Trailblazer: Oak

Welcome Trailblazers

Welcome to the Trailblazer program! We are excited to welcome you the Trailblazer program with the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship. Your participation gives you priority access to many support services to help your group on your journey. 

Pathway Landmarks are linked to the Ontario Curriculum for each grade. They include opportunities for outdoor learning and for older grades, encourage community involvement and leadership skills.

This is your dedicated portal providing all the information you’ll need to complete the program successfully. Below you’ll see how to sign up for your support services, information on submitting Landmarks and your personal outdoor activity consultant as well as details on how to submit your simple pre-and post-program surveys.

1. Trailblazer Agreement
3. Your Outdoor Activity Consultant
2. Trailblazer Steps, Rewards + Icons
4. Pre and Post Survey Link
5. How to Submit a Landmark Report

1. This Year's Community Supports for Trailblazers

Available supports may change from year to year, but here’s a sample of offerings for 2021-2022:

  • 2-3 hours of free consulting time with experienced Outdoor Activity Consultants (see below)
  • Free or subsidized programs from excellent local groups including Camp Kawartha, Think Outside (Nature Nancy), Otonabee Conservation, Farms at Work, GreenUP and the Kawartha World Issues Centre
  • Virtual zoo tours or “Adopt an Animal” with Riverview Park and Zoo for primary grades
  • Virtual nature-based music and story sessions with local musicians and storytellers
  • A budget for purchasing materials to support outdoor learning
  • Access to gardening advice and local naturalists to accompany group walks
  • Access to guidance on integrating Indigenous knowledge into your outdoor programming
  • Virtual visitors from the New Canadians’ Centre’s ‘Living Library’ to meet people from different cultures to learn their stories

Camp Kawartha

Otonabee Conservation

Tracks Youth Program

Think Outside

Discover your School’s True Nature facilitates outdoor learning experiences with outdoor educators, who design and deliver curriculum-linked outdoor programming on school grounds.

ORCA offers many wonderful programs focused on Watershed Stewardship. Staff offer curriculum-linked activities from primary through secondary grades.

TRACKS is dedicated to empowering youth to recognize the fundamental importance of both Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific knowledge for scientific exploration.

Think Outside offers on-site outdoor programmings for children of all ages. ‘Nature Nancy’s’ many workshop topics incude A Bug’s World, Park Art, Snowshoeing, and Wilderness Survival.

Riverview Park and Zoo

Kawartha World Issues Centre

EARLY YEARS RHYMING PROGRAM

Learning From The Land & Indigenous People

The ‘Adopt an Animal Program‘ allows primary students to get to know a zoo animal through weekly virtual visits with a zookeeper for 6 weeks. This opportunity allows the students to learn about biodiversity, the importance of habitat, and the needs of living things.

‘Youth as Agents of Change‘ for the 2030 Agenda is an interactive virtual youth-led
webinar workshop series designed to educate and engage high school students in the important of the
Sustainable Development Goals.

Librarian Kate Jarett brings a early years programming which provides nature and community building based rhymes, songs and stories for the very young, their care providers, as well as for JK/SK classes and their teacher.

‘Learning From the Land and Indigenous People‘ with Anishinaabe Educator, Nicole Bell, offers land-based learning for educators, children, youth, and families. The program is framed around the medicine wheel and traditional Anishinaabe cultural practice.

Paddling Puppeteer Program

There are also opportunities to work with Master Gardeners, Local Naturalists and have interactive sessions with puppeteer, Glen Caradus through his Paddling Puppeteer Program. The ” Plugging into Nature” show includes nature sing-a-long songs, a string story land acknowledgment referencing the long and continued presence of the Miichi Saagii Anishnabe. ”This show touches on nature connection, the seasons and lifecycles of local critters, the five senses, stewardship, and mental and physical wellness in children.

 

2021 Trailblazer Agreement & Community Supports

  1. Distribute the Pathway survey to staff and parents (on start-up and on completion of your participation). This is a 10-minute online survey about how connected the
    participating adults feel to the natural world. Results are anonymous.
  2. Integrate Landmark-related activities into our programs (Landmark details available on the Pathway website at pathwayproject.ca).
  3. Report Landmark-related activities to the Pathway website at least once each season.
  4. Encourage our families to participate in Landmark activities at home.

