About The Conference

Research continues to highlight the powerful role outdoor play has in supporting children’s growth and development. The Early Years Outdoor Play Conference brings educators together for an inspiring retreat focused on adventurous play, risk-taking, outdoor programming, and strengthening connections with nature.

Over the course of 2 days, participants will take part in engaging workshops designed to support and expand their outdoor education journey, whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your practice.

Set in a breathtaking natural environment at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre in the LaCloche Foothills in Espanola, Ontario, the conference offers the perfect setting to learn, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors. Educators will leave feeling energized, confident, and equipped with practical skills and ideas to bring back to the children and communities they support.

We strive to inspire educators to develop their own connection to nature and build the skills to share meaningful outdoor experiences with the children they work with.

Educators working with Children ages 0 to 6

Early Years Professionnal
or K-3 Teacher

Educators looking for fresh ideas
and practical tips to inspire
outdoor play?

Registration – $125 per person

Friday, May 8


2 pm – Champions for Life: Champions
in Motion (optional workshop)
5:30 pm – Buffet Dinner (provided)
7 pm – Words of Welcome followed by Inspiring Keynote Speakers
8:30 pm – Fireside social

Saturday, May 9


7 am – Breakfast (provided)
7:30 am – Morning Yoga
8:30 am – Opening Ceremony
10 am – Two learning blocks with a wide selection of workshops to choose from
12:30 pm – Lunch (provided)
1:30 pm – Two learning blocks with a wide selection of workshops to choose from

Program

1 pm to 2 pm: Check in.
Pick-up your packages. Make a name tag or participate in our contribution boards. Registration open until 7:00pm

2 pm to 4 pm: Champions for Life – Champions in Motion Workshop (Optional) with Joanne Lawson
The workshop itself is a fun and well-structured experience designed for children from Kindergarten to Grade 2. It focuses on developing fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and kicking. Through inclusive games and engaging challenges, students take part in non-competitive, non-elimination activities that can easily be adapted to meet the needs of all participants.

4 pm to 5:30 pm: Time to recharge
Play Networking Bingo, Explore the grounds 

5:30 pm to 7 pm: Buffet Dinner
A buffet dinner will be provided.

7 am to 8:30 am: Breakfast
A breakfast will be provided.

7:30 am to 8:15 am: Mindful Yoga 
Mindful Yoga Outdoors with Serena Massicotte from Bliss Basement Large hall in case of rain

7 pm to 9 pm: Keynote Speakers

Jessica Lajoie – Our Children, Our Future; From Barriers to Possibilities; Making Outdoor Play Work Anywhere
What if the biggest barriers to outdoor play aren’t outside, but in how we approach it? This keynote explores how to move beyond challenges like weather, space, and materials, and instead see them as opportunities. Expect practical ideas and mindset shifts that make outdoor play doable, meaningful, and sustainable every day.

Samantha Walker & Teagan Hirsimaki – Risk for Reward: why risk and capability are key program components 
Risk for Reward looks at the definition of risk and how we put our view of capable and competent children into practice. By talking about narrow vs wide risk, heavy work, life skills, exploration, and the natural environment, we will reflect together on how it all comes together to effect children’s wellbeing.

Natalie Philippe – Public Health Sudbury & Districts & Active Sudbury; Everyday Play to Everyday Practice
This keynote highlights how physical literacy and outdoor play already live in early learning settings, and how educators can strengthen and Designed specifically for early childhood educators, the session affirms current practice while offering practical, educator‑friendly tools that support movement, inclusion, and outdoor play.
Participants will reflect on their role in fostering confident movers and explore simple ways to make everyday play visible, supported, and protected within their programs.

9 pm to 10:30 pm: Fire side Social with s’mores
Join us by the water for snacks around the firepits.
Outdoor Star Party with Hoi F. Cheu; Doran Planetarium, Director

8 am to 8:30 am: Arrival and check-in

8:30 am to 9:30 am: Welcome and opening

9:30 am to 9:50 am: Move to Session 1

Risky Play is Fun Play with Given Cortes
Supported by the Canadian Paediatric Society, risky play is increasingly being seen as integral to a child’s development and both physical and mental health. According to the CPS, risky play can “foster resilience, confidence, and physical health.” Join me as we explore and enjoy different, potentially challenging, activities across the major categories of risky play and move away from “as safe as possible” to “as safe as necessary.”

From Wonder to Words: Why Learning Works Better WILD; A nature-based pathway to language, regulation, and comprehension with J.L. Fizzell
Experience literacy the way children learn it — through attention, curiosity, and story. In this outdoor, hands-on session, educators use simple nature-based prompts to build vocabulary, narrative skills, and comprehension while supporting self-regulation. Leave with a practical planning structure adaptable from preschool through Grade 3.

