The Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals
"Welcome to the Training Academy’s 2023 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.
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the collective journey we have embarked upon—a journey marked by curiosity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our outdoor community.
Together, we have launched multiple opportunities for growth and learning. Our endeavours, from launching fully funded technical certifications, Nipissing University micro-credentials, a Truth and Reconciliation panel and the massive expansion of our training program for both new and experienced outdoor professionals, has strengthened our connection and impact within the outdoor sector. Our 2023 plan, shaped by your feedback and collaborative efforts, aimed to address the immediate needs of our sector while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
As we enter our final year under our current funding model, the 2024 plan reflects our dedication to affordable training, advocacy, and the vital task of knowledge sharing—each element a cornerstone to empower the outdoor community we serve.
I warmly invite you to delve into the impact stories we've prepared in this report, each narrative a testament to the strength and resilience of our sector. These stories not only highlight the remarkable achievements of the past year, but also illuminate the path forward; showcasing the profound difference we can make together. Thank you to the Government of Canada for funding this program, and to our partners, volunteers, and staff for their hard work, passion and diligence. The work that we do is work that we do together."
In gratitude and community,Josephine Baran
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
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.
OUR MISSIONHOW 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 VISIONWHAT 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 VALUESHOW 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.
Launched in 2022 as an initiative of Outward Bound Canada, the Training Academy was created to address the representation gap within the outdoor sector while also providing technical skill development and growing social and emotional competencies so that Canada’s next generation of Outdoor Leaders can respond to the evolving needs of Canada’s diverse population.
Our program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program as an investment in the outdoor sector’s economic recovery.
