Take Me Outside - Take Me Outside Day

Communications Toolkit

Everything you need to help promote Take Me Outside Day.
This toolkit has everything you need to help promote Take Me Outside Day 2026. Whether you're an educator, school board, community organization, partner, or media representative, you'll find ready-to-use resources to help you share the campaign and inspire others to get involved.

Inside, you'll find downloadable graphics, logos, sample social media posts, newsletter and website copy, media resources, key messages, campaign information, and promotional materials.

We encourage you to personalize these resources for your community while maintaining the spirit of the campaign. Every story, photo, and outdoor learning experience helps demonstrate the power of learning beyond the classroom and inspires others to discover how hope grows through connection with nature and one another.

Thank you for helping us spread the word and make Take Me Outside Week a national celebration of outdoor learning!

REGISTRATION OPENS

Thursday, August 20, 2026

TAKE ME OUTSIDE WEEK

October 19-23, 2026

TAKE ME OUTSIDE DAY

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

COST TO PARTICIPATE

Free

Promote the Campaign

Everything needed for newsletters, websites, and social media.

Quick Introduction (30 seconds)

Perfect for meetings and announcements

Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning and a global invitation for educators and learners to discover the many ways learning can happen beyond the four walls of the classroom. Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the celebration has grown into a full week of themed learning featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities. This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates how spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future.

Presentation Introduction (2 minutes)

Great for workshops and webinars

Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, inviting educators and learners around the world to experience the many benefits of learning outside.

While the campaign is centered on Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, it has expanded in recent years into a full week of learning. Each day explores a different theme through live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and opportunities for educators to extend learning beyond the classroom.

This year's campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the idea that spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future. Throughout the week, participants will discover stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility while experiencing firsthand the many benefits of outdoor learning.

The campaign traces its roots back to 2011, when educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris ran more than 7,600 kilometres across Canada, inspiring thousands of students to reconnect with the outdoors. Today, that vision has grown into an annual celebration involving hundreds of thousands of educators and learners from across Canada and around the world.

Participation is completely free, and everyone is invited to spend time learning outdoors, join our virtual events, and celebrate the power of outdoor learning.

Campaign Story (5 minutes)

Ideal for keynote introductions, conferences, and community events

Take Me Outside Day began with a simple but powerful idea: learning doesn't only happen within the four walls of a classroom.

In 2011, educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris ran more than 7,600 kilometres across Canada, travelling from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. Along the way, he visited more than 75 schools, speaking with over 20,000 students about the importance of finding a healthy balance between time spent indoors and time spent learning, exploring, and playing outside. His journey sparked a national conversation about outdoor learning that continues today.

Each October, Take Me Outside Day honours that journey by inviting educators and learners to spend at least one hour learning outdoors. In recent years, the celebration has grown beyond a single day into a full week of learning while remaining centered on Take Me Outside Day, held this year on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Throughout the week, educators can participate in five themed days featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and curriculum connected outdoor learning activities designed to inspire curiosity, connection, and discovery.

The 2026 campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, recognizes that spending time in nature helps nurture not only knowledge, but also optimism, resilience, and wellbeing. Inspired in part by the work of hope scholar elin kelsey, the week celebrates stories of cooperation, recovery, and possibility, encouraging learners to see themselves as part of a connected and thriving living world.

Whether learning takes place in a schoolyard, local park, forest, neighbourhood, child care centre, outdoor classroom, or community space, every outdoor experience creates opportunities for meaningful learning. Outdoor learning supports academic achievement, physical and mental wellbeing, creativity, environmental stewardship, and stronger connections to place and one another.

Take Me Outside Day is free to participate in and welcomes educators, learners, families, schools, organizations, and communities from across Canada and around the world. Together, we can help the next generation discover that learning happens everywhere, and that Hope Grows Outside.

These key messages provide a consistent foundation for partner communications. We encourage all partners to use and adapt them when promoting Take Me Outside Week, culminating in Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Hope Grows Outside.

Spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future.

Learning happens everywhere.

The outdoors is an extension of the classroom where meaningful learning can happen across all subjects and at every age.

Everyone belongs outside.

Take Me Outside Day is free, inclusive, and welcomes educators and learners from around the world to celebrate outdoor learning together.

