Our first Educator Wellness Retreat took place in Muskoka, Ontario May 30th to June 1st, 2025! You can read a recap below.
Please feel free to email us at info@takemeoutside.ca if you have any questions!
Take Me Outside held our first ever Educator Wellness Retreat at beautiful Camp Wenonah in Muskoka, Ontario May 30th-June 1st, in partnership with the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (COEO). Elder Christopher Stock from A Journey Begins opened and closed the weekend in a good way, joined by his daughter Keana and wife Jackie. Carolynne Crawley from Msit No’kmaq and Turtle Protectors facilitated All My Relations and Forest Therapy sessions, along with an incredible Storytelling Campfire. Shehla Khan from Yoga with Shehla led yoga therapy, meditation and mindfulness sessions rooted in authentic cultural practices. Samantha Wood from Maison Rosewood offered massage therapy throughout the weekend. Angel Suarez Esquivel and Lee McArthur from the COEO Board of Directors generously offered their help and support throughout the Retreat.
An amazing group of educators from across Ontario gathered to connect deeply to nature and each other. We had a lot of fun in a summer camp setting- canoeing, singing, nature journaling, reading for pleasure, mindful birding, dancing, doing archery, going on nature walks, doing sit spots, playing board games and so much more. Plus we enjoyed all the delicious food at Camp Wenonah! We shared stories, tears and laughter, while healing and restoring together in nature. A huge thank you to everyone who came together to co-create a magical weekend and make this Retreat such a success!
The Educator Wellness Retreat was truly a life changing experience. As educators, we are always looking out for others but rarely take time to look after ourselves. This weekend was an amazing chance to connect with like-minded people and do incredible programming centred around a shared love of nature. It served as an important reminder that nature is not just a place to visit, it’s truly where we belong.
The Educator Wellness Retreat was transformative. As educators, we rarely recognize that we need time to pause, recharge, and reconnect with nature. The retreat was thoughtfully planned and executed. I left with my heart filled with gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. So much healing took place in a short time – I appreciated every moment. Do not hesitate to sign up for the next one! I will definitely be there.
