Dave Addis
Oct 2, 2023
It seems that outdoor learning in various forms continues to grow in popularity across Hong Kong and around the world. As a result, HKOLA feels it's more important than ever to have a strong professional body to represent outdoor educators and promote the industry's best practices.
It seems that outdoor learning in various forms continues to grow in popularity across Hong Kong and around the world.
As a result, HKOLA feels it's more important than ever to have a strong professional body to represent outdoor educators and promote the industry's best practices. In Hong Kong, we believe that the development of an outdoor learning association and professional body could have numerous benefits for educators, learners, and the industry as a whole.
First and foremost, an outdoor learning association can provide a platform for outdoor educators to collaborate, share resources, and build a sense of community. This community could help foster a culture of innovation and creativity in outdoor education by providing opportunities for instructors to learn from one another, discuss best practices, and work on solutions to common industry challenges. We hope that this type of collaboration could help foster a sense of community among outdoor educators and organisations, building stronger relationships and creating a more cohesive industry as a whole.
In addition to promoting excellence in outdoor education, we sincerely believe that the development of a professional body could help elevate the status and reputation of the industry and the professionals that work within it. This could lead to increased investment in outdoor education in Hong Kong, as both individuals and organizations begin to recognize the benefits of outdoor learning and the importance of skilled and qualified instructors.
Another key benefit of establishing an outdoor learning association in Hong Kong would be the creation of a support network for outdoor educators. This could include mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and guidance on best practices. By providing ongoing support to instructors and business owners, we hope that HKOLA could help reduce burnout and turnover in the industry, support individuals maintain a rewarding career, and foster a sense of lifelong learning.
Another important benefit of developing a professional body is the establishment of standards for outdoor adventure education. Instructors and organisations could work together to create best practices for risk management, training, environmental sustainability, and teaching practices. This would ensure that outdoor education programs in Hong Kong meet a consistent level of quality, protecting learners and contributing to the long-term health of the outdoor industry.
Finally, an outdoor learning association could play a pivotal role in raising awareness of the benefits of outdoor learning. This could include working with key people to better integrate outdoor education into schools, partnering with other organizations to promote outdoor learning to the wider public, and conducting research to better understand the impact of outdoor education on Hong Kong’s learners.
In conclusion, we at HKOLA sincerely believe that the development of an outdoor learning association and professional body for outdoor educators in Hong Kong could have significant benefits for educators, learners, and the industry as a whole.
By providing a platform for collaboration, promoting excellence in instructing practices, elevating the status of the industry, creating a support network for instructors, and raising awareness of the benefits of outdoor education, the professional body could help ensure the long-term viability and resilience of outdoor education in Hong Kong and beyond.