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For PDSB Educators: if you are looking to reach out to the Peel Field Centres for further ways to connect your learning to the environment visit the PDSB Field Centre Share Point site or connect with your school's Designated Outdoor Resource Instructor, via the PDSB email, who can assist in many ways to help connect your classroom to the natural world.
For PDSB Educators: if you are looking to reach out to the Peel Field Centres for further ways to connect your learning to the environment visit the PDSB Field Centre Share Point site or connect with your school's Designated Outdoor Resource Instructor, via the PDSB email, who can assist in many ways to help connect your classroom to the natural world.
About the Field Centres:
About the Field Centres:
The Peel District School Board has a long and strong history in recognizing the value of outdoor and experiential education. Throughout the school year, day programs are run out of the GW Finlayson Field Centre and the Jack Smythe Field Centre. The centres provide in-school and community-based options to PDSB schools and serve students from kindergarten to grade 12. Each year, the centres open the eyes of over 35,000 students to the wonders of the great outdoors and to the history of the area.
The Peel District School Board has a long and strong history in recognizing the value of outdoor and experiential education. Throughout the school year, day programs are run out of the GW Finlayson Field Centre and the Jack Smythe Field Centre. The centres provide in-school and community-based options to PDSB schools and serve students from kindergarten to grade 12. Each year, the centres open the eyes of over 35,000 students to the wonders of the great outdoors and to the history of the area.
If you are looking for an instructor to join your class in your own community, find more information on the Field Centre website.
About the Field Centre Instructors:
About the Field Centre Instructors:
The field centre instructors are excited to be able to bring similar outdoor opportunities to students throughout the community with this online Learning Naturally resource. We welcome students, parents and other educators to share their own ideas of how to learn for, in and from the land. Please forward any ideas or suggestions to pdsblearningnaturally@gmail.com
The field centre instructors are excited to be able to bring similar outdoor opportunities to students throughout the community with this online Learning Naturally resource. We welcome students, parents and other educators to share their own ideas of how to learn for, in and from the land. Please forward any ideas or suggestions to pdsblearningnaturally@gmail.com
Instructor: Angela Bortolus
Instructor: Angela Bortolus
What memory instantly makes you smile?
What memory instantly makes you smile?
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer and live in Adelboden, Switzerland, at a Girl Guide World Centre. During my time there we had a special event called Rover Week, where young adults from all over the world came together to participate in winter activities and service work. I had the pleasure of welcoming a group of young men and women who had just arrived from Taiwan. As they stepped off the bus, they immediately started picking up the snow and throwing it up to the sky – they had never experienced snow before. It was so amazing to see these young adults play with the snow – making handprints and footprints. The joy and excitement on their faces is a precious memory of mine that always draws a smile. I realized how I’ve come to take our seasons for granted and feel blessed to have shared this experience.
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer and live in Adelboden, Switzerland, at a Girl Guide World Centre. During my time there we had a special event called Rover Week, where young adults from all over the world came together to participate in winter activities and service work. I had the pleasure of welcoming a group of young men and women who had just arrived from Taiwan. As they stepped off the bus, they immediately started picking up the snow and throwing it up to the sky – they had never experienced snow before. It was so amazing to see these young adults play with the snow – making handprints and footprints. The joy and excitement on their faces is a precious memory of mine that always draws a smile. I realized how I’ve come to take our seasons for granted and feel blessed to have shared this experience.
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
My favourite part of my job is helping to run our Maple Sugar bush. Surprisingly, it is a time I feel most connected to nature as the forest starts to slowly awaken after a long winter's rest. The days begin to lengthen, and signs of spring can be seen and heard. I love sharing this experience with all of our visitors, especially during our March Break open house, when students can bring their families to share in this quintessential Canadian experience. I love sharing in the surprise that the sap of the tree turns into delicious maple syrup. That first taste of fresh syrup is a just reward for all the labour employed.
