2023 Year In Review
Outdoor SectorConferences
In 2023, we hosted a series of events, shared our expertise and presented our findings to a diverse audience in support of increasing capacity within the outdoor sector. A few examples included:
Breaking Down Barriers:The Adventures of Mario Rigby
Truth and Decolonization:Discussion Panel
This panel featured various Indigenous and Metis knowledge keepers speaking on the topic Truth and Decolonization; highlighting their experiences and perspectives as it relates to Truth and Reconciliation.
Training Academy staff presented findings and best practices at various conferences, including: the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario's “Make Peace with Winter” conference, the Association for Experiential Education 51st International Conference, BC Camps Association Conference and Power to Be Summit.
The Training Academy hosted eco-explorer and outdoor adventure pioneer, Mario Ribgy, as he shared his experience in pushing boundaries and promoting social and environmental justice through the power of exploration and storytelling.
Ask the ExpertsWebinar Series
To help further enrich the educational experience of both our participants and the wider outdoor sector as a whole, as well as establish deeper relationships within the sector, the Training Academy developed the following:
Exploring various industry relevant topics, learn tips and best practices from our Training Academy experts. The full series can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Career Pathways in the OutdoorsVideo Series
To help guide the way for future outdoor leaders, we compiled a series of videos exploring various Career Pathways that one might take in the outdoors. Watch the full video series by clicking HERE.
Partnerships:Building Connection In Community
If outdoor education has taught us one thing, it's that we are always stronger when we work together. What's more, when we work together in nature, we are able to discover our best selves. In 2023 we partnered with organizations at a national and grassroots level to learn from each other’s experiences, respond with strength and agility to the sector’s needs, and leverage resources to achieve our shared goal: increasing accessibility within and strengthening the outdoor sector as a whole. A rising the tide to help lift all ships. In 2024, we will continue to focus on deepening and growing our partnerships and collaborate on projects such as accessible training for diverse needs, climate resilience labs, specialty training and much more!
We bring the lessons of the past year into the new as we affirm our commitment to accessible training to create a vibrant and diverse outdoor sector. 2023 was a year of exponential growth for the Training Academy. We saw nearly seven times the number of unique participants take part in some aspect of our programming compared to 2022. We’re proud of the steps we’ve taken so far to operationalize our values, and we recognize that there is much more discovery and work to be done. We strive for transparency and a deep sense of responsibility in all we do.
"2023 was a year of exponential growth for the Training Academy."
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
2023 was a challenging year for many Canadians; rising costs caused financial strain for many households, increased demand for social support delivered through charities, global unrest and devastating wildfires. Climate impacts are in everyone’s backyard; whether it’s extreme weather events, impacts to wildlife, drought, or wildfire, Outward Bound Canada is seeing these impacts in every region we live and recreate. The crises are immense and interconnected.
As we move into 2024, Outward Bound Canada will deliver a series of Climate Social Innovation Labs to address how do we proactively build resilience in advance of the existential threat that climate change is posing for the outdoor sector. We are increasing the number of certifications and delivering programming in collaboration with communities to build equitable access. We are also centring voices that are not traditionally represented within the outdoor narrative and publishing “Diverse Voices in the Outdoors: An Anthology.” We will also deliver programming to over 400 participants, with the intent to strengthen Canada’s outdoor and tourism sector.
"Climate impacts are in everyone’s backyard; whether it’s extreme weather events, impacts to wildlife, drought, or wildfire, Outward Bound Canada is seeing these impacts in every region we live and recreate."
How-ToVideo Series
CertificationsFully Funded
The Training Academy has partnered with various organizations to deliver and develop industry relevant certifications to support individuals with their career development. This includes Outdoor Council of Canada, Paddle Canada, Interpretive Guides Association, Sea Kayak Guide Alliance of BC, Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Mental Health First Aid, Nipissing University micro-credentials and National Outdoor Leadership School Risk Management Training. View our certification offerings by clicking HERE.
A collection of video tutorials to help support individuals who are new to the outdoor sector. The list of topics range from what items to pack, to technical skills (knot tying and tarp set up), to the various layering materials for appropriately dressing while out on your own adventure. Watch the full video series by clicking HERE.
PARTICIPANT HIGHLIGHTS
59% of participants are age 15-30
34% of participants are age 31-54
61% of participants were employed prior to the start of the program
18% of our participants were employed in the outdoor sector prior to the start of the program
90% of our participants report they are employed after completing the Training Academy
PARTICIPANTS' FUTURE GOALS
“Becoming a change agent.”
“Helping underprivileged youth experience the outdoors.”
“Becoming an inclusive instructor/guide.”
“Taking what was learned and applying it to other jobs/industries.”
