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Outdoor Education Program
The Haliburton Forest Outdoor Education Program has been developed to offer an alternative to building-based outdoor educational programs. Without sacrificing the element of safety, the program has been designed to provide opportunities to move through the many different environs Haliburton Forest has to offer, while encouraging group self-sufficiency and interconnectedness.

Base Camp Site Facilities
The Base Camp is situated at the main entrance into Haliburton Forest on the site of the old sawmill camp built in 1944 and renovated over the past 5 years.

Up to 100 guests can be housed in a variety of accommodations. Washrooms, showers, common lounges and fireplaces/stoves are found in each unit. Meals are provided at the "Cookhouse" restaurant on site.


Stocking Lake Site Facility
The Stocking Lake camp is situated in the north-east section of Haliburton Forest. The only development on the lake is the camp.

A maximum of 40 guests can be accommodated at this site. Meals are prepared by the participants, food is provided by Haliburton Forest.

Equipment
The Centre has at its disposal all camping gear (packs, sleeping bags, etc.), program equipment (tree calipers, maps, compasses, etc,) as well as equipment for the movement of the group (skis, bikes, canoes, vans etc.).

Our Education Staff
Your guides and facilitators will be highly trained and motivated outdoor educators.

Emily Currell
Emily has been interested in the outdoors from and early age. She is especially interested in geology and wilderness survival skills. She is also interested in astronomy and folklore, and runs the Haliburton Forest Observatory. She has a degree in Environmental Science from Trent University.

Robbie Demmans
Robbie, originally from Leamington, Ontario, decided to make his home in the Haliburton Highlands after graduating from the Parks and Forest Recreation and Eco Tourism & Adventure Tourism Management Program at Sir Sandford Fleming College, Haliburton. He is an outdoor ed facilitator here at the Haliburton Forest and enjoys sharing his passion for mountain biking,dogsledding and anything outdoors.If it has wheels or a board you can find Robbie riding it throughout all seasons!
Keep it Fun,Keep it Safe,Keep it Green

Cameron Ferguson
I joined the outdoor education team at Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd in April 2008. Originally from Scotland I have lived in Ontario for 5 years. An experienced arborist and outdoor educator I have worked in the UK, Netherlands and Canada and have taught at college level in northern England and Ontario.

I believe the outdoors is the world's greatest classroom where we are never too young or old to learn the valuable lessons it has to teach us. I have a passion for trees, forests and the intricate relationships between the organisms which inhabit these ecosystems; from tiny microbes in the soil to large mammals like moose and wolves.

As an outdoor educator at Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve Ltd I seek to ensure that every visitor experiences to the fullest those lessons the great outdoors has to offer. Confronting our fears, developing relationships and realizing our full potential; from team building activities to environmental education my passion and dedication is what drives me to ensure your successful attainment of new skills, experiences and memories which will last a life time.

Robert Filyer
After spending some time in the workforce, Rob went back to school at Sir Sanford Fleming College, graduated from the Park Operations and Outdoor Recreation course and was hired as a member of the education staff team at Haliburton Forest.

Rob is into his 3rd year at Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve, and really enjoys his time at work, with the visiting groups, the dogs, and the rest of the staff.

Jon French
Jon has been able to combine two of his primary interests as a member of the Haliburton Forest education staff team - Educating people and spending time in an outdoor environment. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science with a major in natural science from Lakehead University in 1999, he spent time as a natural history interpretation staff at a number of camps/education centers in Ontario.

Jon has worked as a biological consultant with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canadian Wildlife Service, investigating research methods and strategies for marsh bird species at risk projects in Simcoe County.

Working for 5 years on several organic farms in Southern Ontario furthered his knowledge of sustainable practices that require ecological sensitivity and awareness.

In 2005 Jon graduated with a Bachelor of Education from York University. He spent two years in the classroom and was inspired to find an alternative setting to continue his teaching practice. He is now coordinating the Outdoor Experiential Education programming at the Haliburton Forest.


Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a truly unique piece of real estate. Its location, size and physical features lend themselves to endless possibilities for outdoor and environmental education. Its operation, in whole, is a model demonstrating that the operation of a multi-use, integrated and sustainable forest is possible. Both students and teachers will benefit from a visit to the Haliburton Forest Outdoor Education Centre.

Programs
All of the education programming that takes place in the Haliburton Forest intends to offer students direct experience of the forest ecosystem. We encourage each group of visitors to collaborate with the education staff in order to create a program that will meet the academic, social and personal expectations of the group. Our hands-on and experiential approach to education provides opportunities for all types of learners and intelligences to gain knowledge and personal experience that is meaningful and relevant.