My favourite part of my job is helping to run our Maple Sugar bush. Surprisingly, it is a time I feel most connected to nature as the forest starts to slowly awaken after a long winter's rest. The days begin to lengthen, and signs of spring can be seen and heard. I love sharing this experience with all of our visitors, especially during our March Break open house, when students can bring their families to share in this quintessential Canadian experience. I love sharing in the surprise that the sap of the tree turns into delicious maple syrup. That first taste of fresh syrup is a just reward for all the labour employed.
What inspires you?
What inspires you?
I have to say my children have become my greatest inspiration. They inspire me to be a better version of myself; to show greater care, greater empathy and to take the time to slow down and enjoy natures’ small wonders. They have given me a new sense of curiosity and have challenged me to ask questions. They have also reminded me how little we need to be truly happy – they find more joy in exploring a small space in our yard and discovering nature phenomenon then any countless toys we may provide.
I have to say my children have become my greatest inspiration. They inspire me to be a better version of myself; to show greater care, greater empathy and to take the time to slow down and enjoy natures’ small wonders. They have given me a new sense of curiosity and have challenged me to ask questions. They have also reminded me how little we need to be truly happy – they find more joy in exploring a small space in our yard and discovering nature phenomenon then any countless toys we may provide.
Instructor: Emily Stitt
Instructor: Emily Stitt
Share your favourite childhood memory:
Share your favourite childhood memory:
To be honest, I feel like I am still making childhood memories! Who says you’re too old to go tobogganing or get stuck in the mud? I am so thankful for my mom, a role model that taught me adults can and need to get outside and play too! Memories on the family farm with my siblings are among my favourite though. I am happy to be able to still gather there today and show our newest generation the ropes!
To be honest, I feel like I am still making childhood memories! Who says you’re too old to go tobogganing or get stuck in the mud? I am so thankful for my mom, a role model that taught me adults can and need to get outside and play too! Memories on the family farm with my siblings are among my favourite though. I am happy to be able to still gather there today and show our newest generation the ropes!
What's something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
What's something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Eating! I love to garden, farm, hunt, fish and cook, and the foods that I have grown, raised, harvested and prepared myself are the ones that are most enjoyed, especially with family.
What is your favourite native plant/animal?
What is your favourite native plant/animal?
Wild turkey! Hearing a gobble early in the morning or watching a Tom strut makes me smile every time. We often find tracks, feathers and the birds themselves at both of our sites and I love using them as an example when teaching about environmental conservation, wildlife management and hunting.
Wild turkey! Hearing a gobble early in the morning or watching a Tom strut makes me smile every time. We often find tracks, feathers and the birds themselves at both of our sites and I love using them as an example when teaching about environmental conservation, wildlife management and hunting.
Instructor: Kathy Takeuchi
Instructor: Kathy Takeuchi
What is your favourite memory as a student?
What is your favourite memory as a student?
My favourite memory as a student was visiting Jack Smythe Field Centre for orienteering. I absolutely loved running through the forest and snow. My winter jacket had a magnet on the belt and it kept messing up my compass. Not the last time being lost at the field centre lol.
My favourite memory as a student was visiting Jack Smythe Field Centre for orienteering. I absolutely loved running through the forest and snow. My winter jacket had a magnet on the belt and it kept messing up my compass. Not the last time being lost at the field centre lol.
What is your favourite memory as a teacher?
What is your favourite memory as a teacher?
My favourite memory as a teacher was meeting my beloved grade 7 teacher, Mr. Bill MacIvor at the Britannia Sugar Bush with my grade 1 class. He always greeted us with a big smile and bear hug. He inspired me to want to teach Outdoor Education for Peel.
My favourite memory as a teacher was meeting my beloved grade 7 teacher, Mr. Bill MacIvor at the Britannia Sugar Bush with my grade 1 class. He always greeted us with a big smile and bear hug. He inspired me to want to teach Outdoor Education for Peel.
What is your favourite memory as an instructor?
What is your favourite memory as an instructor?
My favourite memory as an Instructor was discovering the Ledges and my friends, the Ancient Cedars. It is still my favourite place to take classes. It is a magical spot in the forest and I love sharing it with students.
