Building safe, consistent, and high-quality outdoor learning programs
Across Canada, more schools are integrating outdoor learning into their educational approach. Developed by Canadian experts in outdoor risk management and education, The OCC’s professional training helps schools ensure these programs are safe, consistent, and sustainable.
Our courses build staff competence and organizational confidence, supporting teachers, principals, and educational leaders in providing safe and meaningful outdoor learning for students.
Field Leader (Supervisor) — For Administrators
Equipping school leaders to oversee outdoor learning safely and effectively
The Field Leader (Supervisor) course prepares school administrators to mentor, evaluate, and support outdoor educators. It provides a structured approach to supervision that emphasizes trust, consistency, and risk-informed decision making.
Participants learn how to:
- Align outdoor programming with school policies and risk management systems
- Strengthen staff communication and accountability structures
- Support teachers through clear supervision processes
- Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement across their schools
Format: 13 hours of instruction (one full-day session and six community-of-practice meetings).
Outcome: Participants gain the confidence and systems required to oversee outdoor learning programs responsibly and effectively.
Other Field Leader Courses — For Teachers
Practical, classroom-management-outside training for educators
The OCC’s has additional Field Leader courses specifically designed to help teachers plan and lead outdoor learning experiences with confidence and care. These nationally recognized certifications focus on classroom management outside, while reinforcing the principles of safety, inclusion, and engagement.
Educators learn how to:
- Manage a classroom effectively in outdoor environments
- Recognize and respond appropriately to terrain, and environmental hazards
- Plan inclusive and meaningful outdoor educational experiences
- Apply consistent, industry best practices when teaching outside
Available courses:
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Equine
- Winter
- Overnight
Format: 14 to 20 hours of instruction, typically delivered over two to two and a half days of combined classroom and outdoor training.
Outcome: Participants gain the competence and confidence to lead safe, engaging outdoor learning while strengthening their school’s internal capacity for consistent practice.
Interested in a course with us?
Contact us at program.coordinator@outdoorcouncil.ca to organize customized training that addresses both your goals and operational realities. We use a flat-fee model designed for transparency and consistency:
One instructor can lead up to ten participants, and the base fee is $3,000 plus travel.
If there are more than ten participants, a second instructor is required, bringing the total to $6,000, and so on. When a school fills a course to capacity, the cost works out to about $300 per staff member. If you decide to run multiple courses consecutively, additional training days are billed at $1,500 per day.