Although our programs are separated into three broad categories of Environment, Outdoor Skills and Pursuits, and Adventure Based Leadership, every program endeavors to provide a greater understanding of our forests from a variety of perspectives. Forests have, throughout history and with proper care, will for generations to come, offer a multitude of benefits to our culture and communities. A forest grows much more than trees. We wish our visitors an increased appreciation for our forests by providing a greater understanding at the experiential level.

Environmental Programming
One of the goals for the future of our environmental programs is to develop an online ecological inventory database from data collected by school groups.Ê This would enable students to track information they have collected and analyze data on the forest from the classroom.

ASTRONOMY
The astronomy program at Haliburton Forest offers a memorable experience for sky watchers of all ages and ability levels. The program begins just after dusk with a walk through our solar system at scaled distances, starting at our Sun. At each planets respective location in the walk, participants are given specific information about the planet and its relative size. The walk is followed by a short visit to the planetarium building. Most of the time during the program period is spent viewing the sky through one of the three Meade LX200 telescopes mounted atop the planetarium building. The content of the program consists of both science and mythology to provide an overview of astronomy from ancient to modern times. On cloudy nights an extended indoor planetarium show is offered.


AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Our aquatic ecosystems program will allow participants to explore one or many of the types of wetlands found in our forest environment. Participants are given some instruction as to proper use of dip nets and how to efficiently and effectively sort their samples. Samples collected yield several species of vertebrates and invertebrates from insects to amphibians and small fish. Our education staff will offer detailed knowledge of the ecology of the wetlands and provide simple field guides to assist in the identification of captured specimens.


EARTH WALKS & EARTH CARETAKERS
Although all our education programs involve elements of providing awareness to our visitors about how to care for and appreciate our planet, these programs take students into the forest with directed activities that allow them to explore aspects of the forest environment in a way not common to the recreational user of a trail. You will be digging, magnifying, uncovering and looking very closely at the many biotic and abiotic features of the forest landscape. Along with the appreciation for the forest (one of the many ecosystems found on our planet) participants are offered insight into how they may take care in and around the communities in which they live. We are all part of one big community, our planet - Earth.


SOLITUDES & JOURNALING
Solitudes and journaling time can be integrated into any program option. Specifically, solo sits (for several minutes to several hours) can be beneficial to participants in that it provides an opportunity for self reflection and experience of the forest environment without the 'chattering' of one's own voice or the voices of others. Solo sits are managed safely by our education staff so that students can explore the limits of certain fears while still maintaining a level of communication with the facilitator in case of emergency or arising fears of aspects in the environment (e.g. sounds, darkness, the unfamiliarity of being alone.) Journaling can be a part of the solo experience or a days end activity relating to specific or general questions, or can be a personal reflection time. We have developed solitudes journals to be utilized by participants if desired.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
In 1998, Haliburton Forest was awarded the distinction of being the first Canadian forest to meet the strict guidelines set by the International Forest Stewardship Council and thus received Canada's first Sustainable Forest Certificate. This certification is recognition of Haliburton Forest's management strategy which incorporates both the social and environmental factors that impact the forest and local community. Please see www.fsc.org for more information on the Forest Stewardship Council and the criteria and principles that are followed in order to be certified.


HORSE LOGGING
Selecting the horse-logging program option provides participants with a greater understanding of the historical aspects of logging in our region as well as witnessing how and why we continue to use horses as part of our sustainable forest management plan. You will see horses pulling logs from the forest under the direction of our horse-logging staff. Participants will be given a first had experience of how skidding logs with horses differs from mechanical skidding operations that are also carried out in the forest.


TREE IDENTIFICATION & INETERPRETATION HIKES
Two trails in close proximity to the Base Camp, the Forestry Walk and the Wild Woods Walk, offer easy to moderate terrain and interpretive signs and artwork as an environment to participate in tree identification and analysis of the various forest types and their role in the ecological cycles that occur in the Haliburton Forest.

LOGGING MUSEUM
A short visit to the logging museum is another way to explore the multi-uses of the Haliburton Forest throughout our history and familiarize participants with how logging and forest use has changed over time. This tour is a valuable addition to other sustainable forest management programs but is not designed as a full program period option. In general a tour of the museum will take from 15 - 60 minutes depending on the interest level of the group.


TREE MARKING ACTIVITY - Be the Forester
Learn to identify some species of trees and more importantly, gain first hand experience as a forest technician in a certified sustainable forest. Participants learn to understand the criteria used by our own forest technicians in determining which trees will be removed from the forest by logging and which will stay in the forest to continue to grow or benefit the forest ecosystem in some way. Participants become familiar with the social, ecological and economical factors that need to be considered when logging a forest in a sustainable way. Small groups are given a small plot of forest to observe and will flag trees to be removed or kept. Following their marking of chosen trees, each group will then describe to all members of the larger group their reasons for making the choices they did. This is an excellent activity that utilizes and develops a person's critical thinking skills after acquiring the information needed to assess a forest plot for logging. It is science, job experience and fun!

