Tell us a little about who SaskOutdoors serves.
We have programming for everyone! We have activities for educators, outdoor enthusiasts and the general public. We try to offer programming in all parts of Saskatchewan.
What kinds of programs and services are offered?
For educators (formal, non formal and informal), we offer professional development opportunities through Project WET, Flying WILD, Growing Up WILD, Project WILD and Below ZERO educator training courses and resource books. These programs offer ready to use, curriculum correlated, lesson plans for people from age 3 to adult.
For outdoor enthusiasts or guides, we offer trainings such as Wilderness First Aid Training, Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses and Paddle Canada Canoe Certification Courses.
For the general public, we participate in festivals such as the NatureCity Festival in Saskatoon and the Wings Over Wascana Nature Festival in Regina; offer family friendly trips, such as a ski loppet trip to Duck Mountain Provincial Park and a beginners winter camp; and other community opportunities such as a Learn to Camp session at the Regina Public Library.
What is one thing people may not know about your organization?
Since 2010, we have been offering an annual, beginners winter camping trip that has been met with great enthusiasm! For many people, camping in the winter is intimidating to try without some guidance. Our winter camp is held at a location where a warm shelter is readily available in case of an emergency and is led by experienced winter campers who offer knowledge and instruction.
The main activity (snow permitting) is building a snow structure called a quinzee that some campers may choose to sleep inside. The camaraderie, food and fun are memorable aspects of winter camping.
What are you working on right now?
Thanks to an Emerging Trends grant from Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, we are in the final stages of developing a new website that will better reflect our organizational objectives, look and feel.
As an addition to our website, we are launching a searchable resources section with curriculum linked lesson plans, activities, field trips, and presentations on the topics such as air, water, animals, soil/geology, climate changes and conservation to name a few.
How does your organization contribute to the wellbeing of people and communities through recreation?
Our programming helps people safely, confidently and enthusiastically participate in outdoor and nature based recreation in all seasons in all parts of Saskatchewan. We also help create outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages and from across Saskatchewan where these opportunities may not already exist.
Interested in being featured in an SPRA Member Spotlight ? Contact us for details on how you can participate.
