The Bluewater Education Foundation (BEF) is expanding its mission to connect people with nature to include adults.
The non-profit, long known for its outdoor education programs for children, has announced the launch of new adult-focused initiatives beginning this summer. The organization will offer two new experiences at the Outdoor Education Centre near Wiarton, with new customized team-building packages and an adults-only overnight retreat.
Meagan Hayward, Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives for BEF, said the team-building packages will ensure collaboration and communication while having fun and trying something new.
"So that's for organizations, corporations, or even family gatherings," Hayward explained. "We have about eight activities that you can book, and you could come out and have some fun doing some team-building activities, anything from canoeing to survivor games."
Hayward added that the foundation is excited to be offering their first-ever adults-only retreat from August 15 to 17.
"It's a combination of wellness and play," explained Hayard. "Usually, kids come and they stay overnight on site, so we thought we'd give adults a chance to come and do the same thing. So we have lots of activities going on for that. We have yoga. We're going to do archery, canoeing, and meditation. So it's going to be a lot of fun."
These new offerings mark a significant step in the Foundation’s goal to become a national leader in outdoor education and environmental sustainability, now providing meaningful experiences for people of all ages.
"Just building a better connection with nature and remembering to slow down and take in what's around us," shared Hayward. "I know at this point in my life I find that I get so busy that just going out for a hike, kind of slows things down and helps me to refocus."
The Outdoor Education Centre has been offering student programming since 1973. For more information or to register, visit bef-oec.org.