Small moments outside make a big difference.

Whether it's one lesson, one hour, or an entire day, every outdoor learning experience helps build healthier, happier, and more connected communities.

These talking points are intended to support interviews, presentations, newsletters, social media, and conversations about Take Me Outside Day. Choose the messages that best fit your audience and feel free to adapt the wording.

About the Campaign

  • Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, welcoming participants from around the world.
  • While Take Me Outside Day takes place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the celebration now includes a full week of themed learning experiences.
  • Participation is free and open to educators, learners, schools, organizations, families, and communities.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

  • Outdoor learning helps foster curiosity, creativity, wellbeing, and a lifelong connection to nature.
  • Learning outdoors supports academic success while strengthening physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Every outdoor experience, whether it's five minutes or a full day, can make a meaningful impact.
  • The outdoors isn't a break from learning. It is a place where learning comes alive.

2026 Campaign Theme: Hope Grows Outside

  • Hope grows through our connections with nature, one another, and our communities.
  • Outdoor learning helps learners discover stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility.
  • Spending time outside reminds us that even small actions can contribute to a brighter future.
  • Together, we can help the next generation grow with confidence, curiosity, and hope.

Getting Involved

  • Spend at least one hour learning outdoors on Take Me Outside Day.
  • Join our free live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities throughout the week.
  • Share your experiences using #TakeMeOutsideDay to inspire others.
  • Register for free and join hundreds of thousands of educators and learners celebrating outdoor learning around the world.

Campaign History

  • Take Me Outside Day began following Colin Harris' 7,600 kilometre run across Canada to inspire young people to reconnect with the outdoors.
  • What started as one person's vision has grown into an international movement celebrating the power of outdoor learning.

Short Announcement (50–75 words)

Hope Grows Outside with Take Me Outside Day!

Registration is now open for Take Me Outside Day 2026, taking place on Wednesday, October 21, and a full week of outdoor learning from October 19–23.

Join educators and learners around the world for a week of inspiring virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and opportunities to celebrate the many benefits of learning outdoors.

Participation is free. Register today and discover how Hope Grows Outside. (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Standard Article (150–200 words)

Celebrate Take Me Outside Day 2026

This October, join educators and learners from across Canada and around the world in celebrating Take Me Outside Day, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning.

Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the celebration has grown into a full week of learning featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and exciting opportunities to inspire learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the idea that spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future. Throughout the week, participants will explore stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility while discovering the many benefits of outdoor learning.

Whether you teach in a classroom, forest school, early learning centre, homeschool, museum, or community organization, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

Participation is completely free.

Register today, spend at least one hour learning outdoors on Wednesday, October 21, and join a growing movement celebrating outdoor learning around the world. (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Feature Article (300–400 words)

Hope Grows Outside: Join Take Me Outside Day 2026

Learning doesn't only happen within the four walls of a classroom. Every day, educators around the world are discovering that the outdoors is a place where curiosity grows, connections deepen, and meaningful learning comes to life.

This October, we invite you to be part of Take Me Outside Day 2026, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning. While the campaign is centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, it has expanded into a full week of themed learning from October 19–23, featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and inspiring resources for educators and learners of all ages.

This year's campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the idea that hope grows through our connections with nature, one another, and our communities. Throughout the week, learners will discover stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility while exploring how outdoor learning supports academic achievement, wellbeing, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Take Me Outside Day traces its roots back to 2011, when educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris ran more than 7,600 kilometres across Canada to inspire young people to reconnect with the outdoors. Today, that vision has grown into an international movement that brings together hundreds of thousands of educators and learners each year.

Whether you spend one lesson, one hour, or an entire day outdoors, every experience helps learners build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around them.

Participation is free, and everyone is welcome.

Register today and join educators and learners around the world in celebrating Take Me Outside Day. Together, let's discover how Hope Grows Outside. (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Tip: Feel free to personalize these templates by highlighting how your school, organization, or community will participate in Take Me Outside Day. You can also add details about local events, outdoor learning initiatives, or activities you are planning.

These templates are intended as a starting point. Feel free to personalize them by adding information about your own organization, local events, or outdoor learning initiatives while keeping the core campaign messaging consistent.

