Outdoor Education at The Off Grid Ark
164 Acres of private forest, 10km of trails, adventure, and a living classroom for camping, teamwork, and experiential learning
Hands-On Learning in the Forest
Where every trail, fire, and activity becomes a lesson.
Learning to navigate with map and compass is a core skill in our outdoor education programs.
The Off Grid Ark offers structured Outdoor Education programs designed to be accessible, inclusive, and educational. Located less than an hour from Ottawa, our private 164 acre forest and proximity to the Gatineau River allows schools to offer meaningful wilderness-based learning without the logistical burden of remote travel.
Activities are structured so every student can participate at their own ability level while still contributing equally within a team.
Beyond spending time outdoors, students leave with practical wilderness skills alongside strengthened teamwork, leadership, and communication—outcomes that extend well beyond the day itself.
Programs are designed to align with Outdoor Education and experiential learning goals commonly used in senior high school curricula, and can also support Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey requirements.
While most schools choose programs delivered by The Off Grid Ark, supported or hybrid delivery models are available by request for schools with established Outdoor Education staff.
Core Onsite Outdoor Education Programming
All core Outdoor Education programming takes place onsite at The Off Grid Ark and is designed to support accessible, inclusive, and educational learning outcomes.
Activities are facilitated within a structured environment where every student can participate meaningfully, regardless of prior experience, while contributing equally within a team.
Signature onsite programming includes:
Team Navigation & Mantracker-Style Challenges
Students apply map and compass skills in real terrain through structured navigation challenges, including horse pursuit-style scenarios inspired by Mantracker. These activities emphasize teamwork, decision-making, communication, and leadership under pressure, while remaining fully supervised and age-appropriate.
Survivor-Inspired Team Challenges
A series of cooperative, problem-solving, ground-level challenges that require planning, adaptability, and collaboration. Physical demands are scaled so all students can contribute, reinforcing inclusion and shared responsibility rather than strict competition.
The Crisis Activity (Decision-Making Capstone)
A guided, scenario-based challenge where teams must assess conditions, manage time constraints, and make group decisions in a controlled environment. This activity is designed to develop leadership, communication, and resilience while reinforcing safety, structure, and reflection.
Together, these onsite experiences move beyond “time outdoors” to deliver practical wilderness skills alongside transferable outcomes in teamwork, leadership, and communication that align with senior high school Outdoor Education and experiential learning goals.
Canoeing on the Gatineau River
Few experiences connect students to nature and teamwork like paddling together on the water. Our canoe program takes place from the Low Boat Launch on Gatineau River above the Paugan Dam (5.7km from the Camp) a wide, calm stretch with no current to worry about — making it ideal for learning.
We provide everything you need:
Canoes, paddles, and lifejackets for all participants
Transport for the boats and gear to the launch site (6 km away)
Instruction and safety orientation before hitting the water
Once on the river, groups can paddle to small islands — perfect for a swim break or picnic — and experience the quiet beauty of the Outaouais from a new perspective.
👉 Note: student transport to the river launch is required (walking takes about an hour).
Canoeing on the Gatineau River builds teamwork, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Program Formats
Outdoor Education programs at The Off Grid Ark are delivered in several formats to meet different school schedules and learning objectives. All formats are built from the same core onsite programming and are adapted based on group goals, time available, and seasonal conditions.
Single-Day Programs
A focused Outdoor Education experience introducing students to navigation, teamwork, and structured challenge.2-Day / 1-Night Programs
An extended experience allowing for deeper skill development, team formation, and overnight learning through tent-based camping or bunkhouse use when available.Multi-Day Outdoor Education Camps
The primary program format, providing a full experiential learning arc that includes progressive challenges, leadership development, reflection, and integration across multiple days.
Program format selection is determined collaboratively based on educational goals, group size, and logistical considerations.
“Everything about the man was kick-ass, it was killer… that’s my endorsement for Mr. Caldwell.”
— Les Stroud, Survivorman
Activities and Experiences
Every group is different, and every season brings new opportunities. Here are some of the activities we can build into your program:
🧭 Orienteering & Mantracker – Map and compass navigation, with the option to be tracked on horseback.
🚣 Canoeing the Gatineau – Safe, calm waters with islands to explore and swim from.
🌿 Leave No Trace Camp Skills – Learn how to set up camp responsibly, practice safe fire techniques, and minimize impact on the land.
🔥 Campfire & Evening Programs – Songs, storytelling, skits, and reflection circles around the fire.
🍳 Outdoor Cooking – From roasting marshmallows to preparing a full meal over an open flame.
🎲 Camp Games & Team Challenges – Survivor inspired, cooperative games, scavenger hunts, and challenges that build teamwork and resilience.
🌌 Night Programs – Star-gazing, nocturnal ecology, and guided night hikes through the forest.
🌳 Tree & Plant ID – Learn to identify local species and discover their ecological roles.
🪓 Agrotourism Workshops – Maple syrup making (seasonal), sawmill demonstration, and off-grid solar tour.
Programs can be half-day, full-day, or multi-day — and we’ll work with you to choose the activities that best fit your group.
Outdoor learning doesn’t stop when the snow falls.
Our trails and forest transform into a winter classroom, perfect for snowshoeing, night hikes under the stars, and winter survival skills. Groups can learn fire-building in the snow, try campfire cooking in cold conditions, and practice teamwork in a whole new environment.