WOLF ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR
If you come to Haliburton Forest visiting the Wolf Centre is highly recommended. This program provides participants rare opportunity to see a pack of wolves in a natural environment and exhibiting many of their truly wild behaviors. The Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre was established in 1996 and continues to be home to a pack of unsocialized Western timber wolves. Adjacent and overlooking the 15-acre enclosure that is home to the pack is an interpretive centre and theatre. Participants are guided through the interpretive center's displays to gain a better understanding of the wolf and how it interacts with other living systems within the forest. The theatre provides an area for viewing one of our documentary films on wolves or can be used for delivery of specialized presentations for your group.


Outdoor Skills and Pursuits Programs
Although the following activities are listed in the Outdoor Skills and Pursuits section, many of the programs are suited to being the forum for the development of leadership and communication skills. As with any program that we offer, we will work collaboratively with a visiting group's facilitator in order to create the experience that will be of greatest benefit to the participants. We are here to create meaningful and safe experiences for everyone who visits us.

ARCHERY
Haliburton Forest has an archery shooting range located about a fifteen-minute walk from the Base Camp. Our education staff will provide instruction on safety and proper technique for the use of a re-curve bow. Participants will receive some basic history of use and construction of bows and arrows in our region.

BACKPACKING (Day and Overnight Trips)
Join one of our trained guides along part of the over 300km of trails of the Haliburton Forest. Participants will be given an introduction to route planning, packing, out-back cooking and map reading. The level of intensity of the experience will be dictated by the needs and desires of the visiting group. We provide all equipment necessary for the experience (we ask participants to bring their own sleeping bag appropriate to the season). Meals can be prepared by our guides or preferably with the assistance of the group members. With over 70 000 acres of forest, we can take you to a quiet and undisturbed location to gain perspective on one of the many values of a forest. This program integrates some or all of the aspects of the Camping program option.

CAMPING (Minimal Impact)
Camping with the Outdoor Education department at Haliburton Forest offers an added benefit by us being able to take you beyond the leased and rented campsites to one of the sites dedicated for our use. Participants will receive instruction, and experience in out-back cooking and campsite preparation and use. This experience can be integrated with one of several modes of travel that are used to get around in the forest (e.g. Mountain biking, Canoeing, Hiking or driving). Similar to the Backpacking program, the level of intensity is dictated by the needs and desires of your group.

CAMPFIRE (Evening Programming)
The campfire is a place of gathering and reflection for our participants. Our education staff takes this time to allow participants an opportunity to share thoughts on the day's events and learning. Story telling, song singing and laughter are shared and encouraged by all.

CANOEING Skills Instruction
As one of the program period options, canoe skills instruction will provide participants with introductory to intermediate canoeing skills. There is a focus on safe boating practices along with an experiential approach to understanding how the canoeist, paddle and canoe work together. Basic instruction is followed by a journey through one or more of the over 60 lakes found on Haliburton Forest's property. Other boating traffic on our lakes is kept to a minimum due to our having a restriction on motorized vessels (the maximum motor allowed into the property's lakes is 9.9 horse power). This restriction offers a quiet and safe environment for an introduction to this truly Canadian experience. In collaboration with the visiting group, more advanced programs can be designed with our certified canoe instructing staff.


CANOEING Multi-Day Out-trips
Our Outdoor Education department is fully equipped to take up to forty people on a wilderness canoe trip for up to five days. From our property we have access to several lake chains that lead into the Frost Center Property and Haliburton Highlands Water Trails. Depending on the interest of the group, we have the capability to give instruction in food and gear packing as well as strategic route planning and map reading. Canoe tripping is an excellent way to experience the forest from a different point of view. It provides participants with opportunities to demonstrate leadership in an alternative environment. Much of our feedback suggests that the wilderness tripping situation allows otherwise quiet leaders to come forth and demonstrate their abilities. Guided by our experienced education staff, the tripping experience has the capacity to create a cohesive group that develops further understanding of the value of good communication and cooperative effort. If you haven't done it yet, it is worth the effort. All guides leading canoe trips have a minimum of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid certificates.