Templates will added as the campaign progresses and will include speaker/schedule details.

Save the Date

Subject: Save the Date! Take Me Outside Day is October 21

Mark your calendars!

Take Me Outside Week takes place October 19 to 23, 2026, with Take Me Outside Day at the heart of the week on Wednesday, October 21.

Throughout the week, educators and learners can participate in inspiring virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities designed to encourage learning beyond the classroom.

Registration is free and opens August 20, 2026.

We hope you'll join us in celebrating outdoor learning and discovering how Hope Grows Outside.

Registration Now Open

Subject: Registration is Open for Take Me Outside Day 2026!

Take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom this October!

Registration is now open for Take Me Outside Day 2026, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning.

Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the celebration has grown into a full week of themed learning featuring inspiring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and curriculum connected outdoor learning activities.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates how spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future.

Participation is completely free, and educators and learners from around the world are invited to join the celebration.

Register today and discover how Hope Grows Outside.

Short Website Blurb - 50-75 words

Celebrate Take Me Outside Day 2026

Join educators and learners around the world in celebrating Take Me Outside Day, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning. Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the campaign features a full week of inspiring virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities. Participation is free and everyone is invited to discover how Hope Grows Outside.

Register today (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Standard Website Copy - 100-250 words

Take Me Outside Day 2026

This October, join educators and learners from across Canada and around the world in celebrating Take Me Outside Day, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning.

Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the campaign has grown into a full week of learning from October 19–23, featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and opportunities to experience the many benefits of learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the idea that spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future. Throughout the week, participants will explore stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility while discovering meaningful ways to connect learning with the natural world.

Participation is free and open to schools, early learning programs, homeschool groups, post-secondary institutions, museums, nature centres, community organizations, and families.

Whether you spend one lesson, one hour, or the entire day outdoors, every outdoor experience makes a difference.

Register today and celebrate Take Me Outside Day with us! (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Feature Website Copy - 300-400 words

Hope Grows Outside

Learning doesn't only happen within the four walls of a classroom. Every day, educators create meaningful opportunities for learners to explore, discover, question, and connect with the world around them. Take Me Outside Day celebrates those experiences by encouraging everyone to spend time learning outdoors.

Recognized as Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, Take Me Outside Day has inspired educators and learners for more than a decade. What began as a single day has grown into a week-long celebration filled with opportunities to connect with nature, build curiosity, and experience the many benefits of outdoor learning.

From October 19–23, 2026, participants can take part in live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and inspiring educational resources. At the heart of the week is Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 21, when educators and learners everywhere are encouraged to spend at least one hour learning outdoors.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, reminds us that hope grows through connection—with nature, with one another, and with our communities. Whether learners are exploring a schoolyard, neighbourhood, local park, forest, shoreline, or community space, outdoor learning creates opportunities to build confidence, resilience, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Participation is free and welcomes educators and learners of all ages and settings, including schools, early learning programs, homeschool groups, post-secondary institutions, museums, nature centres, community organizations, and families.

Join a growing movement that celebrates outdoor learning and inspires the next generation to care for themselves, one another, and the places we all share.

Register today and discover how Hope Grows Outside. (https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/)

Suggested CTA Button

Include one of these buttons beneath the copy:

  • Register for Free
  • Join Take Me Outside Day
  • Get Involved
  • Explore Resources

FACEBOOK

@takemeoutside

INSTAGRAM

@take.me.outside

X

@takemeoutside

Campaign Hashtags

Use these hashtags whenever possible to help amplify the campaign.

Primary Hashtags

  • #TakeMeOutsideDay
  • #HopeGrowsOutside

Suggested Hashtags

  • #TMODay
  • #OutdoorLearning
  • #LearningOutside
  • #LearnOutside
  • #TakeLearningOutside

Key Messages

When creating your own content, consider highlighting one or more of these messages:

  • Learning happens beyond the four walls of the classroom.
  • Outdoor learning supports curiosity, wellbeing, connection, and academic success.
  • Everyone can participate—schools, early learning programs, families, community organizations, museums, nature centres, and more.
  • Every outdoor learning experience makes a difference.
  • Hope grows through connection—with nature, one another, and our communities.

Sample Social Posts

Registration Now Open

🌿 Registration is now open for Take Me Outside Day 2026!