Your participation gives you priority access to Pathway support services as described below your Trailblazer agreement.

Trailblazer Agreement: Acorn

Pathway Supports for Early Years ‘Trailblazer’ Centres

This year (Sept 1, 2021 to Aug 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Trailblazer 'Acorn' Centres working with young children:

2-3 hours of consulting time with our Early Years Outdoor Activity Consultant, to share ideas with your staff for program and playspace development.

Potential to share costs for materials to facilitate outdoor discovery (e.g. plants, garden supplies, bird feeders and seed, 'loose parts' play materials); this can include materials to encourage families to get involved too (sending home garden seeds etc.). Contact us to discuss your ideas and explore how we can help.

Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. Live music, finger-game and/or storytelling session for your staff, parents or young children with Early Years educator Kate Jarrett. Kate can help you expand your repertoire of wonderful nature-based materials.

b. i. Opportunity to foster a small animal from Riverview Park and Zoo for 4 weeks – all food and equipment provided. Set-up and instructions for care provided by Zoo-keepers.

OR

ii. Participate in a 30 minute online 'Zoo Trek' to visit some of the animals at the Zoo through the year (3 visits - one each season in fall, winter and spring)

Looking for a special event for your care community? Local musician and puppeteer Glen Caradus will bring you a family-friendly nature puppet show if you can assemble a group of 30 or more.

Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your centre.

Looking for help to set up an indoor or outdoor growing space or garden? We can help you find a nearby Master Gardener.

Pathway Supports for Kindergarten Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Kindergarten classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' Schools:

2-3 hours of consulting time with an Outdoor Activity Consultant, to share ideas for program and playspace development.

Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. Live music, finger-game and/or storytelling session for your staff, parents or young children with Early Years educator Kate Jarrett. Kate can help you expand your repertoire of wonderful nature-based materials.

b. i. Foster a small animal from Riverview Park and Zoo for 4 weeks – all food and equipment provided. Set-up and instructions for care provided by Zoo-keepers

OR

ii. Participate in a 30 minute online 'Zoo Trek' to visit some of the animals at the Zoo through the year (3 visits - one each season in fall, winter and spring)

OR

Adopt a virtual classroom pet - three online visits with your pet over a two-week period (program available in winter and spring)

c. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a fabulous outdoor program in your schoolyard. Kindergarten themes include: Making ‘sense’ of nature, gnome homes, and fairy gardens.

Looking for help to set up an indoor or outdoor growing space or garden? We can help you find a nearby Master Gardener.

For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Kindergarten program themes include ‘Engaging Your Senses’ (all seasons); and ‘A Bug’s World’ (fall and spring).

Pathway Supports for Kindergarten classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools, Supports for Grades 1-4 are listed below.

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Kindergarten classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' Schools:

2-3 hours of consulting time with an Outdoor Activity Consultant, to share ideas for program and playspace development.

Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. Live music, finger-game and/or storytelling session for your staff, parents or young children with Early Years educator Kate Jarrett. Kate can help you expand your repertoire of wonderful nature-based materials.

b. i. Foster a small animal from Riverview Park and Zoo for 4 weeks – all food and equipment provided. Set-up and instructions for care provided by Zoo-keepers

OR

ii. Participate in a 30 minute online 'Zoo Trek' to visit some of the animals at the Zoo through the year (3 visits - one each season in fall, winter and spring)

OR

Adopt a virtual classroom pet - three online visits with your pet over a two-week period (program available in winter and spring)

c. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a fabulous outdoor program in your schoolyard. Kindergarten themes include: Making ‘sense’ of nature, gnome homes, and fairy gardens.

Looking for help to set up an indoor or outdoor growing space or garden? We can help you find a nearby Master Gardener.

For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Kindergarten program themes include ‘Engaging Your Senses’ (all seasons); and ‘A Bug’s World’ (fall and spring).

