The importance of outdoor play and learning in the lives of children and communities has never been greater. Growing evidence reveals the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of outdoor activity for children. Despite these benefits, trends toward indoor lifestyles, urbanization, digital entertainment and schooling, and safety concerns have led to a notable decline in outdoor time. Educators are uniquely positioned to counteract these trends by actively embedding the outdoors into their programming and teaching practices.

To support and amplify these vital efforts, the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play (CCOP) has launched a national CCOP Champions Program to serve as a catalyst—recognizing and celebrating educators across Canada who champion outdoor play and learning. To guide this initiative, we are using the three key pedagogical practices identified in the CCOP’s Outdoor Early Childhood Education Framework to help identify champions: active engagement, holistic development, and meaningful connections.

The goals of this program include:

• Identify and recognize outstanding educators whose work demonstrates a commitment to outdoor play and learning and exemplifies three core elements of quality outdoor play and learning, as identified in the Outdoor ECE Framework: active engagement, holistic development, and meaningful connections. 
• Provide resources to support these champions in continuing their work, sharing their learnings, and supporting others in becoming champions. 
• Create a national network of CCOP Champions to share best practices, foster innovation, and inspire others to embed outdoor play and learning in their work. 

Three Fundamental Elements of Championing Outdoor Play and Learning 

Active Engagement

Educators lead children through immersive outdoor experiences, facilitating hands-on exploration, discovery, and movement. Collectively, their active participation encourages curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of nature.

Holistic Development

Champions of outdoor play and learning nurture the whole child—supporting not only physical growth but also cognitive, emotional, and social development. Through intentional outdoor activities, educators foster creativity, problem-solving, physical literacy, emotional regulation, and positive relationships.

Meaningful Connections

Recognizing the power of relationships, educators cultivate connections among children, families, communities, and the natural world. They create inclusive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to engage fully with their surroundings.

Eligibility 

To be eligible, nominees must: 

• Work or volunteer in an educational setting in Canada. 
• Demonstrate practices that reflect the three rooted principles, as outlined above. 
• Show a commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in outdoor play. 
• Contribute positively to the broader field of outdoor play, learning, and/or teaching.
• Self-nominations are accepted. 

Who Can Nominate? 

Nominations may be submitted by: 

• Educators 
• Administrators or program leaders 
• Colleagues or peers 
• Community partners 
• Families 
• The nominee themselves 

Benefits to Becoming a Champion 

The goal of the Outdoor Play Champions program is to celebrate and recognize champions, support champions in their professional learning, and foster a community of outdoor play and learning champions and advocates in Canada. Accordingly, all champions will receive: 

• A digital certificate issued by Outdoor Play Canada 
• Recognition as a CCOP Champion on the CCOP webpage
• A Champions Toolkit including: a 15% discount to the Breath of Fresh Air Summit, discounts to the Take Me Outside shop, free access to courses through the Outdoor Learning School and Store, and access to free professional development and resources from Active for Life and Outdoor Play Canada 
• Opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and featured presentations within the CCOP Community of Practice and with its partners at large 

Important Dates 

• Opening of Nominations: January 2026
• Deadline for Submissions: February 28, 2026
• Panel Review: Approx. 4–6 weeks post deadline

Review & Selection Process 

Nominations will be reviewed by a Selection Panel composed of representatives from the Canadian Centre for Outdoor Play.  Each nominee will be evaluated using a standardized rubric that assesses the educator’s adherence to the three rooted principles and contributions to the field of outdoor play and learning. The initial review process will be anonymous: however, reviewers will be given access to nominators’ and nominees’ names following the review process to ensure clarity, follow-up, or verification if needed. 

Submit your nomination for the CCOP Champions Program here!

For questions or support, contact: info@outdoorplaycanada.ca