Inviting the Land: How to create magical outdoor spaces using story, creatures and beginner Anishnaabemowin with Ann Cummings
Setting up a special place outdoors for stories to come to life is part of helping spark families imaginations and a joyful way to offer an invitation to play! Participants will be making simple creatures and creating play areas with a mixture of found natural items and simple loose parts with Anishnaabemowin names.

Jouer, Réfléchir, Transférer : Jeux nature pour tous les âges avec Mathieu Lambert
Cet atelier pratique vous propose de vivre une série de jeux nature conçus pour être rapides, ludiques et facilement adaptables à tout âge. À travers des expériences concrètes (comme le défi de la ‘faune invisible’), nous prendrons un temps de rétroaction entre adultes pour analyser les intentions pédagogiques et les clés de transfert vers vos propres groupes. Venez découvrir comment maximiser l’impact éducatif de vos sorties en forêt avec des outils simples, concrets et immédiatement applicables dans votre pratique.

Wellness Tipi with Elder Josh Eshkawkogan
Elder Josh Eshkawkogan is a Traditional Healer, Knowledge Keeper, Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor, Anishinaabe language speaker, orator and cultural teachings provider. He is a descendant of Chief Ozawanimiki and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, home of the Three Fires Confederacy. As a Traditional Elder, Josh specializes in providing spiritual guidance, emotional balance, grounding and well-being in helping people learn from life experiences. Join him as he shares his wisdom, and open yourself to inspiration; carrying spiritual insight into your daily work.

10:50 am to 11:15 am: Move to Session 2

Exploring active outdoor play and learning for children with disabilities through case studies with Cécile Tang and Hannah Raudssus
Through case studies, this workshop will explore how outdoor play can serve as a foundation for inclusive and resilient early learning environments. Presenters will share insights from the SPROUT-able project, and educators will be invited to dive into practical case studies. This interactive exploration will provide an opportunity for reflection and collaboration allowing educators to gain strategies, approaches, and techniques they can bring to their own early learning context.

Best Books for Bright Beginnings with Laura Luopa
Explore a curated selection of new and noteworthy children’s books for early years educators. This session will introduce titles that support early literacy, spark curiosity, and reflect diverse experiences. Participants will discover ways to incorporate books into program planning, storytimes, and everyday interactions with children. Through guided discussion and hands-on exploration, educators will gain ideas for using books to support language development, and play-based inquiry. This session will also highlight strategies for sharing books with families and caregivers, fostering a love of reading at home. Leave with fresh inspiration to use new books in engaging ways.

Roots of Empathy – Using Personification to Inspire Climate Action in Young Children with Emily Girouard
This workshop explores the power of personification, of viewing the natural world as something with human-like characteristics, as a bridge between early childhood psychology and climate stewardship. Participants will examine how young children naturally form emotional bonds with characters and living things, and how this fosters empathy for the environment. We’ll look at perspectives from developmental science, climate change research, literature, and practical early-years pedagogy to show how simple narrative techniques can help children connect deeply with the world around them.

Wellness Tipi with Elder Josh Eshkawkogan
Elder Josh Eshkawkogan is a Traditional Healer, Knowledge Keeper, Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor, Anishinaabe language speaker, orator and cultural teachings provider. He is a descendant of Chief Ozawanimiki and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, home of the Three Fires Confederacy. As a Traditional Elder, Josh specializes in providing spiritual guidance, emotional balance, grounding and well-being in helping people learn from life experiences. Join him as he shares his wisdom, and open yourself to inspiration; carrying spiritual insight into your daily work.

Lunch Time
A lunch will be provided

1:30 pm to 2:50 pm: Move to Session 3

Introduction to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) with Given Cortes – only 15 spots available; pre-register 8:00am registration table
Learn about the National Archery in the Schools Program by experiencing the coaching methods, learning about range rules, and receiving basic archery instruction from a NASP certified coach. (Yes, you do get to shoot arrows!) Let’s discuss how archery can augment a student’s learning experience in the outdoors.

Rooted & Regulated – Nurturing Neurodiversity with Nature with Jennifer Labelle
Nature is not just a backdrop for learning, it is a co-regulator, a teacher, and a bridge to belonging for neurodivergent children. In this workshop, participants will explore how intentional, nature-based programming can support self-regulation, sensory integration, and social-emotional development in children with diverse neurological profiles. Drawing on forest school pedagogy and therapeutic practice, this session offers practical strategies for creating outdoor learning environments where all children can thrive on their own terms. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how natural settings uniquely meet the needs of neurodivergent learners, along with concrete tools for adapting nature-based activities to honour each child’s sensory world, communication style, and developmental rhythm. Whether you’re an educator, ECE, therapist, or caregiver, this workshop invites you to rethink regulation; not as compliance, but as connection. The outdoor world can build confidence, joy, and a sense of accomplishment in children who learn differently.

Naming Nature; guiding children in learning to identify the world around them with Kelly Cunningham
Learn to use iNaturalist to identify plants, animals, birds, insects and even animal tracks and scat. Get children and adults involved in learning how to look for, photograph and then identify almost anything in Nature. Learning about the world around us can help foster curiosity and connection between children and the natural world.