Pathway Supports for Grades 1 - 4 Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Grades 1 - 4 classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' Schools:

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with expert Outdoor Activity Consultants, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

3. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a curriculum-linked outdoor program in your schoolyard. Grade 1 – 4 themes include: Nests and nest making, a bug’s life, dramatized animal hikes, nature art and crafts, plants and trees, web of life, adaptations, cooperative games, Inuit, and traditional games.

b. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Program themes for Grades 1-4 include: ‘Engaging Your Senses’ (all seasons); ‘A Bug’s World’ (fall and spring); ‘Animal Babies’ (all seasons); ‘Our Feathered Friends’ (all seasons); ‘Soils – Beyond Dirt’ (fall and spring); ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ (spring); ‘Park Art’ (all seasons); ‘Snowshoeing’ (winter); ‘Homes Sweet Homes’ (all seasons); ‘Trees’ (fall and spring).

c. Grades 1-2: Adopt a virtual classroom pet with the Riverview Park and Zoo- three online visits with your pet over a two-week period (available in winter and spring).

d. Grades 3-4: Zoom and outdoor hands-on stewardship programs with Otonabee Conservation. Program theme for Grades 3-4 is ‘Watershed Explorers’ and classes will explore the many plants and animals who share our watershed. Teachers can discuss hands-on stewardship options with conservation staff.

e. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

f. Looking for help to set up a growing space or garden? We can help you find a Master gardener.

Pathway Supports for Grades 1 - 4 Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Grades 1 - 4 classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' Schools:

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with expert Outdoor Activity Consultants, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

3. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a curriculum-linked outdoor program in your schoolyard. Grade 1 – 4 themes include: Nests and nest making, a bug’s life, dramatized animal hikes, nature art and crafts, plants and trees, web of life, adaptations, cooperative games, Inuit, and traditional games.

b. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Program themes for Grades 1-4 include: ‘Engaging Your Senses’ (all seasons); ‘A Bug’s World’ (fall and spring); ‘Animal Babies’ (all seasons); ‘Our Feathered Friends’ (all seasons); ‘Soils – Beyond Dirt’ (fall and spring); ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ (spring); ‘Park Art’ (all seasons); ‘Snowshoeing’ (winter); ‘Homes Sweet Homes’ (all seasons); ‘Trees’ (fall and spring).

c. Grades 1-2: Adopt a virtual classroom pet with the Riverview Park and Zoo- three online visits with your pet over a two-week period (available in winter and spring).

d. Grades 3-4: Zoom and outdoor hands-on stewardship programs with Otonabee Conservation. Program theme for Grades 3-4 is ‘Watershed Explorers’ and classes will explore the many plants and animals who share our watershed. Teachers can discuss hands-on stewardship options with conservation staff.

e. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

f. Looking for help to set up a growing space or garden? We can help you find a Master gardener.

Pathway Supports for Grades 5 -8 Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Grades 5 - 8 classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' schools:

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with expert Outdoor Activity Consultants, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Through our TRACKS partners, we can provide guidance in contacting local Indigenous Elders and appropriate sharing of Indigenous content in outdoor programs.

3. Free access to Landmark-related training workshops (in-person or virtual) for staff and/or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers of interest to you.

4. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a curriculum-linked outdoor program in your schoolyard. Themes for grades 5 through 8 include: Endangered species, flight, alternative energy, citizen science and biodiversity.

b. A locally produced video on local fibre production for the clothing industry. This new video discusses animal care, fibre processing, land stewardship and environmental impacts of the global clothing industry. The video, produced by Farms at Work, will be followed by a live Zoom interaction with a local farmer, where students can meet the farmer and ask questions about fibre production and local farm practices.

c. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Themes for Grades 5-8 include: ‘The Outdoor World of Fibonacci’ patterns in nature (fall and spring); ‘Schoolyard Biodiversity’ (fall and spring); ‘Snowshoeing’ (winter); ‘Wilderness Survival’ (all seasons).

d. Zoom and outdoor programs with Otonabee Conservation. Grade 5-8 options include: ‘Watershed Explorers’ and ‘Water, Water Everywhere.’ Hands-on planting projects can be discussed with conservation staff.

e. A Zoom or in-person visit with a recent immigrant to Canada through the New Canadians Centre to encourage inter-cultural exchange and understanding.

f. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

Looking for help to set up a growing space or garden? We can help you find a Master gardener.

Pathway Supports for Grades 9-12 Classes

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge
supports for Grades 9 - 12 classes in participating schools:

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with an expert Outdoor Activity Consultant, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Through our TRACKS partners, we can provide guidance in contacting local Indigenous Elders and appropriate sharing of Indigenous content in outdoor programs.

