The Hike Ontario Young Hikers Program Activity Resource Kit for Grades K-12 is available for use in your classrooms and youth groups!
How to Order Printed Copies
Activity Resource Kit for Grades K-12 (2018)
376 pages, spiral bound
$50 each (includes shipping)
To order Activity Resource Kits, contact info@hikeontario.com.
Free PDF Download
Download a free PDF version of the Activity Resource Kit.
About the Kit
Resources for teachers and youth leaders are designed to align with the Ontario school curriculum. Each lesson is prepared in a consistent, easy to use format that contains:
- Grade Level
- Provincial Curriculum Link
- Subject
- Strand
- Keywords
- Specific Lesson Goals
- Lesson Description
- Preparation
- Resources Required
- Procedure
- Enrichment / Extension Activities
- Educator Notes
The recurring themes of our lessons, activities and games are:
Health and Recreation: The recreational values of trails are often their foremost attraction. In addition to the entertainment values of recreation, there is a significant health and fitness benefit as most recreation activities on trails involve exercise. Hiking is an incredible activity for improving both physical and mental health. Hiking and walking have proven to: assist with weight loss; prevent heart disease; decrease high blood pressure; improve and maintain mental health; slow the aging process; prevent osteoporosis; prevent and control diabetes; improves arthritis; relieve back pain.
Natural and Cultural Heritage: Trails and greenways have the power to connect us to our heritage by providing access to historic places and naturally significant areas. They can give people a sense of place and an understanding of the enormity of past events. Examples of natural features and areas include: wetlands, fish habitat, woodlands, habitat of endangered species and threatened species, and areas of natural and scientific interest. Other trails preserve our cultural heritage by providing access to Ontario Heritage landmarks or by means of a trail along a historic rail corridor, allowing a glance at the importance of this mode of transportation.
Environmental Education: Trails present a unique opportunity for education. People of all ages can learn more about nature, culture or history along trails. Of particular importance, trails provide firsthand experiences that educate users about the importance of the natural environment and respect for nature by leading us into a natural classroom. Enhanced, active education along trails is achieved through the use of comprehensive trail guides and signage to encourage awareness of the natural, cultural, and historical attributes of the trail. Hiking also instills a commitment to responsible recreation in the outdoors that promotes a respect for nature and the green spaces on which we play.
Responsible and Safe Hiking: A safe hike is a successful hike. To ensure success it is important that hikers know how to choose a route, pack a day pack, dress appropriately, navigate their surroundings and have an awareness of risks due to weather and terrain. Our goal is to prepare hikers to enjoy their time in the woods and to follow the rules of low-impact hiking: leave only footprints and take only memories.
Table of Contents
Section A: Academic Activities
Section B: Field Trips
Section C: Hiking and Backpacking Activities
Section D: GPS Activities
Section E: Crafts
Section F: Hiking and Outdoor Nature Games
Section G: Pedometer Activities
Section H: Extras for Teachers
Download the complete Table of Contents (PDF)
Sample Lesson Plans
Download sample lesson plans below:
Lesson Topic | Grade Level | Download |
Survival Skills | 4-7 | Download Lesson |
Addressing Harmful Environmental Behaviours | 5 | Download Lesson |
Colour Your World with Change: The Camouflage Game | 6-8 | Download Lesson |
Mapping My Community | 9-12 | Download Lesson |
Nature Scavenger Hunt | All | Download Lesson |
Acknowledgements
Curriculum and Content: Anselm Miranda and Terri LeRoux
Design and Artwork: Kourtney Partington
Editing: Wendy Hoernig
Publication of this manual was supported by a generous grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.