Join educators and learners around the world for Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning. Explore a full week of inspiring virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities.

Participation is free.

Register today and discover how #HopeGrowsOutside!

#TakeMeOutsideDay #OutdoorLearning

Before You Post ✔

  • Mention Take Me Outside Day
  • Include the date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Mention that participation is free
  • Include a registration link: https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/
  • Use #TakeMeOutsideDay
  • Include this year's theme: Hope Grows Outside

Media Resources

Quick Introduction (30 seconds)

Presentation Introduction (2 minutes)

Great for workshops and webinars

Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, inviting educators and learners around the world to experience the many benefits of learning outside.

While the campaign is centered on Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, it has expanded in recent years into a full week of learning. Each day explores a different theme through live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum connected outdoor learning activities, and opportunities for educators to extend learning beyond the classroom.

This year's campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the idea that spending time outdoors nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future. Throughout the week, participants will discover stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility while experiencing firsthand the many benefits of outdoor learning.

The campaign traces its roots back to 2011, when educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris ran more than 7,600 kilometres across Canada, inspiring thousands of students to reconnect with the outdoors. Today, that vision has grown into an annual celebration involving hundreds of thousands of educators and learners from across Canada and around the world.

Participation is completely free, and everyone is invited to spend time learning outdoors, join our virtual events, and celebrate the power of outdoor learning.

Campaign Story (5 minutes)

Ideal for keynote introductions, conferences, and community events

Take Me Outside Day began with a simple but powerful idea: learning doesn't only happen within the four walls of a classroom.

In 2011, educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris ran more than 7,600 kilometres across Canada, travelling from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. Along the way, he visited more than 75 schools, speaking with over 20,000 students about the importance of finding a healthy balance between time spent indoors and time spent learning, exploring, and playing outside. His journey sparked a national conversation about outdoor learning that continues today.

Each October, Take Me Outside Day honours that journey by inviting educators and learners to spend at least one hour learning outdoors. In recent years, the celebration has grown beyond a single day into a full week of learning while remaining centered on Take Me Outside Day, held this year on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Throughout the week, educators can participate in five themed days featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and curriculum connected outdoor learning activities designed to inspire curiosity, connection, and discovery.

The 2026 campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, recognizes that spending time in nature helps nurture not only knowledge, but also optimism, resilience, and wellbeing. Inspired in part by the work of hope scholar elin kelsey, the week celebrates stories of cooperation, recovery, and possibility, encouraging learners to see themselves as part of a connected and thriving living world.

Whether learning takes place in a schoolyard, local park, forest, neighbourhood, child care centre, outdoor classroom, or community space, every outdoor experience creates opportunities for meaningful learning. Outdoor learning supports academic achievement, physical and mental wellbeing, creativity, environmental stewardship, and stronger connections to place and one another.

Take Me Outside Day is free to participate in and welcomes educators, learners, families, schools, organizations, and communities from across Canada and around the world. Together, we can help the next generation discover that learning happens everywhere, and that Hope Grows Outside.

At a Glance

  • What: Take Me Outside Day, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning
  • When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Take Me Outside Week: October 19–23, 2026
  • 2026 Theme: Hope Grows Outside
  • Cost: Free to participate
  • Who Can Participate: Schools, early learning programs, homeschool groups, post-secondary institutions, museums, nature centres, community organizations, families, and anyone passionate about outdoor learning.
  • Registration Opens: August 20, 2026

About the Campaign

  • Take Me Outside Day encourages educators and learners to spend time learning outdoors.
  • The campaign has grown from a single day into a week-long celebration featuring live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, outdoor learning activities, and educational resources.
  • Participation is open to organizations and learners across Canada and around the world.
  • Outdoor learning can take place anywhere—from schoolyards and parks to forests, neighbourhoods, gardens, shorelines, and community spaces.

Campaign History

  • Founded in 2011 following educator Colin Harris's 7,600-kilometre run across Canada.
  • Created to inspire children and youth to spend more time learning, exploring, and connecting with nature.
  • Held annually each October.

