Big Ideas
Big Ideas
Participation in outdoor activities allows for the development of skills in a complex and dynamic environment
Spending time outdoors allows us to develop an understanding of the natural environment, ourselves, and others.
Participating safely in outdoor activities requires communication, teamwork, and collaboration.
Participation in outdoor activities allows for the development of leadership skills that can be applied in a variety of contexts and environments.
Content
Learning Standards
Content
health benefits of outdoor activities
- Key question:
- How does spending time outdoors help improve my physical and mental well-being?
outdoor activity knowledge and skills
environmental conditions
adapting to changing weather, temperature, and other conditions
First Peoples traditional practices and ecological knowledge related to activities in the local environment
the role of environmental awareness and stewardship in outdoor recreation and conservation
strategies for adapting and responding
decision-making, clothing choices, management of group needs
to changing conditions and emergencies
first aid skills and strategies for responding to emergencies
communication in emergency situations
different modes of communication could include whistle and arm signals, arm and paddle signals, radio, phone
, including communication with emergency and rescue services
management of group dynamics and conflict in an outdoor environment
- Key questions:
- How can I support other leaders?
- How can leaders involve their group in their decisions?
environmental stewardship for outdoor activities
maintenance, use, and care of equipment
including equipment for:
for outdoor activities
- food preparation and storage
- drinking water
- hygiene
- dealing with various environmental hazards (e.g., weather, wildlife, terrain)
- navigation
- communication
responsible use of the outdoor environment
group management and leadership skills
Curricular Competency
Learning Standards
Curricular Competency
Outdoor activity skills and healthy living
Participate in and lead a variety of outdoor activities
water-based, snow-based, land-based; in varied terrain and changing weather, temperature, and conditions
Develop and demonstrate a variety of skills for outdoor activities
could include:
- stand up paddle (SUP) surfing: foot position and stance
- cross-country skiing: position and weight transfer while stopping
- biking: stopping under control
- survival skills
Monitor exertion levels and energy levels of themselves and others
Monitor environmental conditions during outdoor activities
Analyze and explain nutritional considerations
including food (e.g., food preparation, storage, and transportation; nutrition, foraging, cooking methods, leave-no-trace principles, hygiene), and water (e.g., treatment, sources, management)
and other requirements for preparation for and participation in outdoor activities
Explain how developing competence in outdoor activities can increase confidence and encourage lifelong participation
Social responsibility
Plan and implement ways to reduce potential impacts of outdoor activities on the local environment
- Seven leave-no-trace principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impact.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of others.
Demonstrate and explain awareness of cultural and place-based sensitivities
recognition and use of First Peoples territories; use of public land, private land, parks; land stewardship
regarding the use of outdoor locations
Collaboration, teamwork, and safety
Collaborate with others in a variety of outdoor activities
Demonstrate appropriate responses to emergency situations during outdoor activities
Demonstrate responsibility for personal safety and the safety of others
Anticipate and manage risks during different types of outdoor activities
Outdoor leadership
Use applicable communication and outdoor leadership skills when interacting with others
- Communication – could include being able to clearly communicate with their group and others, in a variety of settings and situations
- Thinking – could include enhancing quality of program for participants, managing group dynamics problem solving
- Personal and Social Responsibility – could include ensuring safety of self and others; appreciating, respecting, and preserving the natural environment
Communicate and collaborate effectively with others on expeditions, on teams, and in the community