Highlights:
Snowshoeing on 10 km of private trails
Winter fire-building and outdoor cooking
Night hikes and stargazing in crisp winter air
Lessons in resilience, preparation, and cold-weather safety
Camp Accommodations
Tent-Based Overnight Camping
Tent camping is the primary overnight accommodation for Outdoor Education programs at The Off Grid Ark. The site is intentionally designed to model a true backcountry-style experience, while remaining accessible and inclusive for students without requiring elite expedition gear or advanced fitness levels.
The camp includes designated, flat ground suitable for approximately 20 four-person tents, allowing schools to accommodate full class groups within a single, supervised basecamp area. Tents are set up in close proximity to instructional and gathering spaces to support clear oversight and efficient group management.
This tent-based model reinforces practical outdoor skills such as camp setup, organization, teamwork, and shared responsibility, while keeping the experience approachable for a wide range of student abilities.
The campsite is serviced by a four-room outhouse, providing reliable sanitation infrastructure appropriate for multi-day school programs.
Onsite Overnight Accommodation (Bunkhouse)
Onsite overnight programs are supported by a purpose-built bunkhouse currently under construction at The Off Grid Ark.
The bunkhouse is located at the edge of the tent camping area and is designed to provide simple, functional accommodation for school groups while maintaining clear supervision and separation of space.
It consists of two separate rooms:
– One 12×24 room with 18 bunks, plus additional floor space
– One 12×12 room with 10 bunks, plus additional floor space
The bunkhouse will be lightly heated using a small exterior diesel heater, providing a dry, temperate space suitable for shoulder-season and winter use without introducing complex mechanical systems.
Construction is underway and the bunkhouse is expected to be functional shortly. Progress updates and build documentation are shared regularly on our blog at offgridark.com/blog.
The Cliffside Shelter: A Teacher’s Retreat
Quiet, simple, and close to the land.
Our Cliffside shelter is a small, rustic refuge — a 12x12 space with a queen bed, hutch, and dresser. It’s not for groups, but serves as a comfortable retreat for teachers or chaperones during multi-day programs.
The shelter also provides a safe, private place for one-on-one check-ins with students if needed, ensuring peace of mind for educators and parents alike.
Features:
Simple 12x12 interior with queen bed & basic furnishings
West-facing deck for up to 4 people — perfect for reflection or lesson prep
Heated, safe, and private space
Serves as a basecamp for teachers, not a group cabin
Why Choose The Ark for Outdoor Education?
Close, yet remote: Just 40 minutes from Ottawa and 20 minutes from Wakefield Hospital. Feels like wilderness, but support is always close at hand.
Professional Leadership: Led by Mike Caldwell, a retired helicopter paramedic and seasoned wilderness guide with experience in Temagami, the Canadian Arctic, the French Alps, and the Rocky Mountains.
Trusted by Schools: We’ve hosted programs for Immaculata High School, All Saints High School, St. Michael’s, Cedar Ridge, D'Arcy McGee, and Dovercourt Recreation Centre.
Safety First: Our property has cell coverage throughout, clear natural boundaries, and we carry $2 million liability insurance.
Everything in One Place: 164 acres of private forest, 10 km of trails, canoe access, orienteering, campfire programs, and agrotourism workshops — all integrated into one site.
Proven Approach: Our programs blend adventure with education, giving students skills, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
Outdoor education always involves a level of risk — that’s part of the learning. What we do is manage those risks carefully. The Ark has:
- Clear natural boundaries and full cell coverage across the property
- $2 million liability insurance
- An ATV for rapid access anywhere on site, year-round
- Programs led by Mike Caldwell, a retired helicopter paramedic and experienced wilderness guide
- Mike's home, The Ark, is on the property and has been used for safety and even sleeping when the weather has turned exceptionally extreme.
Students are challenged in the outdoors, but always within a controlled, well-supervised environment.
What about drinking water?
Clean drinking water is available on site. Students should bring a refillable water bottle.
What do we need to bring?
Students bring personal gear (clothing, sleeping bag, toiletries, meals/snacks). We provide group equipment like maps, compasses, canoes, paddles, and lifejackets.
How much does it cost?
Standard rate is $50 per student per day. 3-day, overnight programs generally work out to about $150 per student, depending on group size and chosen activities. There is no charge for adult supervisors.
Are meals provided?
No. Schools are responsible for all food, cooking, and meal prep. Many teachers use this as part of the outdoor learning experience.
Where do students sleep?
Students camp in tents (usually supplied by the school). Teachers have access to the Cliffside Shelter as a small, heated retreat and safe meeting space.
How close are you to medical care?
We are 40 minutes from Ottawa and 20 minutes from Wakefield Hospital. Mike’s background as a helicopter paramedic means safety and emergency readiness are built into every program.
What ages are your programs for?
Most activities are suited to grades 5–12, though we can adapt for younger students.
Do you run programs year-round?
Yes — canoeing, maple syrup, and orienteering in spring/fall; snowshoeing, survival, and winter camping in winter.
What group sizes do you accommodate?
Groups of 15–40 students work best, though smaller or larger groups can be discussed.
Memories That Last Beyond the Trails
“When students write you a song on the bus ride home… you know it worked.”
Sometimes the best measure of a program isn’t what happens in the forest, but what carries on afterward. On the ride home, these high school students wrote and sang a song — “The Mountain Man Way” — about their time at The Ark.
It’s moments like these that remind us: outdoor education isn’t just about learning skills. It’s about building friendships, creating stories, and carrying memories that will last long after the campfire goes out.
Map & Directions to the
Cliffside Camp in the Outaouais
Bring Outdoor Learning to Life
Whether you’re a teacher, youth leader, or program coordinator, The Ark makes it easy to plan a meaningful outdoor education experience.