This Year's Theme: Hope Grows Outside

The 2026 theme celebrates the idea that hope grows through our connections with nature, one another, and our communities. Inspired by the work of hope scholar elin kelsey, the campaign highlights stories of resilience, cooperation, curiosity, and possibility while encouraging learners to experience the many benefits of outdoor learning.

Why Outdoor Learning?

Outdoor learning helps learners:

  • Build curiosity and confidence.
  • Strengthen physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Foster environmental stewardship.
  • Connect with their local communities and natural environments.

Ways to Participate

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Spend at least one hour learning outdoors on Take Me Outside Day.
  • Join live virtual speakers and virtual field trips.
  • Explore curriculum-connected outdoor learning activities.
  • Share their experiences using #TakeMeOutsideDay.

Key Messages

  • Learning happens beyond the four walls of the classroom.
  • Outdoor learning benefits learners of all ages.
  • Every outdoor learning experience makes a difference.
  • Hope grows through connection, curiosity, and time spent outdoors.

Learn More

For registration, resources, and event information, visit the Take Me Outside website.

The Story Behind Take Me Outside Day

Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, inspiring educators and learners to discover the many ways learning can happen beyond the four walls of the classroom.

The campaign began in 2011, when educator and outdoor learning advocate Colin Harris set out on a remarkable journey across Canada. Running more than 7,600 kilometres from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, Colin visited more than 75 schools and spoke with over 20,000 students about the importance of reconnecting with the outdoors.

Throughout his journey, Colin heard a common concern from educators, parents, and students: children were spending less time outside than previous generations. His cross-country run became a national conversation about the importance of outdoor learning, healthy active living, and fostering stronger connections with nature.

To continue that momentum, Take Me Outside Day was established as an annual celebration encouraging educators and learners to spend time learning outdoors. Held each October in recognition of Colin's journey, the campaign has grown from a single day into Take Me Outside Week, while remaining centered on Take Me Outside Day.

Today, the campaign brings together educators, schools, organizations, and communities from across Canada and around the world to celebrate the many benefits of outdoor learning. Participants are encouraged to spend at least one hour learning outdoors and to explore free educational opportunities, including live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum-connected activities, and educator resources.

Hope Grows Outside

The 2026 campaign theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the power of outdoor learning to nurture curiosity, wellbeing, connection, and hope for the future. Inspired by the work of hope scholar elin kelsey, the campaign highlights stories of resilience, cooperation, and possibility, encouraging learners to recognize that hope grows through our relationships with nature, one another, and our communities.

Why Outdoor Learning?

Research and lived experience continue to demonstrate that outdoor learning supports academic achievement while also fostering physical and mental wellbeing, creativity, problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and a stronger sense of belonging. Whether learning takes place in a schoolyard, neighbourhood, forest, park, shoreline, or community space, outdoor experiences help learners develop meaningful connections to the places where they live and learn.

Looking Ahead

Each year, Take Me Outside Day invites educators and learners to step beyond the classroom and experience the outdoors as a place of discovery, inspiration, and possibility. By encouraging even one hour of outdoor learning, the campaign aims to build lifelong connections with nature and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, leaders, and engaged citizens.

Today, Take Me Outside Day continues to grow as a global movement, bringing together educators and learners who believe that some of life's most meaningful lessons happen outside.

Hope Grows Outside

The 2026 Take Me Outside Day theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the powerful role outdoor learning plays in nurturing curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future.

In a world where many young people are facing uncertainty about environmental and social challenges, spending time outdoors offers opportunities to experience resilience, wonder, and possibility firsthand. Nature reminds us that change is constant, renewal is possible, and we are part of something larger than ourselves.

This year's theme is inspired by the work of elin kelsey, an internationally recognized educator, author, and leading voice on evidence-based hope. Rather than focusing solely on environmental challenges, her work encourages us to recognize stories of cooperation, regeneration, innovation, and collective action that demonstrate positive change is already happening around us.

For educators, Hope Grows Outside is an invitation to create learning experiences that help learners build meaningful relationships with the natural world, their communities, and one another. Outdoor learning provides opportunities to ask questions, solve problems, explore local environments, and discover that hope grows through action, curiosity, and connection.

Throughout Take Me Outside Week, participants will explore this theme through live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, outdoor learning activities, and inspiring stories that highlight resilience and possibility across Canada and beyond.

