Boreal Outdoor Education School
We are a grassroots collective whose mission is to provide experiential outdoor learning to existing organizations and schools within the boreal forest region. Through a team of skilled professionals, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers/Elders, experienced educators, administrators, and grant writers, we offer organizations the ability to bring place-based learning to their students, clients or employees at affordable costs and with little preparation time. We facilitate relationships between organizations and the local community to increase knowledge sharing.
Our Approach
Place-Based
Local & Community
Indigenous
Knowledge & Wisdom
Western
Science & Research
Relationships
Fostering & Collaborative
Land Acknowledgment
The Boreal Outdoor Education School would like to acknowledge that we are teaching this program within the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples across Canada. As a team of nature lovers, we are deeply grateful to all the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people for being stewards of this land since time immemorial. We are honoured to work closely with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers through our in-person presentations, field trips, and ongoing module creations.
Empowering Minds, Inspiring Lifelong Learning
The Boreal Outdoor Education Program was originally called the Williston School Ecology program and has run in Mackenzie, BC and Moberly school for ~11 years. In 2025, we expanded to include the neighbouring communities of Hudson Hope, Chetwynd, and Fort St James. Thank you to all who helped with our expansion.
Our Mission
We provide experiential, place-based outdoor learning for children, youth, and adults in the Boreal Forest Region, collaborating with local Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, educators, and skilled professionals to extend and enrich existing educational programs.
Our Vision
We envision a future where learners of all ages are deeply connected to the Boreal Forest region within their home communities, where Indigenous ways of knowing and being are fostered within local learning communities allowing for improved environmental stewardship, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning through authentic outdoor experiences.
Our Values
Place-Based Learning, Respect for Indigenous Knowledge, Community Collaboration, Accessibility & Affordability, Educational Excellence, Experiential Learning, and Environmental Stewardship guides everything we do.
Featured Programs
Curriculum-aligned outdoor education modules for K-12 students, summer nature camps, and team building professional development for educators and organizations.
Boreal Outdoor Education Program
Place-based outdoor learning modules aligned with provincial curricula, delivered by local skilled professionals and local Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Primary K - Grade 3
Pond studies, nature exploration, birds, and hands-on forest connections.
Middle Grade 4-6
Forest values, aging, silviculture, Mustelids, and wetland ecosystems.
Junior Grade 7-9
Forest health, tree planting, soils, bark beetles, mycelium, and Indigenous perspectives.
Senior Grade 10-12
Wildfire management, sustainability science, Caribou Adaptions, and career exploration.
Additional Lesson Planning, Rubrics, Assessments can be found under The Boreal Outdoor Education Program's Teacher Pay Teacher Account.
Team Building Professional Development
Customized training for organizations, individuals, and educators to further your understanding of the Boreal Forest Region and the learning opportunities in your area. We tie in local professionals, Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers to create tailored workshops for your team.
- Tailored to your organization's needs
- Expert presenters
- Local Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Hands-on outdoor techniques
- Flexible scheduling options
Nature Camps
Our team is offering 3-5 day nature camps for various age groups. Each will be tied to a specific theme found at the place of offering.
Example Camps:
- Age 7-11, Navigating Nature Camps
- Age 12-17, Survival Camps
- Adult, Rediscovering Nature Camps
- Multi-age camp, Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Tribute to our Founders
Interview with Jim Tuck
Listen to the full interview with one of our volunteers
Recording of volunteer Jim Tuck from the Williston School Ecology Program
Picture Gallery
Photos from our field trips and outdoor education programs across the Boreal Forest Region
Exemplar Module: Junior - Forest Health
A comprehensive look at one of our curriculum-aligned modules combining classroom learning with hands-on field experiences
Classroom Components
Video Presentations
Pre-recorded presentations with video links by Cornelia Thomi (Forester) and Janie Dubman (Biologist).
Educator Info Sheets
Education information sheets and/or video detailing activities, and providing educators with further resources to create research and other projects for students.
Lesson Plans
Additional lesson plans, worksheets, and assessments via rubrics available at Teacher Pay Teachers.
Field Trip Stations
Forest Diseases
Learn about tree diseases including rust and fungal agents with forest professionals.
Soils
Dig soil horizons and classify soils through hands-on texturing exercises.
Bark Beetles & Pests
Examine bark beetle damage and learn about forest insect pests in mature stands.
Mycelium & Macrofungi
Discover fungal networks and diverse mushroom types in forest ecosystems.
Indigenous Perspectives
Learn about reciprocity, interconnectedness, and traditional forest stewardship from local Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Testimonials
What educators and community partners are saying about our programs
The Wildfire Management module is excellent and ties very well into the BC Grade 12 Specialized Science Sustainability Criteria. The added careers information makes this module very interesting for students, many of whom have inquired about summer jobs in the wildfire management industry.
Mr. Tapper
Senior High School Teacher, Mackenzie Secondary SchoolOur grade 5/6 class recently participated in the Forest Resource Values module, which included a field trip to the Little Prairie Community Forest followed by a classroom presentation. The experience was well organized, engaging, and educational. Students were immersed in hands-on learning led by knowledgeable volunteers, including Indigenous educators, and rotated through a variety of stations that deepened their understanding of forest ecosystems and conservation values.
Kristin Atherton
Principal, Peace Christian AcademyWe appreciate the positive impact the program has had within our community and welcome its continued presence. The District of Hudson's Hope looks forward to seeing this program thrive and continue offering high-quality outdoor learning experiences for our youth.
District of Hudson's Hope
British ColumbiaWe strongly support the continuation of the Boreal Outdoors Education Program and the Wildfire Management and Careers Module at Chetwynd Secondary School. We believe this program plays an essential role in enriching our educational offerings and preparing students for future training, employment, and community involvement.
Katy Clarke B.ED, M.A.
Principal, Chetwynd Secondary SchoolFor many of our students, these ecology program trips represent the only full-day field experiences they have during the school year. Given our small rural setting, access to such enriching experiences is limited, making these trips even more essential in broadening our students' horizons. The program encourages outdoor learning, helping students connect with nature while deepening their understanding of ecological principles.
Danielle House
Vice Principal, Morfee Elementary SchoolIt is important to learn about the forest environment. It builds and deepens an understanding of nature-based learning, creates a deeper connection to the environment and provides hands-on experiences. As a classroom teacher our lesson plans barely scratch the surface of learning about nature in outdoor settings. I am hoping these types of programs grow and become implemented within all schools.
Anneli Duncan
Principal, Moberly School
Student Voices
"Dear Volunteers, Thank-you so much for giving us the opportunity to go on the field trip to learn about the forest."
- From the Grade 3/4 Class
Our Strengths
What sets our outdoor education programs apart
Place-Based Field Trips
Outdoor field trips with local Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community members, and skilled professionals.
Curriculum-Aligned
All of our K-Grade 12 modules tie into specific provincial curricula for seamless classroom integration.
Educator Support
Additional supports include pre-recorded presentations, activities and education information sheets provided by biologists, foresters, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other professionals.
Lesson Plans & Worksheets
Additional lesson plans and worksheets available at Teacher Pay Teachers to complement free website content.
Professional Development
Offer professional development training that can be tailored to specific organizations and their needs.
Affordable & Accessible
Place-based learning at affordable costs with little preparation time for organizations.
Our Funders & Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders and community partners
Funders
Partners
Community Donations
Thank you to our generous community donors
Volunteers / Elders / Knowledge Keepers Donations
Ready to Make a Difference?
Contact us to discuss how you can support outdoor education in the Boreal Forest Region. Together, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Support Our ProgramsDisclaimer: We have created content that is human-created, not AI-generated. Our content comes from years of field experience, experts in the field, Indigenous Elders/Knowledge Keepers, and updated research findings. Educators can be assured that the content they are receiving in this program has been peer reviewed by another professional working within their scope of experience and knowledge.