One for Fun, Fun for All!
I recently spent some time at the Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) documenting and photographing the wonderful programs, activities, and team building events in store for the seasons ahead. Being at the KOC for just a few days during the initial training week for summer staff is quite an experience! For one, it’s definitely fun to get involved — and the fun is for everyone! The training draws the whole team together to better support our clients and families, just like you. In my short time there with the group, I was able to watch the way they prepared for the season and the way they came together.
Earth Day 2025: Connecting with Nature
Earth Day takes place on April 22 every year, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage collective action for a healthier future. There are many ways to make a positive impact, and it all starts with recognizing our connection with nature. Did you know that the human connection with nature influences both our environmental behaviors and our health and well-being? Several scientific studies display the relationship between humans and nature, showing why physically experiencing nature is important. A recent study explains the term “human-nature connectedness” as the bond
World Water Day 2025: Partnership Highlight
This World Water Day, we’re celebrating 20 years of the Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival (HMK Children’s Water Festival) bringing fun, and hands-on learning about water, to more than 16,800 children, mostly through the main Children’s Water Festival at the Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC). World Water Day is meant to inspire water stewardship actions, and the KOC is proud to partner with Haliburton-based charity Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning (FEEL) to do so through the HMK Children’s Water Festival each year. At the fall HMK Children’s Water Festival, approximately 800
Family Community Day – September 14, 2024
The Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) is pleased to welcome members of the public on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. to showcase the wide range of programming available for children and youth with complex needs and their families. This free outdoor event is open to all families and community members. Activities will be available throughout the day, including outdoor rock wall climbing, archery, canoeing, and pedal boating in the morning, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch on the main field. The afternoon will offer some time
World Autism Day 2024
World Autism Day takes place on April 2 each year. More than just raising awareness of the autism spectrum and what life is like for someone with autism, the focus of World Autism Day is about acceptance and appreciation. This year, we’d like to highlight the importance of individuals on the autism spectrum getting outside, getting messy, being creative and ultimately being themselves! Our differences are beautiful. Imagine a world where everyone looked the same, spoke the same language, and held the same beliefs. Life would ultimately be monotonous
Celebrating World Water Day 2024!
Michelle Durst, Program Supervisor at the KOC Keep reading to learn more about the Blanding’s Turtle and effective shoreline health management strategies! Did you know that Grey Lake at the Kinark Outdoor Centre (KOC) is home to three different species of turtles? The first two you may have seen before – painted turtles and snapping turtles. But there is also one you may not be familiar with: the Blanding’s turtle! The sweet smiling turtle with sun under its chin. Unlike most Ontario turtles that have wide, flatter shells, the Blanding’s