3. Free access to Landmark-related training workshops (in-person or virtual) for staff and/or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers of interest to you.

4. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. Zoom and outdoor programs with Otonabee Conservation. Grade 9-12 programs focus on ‘Watershed Science and Sustainability.’ Hands-on stewardship options can be discussed with conservation staff.

b. A locally produced video on local fibre production for the clothing industry. This new video discusses animal care, fibre processing, land stewardship and environmental impacts of the global clothing industry. The video, produced by Farms at Work, will be followed by a live Zoom interaction with a local farmer, where students can meet the farmer and ask questions about fibre production and local farm practices.

c. The Kawartha World Issues Centre is offering youth-led workshops to educate and engage secondary students on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This is an important framework to centre Indigenous Knowledge and leadership in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and protect Indigenous rights through climate action.

d. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for
new teachers. Nancy is offering her snowshoeing program to secondary students this year, which includes bringing a class set of snowshoes to your school. The program also includes snowshoe games and exploring snowshoeing history and its role in local heritage.

e. A Zoom or in-person visit with a recent immigrant to Canada through the New Canadians Centre to encourage inter-cultural exchange and understanding.

f. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

g. Looking for help to set up an indoor or outdoor growing space or garden? We can help you find a nearby Master Gardener.

Pathway Supports for 4/5 Split Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools.

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Grades 1 - 4 classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' Schools are listed below: (For Grades 5-8 supports scroll down)

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with expert Outdoor Activity Consultants, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Free access to training workshops (in-person or virtual) for your staff or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers that would interest you.

3. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a curriculum-linked outdoor program in your schoolyard. Grade 1 – 4 themes include: Nests and nest making, a bug’s life, dramatized animal hikes, nature art and crafts, plants and trees, web of life, adaptations, cooperative games, Inuit, and traditional games.

b. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Program themes for Grades 1-4 include: ‘Engaging Your Senses’ (all seasons); ‘A Bug’s World’ (fall and spring); ‘Animal Babies’ (all seasons); ‘Our Feathered Friends’ (all seasons); ‘Soils – Beyond Dirt’ (fall and spring); ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’ (spring); ‘Park Art’ (all seasons); ‘Snowshoeing’ (winter); ‘Homes Sweet Homes’ (all seasons); ‘Trees’ (fall and spring).

c. Grades 1-2: Adopt a virtual classroom pet with the Riverview Park and Zoo- three online visits with your pet over a two-week period (available in winter and spring).

d. Grades 3-4: Zoom and outdoor hands-on stewardship programs with Otonabee Conservation. Program theme for Grades 3-4 is ‘Watershed Explorers’ and classes will explore the many plants and animals who share our watershed. Teachers can discuss hands-on stewardship options with conservation staff.

e. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

f. Looking for help to set up a growing space or garden? We can help you find a Master gardener.

Pathway Supports for Grades 5 -8 Classes in ‘Trailblazer’ Schools

This school year (Sept 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022), we’re pleased to offer the following free-of-charge supports for Grades 5 - 8 classes in Trailblazer 'Acorn' schools:

1. For every participating class, we can provide 2 hours of consulting time with expert Outdoor Activity Consultants, to share ideas and assist with outdoor program development.

2. Through our TRACKS partners, we can provide guidance in contacting local Indigenous Elders and appropriate sharing of Indigenous content in outdoor programs.

3. Free access to Landmark-related training workshops (in-person or virtual) for staff and/or parents. We welcome suggestions for topics and speakers of interest to you.

