The Gould Lake Outdoor Centre is a year-round facility where individuals can experience outdoor and experiential education in a positive learning environment, facilitated by skilled, knowledgeable, and personable leadership. The outdoor centre is located inside Gould Lake Conservation Area.
Our aim is to provide quality outdoor adventure educational programs that are safe, fun and give the participants an increased knowledge, understanding and respect for themselves, their peers and the environment.
The Gould Lake Outdoor Centre has been providing outdoor education-based programs for students in the Kingston area since the late 1960s. Currently we offer over 16 programs tied directly to the Ontario curriculum to assist teachers, and provide unique experiences for more than 300 classes a year.
Since the late 1970s, we have been offering credit-based summer programs to students. Starting under the name Outreach, we have grown into 8 different programs serving more than 400 students a summer. Wilderness trips range from 5 days to 30 days. Our summer courses for students build on one another by continually providing increased skills, leadership training and experience. They are ultimately intended to develop the confidence required to become self-reliant individuals who actively contribute to society in a positive manner.
Focus
Experiential learning through outdoor education.
Vision
To ignite a deep and meaningful connection with nature and a profound love of the outdoors.
Mission
To inspire a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, fostering essential skills by immersing learners in the wonders of nature’s outdoor classrooms, where we offer safe and fun opportunities for personal growth, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Our Values and Commitment
- Fun: We create safe, fun and engaging opportunities to inspire and promote the love of learning in and through nature.
- Teamwork: We work together toward common goals, honouring and building on the strengths of each other to achieve that which cannot be done alone.
- Respect: We recognize and value the inherent worth and dignity of individuals, having regard for the feelings, opinions and rights of others.
- Inclusivity: We value and embrace diverse experiences that build, promote, and support an enriched and welcoming space for everyone to learn, grow and play.
- Curiosity: We ignite curiosity for nature, exploring new perspectives and landscapes to create deeper connection to ourselves and the natural world around us.
- Resilience: Through new and challenging experiences, we persist in the face of adversity, learn from mistakes, and grow as individuals to build confidence and leadership.
- Stewardship: We model and promote environmentally responsible practices, leaving no trace, and inspiring ecological action to protect our natural world.
Program Goals
The Gould Lake Outdoor Education Team has identified a number of goals and corresponding initiatives/strategies in support of our vision, mission, and values that align with the overarching Board Strategic Plan. Our goals and strategies are identified in the chart that follows, including specific actions, timelines, and metrics. As a team, we are committed to reviewing our goals regularly and providing annual progress updates, or as otherwise requested.