Diverse and enriching!
Welcome to Outdoor Education in the TDSB
From the Toronto Islands to the western edge of Algonquin Park, the TDSB’s four day and five overnight centres make the most of their geography, local ecosystems and resources to provide dynamic learning experiences for more than 40,000 TDSB students each year.
Our highly qualified staff are united by a common goal: immersing students in safe, active and enriching learning experiences in both natural and urban environments. From outdoor adventure and survival skills to ‘sense of place’ awareness, systems thinking and ecological literacy, students learn through curriculum-enriching direct experiences that cannot be duplicated within the walls of a classroom.
The value of these opportunities is recognized and supported by the TDSB – one of the few school boards in Ontario directly operating Outdoor Education Centres. This commitment ensures that all TDSB students have the opportunity to participate in programs at both day and overnight centres at least once during their elementary school years through prioritizing day trips to students in grade 2 and 4, and an overnight trip in grade 6.
Opportunities for students in secondary schools are available through The Collaborative Leadership Program at the Forest Valley Outdoor Education Centre. Some centres also offer additional secondary programming in addition to additional weekend leadership experiences and special programs.
During the summer, some centres offer traditional day/overnight camp experiences with an emphasis on the environment.