What We Mean by Hope

For the purposes of this campaign, hope is not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is fine. Instead, hope is built through knowledge, connection, and action.

Outdoor learning helps learners develop hope by:

  • Building meaningful connections with nature and place.
  • Encouraging curiosity and lifelong learning.
  • Fostering resilience through exploration and problem-solving.
  • Strengthening relationships and a sense of belonging.
  • Inspiring environmental stewardship and community action.
  • Helping learners recognize positive change and new possibilities.

Key Messages

When speaking about this year's theme, we encourage partners and media to reinforce these messages:

  • Hope grows through connection—with nature, one another, and our communities.
  • Outdoor learning helps learners discover possibility, resilience, and wonder.
  • Learning outdoors encourages curiosity, confidence, and meaningful action.
  • Every outdoor experience helps build a deeper understanding of the world around us.
  • Small moments outside can inspire lifelong connections with nature.

Suggested Language

When referring to the 2026 campaign, consider using language such as:

  • "This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates the power of outdoor learning to inspire curiosity, connection, and hope."
  • "Take Me Outside Day invites educators and learners to experience how hope grows through time spent outdoors."
  • "Outdoor learning helps young people recognize the possibilities that exist within themselves, their communities, and the natural world."

A Theme That Lasts Beyond One Week

While Hope Grows Outside is the guiding theme for the 2026 campaign, its message extends well beyond Take Me Outside Week. Every outdoor learning experience—whether it's exploring a schoolyard, observing seasonal changes, restoring a habitat, or simply spending time together outside—can help cultivate curiosity, resilience, and a lasting sense of hope.

Together, these experiences remind us that learning beyond the classroom doesn't just deepen our understanding of the world—it helps us imagine and create a better future.

These templates are intended as a starting point. Partners are encouraged to personalize them with local participation details, quotes, event information, and community impacts while preserving the core campaign messaging.

Templates will added as the campaign progresses and will include speaker/schedule details.

Save the Date

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Save the Date: Take Me Outside Day Returns October 21

[City, Province][Date] – Educators, schools, organizations, and families are invited to mark their calendars for Take Me Outside Week, taking place October 19–23, 2026, with Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 21.

As Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, the campaign encourages educators and learners to spend time learning outdoors while exploring free virtual events and educational resources.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, highlights the power of outdoor learning to inspire curiosity, resilience, and meaningful connections with nature and one another.

Registration opens August 20, 2026.

"Take Me Outside Week is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible learning that happens when we step beyond the classroom walls. We encourage educators, schools, families, and community organizations to save the date and begin planning how they'll celebrate Hope Grows Outside this October. Together, we can inspire curiosity, strengthen connections, and remind learners that some of life's most meaningful lessons happen outdoors." - Coral Bissett, Education Program Coordinator, Take Me Outside

Additional information is available at https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/.

Registration Opens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Registration Opens for Take Me Outside Day 2026

[City, Province][Date] – Registration is now open for Take Me Outside Day 2026, Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning. Centered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the campaign has grown into a full week of learning from October 19–23, inviting educators and learners to discover the many ways learning can happen beyond the four walls of the classroom.

This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, celebrates how outdoor learning nurtures curiosity, connection, wellbeing, and hope for the future. Throughout the week, participants can access free live virtual speakers, virtual field trips, curriculum-connected outdoor learning activities, and educational resources.

"Every learner deserves the opportunity to experience the curiosity, connection, and joy that outdoor learning can inspire. As registration opens for Take Me Outside Day 2026, we invite educators, schools, and community partners to join us in celebrating Hope Grows Outside. Together, we can create meaningful learning experiences that help young people build confidence, deepen their connection to nature, and discover that hope grows through exploration, relationships, and taking learning beyond the classroom walls." - Coral Bissett, Education Program Coordinator, Take Me Outside

Take Me Outside Day welcomes participation from schools, early learning programs, homeschool groups, post-secondary institutions, museums, nature centres, community organizations, and families.

Participation is free.

For more information or to register, visit https://takemeoutside.ca/take-me-outside-day/.

Media Contact:
Michaela Binda
Administrative & Communications Coordinator
Take Me Outside
Michaela@takemeoutside.ca

About Take Me Outside Day

"Take Me Outside Day is an invitation to rediscover the outdoors as a place where curiosity grows, meaningful learning happens, and connections are strengthened. Every learner deserves opportunities to experience the many benefits of learning beyond the four walls of the classroom."

