Urban Programming
Exploring Wildness in the City
There is a hidden world in the urban environment
Take a deep dive into the history of an interesting neighbourhood or deepen your connection to a local park or ravine system. We bring outdoor and experiential education to the city to help develop the tools needed to feel connected to a place while deepening your understanding of self. Create a spark of curiosity and greater connection to the natural spaces and amazing stories close to home.
Explore Your Local Green Space
You do not need to travel out of the city to learn from, and connect to, the natural environment. Explore the beauty and complexity of urban greenspaces and ravines from an environmental, well-being or community building lens.
Day on Toronto Islands
Toronto’s archipelago of 15 islands is full of diverse species and unique ecosystems where students can experience urban wilderness firsthand. Through this local day adventure, students will broaden their perspectives and curiosity of the city.
The Benefits of the Outdoor Classroom
“Whenever I have found myself stuck in the ways I relate to things, I return to nature. It is my principal teacher, and I try to open my whole being to what it has to say” ~Wynn Bullock
CRITICAL EXPLORATIONS
Take a deep dive into your neighbourhood
Exploring Wildness in the City
Go beyond the tour with our Critical Explorations.
Uncover hidden lessons and stories woven within the neighbourhoods and green spaces of your city.
What is a Critical Exploration?
Our critical explorations are framed around a question of interest, generated experientially by a small group while engaging with a neighbourhood or urban greenspace. This is not a tour, rather an unpredictable critical inquiry that challenges students to interact and engage with the spaces around them. Through walking, talking, and observing place, these micro journeys are designed to inspire student agency, create unpredictable and imperfect moments, and generate surprising outcomes.
Understanding Ourselves
Understanding Ourselves
Perspective & Curiosity
Perspective & Curiosity
Synergy Through Action
Synergy Through Action
Each Critical Exploration is Designed Around Four Pillars
Worldview & Perspective
Belonging & Place Connection
Critical Inquiry
Group Development & Agency
Our Design in Action
Spotlight Kensington Market
The concept of critical exploration through the lens of experiential education is in some ways similar to allowing students to carry the map and navigate while on a canoe or hiking trip. The guides have a destination in mind, but there are often many ways to get there. These programs are student driven. Instructors refrain from signalling the way forward, however encourage critical thinking and group synergy, allowing students to form their own understanding of their journey.
Proud To Deliver Custom Experiential Opportunities
For Schools and Organizations for Over 20 Years
For Inquires Into City Programs Please Be In Touch.
Integrate Critical Explorations Into An ALIVE Multi-day Program Sequences
Critical Explorations are designed as 1 or 2-day experiences. Mix and match this program with on-campus program days to build a customized and engaging hybrid program schedule for your students.