Wellness Tipi with Elder Josh Eshkawkogan
Elder Josh Eshkawkogan is a Traditional Healer, Knowledge Keeper, Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor, Anishinaabe language speaker, orator and cultural teachings provider. He is a descendant of Chief Ozawanimiki and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, home of the Three Fires Confederacy. As a Traditional Elder, Josh specializes in providing spiritual guidance, emotional balance, grounding and well-being in helping people learn from life experiences. Join him as he shares his wisdom, and open yourself to inspiration; carrying spiritual insight into your daily work.

2:50 pm to 3:15 pm: Move to Session 4

Gear Up for Adventure: Equipping Adults and Children for Safe and Comfortable Outdoor Play with Emilie Girouard
Feeling confident outdoors in all kinds of weather is essential for expanding both your and the children’s access to nature. This workshop offers a practical, science‑informed guide to dressing for the elements with young children in mind. We’ll explore the science of how different materials work, why layering matters, what “no bad weather, only bad clothing” really means across the seasons, all through activities that can be shared with the kids later on. The session also addresses the realities of access: how to navigate conversations with families about outdoor clothing, how to support children who may not have ideal clothing. Participants will walk away with strategies, language, and knowledge that make outdoor play feel possible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Frozen Games with Thomas Kozak
Simple and short. Games that can be played almost anywhere with little to no materials and almost zero prep. Traditionally played by the Inuit and northern peoples and popularized/formalized with the Arctic Winter Games. (they’re just as good in the spring too!)

Supporting children with disabilities in active outdoor learning and play with Cécile Tang and Hannah Raudssus
This workshop will explore how outdoor play can serve as a foundation for inclusive, connected, and resilient early learning environments. Presenters will share insights from the SPROUT-able project, highlighting the importance in implementing inclusive play and learning experiences for children with disabilities. Through the sharing of practical strategies, tools, and resources, educators will leave inspired to foster inclusive outdoor play experiences for all seasons.

Wellness Tipi with Elder Josh Eshkawkogan
Elder Josh Eshkawkogan is a Traditional Healer, Knowledge Keeper, Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Conductor, Anishinaabe language speaker, orator and cultural teachings provider. He is a descendant of Chief Ozawanimiki and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, home of the Three Fires Confederacy. As a Traditional Elder, Josh specializes in providing spiritual guidance, emotional balance, grounding and well-being in helping people learn from life experiences. Join him as he shares his wisdom, and open yourself to inspiration; carrying spiritual insight into your daily work.

4:15 pm to 4:35 pm: Move to Anishinabe Spiritual Centre for closing

4:35 pm to 4:55 pm: Closing

5 pm: Bus to vehicles at Espanola Mall

ACCOMMODATIONS

For those traveling from out of town, accommodations are available for Friday night at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, with shared rooms featuring multiple beds.

Nearby lodging options:

Pinewood Moto Inn
Alta Vista Motel
Goodman’s Hotel
Clear Lake Inn
The Webbly Motel
Mohawk Motel

 

Last Year’s Conference

Testimonials

Overall, the conference was a really inspiring experience that reinforced just how important outdoor play is for young children’s growth and learning. It was motivating to be surrounded by people who share the same passion, and it reminded me how powerful even simple outdoor experiences can be. I left feeling excited, better equipped with new ideas, and more committed to making outdoor play a bigger part of my work with children. It anticipates my needs and provides solutions before I even realize I need them. It’s like having a tech-savvy companion guiding me through the digital world. Absolutely brilliant!

E.Morris

The conference definitely inspired and equipped me to bring more outdoor play strategies into my work. It gave me a deeper understanding of why outdoor experiences are so important for children’s development, and it also offered lots of practical ideas that feel realistic to try.

A.Sem
The best part of the Early Years Outdoor Play Conference was getting fresh ideas and inspiration for bringing more outdoor learning into our early childhood programs. It was great to hear from experts about why outdoor play is so important for kids’ growth and development, and even better to pick up practical tips that can actually be used day-to-day. Connecting with other educators who are just as passionate made it even more motivating. Overall, it was a great reminder of how powerful outdoor experiences can be for young children.The best part of the Early Years Outdoor Play Conference was getting fresh ideas and inspiration for bringing more outdoor learning into our early childhood programs. It was great to hear from experts about why outdoor play is so important for kids’ growth and development, and even better to pick up practical tips that can actually be used day-to-day. Connecting with other educators who are just as passionate made it even more motivating. Overall, it was a great reminder of how powerful outdoor experiences can be for young children.
L.Ronald

It has inspired me to incorporate more fun learning with outdoor time every day. Although it’s good to be outside even if you’re doing nothing, it’s a lot more fun and engaging when we have learning and games involved for the kids and ourselves.

N.Smith

Transportation

Bus transportation will be provided for all participants from the Espanola Mall.
Parking will not be available, except for participants staying on site overnight.

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