4. A limited number of classroom guests (let us know your preferences):

a. A visit from Camp Kawartha staff for a curriculum-linked outdoor program in your schoolyard. Themes for grades 5 through 8 include: Endangered species, flight, alternative energy, citizen science and biodiversity.

b. A locally produced video on local fibre production for the clothing industry. This new video discusses animal care, fibre processing, land stewardship and environmental impacts of the global clothing industry. The video, produced by Farms at Work, will be followed by a live Zoom interaction with a local farmer, where students can meet the farmer and ask questions about fibre production and local farm practices.

c. For teachers who haven't previously worked with 'Nature Nancy' the Pathway project will pay the full cost of one Think Outside program for new teachers. Themes for Grades 5-8 include: ‘The Outdoor World of Fibonacci’ patterns in nature (fall and spring); ‘Schoolyard Biodiversity’ (fall and spring); ‘Snowshoeing’ (winter); ‘Wilderness Survival’ (all seasons).

d. Zoom and outdoor programs with Otonabee Conservation. Grade 5-8 options include: ‘Watershed Explorers’ and ‘Water, Water Everywhere.’ Hands-on planting projects can be discussed with conservation staff.

e. A Zoom or in-person visit with a recent immigrant to Canada through the New Canadians Centre to encourage inter-cultural exchange and understanding.

f. Do you need help to identify local plants and animals? We can help you find a local naturalist to visit your class.

Looking for help to set up a growing space or garden? We can help you find a Master gardener.

How would you assess your comfort with outdoor learning for your class?

The Pathway Project will provide the following supports to Early Years Trailblazers: (please check all that interest you)

We agree to:

1. Distribute the Pathway survey to staff and parents (on start-up and on completion of your participation). This is a 10-minute online survey about how connected the participating adults feel to the natural world. Results are anonymous.

2. Integrate Landmark-related activities into our programs (Landmark details available on the Pathway website at pathwayproject.ca).

3. Report Landmark-related activities to the Pathway website at least once each season (fall, winter, spring; summer if applicable).

4. Encourage our families to participate in Landmark activities at home.

We agree to:

1. Integrate Landmark-related activities into our programs (Landmark details available on the Pathway website at pathwayproject.ca).

2. Report Landmark-related activities to the Pathway website at least once each season.

3. Encourage our students to participate in Landmark activities at home.
The following supports are available for Early Years Trailblazers:
The following supports are available for Kindergarten Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
The following supports are available for Grade 1-4 Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
The following supports are available for Kindergarten/ Grade 1 split Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
The following supports are available for Grade 5-8 Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
The following supports are available for Grade 4/5 split Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
The following supports are available for Grade 9-12 Trailblazer Classes:

* Each class will be assigned an Outdoor Activity Consultant to work with you

(Please check all of the following options that interest you)
Kindergarten Options
Additional Options for both Kindergarten and Grade 1-4:
Grade 9-12 Support Options:

Early Years: Note: Early Years Tracking Sheets, Infographics, Community Resources, Booklist and activity ideas are available to anyone in the Pathway website, under the 'Landmarks' tab > Early Years > 'Support Materials' for Early Years Landmarks

Note: Tracking Sheets for home and school, Community Resources, and activity ideas are available to anyone on the Pathway website, under the ‘Landmarks’ tab> Gr 1-2, Gr 3-4>Support Materials

Note: Community Resources and activity ideas are available to anyone on the Pathway website, under the ‘Landmarks’ tab >Gr 5-6, Gr 7-8>’Support Material’

Note: Community Resources and activity ideas are available to anyone on the Pathway website, under the ‘Landmarks’ tab >Gr 9-10, Gr 11-12>’Support Material’

Which of these Early Year Landmarks do you hope work to work on this year?
Which of these Kindergarten Landmarks do you hope work to work on this year?
Which of these Grade 1-4 Landmarks do you hope to work on this year?
Which of these Grade 5-8 Landmarks do you hope to work on this year?
Which of these Grade 9-12 Landmarks do you hope to work on this year?

Meet Your Outdoor Activity Consultant

Taking your group outdoors requires special planning, and we have the perfect people to help you build your skills and confidence.  Our four Outdoor Activity Consultants have a wealth of specialized experience from years of working outdoors with children and youth.

Our outdoor consultants can help you with program planning, finding resources, offering guidance and connecting the curriculum with outdoor learning experiences.  While they’re not intended to do programming for you, they are delighted to work with you to discover the rewards of being outdoors.

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Nancy_leftJ

NancyT@pathwayproject.ca

Greetings! I am Nancy Thomson, an Outdoor Activity Consultant with Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship. However, to many students and teachers, I am known as ‘Nature Nancy.’  When the students see me coming, they know they are in for time exploring and learning outside!  For the past 6 years, I have been running Think Outside which brings outdoor education programming to schools using local greenspace to connect people to the earth and to each other. With 25 years of Outdoor Education experience in many different settings, I look forward to sharing with teachers, parents and children to grow the important work of the Pathway team.

