For the Mentorship Program en français
This program is open to all educators who are integrating outdoor learning into their work with children or youth. We’re also looking for Mentors who are fluent in French so we can increase our capacity to offer this program bilingually. This will be the third year of the program and we greatly appreciate your feedback as we shape and develop it.
Kindly note, at this time, this program is for educators on Turtle Island/North America.
Take Me Outside's Outdoor Learning Mentorship Program offers educators opportunities for direct peer-to-peer support and connection. Educators newer to outdoor learning (Mentees) are paired with experienced outdoor learning educators (Mentors) who can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice throughout the school year.
We recognize the importance of relationship-building, connection, and support in helping educators build confidence and advance outdoor learning as a regular teaching practice.
Mentees can develop meaningful relationships with Mentors to:
The Pen Pal Program is the foundation of our Mentorship Program. Mentees are matched with an experienced outdoor learning Mentor who will connect with them via email throughout the school year. Mentors provide individualized support, answer questions, share resources, and help Mentees navigate challenges and opportunities related to outdoor learning. Mentors and Mentees are encouraged to connect at least once per month. Mentors and Mentees are welcome to also connect via virtual sessions or phone calls, if this works for both of them
Virtual Campfires are monthly online gatherings where Mentors and Mentees from across Canada come together to share ideas, resources, success stories, and challenges related to outdoor learning.
Each session features experienced outdoor learning educators sharing their knowledge, practical strategies, and inspiration around seasonal themes and topics of interest. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The Take Me Outside Mentorship Program connects educators across North America through meaningful mentorship relationships and opportunities to learn from one another. This year, all Mentors will serve as Pen Pals, providing individualized support to educators looking to deepen their outdoor learning practice. Mentors will also have the opportunity to share their expertise through our Virtual Campfire series.
We kindly ask that all Mentors commit to:
We estimate that Mentors will volunteer approximately 2–4 hours per month.
All mentors will be paired with 1–5 Mentees (depending on their capacity) and will connect with them throughout the school year via email. Mentors will provide encouragement, answer questions, share resources, offer ideas for overcoming challenges, and celebrate successes as Mentees grow their outdoor learning practice.
Mentors are asked to correspond with their Mentees at least once per month throughout the school year.
Virtual Campfires are monthly online gatherings that bring together Mentors and Mentees from across Canada to share ideas, resources, successes, and challenges related to outdoor learning. Campfires will be scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm EST.
Mentors who are interested in leading professional learning in addition to being pen pals are invited to apply to facilitate a Virtual Campfire session. Campfires may include presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, or conversations focused on specific outdoor learning topics.
Facilitators will receive support from the Take Me Outside team in planning and hosting their session.
The Mentor application process will be open June 24-August 15, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest in being a Mentor! Kindly note, we have limited spots for Mentors and will select Mentors based on their experience and capacity.
We will respond to all Mentor applicants in late August, 2026 and the Mentorship Program will start in October 2026.
For Mentor applicants who are accepted as 2026-2027 Mentors, Coral (TMO Education Program Coordinator) will follow up with more details, including a Mentor Agreement, Code of Conduct, and the meeting link for the first Mentor Leadership Team meeting in September.
At the end of the school year, Mentees will have the opportunity to recognize Mentors who have excelled as leaders in the Outdoor Learning Mentorship Program. Mentees will be invited to nominate their Mentors for the Mentor Recognition Award by sharing feedback about their exceptional guidance and support throughout the year.
All nominated Mentors will:
As a thank you to all of our amazing Mentors, we will be offering all Mentors:
Thank you for your interest in becoming an Outdoor Learning Mentee! The Mentee application process for the 2026-2027 program will open in late August.
We will respond to all Mentee applicants in late September 2026 and the Mentorship Program will start in October 2026.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@takemeoutside.ca.
The Outdoor Learning Mentorship Program is built on meaningful relationships, connection, and shared learning. To help create a positive experience for both Mentees and Mentors, we ask Mentees to actively participate throughout the program year.
As a Mentee, you will be expected to:
This program works best when both Mentors and Mentees actively participate. We encourage you to apply if you are ready to make time for connection, reflection, and professional growth throughout the school year.
At the end of the school year, Mentors will have the opportunity to recognize Mentees who have actively engaged and excelled in the Outdoor Learning Mentorship Program. Mentors will be invited to nominate their Mentee for the Mentee Recognition Award by sharing feedback about their participation and growth throughout the year.
All nominated Mentees will: