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In this episode, Derek and Chris talk with Gillian, a longtime, friend, educator, mentor, and co-creator of the Let’s Lead – Nikanetan program, about what it really takes to build an outdoor learning program from the ground up. Drawing on years of shared experience, they unpack the journey from early conversations and small collaborative efforts to the creation of a fully realized program designed to support students who need it most.

Gillian shares insights into the importance of intentional planning, strong relationships, and the role of supportive administrators in bringing a program to life. Together, we explore how outdoor learning programs can create powerful opportunities for belonging, leadership, and re-engagement, particularly for marginalized and disengaged youth.

In this episode, we explore:

• How our programs were created and evolved over time
• Why taking time to plan and build a strong foundation matters
• The importance of administrative support and community partnerships
• Removing financial barriers to create equitable access for all students
• Rethinking student selection through experiential “tryout” camps
• Key program structures like learning teams, morning meetings, and gratitude circles
• How outdoor learning programs can transform student engagement and identity

Whether you’re thinking about starting a program or looking to bring more outdoor learning into your current practice, this episode offers both inspiration and grounded advice to help you take the next step.

To contact Gillian, you can email her at:

strange_one@live.com

Resources mentioned:

Brendtro, L., & Brokenleg, M. (2009). Reclaiming youth at risk: Our hope for the future. Solution Tree Press.

You can contact us and access our research, project ideas and more at:
https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

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In this episode, Derek and Chris sit down with Nicole Turner to explore the realities, challenges, and opportunities of outdoor learning across grade levels.

Nicole shares her journey from outdoor camps to classroom teaching and her work with EcoJustice, along with insights from her master’s research focused on helping teachers increase outdoor learning in their practice. She also discusses the creation of a widely used resource hub designed to make outdoor learning more accessible for educators.

A key theme throughout the episode is Nicole’s belief that “small is beautiful.” Rather than focusing on large-scale trips or complex planning, she encourages educators to start with simple, local experiences—using nearby green spaces, schoolyards, and spontaneous moments of curiosity as powerful entry points for learning.

The conversation highlights:

• The ease of inquiry-based learning in kindergarten and early years
• How outdoor environments naturally spark curiosity and engagement
• The social and emotional benefits of getting older students outside
• The importance of revisiting the same outdoor spaces to build connection and familiarity
• Strategies for lowering barriers to outdoor learning, including simple planning and resource sharing
• The role of community, care partners, and guest experts in enriching learning experiences
• The importance of reconnecting students with the natural world and their local environment

Nicole also shares practical classroom examples—from ladybug inquiries to bird studies and place-based exploration—that demonstrate how outdoor learning can be both simple and deeply impactful.

Links to Nicole's Work

Outdoor Learning Support Document for Teachers

Breaking Out of the Textbox - Increasing Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning Resource Hub - This guide was developed for Saskatoon School Divisions but most of the information should be applicable (with some degree of variance) to any school within the province.

You can contact us and access our research, project ideas and more at:
https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html

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In this episode of The Outdoor Learning Podcast, we’re joined by Camille S. Edwards and Dan Kriesberg, co-creators of Diversity Education in Nature. Together, they bring decades of experience in DEI work and environmental education, using the natural world as a living classroom to explore inclusion, interdependence, and belonging. We talk about how observing ecosystems—biodiversity, mutualism, and connection—can help educators and communities reimagine what equity and community-building look like, both outdoors and beyond.

Camille Simone Edwards is a DEI practitioner of fourteen years and currently serves as the Director of Student Affairs at Friends Academy, a Quaker independent school on Long Island, New York.

Dan Kriesberg has been a middle school science teacher and environmental educator for over 40 years at both public and independent schools. He is the author of two books on outdoor environmental education, over 100 articles on environmental education, and essays about his outdoor experiences.

Resources:

"An Invitation to a Brave Space" by Micky Scottbey Jones

Connect with Camille & Dan:

Diversity Education In Nature website

https://www.dankriesberg.com/

You can contact us and access our research, project ideas and more at:
https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning.html