In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Leah chats with Monique Strachan, the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Camps Association (SCA).

They discuss the benefits of summer camp for children and people of all ages, how to choose a camp, and the resources available through the SCA to help families find the right camp and access financial support.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Dr. Marcia McKenzie (PhD), Professor and Associate Dean of Sustainability in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, discusses quality climate education, the importance of action, and how early life outdoor experiences can inspire a career. She shares her experiences in outdoor education, critical pedagogy, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into education.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors as they chat with with Denise Skuce, an experienced educator for outdoor play, who shares her deep passion for connecting children with nature.

Drawing from her 30 years of experience, Denise highlights the benefits of outdoor and forest school play, emphasizing its role in fostering exploration, resilience, and a connection to the environment.

She discusses how educators can incorporate nature-based activities into their practice, the importance of risky play, and the value of being outside in all weather conditions. 

Denise also touches on the role of Indigenous ways of knowing and offers practical advice for overcoming barriers to outdoor education, including proper gear and the willingness to step outside comfort zones.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Jennifer MacDonald, a non-Indigenous Canadian educator, discusses her journey into outdoor education. She shares her experiences from childhood to teaching, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the natural world and integrating treaty education into outdoor experiences. Jennifer also touches on narrative mapping and the challenges and successes she's encountered in her career.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors as they chat with Kristen Simonson, a passionate outdoor and environmental educator from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Kristen is the founder of Sage Creek Prairie School, where she brings land-based learning to life. She shares insights on bushcraft skills, reconciliation, and creating outdoor experiences for learners of all ages, while inspiring curiosity, connection to nature, and stewardship of the land.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors, Leah and Justine are joined by Denise Heppner and Tirzah Reilkoff to explore what outdoor learning looks like in practice—both in early years and through a professional development lens.

Denise is an Associate Director of Professional Learning with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. With over 20 years of experience in education, she’s taught in both public and private K-12 systems, and at the university level in Special Education and Indigenous Education.

Tirzah teaches Kindergarten and Grade 1 in rural Saskatchewan, where she facilitates daily, holistic outdoor learning. Her approach is rooted in student interest, curiosity, and connection to the land.

This episode is perfect for recreation professionals, outdoor educators, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning in outdoor environments.

Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

In this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors, Leah and Justine chat with Merrissa Karmark, an outdoor education, art, and English teacher at Englefeld School. Merrissa shares her journey into outdoor learning, and how outdoor spaces can meaningfully support the curriculum.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiration, and real talk about the challenges and rewards of teaching outside the classroom.

This episode is proudly sponsored by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA). Thank you for supporting conversations that connect people to land, learning, and each other.

Carolyn Bates-Hardy (she/her) is a neuroqueer, non-binary transgender woman living in the place traditionally known as oskana kâ-asastêki (Regina, SK) in Treaty 4 territory and on the Homeland of the Métis. She is a Communications Consultant with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, and has more than 14 years' experience in non-profit communications and public relations. Carolyn holds a BA in English (High Hons.) from the University of Regina, and a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Regina, Centre for Continuing Education. When she is not advocating for a better quality of life through recreation and parks, Carolyn enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry, spending time with her friends and chosen family, hunting for elusive vinyl records, and spending time outside in the sunshine.

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

Contact Carolyn

June is Parks & Rec Month - Connect on Common Ground - includes Invitation to Celebrate (used to be proclamation), posters, and links to sign up for webinars. 

Ivy and Dean Consulting

Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan 

Framework for Recreation in Canada - Includes long and short survey links

Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium in Saskatoon in June 11-13

SPRA Grants

SPRA Careers page and volunteer opportunities page (coming soon)

SPRA Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Linked in

Justine talks with Jacqui Sneazwell, a BC-based educator with a passion for outdoor play and learning. With experience as a kindergarten principal on North Vancouver Island, Jacqui now explores nature with her students in Chilliwack. In her workshop Playing in Dirt Builds Grit, she shares why play matters at every age and how it can build curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature.

Shelley Bettker is an outdoor play expert, advocate for child-led learning, and founder of Explorer’s Forest School and TimberNook Saskatoon. She works with children aged 1 to 13 on a prairie oasis east of Saskatoon, fostering curiosity and wonder through hands-on, nature-based experiences. Often found alongside children in the dirt and trees, Shelley fosters curiosity and a deep sense of wonder. Shelley also runs a parented program, guiding caregivers to embrace the benefits of outdoor play. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and is a certified Early Childhood Educator Level 2. She completed the Forest & Nature School Practitioner course through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada and is a TimberNook Certified Teacher and Provider, specializing in outdoor play, sensory integration, and child development. Shelley is committed to promoting the importance of getting kids outside in all weather and all naturalized environments.

Timbernook Saskatoon