How can teachers shape a better future for their students, their schools and communities? Join the TDSB’s first ‘Climate Camp’ for teachers to engage in professional learning to address the realities of teaching in the face of climate change. Offered by the TDSB’s Sustainability Office in partnership with its Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC), this Camp offers K-12 teachers three days of rich collaborative inquiry focused on Climate Change Education surrounded by the beauty of the ferns and forests of Caledon, Ont. A variety of keynotes, workshops, indoor and outdoor activities offer opportunities for experiential and impactful learning, holistic experiences, and curricular planning to prepare for transformative teaching that centres equity, inclusion, justice and reconciliation. The TDSB’s Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre provides a generative setting of natural and purpose-built spaces that encourage reflection, growth, and rejuvenation. Apply for this Climate Camp to work alongside other teachers to deepen knowledge, nurture resilience, and embrace justice-centred action to shape systems and new futures together.

What to Expect

This Climate Camp offers K-12 teachers in the TDSB a wide range of learning opportunities in an inspiring setting to support their professional learning in Climate Change Education (CCE). Building community guides our learning, initiating and strengthening relationships to support the development of new futures together. Diverse perspectives, innovative approaches and compelling ideas are introduced as teachers interact with CCE experts, Indigenous knowledge-keepers, leaders from EcoSchools and the UIEC, and most importantly, with each other. Learning with and from the natural world begins each day, drawing on the teachings of the Earth to inspire learning. Featured talks offer common provocations, leading to a choice of workshops and learning activities that support learning that leads to agency, reconciliation, climate action and activism. As an integral part of this, teachers are invited to share their expertise via lightning talks and learning circles, and work collaboratively to deepen knowledge and refine their practice in CCE for the coming school year. Meals, breaks and evening social activities provide time for nourishment, self-care, reflection and nurturing relationships. Overall, teachers can expect learning that is reflective, joyful, and energizing, empowering them for leading CCE in the year to come.

Climate Camp Location

The Climate Camp takes place at the TDSB’s Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre, situated on the Niagara Escarpment (approximately 10 km north of Orangeville, ON). The beautiful rural property features forests, meadows and open fields that border the picturesque Mono Cliffs Provinical Park with its 30 metre cliffs, bedrock outliers, a glacial spillway, hiking/biking trails, ponds and a kettle lake. Teachers will stay overnight at the Centre, with all meals and snacks provided. Accommodation is provided in shared dorm rooms (two people per room) with shared bathroom facilities. Read detailed info about the Centre and its facilities.

Registration Process

There is a two-step registration process for this Climate Camp. First, complete the Climate Camp Application Form (basic information such as your name, contact info, school and grade(s) taught.) Once you receive an email that your application has been accepted, you’ll be provided with instructions to submit the registration deposit of $200; this deposit holds your spot in the Climate Camp (half will be returned to you upon full completion of the Camp). (To ensure that as many teachers can participate in the Climate Camp as possible, this fee will be non-refundable for those who withdraw after July 1, 2024.) Once both steps of the registration process (application + deposit) have been completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email and detailed schedule for the Climate Camp. Spots are limited, so it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.

Questions?

Reach out to Climate Camp Administrator Linda Naccarato.