Experiential & Outdoor Education Lead, Full Time – Continuing
Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School (KGMS) is an independent school in North Vancouver, BC, dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students with learning differences. Our mission is to provide a structured, supportive, and compassionate learning environment where students build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive.
KGMS serves students in Grades K–12 and is known for its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Our Specialty Services team works alongside educators, families, and community professionals to ensure students receive coordinated support.
About the Role
The Experiential & Outdoor Education Lead is a passionate experiential educator responsible for the design, coordination, and continuous development of Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School’s experiential and outdoor learning programs across Grades K–12.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to integrating the First Peoples Principles of Learning into land-based and experiential programming, ensuring that learning experiences foster connection, reflection, and meaningful engagement with the natural and built world.
We are growing our experiential education, outdoor education, making/STEAM opportunities and spaces. The successful candidate would play an important role in supporting this work with ideation and facilitation.
Role Purpose
The Experiential & Outdoor Education Lead plays a central leadership role in defining, developing, and coordinating curricular and annual experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus.
This role prioritizes:
- Vertical alignment across Grades K–12
- Program coherence and developmental continuity
- Cross-curricular integration
- Student well-being and engagement
- Safe and inclusive learning environments
A defining feature of this position is the responsibility for maintaining a cohesive scope and sequence for experiential learning that supports a seamless developmental journey for all students.
Program Leadership & Coordination
The Experiential & Outdoor Education Lead:
- Designs and coordinates school-wide experiential and outdoor education programming
- Develops term-based and annual experiential learning plans
- Ensures vertical alignment across divisions and grade levels
- Collaborates with classroom teachers to integrate curriculum objectives
- Supports interdisciplinary and project-based learning opportunities
- Coordinates both on-site and off-site experiential activities
- Organizes major experiential initiatives, including camps, excursions, and field studies
- Teaches Outdoor Education blocks for Junior and Middle School, and Outdoor Education 10–12 in High School.
- Responsible for the planning, instruction, and reporting of these blocks/courses.
- Teaches Outdoor Education blocks for Junior and Middle School, and
- Outdoor Education 10–12 in High School.
- Other duties as assigned
Educational Philosophy & Student Development
The Lead models and promotes experiential, a learner-centred curriculum, as a critical component of student and faculty growth, fostering:
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Collaboration
- Independence
- Environmental stewardship
- Sense of belonging and connection
Experiential and outdoor learning are framed as environments that support regulation, well-being and authentic skill development.
Experiential & Outdoor Education Lead – Additional Responsibilities
Program Design & Vertical Alignment
- Develop and maintain a K–12 experiential learning scope and sequence
- Ensure coherence, progression, and developmental continuity
- Align programming with BC Curriculum competencies and learning standards
- Support faculty in integrating experiential practices into classroom instruction
Program Coordination & Logistics
- Coordinate on-site and off-site experiential learning opportunities
- Organize camps, excursions, field studies, and community-connected learning
- Liaise with external partners and service providers
- Manage scheduling, documentation, and operational planning
Curriculum Integration & Faculty Collaboration
- Collaborate with teachers to design curriculum-aligned experiences
- Support interdisciplinary and project-based learning initiatives
- Promote innovative experiential practices across divisions
Safety & Risk Management
- Uphold the highest safety standards for experiential programming
- Conduct dynamic risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with school policies and regulatory expectations
- Maintain emergency response readiness and protocols
- Works collaboratively with school leadership on emergency management and risk mitigation
Student Development & School Culture
- Foster leadership, resilience, collaboration, and independence
- Support a growth-mindset-oriented school culture
- Model connection, belonging, and stewardship
Environmental Stewardship & Ethical Practice
- Promote ecological awareness and responsible engagement with the natural world
- Embed principles of conservation and ethical outdoor practice
Documentation & Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate program, participation, and planning records
- Communicate program details and expectations
- Support institutional data tracking related to experiential programming
Qualifications & Requirements
Essential
- BC Ministry of Education Certificate or Independent School Certification qualification criteria
- Comprehensive understanding of BC Curriculum and competency-based education
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate complex programming
High level of professional judgment and relational awareness
Strong knowledge of educational technologies and assistive tools
Experience leading experiential or outdoor education programs
Experience coordinating off-site programming
Familiarity with outdoor industry best practices
Demonstrated experience in risk management and safety planning
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Class 4 Driver’s License or willingness to obtain
- Wilderness First Aid (80-hour) or willingness to obtain