Outdoor Play Working Group

SaskOutdoors is working in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan to support the Outdoor Play Working Group. SaskOutdoors thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for providing financial support for Outdoor Play.

The Outdoor Play Working Group are volunteers including representation from SaskOutdoors, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) and volunteers who are committed to increasing outdoor play in Saskatchewan are leading this work.

Anne Beauchamp lives in a small ranching community in Southwest Saskatchewan with her family. She is parent to 2 inspiring young people and teaches elementary school. Anne is passionate about making learning meaningful, tangible and engaging for youth. Often found expanding the classroom beyond four walls, Anne cultivates a sense of curiosity, wonder and appreciation for the wild world. After school, Anne is involved in community projects, helps her family farm /ranch and enjoys playing, gardening and relaxing with her family (usually with a hot cup of coffee and a good book).

Denise Skuce has a passion for getting children outside, connecting them to nature and connecting nature to children. She has been in the field of Early Learning for 25 years, and believes that all learning comes through play and as an adult we are fundamental in giving children the opportunity, time and supplies needed to have fun and learn new things. Denise is a Forest School Practitioner who runs two small Forest School Preschool programs and looks to expand in the next few years. The outdoors hold a special spot in Denise's heart. Outdoor play enables children to have the freedom to explore or just be one with nature. 

 

 Kelsey Michaluk is employed as the Youth Engagement Consultant with Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association where she coordinates delivery of programs that promote play, encourage physical activity and support positive recreation experiences for children and youth. Outside of her role with SPRA, Kelsey enjoys exploring outdoor spaces in and around her home community of Regina and loves to be active. Some of her favourite outdoor activities including camping, biking and hiking.

 Leah Japp lives on a small farm near Bethune with her husband and three children. Their farm strives to grow healthy, local food while at the same time regenerating the soil and environment.  Leah has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Education, a Certificate in Ecological Education and is in the process of completing the Forest and School Practitioner Certification course.  Leah is the General Leader with Hillside 4-H Club and project leader for the Outdoor Living Project.  Her family enjoys an active life of camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, canoeing, running, climbing snow hills, skating, tobogganing, playgrounds and swimming. 

 Shannon McLeod lives with her husband and rescue dog, Vance, on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatoon. She teaches kindergarten and grade 1-8 outdoor education in a small rural school just outside of the city. Shannon loves taking kids outside to play, explore and learn about nature from nature. During her free time, Shannon enjoys getting outside with her family. Together they enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, and traveling.