My favourite memory as an Instructor was discovering the Ledges and my friends, the Ancient Cedars. It is still my favourite place to take classes. It is a magical spot in the forest and I love sharing it with students.
Instructor: Lisa Cafaro
Instructor: Lisa Cafaro
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
There are so many reasons why I love my job. I love being in nature and even more so like sharing that adventure with students. Some of whom don't have many opportunities to connect with nature like they do at the field centres. I love seeing their faces when they spot a deer, or hearing their excitement when exploring the forest. I love seeing new Canadians experience snow for the first time and try to catch it on their tongues. I love that we get to get outside and play... as our job! We are so fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world and it has kept my heart full for my whole career.
There are so many reasons why I love my job. I love being in nature and even more so like sharing that adventure with students. Some of whom don't have many opportunities to connect with nature like they do at the field centres. I love seeing their faces when they spot a deer, or hearing their excitement when exploring the forest. I love seeing new Canadians experience snow for the first time and try to catch it on their tongues. I love that we get to get outside and play... as our job! We are so fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world and it has kept my heart full for my whole career.
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
I love the fall. The changing leaves are so beautiful, it's my favourite time to be in the forest. It's also a time when temperatures are cooler, I love hoodie season and added bonus, the mosquitoes and black flies start to disappear.
I love the fall. The changing leaves are so beautiful, it's my favourite time to be in the forest. It's also a time when temperatures are cooler, I love hoodie season and added bonus, the mosquitoes and black flies start to disappear.
What memory instantly makes you smile?
What memory instantly makes you smile?
I remember taking a hike with a group of grade 3's in the forest at the Jack Smythe Field Centre. We were talking about habitats and looking for signs of animals and their homes. As I went to talk about a crevice in a tree that had been known to be a home for many animals, I pointed up to the tree to ask who they thought would live there. Laughter ensues as the whole class spots a very large raccoon trying to squeeze its body into the hole in the tree. Maybe it had just eaten a big meal as it was working hard to get in there. Its back legs were sticking straight out and wiggling around in circles. It finally made it into the hole as we wiped the tears of laughter away. Nature always has a way of surprising us and making us laugh.
I remember taking a hike with a group of grade 3's in the forest at the Jack Smythe Field Centre. We were talking about habitats and looking for signs of animals and their homes. As I went to talk about a crevice in a tree that had been known to be a home for many animals, I pointed up to the tree to ask who they thought would live there. Laughter ensues as the whole class spots a very large raccoon trying to squeeze its body into the hole in the tree. Maybe it had just eaten a big meal as it was working hard to get in there. Its back legs were sticking straight out and wiggling around in circles. It finally made it into the hole as we wiped the tears of laughter away. Nature always has a way of surprising us and making us laugh.
Instructor: Marc Hogan
Instructor: Marc Hogan
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
Being an Outdoor Educator is the greatest job on the planet! The natural world is simply amazing and never gets boring. There’s always more to learn and discover. Helping students bring open minded attention to these things is what I love best. There are so many things going on in nature and with just a little patience and attention it never fails to reveal its beauty and complexity. Learning about natural cycles and all kinds of incredible interconnections brings more meaning, texture and colour to the grandeur of life.
Being an Outdoor Educator is the greatest job on the planet! The natural world is simply amazing and never gets boring. There’s always more to learn and discover. Helping students bring open minded attention to these things is what I love best. There are so many things going on in nature and with just a little patience and attention it never fails to reveal its beauty and complexity. Learning about natural cycles and all kinds of incredible interconnections brings more meaning, texture and colour to the grandeur of life.
What memory instantly makes you smile?
What memory instantly makes you smile?
I will never forget my first trip to the field centre in grade 3. It makes me frown and smile at the same time - if that's possible. The bus trip alone was a wild adventure because we got lost along the way - that's the frown part but eventually we made it and went on an awesome hike to a big pond. That’s where I discovered giant bullfrog tadpoles for the first time...WOW! That's the smile part. Those feelings of discovery and curiosity have never left me to this day.
