Ontario Trails Council Supports Youth ProgramsWe are pleased to announce that the OTC is assisting in the provision of youth programs in 6 different parts of Ontario this season. 3 areas are highlighted below.
Georgian Bay Biosphere - Lessons in a BackpackThe main goal of the program is to create opportunities for local teachers and students to explore their home in the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and engage in outdoor-based learning activities. To facilitate this goal, Lessons-In-A-Backpack are developed based on the Ontario curriculum guidelines using areas immediately surrounding local schools as outdoor classrooms.
The Lessons-In-A-Backpack reflect what is readily obervable in our natural environment, allowing students to have hands-on experiences with the topics covered.The Lessons-In-A-Backpack program is partnered with the Near North District School Board and is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Programs include guided hikes on the Rose Point Trail, supported by the Parry Sound Rotary Club and Seguin Township. View a 3 minute video of a local grade 9 class out on the trail: http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/videozone/812549. Here you will find lessons created for the Lessons-In-A-Backpack program - lessons that reflect the unique natural environment of our area. Please share your own lesson plans to help develop this resource base.Credit Valley Conservation
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to hold a fragile monarch butterfly, create wild art, use a pair of snowshoes to explore the wonders of winter or scout some nature trails while listening to the call of the red-winged blackbird?
Take part in
outdoor education programs that envelope the learner in all the senses of the outdoor classroom. From Soundscape Hikes to Eco Quests, these hands-on programs connect
students to the Ontario Curriculum as well as what’s happening in their backyard.
Teachers can further link their outdoor experiences with follow up in-class lessons designed to extend their learning. These full day programs take place at
Terra Cotta Conservation Area (map), in the newly renovated
Watershed Learning Centre.
Discover programs that will incite students’ curiosity and encourage hands-on, inter curricular learning, linking Science and Technology, Health & Physical Education, Arts and Language and
Social Studies in the outdoor classroom. Pre and post activities provided will complement your outdoor experience.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation AuthorityOur educational outreach programs offer unique learning opportunities to
schools and community groups within the Lake Simcoe watershed. From three-dimensional watershed models, visuals and maps to interesting hands-on activities, students and other participants learn about the importance of conserving our shared natural environment and what they can do to make a positive impact.
Scanlon Creek Field Trips - Outdoor spaces make great learning places
Located just outside Bradford, Ontario, the Outdoor Education Centre at Scanlon Creek specializes in curriculum based, outdoor education programs for
students and teachers of York Region and Simcoe County.
Visit Scanlon Creek
If you can't come to us, we'll come to you! A Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Education Specialist will come to your class or community group meeting.
Find out more about classroom visits