2024 Year In Review
Changing the Face of the Outdoorswith James Edward Mills
In 2024, 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:
Climate SocialInnovation Labs
Diverse VoicesVolume 2
In Volume 2 of Diverse Voices in the Outdoors: An Anthology, we are proud to provide a platform and opportunity for those not traditionally heard from within the outdoor industry to share their stories in their own words about their experiences within the outdoors.
On October 9, 2024, the Training Academy hosted National Geographic Explorer, author, and freelance journalist, James Edward Mills, where he discussed the progress made towards closing the Adventure Gap and the work that still lies ahead!
In May, the Training Academy hosted a series of Climate Social Innovation Labs across Canada, asking the question: “how can the outdoor sector manage and mitigate the effects and impacts of climate change for an adaptable and more resilient industry?”
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 and sharing 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
Collaboration is at the heart of outdoor education. While the outdoor sector represents diverse interests, our collective power resides in a community of stakeholders committed to the inherent value of connecting people to wilderness spaces. Outward Bound Canada remains dedicated to partnerships with both national and grassroots organizations to facilitate mutual learning, bolster shared resilience, and improve accessibility within the industry, thereby ensuring all Canadians have the opportunity to engage with the outdoors.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
During the third year of the Training Academy, not only did we plan to deliver programming to over 600 people, we also wanted to spark conversations and create meaningful impact within the sector as a whole.
We began with our Climate Social Innovation Labs, held in Halifax, Vancouver, and Toronto, which brought together over 60 organizations from across Canada asking the question: “how can the outdoor sector manage and mitigate the effects and impacts of climate change for an adaptable and more resilient industry?” The goal of this event was to be a catalyst for connection, capacity and capability. To adequately mitigate the risk for the outdoor sector, there is a need for a coordinated approach, research, capacity building and skills development to reduce the risk and impact of climate change. This event was a starting point for those conversations.
Following the Climate Social Innovation Labs, we hosted National Geographic Explorer, author, and freelance journalist, James Edward Mills for a virtual discussion to help highlight inequality seen within the outdoor sector. Though much progress has been made over time to diversify the sector, there is still work to be done in what Mills has termed the “Adventure Gap”. His discussion helped to not only highlight the issue, but it also sparked conversations on how further shrink this gap with the aim of making the outdoors more accessible.
We also released the second volume of our Diverse Voices in the Outdoors: An Anthology, which sought to provide a platform for those not typically heard from within the outdoor community. Featuring literary works from those currently working in the outdoor sector, Volume 2 of the Anthology broadens readers’ perspectives through a diverse array of lived experiences, each told from the author's personal point of view.
Despite being finished with our work under this current iteration of the Training Academy, it is our hope to continue this work in whatever form the Training Academy takes on next, and we know that the work we have completed thus far will have a lasting impact on not only the sector, but the lives of our participants for generations to come.
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 the 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 the National Outdoor Leadership School Risk Management Training.
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.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
In partnership with Power To Be, we developed an Adaptive Foundations Program which focused on providing our Foundations curriculum to persons living with disabilities. This 5-day program supported folks living with diverse needs, learning styles, and abilities in accessing outdoor recreation and education with a focus on kayaking, hiking and outdoor facilitation skills development.
CERTIFICATIONS
We offered a wide variety of certifications including three custom micro-credentials offered through Nipising University. Some examples include: Paddle Canada and Sea Kayak; Wilderness First Aid; Assistant Interpretive Guide; Mental Health First Aid; Leave no Trace; and NOLS Risk Management.
