We talk about what makes Muskoka Woods a premier outdoor education destination a lot — and with good reason! Set in 1,100 acres of Ontario forest along the shores of Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Woods immerses schools and groups in nature as soon as they set foot off the bus. The spectacular setting, combined with Muskoka Woods’ reputation for nurturing leadership among youth, makes it the perfect place for your organization to come and spend some time in the great outdoors.
The importance of outdoor education
Outdoor education is such an asset to young people because it offers benefits that extend beyond traditional classroom learning. Engaging in hands-on activities outdoors fosters a deeper connection with nature, promotes physical fitness and enhances cognitive development. By spending time in nature, students develop a sense of curiosity, improve problem-solving skills and build resilience.
Outdoor education also encourages teamwork, collaboration and effective communication as students navigate challenges together. Moreover, spending time outdoors improves mental well-being, reduces stress levels, and cultivates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Embracing outdoor education opens doors to experiential learning opportunities that nurture personal growth, environmental stewardship and a lifelong love for exploration. It also fosters social emotional learning (SEL), which plays a vital role in the developing the emotional well-being, empathy and social skills of school-aged children. By equipping students with the tools to understand and manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and build healthy relationships, SEL cultivates a positive learning environment, enhances academic achievement, and prepares them for success in school and beyond.
Your school or group trip to Muskoka Woods encourages active living and camaraderie through unforgettable outdoor team-building activities. All of the activities at Muskoka Woods reinforce our core values.
Outdoor education activities at Muskoka Woods
The Ropes Course
When guests put on their harnesses at Muskoka Woods, they’re getting ready to enjoy one of the largest ropes courses in North America. Students can experience a variety of ropes-based activities on the course including:
- Aerial Trust Dive: guests test their limits and build confidence by climbing to a platform 50 feet in the air and taking the plunge while their classmates and peers cheer them on.
- Crate Stacking: this fun activity requires that students work together while they race the opposing team to build the tallest tower of crates.
- Balance Challenge: slow and steady is the name of the game when students from opposing teams compete to see who will last the longest on a balance beam suspended in mid-air.
- Giant Swing: individual students rely on the support of their peers to pull them 70 feet into the air before releasing them into the swing of a lifetime.
Other ropes activities include the zipline, lanyard course — which features a picnic table 50 feet in the air and number of other unique climbing elements — outdoor climbing, drop zone, low ropes course and an indoor climbing wall.
Nature Hike
Your group is invited to explore the woods on our five kilometre hiking trail. During their nature hike, students can stop in the natural play area on the route, and get creative with the assortment of organic tools available. In the wintertime, the same trail turns into an opportunity for guests to try their hand (or foot, rather!), at snowshoeing.
Sports and other outdoor activities
Many of the outdoor sports and activities at Muskoka Woods satisfy part of your school physical education, arts and science curriculums, including the aerial trust drive, archery, photo scavenger hunt, and the nature hike, to name just a few! Trying something new like archery, where students learn techniques for safety and accuracy at our secluded archery area nestled in the woods, helps students realize their potential and build confidence. Team sports not only encourage healthy living, but they are also natural team-building activities that will carry over to the classroom and your organization as a whole. Among the activities on offer are:
- Archery
- Beach Volleyball
- Broomball
- Cross-country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Driving Range
- Flag Football
- Photo Scavenger Hunt
- Scooter & Longboards
- Snow Volleyball
- Snowshoeing
- Tennis/Pickleball
- Tubing/Tobogganing
Outdoor education at Muskoka Woods holds immeasurable importance in shaping the lives of young individuals. It goes beyond traditional classroom learning, offering an immersive and holistic experience that nurtures personal growth, resilience and self-discovery. Through captivating adventures and breathtaking natural surroundings, guests are not only exposed to thrilling activities but also learn the value of teamwork, leadership and environmental stewardship.
The transformative power of outdoor education at Muskoka Woods lies in its ability to ignite a lifelong passion for exploration, instil a deep connection to nature, and foster lasting friendships. By embracing the opportunities provided by our programs, young individuals are empowered to step outside their comfort zones, unlock their potential and embrace a world of possibilities. At Muskoka Woods, outdoor education is not just an option; it’s a transformative journey that paves the way for a brighter future.
Visit schools.muskokawoods.com for more information or to book your next Schools and Groups visit.