Hi! I’m Kelly King, a settler living in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough. With a B.A. in Indigenous Studies from Trent University and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from York University, my work has focused on Indigenous histories of place, settler responsibilities to land, and community arts practices. I’m currently the Outreach and Education Coordinator with the TRACKS Youth Program, which connects youth to traditional ecological knowledge and positive ways of engaging with the land and with each other. I’m passionate about localizing environmental perspectives and supporting people in building their relationship to the territories they call home. 

Kelly

Kelly@pathwayproject.ca

Kim

Kim@pathwayproject.ca

 
Hi! I’m Kim Dobson. I have always loved being outdoors. That luckily translated into a career for me in outdoor education for 30 years before retiring in 2019. 
Now I am excited to be an Outdoor Education Coordinator for the Pathway Project.  I’m looking forward to sharing the tips and tricks that I have learned over the past 30 years and translating that into getting even more students outside of the four walls of the classroom and developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world. I hope to help teachers discover the incredible value of using these Landmarks to create a community of caring individuals.

Hi, my name is Nancy Doherty.  As an Early Childhood Educator and a grandma, children are my passion. I have always loved the outdoors and growing up with a dad who was a Conservation Officer, our house was always full of orphaned critters.  Those early experiences helped me view the natural world with respect and awe. With our wonderful seasons in the Kawarthas, I make sure to get outside every day –  it makes me happy!  I look forward to collaborating with the Early Learning Community to develop program connections to the Pathway Landmarks.

NancyD2withname

NancyD@pathwayproject.ca

STEP 6: Discover the three Trailblazer Steps and Benefits

Benefits of Level One:

  • priority access to Pathway community supports (P.D. workshops; in-class programs; newsletters, website)
  • opportunities to share ideas with other schools/centres
  • potential for access to materials funding to support outdoor learning
  • eligibility for monthly Landmark draws
  • recognition on Pathway website; access to Level 1 icon to use on school website and
    correspondence
  • belonging to a community of educators doing important work to benefit students and the
    environment

To complete Level One:

  • surveys received from staff and parents 
  • At least one Landmark report each season
Download Trailblazer Flag
Download Transparent Logo

Benefits of Level Two:

  • access to Pathway community supports (P.D. workshops; in-class programs; newsletters, website)
  • opportunities to share ideas with other schools/centres
  • potential access to bussing subsidies to support unique outdoor learning opportunities
  • eligibility for monthly Landmark draws for teachers who continue to submit reports
  • recognition on the Pathway website
  • belonging to a community of educators doing important work to benefit students and the environment
  • access to Level 2 icon to use on school website and correspondence
  • school receives an Oak tree on completion of Level Two, as permanent recognition of their efforts and commitment

To complete Level Two:

  • all staff submit at least one Landmark report during the school year
  • staff promote the Pathway  with families and encourage them to participate
  • staff reach out to other teachers or schools to encourage participation in the Pathway project
Download Trailblazer Flag
Download Transparent Logo

Benefits of Level Three:

  • access to Pathway community supports (P.D. workshops; in-class programs;
    newsletters, website)
  • opportunities to share ideas with other schools/centres
  • eligibility for monthly Landmark draws
  • recognition on Pathway website
  • access to Level 3 icon to use on school website and correspondence
  • belonging to a community of educators doing important work to benefit students and the environment
Download Trailblazer Flag
Download Transparent Logo

Completing Your Survey

This survey is for people taking part in Pathway Project.

Before you take this survey you should know:

  • You do not have to take this survey – it is your choice.
  • The survey should take a few minutes to complete.
  • The survey will not ask for your name.
Pre-Survey Link
Post-Survey Link

How to Log Your Landmarks

 

Unsure how to submit Landmarks? Follow this step-by-step tutorial to register and report. Then, check the leaderboards, keep up to date on monthly prize winners and follow the goal tracker for project progress.

Landmarks
Submit a Landmark
Group Leaderboards & Activity Centre
Monthly Prize Draws
Follow the Goal Tracker

Classroom Support Materials