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

Benefits of Nature

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

The unfolding of group dynamics through activities that inform who we are and what strengths comprise the group.

Perspective & Curiosity

Perspective & Curiosity

Unstructured wondering and reflection on moments of curiosity. Examining emotions elicited from the use of all senses. Transfer reactions and feelings into a question of interest.

Synergy Through Action

Synergy Through Action

Consideration of how place can help the process of answering the question of interest and harness each group's collective agency and capabilities. Reflection on outcomes.

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. 

Looking For More Experiential Program Options