OEE Testimonials

"OEE was a community, its own little civilization of like-minded yet alternative educators. With differences and similarities, I was able to learn a wealth of knowledge and insight to opportunities that I never would have known existed while being comfortable sharing my own."

- Sasja Zanen, OEE 2012

"I would say this program is a perfect option if you are self-directed in your learning, interested in deepening your understanding of experiential and traditional education, and ready to question your own values in a constructive way. If you're open-minded and can learn to take something positive out of an unexpected situation, you have the potential to do well in this program."

- Erin Nicolardi, OEE 2012

"OEE was a fantastic opportunity to meet other teacher candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. It really opened my eyes to the variety of ways one can teach and experience nature and the outdoors."

- Mary-Anne Reid, OEE 2010

"OEE proved to me that a career outdoors was not only entirely possible, but there were more opportunities than I had previously thought. I made many connections, both personal and professional that have opened many doors since graduation. The world of OEE is inspiring."

- Peter Vooys, OEE 2008

History

Queen's University has offered outdoor and experiential education courses since the founding of a professional school in 1968. Since these early days, the courses have taken on many forms including open country and personal growth courses, whale boating experiences on Lake Ontario, the development of the first ropes course in Ontario at the barn, Nomads North a canoe-based Outward Bound-style course, Walden II an intentional community, a traveling program in comparative studies of alternative educational programs in the northeastern states, a co-op program and more.

Today the program is exploring the areas of ancestral health and fitness. They are also designing naturalized paleo playgrounds for adults and promoting Forest School awareness.