I will never forget my first trip to the field centre in grade 3. It makes me frown and smile at the same time - if that's possible. The bus trip alone was a wild adventure because we got lost along the way - that's the frown part but eventually we made it and went on an awesome hike to a big pond. That’s where I discovered giant bullfrog tadpoles for the first time...WOW! That's the smile part. Those feelings of discovery and curiosity have never left me to this day.
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
This is a tough one to answer because I have so many interests. I love hiking through forests and discovering new places. If you know me well, you know I love being on the water; canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. I think I'm going to have to add paddle boarding to that list now too. I love being in the natural elements and getting exercise at the same time. It keeps me young and is a great stress reliever to help balance out the busyness of life.
This is a tough one to answer because I have so many interests. I love hiking through forests and discovering new places. If you know me well, you know I love being on the water; canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. I think I'm going to have to add paddle boarding to that list now too. I love being in the natural elements and getting exercise at the same time. It keeps me young and is a great stress reliever to help balance out the busyness of life.
Instructor: Michelle DuPerron
Instructor: Michelle DuPerron
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
I can never get tired of all that photography has to offer; exploring new landscapes, meeting new people, building relationships, and seeing it all unfold in my photos.
I can never get tired of all that photography has to offer; exploring new landscapes, meeting new people, building relationships, and seeing it all unfold in my photos.
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
Summer.
Summer.
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
Anything to do with water! SUP'ing, swimming, surfing. I love spending time out on the water.
Anything to do with water! SUP'ing, swimming, surfing. I love spending time out on the water.
Field Centre Coordinator: Rob Ridley
Field Centre Coordinator: Rob Ridley
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
The people I work with make this “job” no job at all. From the students to the visiting teachers to the awe-inspiring peers I work with at the Centres.
The people I work with make this “job” no job at all. From the students to the visiting teachers to the awe-inspiring peers I work with at the Centres.
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
My favourite season has to be the time between official seasons – it is the first Mourning Cloak butterfly when snow is still on the ground. It is the last apple blossom petals falling off after a late June thunderstorm. It is the warm October days reminding me of summer when all the leaves are in full colour or the lonely pumpkins still sitting in the field with a light dusting of snow in late November.
My favourite season has to be the time between official seasons – it is the first Mourning Cloak butterfly when snow is still on the ground. It is the last apple blossom petals falling off after a late June thunderstorm. It is the warm October days reminding me of summer when all the leaves are in full colour or the lonely pumpkins still sitting in the field with a light dusting of snow in late November.
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
Running, canoeing, portaging … yes portaging – (I’m a fan of human endurance).
Running, canoeing, portaging … yes portaging – (I’m a fan of human endurance).
Instructor: Sarah Moye
Instructor: Sarah Moye
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
I am proud and thankful that I can help people experience nature in a safe, hands on and immersive way at the field centres. The learning that happens when individuals can connect with their environment will have a lasting impact and create champions for protecting our natural resources. The fresh air, natural sounds, new and old growth, plus the changing weather all have an impact in the experiences I am lucky to have with others.
I am proud and thankful that I can help people experience nature in a safe, hands on and immersive way at the field centres. The learning that happens when individuals can connect with their environment will have a lasting impact and create champions for protecting our natural resources. The fresh air, natural sounds, new and old growth, plus the changing weather all have an impact in the experiences I am lucky to have with others.
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
Autumn is my favourite season. The smells, the colours of the changing season, seeing life slow down and the calmness that happens throughout nature makes me feel relaxed. Plus I can wear a sweater and jeans in the evening and the insects have completed their life cycle which makes it easier to sit around a campfire.
Autumn is my favourite season. The smells, the colours of the changing season, seeing life slow down and the calmness that happens throughout nature makes me feel relaxed. Plus I can wear a sweater and jeans in the evening and the insects have completed their life cycle which makes it easier to sit around a campfire.
What is your favourite native plant?
What is your favourite native plant?
I am a big fan of the birch tree. It has an amazing colour and texture to its bark. The contrast between the white bark and the green foliage is breathtaking. Their seed pod is unique and creative in its travels. They have been used in so many different ways for so many years that I feel they have given so much of themselves to us. More than just their visual appeal.
