New School Year. New Adventures.

There’s something about the start of September that feels like standing at a trailhead. The map is open, the pack is ready, and the possibilities stretch out in every direction. A new school year is that same mix of anticipation, wonder, and responsibility—it’s not just about lessons or timetables, it’s about the journey we’re about to take together.

As an outdoor educator, I’ve always believed that learning is an adventure. Some days take us into the classroom, some out onto trails, and others into those quiet moments where reflection does the real teaching. Each new year is a chance to reset, to challenge ourselves in new ways, and to remind students (and myself) that growth doesn’t happen in straight lines—it happens in the switchbacks, the climbs, and sometimes even the storms.

This year, I admit I’m stepping forward with a mix of excitement and unease. The political climate in Alberta has made teaching feel more uncertain than ever, and like many educators, I wonder what lies ahead. But if the outdoors has taught me anything, it’s that resilience often grows in the face of the unknown. The path may not always be clear, but walking it together—with curiosity, courage, and care—makes all the difference.

So here’s to a year of curiosity, resilience, and shared discovery.

Let’s step onto the trail together—new school year, new adventures.