Home > Festivals and Events > Take it Outside Fundraising for the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre

Premiere Film to Launch at the Outdoor Education Centre The TAKE IT OUTSIDE Film Premiere and Gala Dinner will take place at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) in Wiarton on Saturday, November 4. This event is a fundraiser for the OEC hosted by the Bluewater Education Foundation (BEF). TAKE IT OUTSIDE, a production of SheFilms and is a documentary that follows four students through the 2021-22 school year; a unique year teaching important lessons about how education can adapt to children’s evolving needs. As the kids navigate challenges like managing trauma and fitting in as a newcomer, it becomes clear that the more time they spend outside at school – be it during recess, an outdoor math game, a skateboard lesson, or a field trip – the better prepared they are to handle what life throws at them. TAKE IT OUTSIDE provides one example of the growing global outdoor learning movement and shines a light on the challenges, rewards, and importance of creating this systemic change. The students’ stories and complex situations make the case that creating incremental but daring changes meets children where they are, rather than where we want them to be. The mental health crisis among children has never been more dire, nor have kids been more behind in school than they are today. Education systems are strained, verging on broken, and the global outdoor learning movement is proving to be one of the most promising solutions to help students get back on track. Study after study has highlighted the benefits of outdoor learning, such as higher grades, improved mental health, more self-confidence, boosted brain development and a stronger connection to nature. The BEF is pleased to present two showings of the film on Saturday, November 4th. The first will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the Ray Fenton barn at the OEC, with admission by donation. All are welcome; please dress accordingly and bring a lawn chair. The second showing starting at 5:00 p.m. includes a four-course dinner catered by the Centre’s own Chef Rob Klunder. The evening will also host the opening of an online auction, 50/50 and guest speaker David McFall. David is the principal at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School, and spearheaded TAKE IT OUTSIDE a partnership with SheFilms. David has also been working hard to support more initiatives and teachings based in the outdoors. The BEF’s Mission is to provide children and adults with a fun, immersive and safe learning environment and a national model for environmental sustainability, education, and capacity building through immersive and meaningful programs in nature. The BEF has a vision for a safe, self-sufficient campus for outdoor education providing fun and immersive experiences in nature to encourage a personal commitment to environmentally sustainable actions that build resilient communities. The Premiere Film and Gala will support the centre and its initiatives. Tickets are $100 and available online. For more information, visit our Facebook event page, Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre, 519-372-5403 or info@bef-oec.org