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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.

David Bishop                                                           David signs responsible for creating an organised outdoor education program at Haliburton Forest - that was many, many years ago. He grew this part of Haliburton Forest, while also expanding into other, related areas such as the Wolf Centre, the Canopy Walk, Dogsledding or the Submarine. While David's plate today is full, managing the entire array of programming and activities at Haliburton Forest, he still keeps his guiding hand in the coordination and operation of the educational programming - and you may even find him out in the field, passing his wealth of  knowledge and experiences on to clients, be they students, professionals or special interest groups. 

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 at Haliburton Forest since 2006 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!
His motto is: Keep it Fun, Keep it Safe, Keep it Green

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

Cameron believes the outdoors to be the world's greatest classroom where we are never too young or old to learn the valuable lessons it has to teach us. Cameron has 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 Cameron seeks 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, graduating from the Park Operations and Outdoor Recreation course.  With his breadth of practical skills and experiences, he was subsequently hired as a member of the education staff team at Haliburton Forest, where he is into his 3rd year enjoying his time at work, with the visiting groups, the dogs, and the rest of the staff.

Other Staff                                                              While the key, year-round staff operating the education programming at Haliburton Forest are featured above, they would not be able to deliver powerful and informative programs, was it not for the many other staff at Haliburton Forest: from biologists to wildlife technicians, and sawyers to foresters, the strength of educational programming at Haliburton forest lies in the commitment and variety of the professionals working together in this huge outdoor classroom.

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.

Programming
All of the education programming taking place at Haliburton Forest intends to offer participants a direct experience of the forest ecosystem. Each group of visitors is encouraged to collaborate with the education staff in order to create an agenda that will meet the academic, social and personal expectations for every specific group. Our hands-on and experiential approach to education provides opportunities for all types of learners and academic levels to gain knowledge and personal experiences which are meaningful and relevant.

Although our programs are separated into three broad categories of Outdoor Skills and Pursuits, Environment and Adventure Based Leadership, every program endeavors to provide a greater understanding of our treed landscape 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

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.  The walk is followed by a short visit to the planetarium building. Most of the program time 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 provided instruction how to efficiently and effectively assemble, sort and analyse aquatic specimens. 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.


ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
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 participants into the forest with directed activities allowing for the exploration of aspects of the forest environment in a way unfamiliar to the recreational user. The careful observer 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 primary ecosystems found on our planet) participants are offered insight into how they may take care in and around the communities in which they live. 


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 by providing an opportunity for self reflection and an experience of the forest environment without the distraction of one-self  or  others. Solo sits are managed safely by our education staff so that participants can explore their limits and manage fear while 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 day's-end activity relating to specific or general questions, or can be a personal reflection time. 

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. Participants will witness horses pulling logs from the forest under the direction of our horse-logging staff. They will gain an appreciation for the intricacies of social, economic and environmental interconnectedness in the use of our forests for logging today.

                                                                      IDENTIFICATION & INTERPRETATION HIKES
Several trails in close proximity to the Base Camp offer easy access in moderate terrain to the forest environment. Interpretive signs and "landart" along the trail invite to see theforest beyond the trees: they introduce the visitor to  various forest types explaining their role in the ecological cycles at Haliburton Forest.

LOGGING MUSEUM
A visit to the logging museum on site is another way to explore the multi-uses of Haliburton Forest throughout our history. Visitors become acquainted with logging history and how  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
Participants earn to identify species of trees and more importantly, gain first hand experience as a forest technician in a certified, sustainable forest. They will come 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 the future. Participants become familiar with the social, ecological and economical factors that need to be considered when logging a forest in a sustainable way.                                                        For school groups this is an excellent activity utilising and developing a student'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
Visiting Haliburton Forest visiting the Wolf Centre is a MUST. A guided Wolf Centre program provides participants the rare opportunity to observe a pack of wolves in their natural environment and exhibiting many of their natural behaviors. For further information please visit the Wolf Centre page on this website.


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 on offer at Haliburton Forest, trained and experienced staff will work collaboratively with a visiting group's facilitator in order to create the experience that will be of greatest benefit for every visitor. Accordingly every program is unique, providing elements of many activities and educational content to meet every specific group's needs: 

ARCHERY
Haliburton Forest maintains an archery shooting range within a ten-minute walk from Base Camp. Trained staff will provide instruction on safety and proper technique for the use of a re-curve bow. Participants will receive information on the  basic history of use and construction of bows and arrows in our region.

BACKPACKING (Day and Overnight Trips)
Adventurous outdoor enthusiasts will join one of our trained guides along some of the over 400km of trails of the Haliburton Forest. Participants will be provided with 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. Haliburton Forest provides 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 at our disposal, participating backpackers will have the opportunity to experience a part of Ontario rarely visited by the public.

CAMPING (Minimal Impact)
Organised group camping at Haliburton Forest occurs in areas commonly not visited by the general public. 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 move 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 visitors. Program staff use 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
Canoe skills instructions will provide participants with introductory to intermediate canoeing skills. The focus is 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. Motorised boating traffic within Haliburton Forest is limited to small or non-gasoline motors. 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
Haliburton Forest is fully equipped to take up to forty guests on a wilderness canoe trip for up to five days. Beyond Haliburton Forest's lands access is provided to several lake chains that lead into the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails. Part of this program can involve 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 professional staff, the tripping experience has the capacity to create a cohesive group, which develops further understanding of the value of good communication and cooperative effort.  All guides leading canoe trips have a minimum of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid certificates.

DOG SLEDDING
For a historical and exciting way to experience the Canadian winter, visitors must join us for a dog sledding experience. This is a highly active sport participants need to be aware of the active nature of this program. 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 and a sustainable methods of travel in the wilderness. Mushing by dog sled provides the possibility of a quiet mode of travel through some of the more remote areas of Haliburton Forest. Three tour types are on offer: 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
Travel by mountain bikes on some of the over 400km of maintained trails and roads at Haliburton Forest can be part of any non-winter program. 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 visitors various levels of technical instruction can be offered.

SNOWSHOEING
A traditional and very practical way of navigating the land in the winter-time is snow-shoeing. Incorporating a snowshoe event into any winter program will offer the participants an opportunity to experience the quiet of the forest in the winter months. Haliburton Forest offers ample space to "bush-whack" 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. Basic snowshoes are provided, which will get guests 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, using un-groomed, packed trails or the wilderness touring option. Boots, poles and skis can be provided with a limited but suitable selection for the purpose of the introductory lessons and tours on offer. In general, the cross-country ski program consists of a short lesson on basic technique and safety on 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
Haliburton Forest contains over 50 lakes. These serve as headwaters to three major watersheds and therefore are pristine and clean. For visitors in the heat of the summer months, swimming is a necessity as part of several other program options.  Haliburton Forest's 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 guests.

WILDERNESS NAVIGATION
Orienteering by: Map, Compass, GPS and Photo - The four tools listed above comprise the basic equipment used for instruction and navigation of the forest wilderness. Each of these tools are used individually or in combination to share an understanding of how we have historically found our way 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). Haliburton Forest's program staff will provide 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 paced race to a more focused skills development session with the goal of applying skills in the professional field.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL SKILLS
Participants will spend a half or full day with program staff and learn about considerations and practical skills involved in managing situations 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 one-self and 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 education program options involve a team-building element to some extent, programs can be designed specifically for groups desiring a higher degree of formal team building activity. Haliburton Forest program staff 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 also incorporate other outdoor skills and pursuits (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.