Outdoor Learning Conference 2026

This field trip is being run by Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA), a local nonprofit based in the Bow Valley that provides inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Participants will explore a range of adaptive equipment used to support accessible, all-season mountain experiences. Through demonstrations and discussion, educators will learn how equipment such as adaptive mountain bikes, supportive paddling equipment, all-terrain hiking chairs, Alpine and Nordic sit skis, and other specialty gear can reduce barriers and expand access to outdoor learning. This session is an opportunity to see how adaptive equipment works and gain insight into what is possible when accessibility is prioritized in outdoor education.

"This workshop demonstrates how children’s literature can prepare students for meaningful outdoor science learning. Using A Day With Yayah, participants will explore how Indigenous perspectives build understanding of local ecosystems and respectful foraging practices. Attendees will then work in groups to locate and identify native plants, mirroring an inquiry experience students can use in their own communities.
After sharing observations, we will shift to A Peek at Beaks to explore structure and function. Participants will design simple “beak tools” to gather model seeds, highlighting how adaptations support survival. The session models how literacy, Indigenous knowledge, and hands-on outdoor investigations can work together to deepen learning. Educators will leave with practical strategies for connecting books, science, and land-based experiences in the classroom."