What happens when outdoor education is more than a class—it’s a way of life?

For over 25 years, Hal Ziprick has taught outdoor education at H.A. Kostash School in Smoky Lake, Alberta. His program blends AHEIA-certified modules, such as hunter education, fishing education, boating safety, bowhunting, and stewardship, into the school curriculum—earning students high school credits while sparking lifelong passions.

From junior high skills days to a Grade 12 fly-in fishing trip, Hal has introduced thousands of youth (many from non-hunting families) to the outdoors. His leadership has also been instrumental in the growth of Alberta’s National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), with 38,000 students across the province now participating.

This episode dives into Hal’s journey, the challenges of sustaining such programs, and the incredible rewards of watching students develop skills, confidence, and conservation values that last a lifetime.

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