both our successes and our failures.

HELP ME OUT

In Help Me Out: How Outdoor Education Impacts and Empowers Youth to Thrive, Outward Bound Canada highlighted research on how outdoor experiential learning can help youth to build resilience and social-emotional skills to allow them to embrace challenges, recover from setbacks, maintain a positive outlook, and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow with confidence.

Read Now

BIPOC OUTSIDE

Josephine Baran, Director of the Training Academy, sat down with Kris Cromwell, the host of the BIPoC Outside Podcast to chat about barriers to the outdoors both recreationally and as a career path; an increase in eco-anxiety; and how the Training Academy is working to help build a thriving outdoor space for everyone. Listen to Episode 7: Building Tomorrow's Leaders for the full conversation.

Listen Now (Spotify)