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Background

Named after the distinguished Canadian naturalist and outdoorsman, the Bill Mason Centre is located in the west end of Ottawa on Dunrobin Road, where it shares facilities with West Carleton Secondary School.

The BMC “outdoor classroom” consists of 77 acres, designated partly as municipally Special Features land, partly as provincially identified Class 1 Wetlands. The wetlands boast an extensive system of boardwalks, while the forested section of the site contains graveled trails that are wheelchair-accessible.

The site comprises three excellent examples of ecosystems ideal for environmental-education purposes: wetlands, forests and their associated vernal ponds, and second-growth meadow. There are two shelters located on the property, one at the entrance and one at the back in the meadow. Separate from the outdoor classroom area, a very large sports field (approx. 20 acres) is available for use by the BMC.

The BMC's two indoor classrooms are located in a wing of the school and along with washroom facilities, an office and a garage, make up the main indoor component of the Centre.

Evolution of the Centre

The Bill Mason Centre opened in 1988 as part of the Carleton Public School Board. Initially envisioned as a component of interdisciplinary studies at West Carleton Secondary School, it was described as an “environmental immersion centre” where “the individual learns to explore, to discover, and to constructively think for him- or herself.”

Over time, the Centre's programs evolved and expanded to provide curriculum-based, experiential learning for students across the Carleton School Board, and later the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The Centre's programs are also available to other boards and schools in the area.

Each fall, the Bill Mason Centre hosts a Family Day. Families are invited to drop by on a Sunday and explore the natural areas with the expertise of Outdoor Education Instructors there to point out the finer details of the natural world.

Types of programs offered

Direct support of classroom studies has always been the focus of the Bill Mason Centre. Each visiting class participates in programs tailored to meet curriculum needs by highly trained staff.

BMC staff pride themselves on providing a quality experience for each student through programs based on a belief in the intrinsic value of hands-on learning. Safe, progressive outdoor experiences are offered in all seasons to thousands of students each year.

The Centre is fortunate in having an extraordinarily diverse site for ecological studies. Students at all levels participate in on-site study of any or all ecological systems found in the outdoor classroom. Some examples of ecology-based programs are Wonder of Wetlands, Soil and Forest, Leaves and Seeds, Animal Studies, and Winter Ecology (which includes snowshoeing and cross country skiing).

Application of theory is an important component of Wayfinding and Orienteering, where students learn about map reading and are provided with a safe, supervised experience in applying these skills.

Reflecting the Centre's original philosophy, the Personal and Group Development programs focus on nurturing leadership skills and self-awareness.

All BMC programs are designed to:

• Enhance learning objectives within the Ontario curriculum

• immerse participants in nature's outdoor classroom through direct experience

• promote an appreciation and understanding of basic ecological processes

• nurture understanding, respect and appreciation for self and others

• stress the basic attitudes necessary for safe, progressive outdoor experiences throughout all seasons.

The Centre has provided learning opportunities in other ways as well. International students and teachers have visited the Centre. Student teachers from colleges and universities often spend extended time at the BMC developing and delivering programs

Personnel

The Bill Mason Centre employs two full-time, 10.5-month instructors, and shares a full time coordinator with MacSkimming Outdoor Education Centre. Custodial and Maintenance support is available from MacSkimming on request. The Centre Coordinator reports to the Principal of Continuing Education.