I am a big fan of the birch tree. It has an amazing colour and texture to its bark. The contrast between the white bark and the green foliage is breathtaking. Their seed pod is unique and creative in its travels. They have been used in so many different ways for so many years that I feel they have given so much of themselves to us. More than just their visual appeal.
Instructor: Sabrina Zito-Insalaco
Instructor: Sabrina Zito-Insalaco
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
This job is not just a job for me, it’s my passion! I love being out in nature and I especially love helping students connect with nature. Having the open sky above my head and feeling the ground beneath my feet all day while I do my job is simply wondrous.
This job is not just a job for me, it’s my passion! I love being out in nature and I especially love helping students connect with nature. Having the open sky above my head and feeling the ground beneath my feet all day while I do my job is simply wondrous.
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
Truly I love them all but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the winter! The snow provides me with an enormous feeling of happiness and gratitude. I love the days that look like a winter wonderland and the nights that are lit up by the snow's reflection into the sky. I enjoy all winter sports and most of all I enjoy hiking in the woods and looking for tracks. Plus you don't have to worry about the bugs in the winter months.
Truly I love them all but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the winter! The snow provides me with an enormous feeling of happiness and gratitude. I love the days that look like a winter wonderland and the nights that are lit up by the snow's reflection into the sky. I enjoy all winter sports and most of all I enjoy hiking in the woods and looking for tracks. Plus you don't have to worry about the bugs in the winter months.
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
It is so hard to pick one because I love both winter and summer activities. However, if I had to choose one I would have to say biking. It's an activity that we do as a family and definitely brings us together. I enjoy biking on trails in my own community and sometimes we explore other places as well. I love the challenges of hills and rough terrain.
It is so hard to pick one because I love both winter and summer activities. However, if I had to choose one I would have to say biking. It's an activity that we do as a family and definitely brings us together. I enjoy biking on trails in my own community and sometimes we explore other places as well. I love the challenges of hills and rough terrain.
Instructor: Stephanie Chong
Instructor: Stephanie Chong
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Snorkelling in the ocean!
Snorkelling in the ocean!
What is your favourite season?
What is your favourite season?
Summer.
Summer.
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
What is your favourite outdoor activity?
I love all varieties of outdoor activities, especially stargazing on a warm summer night.
I love all varieties of outdoor activities, especially stargazing on a warm summer night.
Instructor: Tammy Hand
Instructor: Tammy Hand
What do you love most about your job?
What do you love most about your job?
Sharing my love of the outdoor world and environment with others. Providing opportunities for students to actually experience physically and mentally many aspects of nature. To be an adult or future leader that makes decisions about the environment and our green spaces one must first experience and be inspired by them.
Sharing my love of the outdoor world and environment with others. Providing opportunities for students to actually experience physically and mentally many aspects of nature. To be an adult or future leader that makes decisions about the environment and our green spaces one must first experience and be inspired by them.
Share your favourite childhood memory in nature:
Share your favourite childhood memory in nature:
Summer camp. I went to summer camp as a camper and then worked as staff from the age of 8 until the age of 20. My choice was to be away as much of the summer as possible at summer camps.
Summer camp. I went to summer camp as a camper and then worked as staff from the age of 8 until the age of 20. My choice was to be away as much of the summer as possible at summer camps.
What was your favourite outdoor based trip?
What was your favourite outdoor based trip?
Hiking the Long Range Traverse through Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. One of the hardest outdoor adventures I have ever done but also the most physically and mentally rewarding. A truly wild place on earth - no trails - only a compass and map to guide you, no supports - only what you can carry, long hard days testing your endurance and the most awe inspiring scenery untouched or modified by people.
Hiking the Long Range Traverse through Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. One of the hardest outdoor adventures I have ever done but also the most physically and mentally rewarding. A truly wild place on earth - no trails - only a compass and map to guide you, no supports - only what you can carry, long hard days testing your endurance and the most awe inspiring scenery untouched or modified by people.
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