About Outdoor Learning

"Outdoor learning transforms everyday places into spaces for exploration, discovery, and creativity. Whether learners are in a schoolyard, local park, forest, or community space, the outdoors offers authentic opportunities to connect learning with the world around us."

About the 2026 Theme

"This year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, reminds us that hope is cultivated through connection—with nature, one another, and our communities. Outdoor learning helps learners experience resilience, possibility, and wonder while inspiring them to imagine a brighter future."

About Participation

"Take Me Outside Day is for everyone. Whether you're a classroom teacher, early childhood educator, homeschool family, museum educator, outdoor centre, or community organization, every outdoor learning experience contributes to a larger movement that celebrates curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning."

About Educators

"Every day, educators create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Take Me Outside Day celebrates their creativity, dedication, and commitment to helping learners connect with the natural world in ways that inspire both academic growth and personal wellbeing."

About Communities

"Outdoor learning thrives through collaboration. Schools, families, municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, parks, museums, and local partners all play an important role in creating opportunities for learners to connect with the places where they live."

About Hope

"Hope grows when young people experience the world around them with curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Every outdoor learning experience helps learners recognize that they are connected to something larger than themselves and that their actions can make a positive difference."

About the Campaign's Growth

"What began as one person's cross-Canada journey has grown into a celebration that brings together educators and learners from across Canada and around the world. The campaign continues to demonstrate the growing recognition that outdoor learning is an essential part of education."

About Looking Ahead

"Every year, Take Me Outside Day reminds us that meaningful learning can happen anywhere. By encouraging even one hour outdoors, we hope to inspire lifelong curiosity, stronger connections to nature, and a future where outdoor learning is a regular part of every learner's experience."

Thank You

"We are grateful to the educators, schools, organizations, volunteers, and partners who make Take Me Outside Day possible. Together, we are helping create more opportunities for learners to explore, discover, and experience how hope truly grows outside."

These talking points are intended to help spokespersons communicate consistently about Take Me Outside Day. They can be adapted for television, radio, podcasts, print, and online interviews.

What is Take Me Outside Day?

Key Message:
Take Me Outside Day is Canada's national celebration of outdoor learning, encouraging educators and learners to discover the many ways learning can happen beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Suggested Response:

Take Me Outside Day is celebrated each October and has grown into Take Me Outside Week, a week-long celebration of outdoor learning. Schools, early learning programs, post-secondary institutions, museums, nature centres, community organizations, and families are invited to participate by taking learning outdoors and exploring free educational opportunities, including virtual speakers, virtual field trips, and outdoor learning activities.

Why is outdoor learning important?

Key Message:
Outdoor learning complements classroom learning while supporting academic success, wellbeing, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.

Suggested Response:

Outdoor learning creates authentic opportunities for learners to ask questions, solve problems, collaborate, and connect with the world around them. Whether learning takes place in a schoolyard, neighbourhood, forest, or local park, being outside helps learners build confidence, creativity, resilience, and meaningful relationships with nature and their communities.

What does this year's theme, Hope Grows Outside, mean?

Key Message:
Hope grows through connection—with nature, one another, and our communities.

Suggested Response:

This year's theme recognizes that spending time outdoors helps learners experience wonder, resilience, curiosity, and possibility. Inspired by the work of hope scholar elin kelsey, the campaign encourages educators and learners to focus on stories of cooperation, positive change, and the many ways outdoor learning can inspire hope for the future.

Who can participate?

Key Message:
Everyone is welcome.

Suggested Response:

Take Me Outside Day is designed for anyone who believes learning can happen outdoors. Schools, childcare programs, homeschool families, colleges, universities, museums, conservation organizations, community groups, parks, libraries, and families all participate in ways that reflect their own communities and learning goals.

What does participation look like?

Key Message:
There is no single "right way" to participate.

Suggested Response:

Participation can be as simple as taking one lesson outside or spending an hour exploring a nearby green space. Others may organize school-wide celebrations, outdoor inquiry projects, community walks, citizen science activities, Indigenous learning experiences, or environmental stewardship projects. Every outdoor learning experience counts.

