National Outdoor Learning Conference: Stories and Lessons from Banff

Teach Outdoors

In this reflective episode, Lauren shares her experience at the 2025 National Outdoor Learning Conference in Banff — a gathering filled with powerful stories, emotional connections, and inspiring practices in outdoor education.

From sitting in circle with Elders to trying blind contour drawings and engaging in climate action conversations, Lauren takes us inside the sessions that moved her — and the unexpected feedback that left her feeling deeply humbled.

She unpacks her own workshop on Sit Spots and how educators can weave UDL, inquiry, and land-based learning into these simple yet profound routines. You’ll also hear about:

• Why storytelling matters more than scripted land acknowledgements
• How art and nature journaling can unlock new ways of seeing
• What it means to be seen as a mentor — and how to carry that with care
• Insights from climate education, Indigenous panels, and water-based learning
• A final circle of song, gratitude, and quiet reflection in the mountains

Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers heartfelt insight, concrete examples, and an open invitation to keep walking this path together.

Resources & Mentions:

• Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots
• Foundations of Water Education by Maxine Koskie & Billie Jo Reid
• Sessions with Sonya Rokosh, David Norwell, Dr. Ellen Field, Sylvia Ann Fox, and more
• Shelley Moore's UDL approach: “Must, Can, Could, Try” framework
• The Outdoor Learning Store: [insert URL]
• Learn more at https://teachoutdoors.ca/ or follow @teach.outdoors on Instagram

Want to bring Sit Spots or outdoor learning to your school? Lauren offers custom workshops, team training, and curriculum-aligned resources — reach out anytime.