The Outdoor Play Collective of Saskatchewan is comprised of individuals who are committed to increasing outdoor play in Saskatchewan including representation from SaskOutdoors, the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), Saskatchewan Prevention Agency and other volunteers.

We are grateful to the Community Initiatives Fund for financial support to support this ongoing work. SaskOutdoors thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for past financial contributions.

Vision
A Saskatchewan where outdoor play is a valued part of daily life for every person in every season.

Mission
Leading with purpose we foster inclusive outdoor play through Education, Advocacy, Connection and Fun for all. [LEAF].

Values
Teamwork; Connection; Making a difference; Leadership; Curiosity; Fun; Inclusion.

The Collective

Justine Wheeler

Justine is the principal at Bulyea Elementary School in Horizon School Division. She has taught students from K-6 and has experience in early childhood education. She teaches outdoor ed throughout the school and is passionate about outdoor learning and reconciliation. Justine loves spending time outside with her two sons, husband and dogs. Justine believes that being outside benefits everyone in a holistic manner.

Shelley Betker

Shelley is dedicated to helping families discover the benefits of outdoor play in all weather. She works with children ages 1 to 13, inspiring curiosity and wonder through hands-on, nature-based experiences on the beautiful prairie oasis east of Saskatoon.

Denise Skuce

Denise 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.

Kelsey Michaluk

Kelsey works as the Youth Engagement Consultant with SPRA where she coordinates delivery of programs that promote play, encourage physical activity and support positive recreation experiences for children and youth.

Leah Japp

Whether at work or on the farm, Leah and 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

Shannon 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.

Beth Blakley

Beth works as the Child Injury Prevention Program Coordinator at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute where she explores the importance of outdoor and risky play in healthy childhood development. Using evidence-based information, she works to promote more inclusive outdoor spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive, while being protected from serious unintentional injuries.

Merrissa Karmark

Merrissa Karmark is a K-12 educator in Treaty 6, at Englefeld School. She has a passion for connecting arts ed, creative writing, and outdoor learning. Englefeld School is home to the Prairie Learning Garden, a growing half-acre outdoor learning space that brings native species and prairie ecology into students' daily learning and play. She also spends time connecting with the community in nearby nature spaces, leading guided walks and nature journaling sessions. Merrissa holds a Prairie Horticulture Certificate, an MEd in Critical Outdoor and Environmental Education (U of S), and is also a Forest and Nature School Practitioner (CNAC).