Why should schools participate?

Key Message:
Outdoor learning is an effective and engaging way to support curriculum while enriching student experiences.

Suggested Response:

Take Me Outside Day provides an opportunity for schools to celebrate and expand outdoor learning. The campaign offers free resources, activity ideas, virtual events, and inspiration that make it easy for educators to get involved regardless of their previous outdoor learning experience.

How can communities get involved?

Key Message:
Outdoor learning is strengthened through community partnerships.

Suggested Response:

Community organizations, municipalities, conservation authorities, museums, parks, Indigenous organizations, libraries, and local businesses can all support outdoor learning by hosting activities, partnering with schools, sharing expertise, or encouraging families to spend time learning outdoors.

What makes Take Me Outside Day unique?

Key Message:
It is Canada's national celebration dedicated specifically to outdoor learning.

Suggested Response:

Take Me Outside Day brings together thousands of educators and learners through a shared commitment to learning outdoors. While every community celebrates differently, participants across Canada are united by the belief that meaningful learning happens when we connect with the natural world and with one another.

What do you hope participants take away?

Key Message:
A single outdoor learning experience can inspire lifelong curiosity and connection.

Suggested Response:

We hope participants discover that outdoor learning doesn't require a wilderness setting or a special event. Even small moments outside can spark curiosity, strengthen wellbeing, build confidence, and inspire a lasting connection with nature and place. Our goal is for Take Me Outside Day to encourage outdoor learning not just for one day, but throughout the entire school year.

Final Message

Take Me Outside Day is more than a celebration—it's an invitation to reimagine where learning can happen. By stepping outside, learners develop curiosity, confidence, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection to the world around them. This October, we invite everyone to join us in discovering how Hope Grows Outside.

Coming Soon

To help ensure a consistent and recognizable campaign across Canada, Take Me Outside provides a collection of brand assets for media, partners, educators, and participating organizations.

These assets may be used to promote Take Me Outside Day, Take Me Outside Week, and related campaign activities. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure the campaign is represented accurately.

Official Logos

Download the official Take Me Outside logos.

Available formats:

Please do not:

  • Stretch or distort the logo.
  • Change logo colours.
  • Add effects such as shadows or outlines.
  • Place the logo on busy backgrounds that reduce readability.
  • Rearrange logo elements.

Campaign Colour Palette

The official Take Me Outside Day 2026 colour palette should be used whenever possible.

Primary Colours

  • Gray Magenta (#684c60)
  • Yellow Green (#c5d25b)
  • Gray Green (#82c193)

Supporting Colours

  • Gray Lavender (#87748d)
  • Green (#3f6333)

Photography

When selecting images, choose authentic photographs that reflect the diversity of outdoor learning experiences.

Preferred imagery includes:

  • Learners engaged in outdoor learning.
  • Educators facilitating inquiry outdoors.
  • Schoolyards and naturalized play spaces.
  • Forests, parks, wetlands, beaches, and neighbourhood green spaces.
  • Hands-on exploration.
  • Curiosity and discovery.
  • Collaboration and teamwork.
  • Diverse ages, cultures, abilities, and learning environments.

Whenever possible, use natural, candid photography rather than staged images.

Media Use

Members of the media are welcome to use campaign logos and approved images when reporting on Take Me Outside Day.

Photo credit should be included whenever provided.

For additional brand assets or media requests, please contact:

Michaela Binda

Michaela@takemeoutside.ca

For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information about Take Me Outside Day and Take Me Outside Week, please contact:

Michaela Binda
Administrative & Communications Coordinator
Take Me Outside

Email: Michaela@takemeoutside.ca

Media Support

Michaela can assist with:

  • Interview requests with Take Me Outside spokespersons
  • Campaign information and background
  • Press releases and media kits
  • Logos, brand assets, and approved photography
  • Campaign statistics and fast facts
  • Information about the 2026 theme, Hope Grows Outside
  • General media and communications inquiries

We strive to respond to media requests as quickly as possible and are happy to support journalists, broadcasters, and content creators covering Take Me Outside Day.

Download all graphics here: TMODay2026Graphics.zip

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Take Me Outside is a charitable organization in Canada (Registration Number: 85069 5206 RR0001).