Teambuilding Interactive Drumming!

Forget stiff formalities. Bam528 is a motivational powerhouse who masterfully flips the script, transforming any group—from colleagues to families—into a connected, energized community. With buckets, drums, and an infectious energy that has captivated audiences at Blue Mountain Village for nearly two decades, he makes discovering your inner rockstar unbelievably fun. In 3 easy steps , Bam528 guides everyone to get out of their own way, find their groove, and create something powerful together. It's more than drumming; it's connection, empowerment, and a high-energy dose of kindness, peace, joy, and love.

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A1:Learning the Language of Nature Through the Art and Science of Tracking: How these skills connect us to the land and inform our ecological perspective-  Earth Tracks - Alexis Burnett​

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Join us for an immersive exploration into the ancient practice of wildlife tracking - a powerful tool for deepening our connection to the land and expanding our ecological awareness. Far beyond simply identifying animal prints, tracking teaches us to read the bigger picture: to notice subtle changes in our environment, understand the interrelationships between species, and recognize the stories that the land is constantly telling. Through walking the land together, we’ll uncover the signs left by animals, plants, and natural forces - building a sense of place, relational awareness, and curiosity. Tracking becomes a way of learning the language of nature, cultivating presence, and asking: How is everything related? What stories are unfolding around us?

This program blends the art and science of observation, inviting participants to expand their awareness and engage with the land in a more meaningful, respectful way.

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A2: Biinaagami Great Lakes Giant Floor Map - Nicholas Reynolds, LTCA

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Lower Trent has recently obtained a giant floor map of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Watershed. The Map was developed in collaboration with Canadian Geographic, Swim Drink Fish, and the Biinaagami shared circle.

The Map itself comes with programming prompts and materials, covering the movement of water through the great lakes watershed as well as the historical and cultural connections to the great lakes and the indigenous people throughout the system. There is an additional Augmented reality feature to use along with the map that has a strong focus on indigenous culture and connections though the great lakes.

 

We are currently in the early stages of refining the program. The goal is to work with the existing resources and create our own activities to have students understand the great lakes watershed as a connected system and then take a closer look at our (Lower Trent's) Watershed and how they can play a part in understanding and preserving the whole system by engaging with their local water ways.

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B1: Learning the Language of Nature Through the Art and Science of Tracking: How these skills connect us to the land and inform our ecological perspective-  Earth Tracks - Alexis Burnett - ​

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Join us for an immersive exploration into the ancient practice of wildlife tracking - a powerful tool for deepening our connection to the land and expanding our ecological awareness. Far beyond simply identifying animal prints, tracking teaches us to read the bigger picture: to notice subtle changes in our environment, understand the interrelationships between species, and recognize the stories that the land is constantly telling. Through walking the land together, we’ll uncover the signs left by animals, plants, and natural forces - building a sense of place, relational awareness, and curiosity. Tracking becomes a way of learning the language of nature, cultivating presence, and asking: How is everything related? What stories are unfolding around us?

This program blends the art and science of observation, inviting participants to expand their awareness and engage with the land in a more meaningful, respectful way.

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B2: Scribbles and Science: Making Outdoor Learning Stick - Cassie Greidanus, ABCA

Nature journaling is a flexible, low-prep tool that can be woven into any outdoor education program—from one-time school visits and special events to ongoing forest school routines. In this workshop, we’ll explore how journaling can deepen connections to the land, support cross-curricular learning, and engage participants of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re guiding students for an hour or a season, nature journaling offers a meaningful way to slow down, observe closely, and reflect. Learn how to introduce this practice in ways that are adaptable, inclusive, and impactful—no matter how often you see your learners.

 

 

​​​C1: Lightning: The Shocking Truth - Tammy Gunn, Hike Ontario

This workshop provides a brief overview of how weather works with a focus on climate change, and provides an overview of lighting with a focus on lighting risk management. 

 

C2: Tips and Tricks for Natural Heritage Interpretation - Jenna McGuire

Sharing the stories of nature with others is an art form! It goes far beyond just relaying facts and information. It is also critical to any conservation organizations work as it instills a passion for using and protecting a site by visitors and community. During this workshop we will cover some theory and techniques of heritage interpretation. How to understand the key narratives of your site, research techniques, basics of interpretive planning, creation of interpretive panels, and tricks while delivering in person programs. We will also have some props and models for demonstration purposes!​

 

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D1: Able to Explore - Diana Wilson, TRCA

Throughout 2025, our team has been working to increase inclusion and accessibility in nature programming and outdoor events for neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities, and seniors.

We will share some of the resources developed through the project, such as:

• Guidelines for Nature Festivals

• Best Practices for Working with People with Disabilities in Nature Settings

• Examples of inclusive programming we’ve facilitated

We would love the opportunity to connect with others in the field and share what we've learned through our partnerships and community-led approach.

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D2: Mindfulness for Land Connection - Myra Spiller

Research continues to grow connecting time spent in nature with human health. Studies have shown that time spent in the forest improves both physical and mental health. Join us for a guided 'healing hike' where St. Clair Ed Staff teaches a series of awareness-building, stress-reducing activities. Record your heart rate, breathing rate, and stress rate before and after the hike to add a measurable component to your experience.

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E: Instinct for Survival - Chelsea Vieira, GSCA

Come play a short version of the classic Survival game in the Bluewater OEC’s beautiful forest.

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F: Permission to Wonder: Building Connections to Spark Curiosity - Heather Davidson, HIGH FIVE® Community Development Activator

What do you do when participants seem hesitant to explore, ask questions, or engage deeply with nature? In this (inter)active session, you’ll laugh and learn as we explore how relationship-building - between leaders, participants, and peers - creates the safety and spark needed for curiosity to thrive. Through group games, conversation, and reflection, we’ll connect the HIGH FIVE® framework to the real work of inspiring wonder. Walk away with ideas for how your programs (and your people) can foster deeper connections with the land and the learners in front of you.

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OTHER SESSIONS:

 

Bright Spots

Bring your favourite indoor/outdoor ACTIVITY or GAME or IDEA to share with other participants! This is an informal session. Peer to peer learning is an invaluable part of REKINDLE!