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My Journey in Outdoor Education

 

From an early age, I felt a deep connection to the outdoors. Growing up, I spent countless hours exploring the natural world with family and friends, always drawn to the adventure and curiosity it inspired in me. However, the real turning point in my journey came in high school when I was invited to join the Environmental Leadership Program at Centre Hastings Secondary School in Madoc, ON. Run by Bill Mitchell (Mitch), this four-credit, semester-long program opened my eyes to new possibilities. I volunteered with the Ministry of Natural Resources, learned how to whitewater canoe, and embarked on my first-ever canoe trip—a 13-day expedition through Algonquin Provincial Park.

That experience solidified my passion for the outdoors, and I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my career to it. I pursued a diploma in Parks and Forest Recreation, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management, both from Sir Sandford Fleming College. These programs allowed me to deepen my knowledge of nature, outdoor education, and wilderness skills, further shaping the path I would take.

After college, I began working for various adventure companies, guiding canoe trips and teaching canoeing courses across Ontario and Quebec. My journey as an instructor had actually begun years earlier—at just 16, I became an Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) Basic Canoe Instructor. From there, I continued building my skills, earning certifications as an ORCKA Canadian Style Paddling Instructor Level II and Canoe Tripping Instructor Level II. I also became a qualified Basic Canoe Instructor, Camp Canoe Instructor, and Canoe Tripping Instructor Level I Instructor Trainer. To this day, I continue instructing canoe courses and run an annual ORCKA Re-certification course.

My passion for outdoor education led me to work with several outdoor education centers, where I had the opportunity to design and lead school programs. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of curriculum-based outdoor learning and to develop engaging programs that connected students with nature. I also began facilitating professional development workshops for educators and leadership students on topics such as outdoor engagement strategies, Project WET Canada, Project WILD, Below ZERO, and Nature Journaling.

In recent years, my work has expanded further. I became a certified Nature Journaling Educator and now work part-time as the National Coordinator for Program and Delivery for Project WET Canada. I also continue to facilitate Project WILD and Below ZERO workshops through the Canadian Wildlife Federation and serve as an instructor and moderator for the Wild Wonder Foundation, helping others explore the power of nature journaling.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to experience some truly unforgettable adventures. A 17-day canoe trip on the Snake River in the Yukon stands out as one of my most incredible wilderness experiences. Equally meaningful was the opportunity to co-lead two Nature Journaling safaris in Tanzania with John (Jack) Muir Laws, blending my love of outdoor education with artistic observation and deep nature connection.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and mentors who helped shape my path. The outdoors has given me so much—adventure, knowledge, connection—and I am passionate about sharing those gifts with others. Whether through canoeing, outdoor education, or nature journaling, I strive to inspire curiosity, connection, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.