DOG SLEDDING
For an historical and exciting way to experience the Canadian winter, come dog sledding. This is a highly active sport and if this option is chosen, participants need to be aware that they will be getting some exercise. Driving the sleds involves having good balance and being attentive to the dogs and your surroundings. This is an experience that is not easily forgotten. It is also a great example of how we attempt to create more sustainable methods of travel in the wilderness. Traveling by dog sled provides the possibility of a quiet mode of travel through some of the more remote areas of the property. We offer three tour types: An Introduction to dog sledding (about 1.5 hours in length), a half-day of dog sledding (about 2.5 hours in length with a hot chocolate break), and a full-day of dog sledding (about 6 hours in length with a hot lunch on the trail).


MOUNTAIN BIKING
Take a day to travel by mountain bikes on some of the over 300km of leveled trails and roads on the property. The trails are rated as easy, moderate or difficult and our experienced guides will ensure a route planning session will take into account the experience and ability of the group taking the ride. Mountain biking is an excellent way to navigate the forest trails and can be incorporated into a visit to the Stocking Lake Outpost facility as a means of transportation to and from the outpost. All necessary safety gear and equipment is provided to your group and, depending on the interests of the group, various levels of technical instruction can be offered.

SNOWSHOEING
A traditional and still practical way of navigating the bush in the winter-time. Incorporating a snowshoe event into your program will offer the participants an opportunity to experience the quiet of the forest in the winter months. We have extensive acreage available to bush-whack through the forest off the beaten trail unhampered by passing dog sleds or snowmobile traffic. The use of snowshoeing is a must for many of the other winter options such as: Wilderness Survival Skills, Wilderness Navigation, and some of the Adventure Based Leadership programs. We provide basic snowshoes that will get you floating across the depths of the Haliburton Highlands winter snow pack.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Another possible mode of transportation for navigating the forest in the winter months is by cross-country skis. We offer un-groomed packed trails or the wilderness touring option by cross-country skis. Boots, poles and skis can be provided with a limited but suitable selection for the purpose of the introductory lessons and tours that we offer. In general, the cross-country ski program consists of a short lesson on basic technique and safety on the skis. Skiing can be an end in itself or a means to traveling to a location for one of several other winter program options.

SWIMMING
The Haliburton Forest has over 50 lakes on the property. These lakes are headwaters to three major watersheds and therefore are very pristine and clean. If you are visiting in the heat of the summer months, swimming is almost a necessity as part of several other program options. Stop in at one of the swimming spots with a guide to cool off for a few minutes or allow us to build water based initiative programs for your group for an extended period of time. Our waterfront staff is certified with a minimum of the Lifesaving Society's Bronze Cross and Red Cross Standard First Aid and Basic CPR to ensure the safety of all participants.

WILDERNESS NAVIGATION
Orienteering by: Map, Compass, GPS, Photo - The three tools listed above comprise the basic equipment used for instruction and navigation of the forest wilderness. Each of these three basic tools are used individually or in combination to share an understanding of how we have historically and still currently navigate and map forest areas. Each of the navigation methods have applications to recreational activities as well as to particular professional fields of study (e.g. forest management, ecological/biological inventories and fisheries research). Our education staff will give basic instruction on the use of one or several of these tools and provide opportunities for participants to engage in navigating various parts of the forest property. These navigation activities can last for a single program session or a full day of activity and can range from a high pace race structure to a more focused skills development session with a focus on applications in the professional field.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL SKILLS
Spend a half or full day with one of our education staff guides and become familiar with some of the basic thinking and practical skills involved in managing yourself or a group when lost and in unfamiliar surroundings. Participants will learn basic shelter and fire building as well as a familiarization with strategies for food and water collection and maintaining a positive mental attitude - the first skill to be developed in order to save yourself or others in an emergency situation. This program will provide an overview of the skills for back country survival and can be designed with variable levels of difficulty depending on the challenge the group requires - from an afternoon in the forest with a guide to a facilitated overnight solo experience for the more adventurous.

CANOPY TOUR
For more information on our Canopy Tour Program please click here.

Adventure Based Leadership Programs

GROUP INITIATIVE TASKS Team Building Activities
Although all of our education program options involve a team-building element to some extent, we also provide program that is designed specifically for groups that desire a higher degree of formal team building activities. Our education staff guides will select activities that offer opportunities for the leadership skills of each participant to be discovered and developed. These activities have a range of physical demands - there is something to challenge any age and/or ability level. Some of the initiative challenges can incorporate other outdoor skills and pursuits program options as well (e.g. A problem solving GPS scavenger hunt requiring cooperative efforts of several individuals or groups).


Outdoor Education Internships
To become an effective and successful outdoor education professional the acquiring of skills, not obtainable in a classroom setting, is essential. To this goal, Haliburton Forest offers a 4-months internship program.  Interns are provided with room and board on site, participation and exposure to a wide variety of educational opportunities and a range of outdoor skills. For further information on this educational opportunity please visit the "careers" page on this website.