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Going on an outdoor education camp? Guidance for teachers and organisers
Organising the outdoor education camp for your students can be daunting. Here are some of the top considerations when choosing to work with a provider.

HKOLA
Jun 93 min read
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Research into the state of HK's outdoor learning sector planned
HKOLA is supporting an academic study that aims to shed light on the current state of Hong Kong's outdoor education sector, and provide...

HKOLA
Jun 92 min read
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Bringing the Learning Home: Transfer Mechanisms in the School Environment
When so much planning goes into the outdoor learning programme itself, it is important for educators to remember that the learning experience does not simply finish when the participant finishes the programme. This research study conducted in an international school in Hong Kong aims to identify the mechanisms in a school environment that would help students to transfer their learning from an outdoor adventure education programme back into their school and personal lives.

HKOLA
Jun 717 min read
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Changing Cultures
Change is tough. Whether in personal, professional, or organisational contexts, it often feels daunting to step away from the familiar and walk into the unknown. But here’s the fascinating part: people are more willing to embrace change when they’re reminded of what will stay the same. By offering a vision for continuity alongside a vision for change, resistance can transform into acceptance.

Mike Thomas
Mar 233 min read
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Seasonal Change in Hong Kong: Bye-Bye Birds, Hello Snakes!
As summer approaches, it's time to say goodbye to our migratory bird friends, and hello to a new season of wildlife: our local snakes!

HKOLA
Mar 223 min read
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Summary of "Where the Tides of Life Make Sense: Insights from Surfers in Hong Kong" by Judith Blaine
In "Where the Tides of Life Make Sense: Insights from Surfers in Hong Kong" Judith Blaine explores the remarkable ways surfing influences the lives of individuals and communities in Hong Kong. This article provides a short summary of the research paper.

HKOLA
Mar 222 min read
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Safeguarding Starts with Strong Systems
When it comes to safeguarding, there’s no such thing as being too thorough. Yet, many organisations do not have a completely robust system in place. It’s time to take a closer look at what’s slipping through the cracks and how we can all step up to ensure safety while maintaining efficiency and fairness.

Mike Thomas
Mar 223 min read
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Gender and LGBTQ+ in Outdoor Learning
An insightful workshop on gender, LGBTQ+, and inclusivity in the outdoors. This session will deepen your understanding of gender dynamics and offer practical guidance for navigating these topics in various settings.

HKOLA
Dec 1, 20241 min read
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Forest Schools in Hong Kong
During Charlie's session, she will speak about the power of Forest School and playing in nature, and its contribution to fostering curiosity and resilience in children.

HKOLA
Dec 1, 20241 min read
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Navigating decisions in the outdoor setting using spheres of practice
Adrian See
Nov 30, 2024
In this workshop, participants will examine Bob Ryan’s “Spheres of Practice”. Originally designed for the Challenge Ropes Course, we will make use of it as a framework to help outdoor practitioners effectively navigate the complexities of mainstream common practices, standard operating procedures, and individual preferences. Participants examined practical scenarios in the outdoor industry, assessing how various decisions can be informed by the diff

HKOLA
Nov 30, 20241 min read
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Panel Discussion 2024
Panel discussion at the HK Outdoor Learning Conference 2024. Experts Lye Yen Kai (Blackbox OE / Singapore Outdoor Adventure Education Council), Dave Addis (ICHK Secondary School), Holly Brigham and Dr Xoni Ma (OWLHK) speak on a variety of standards, workforce, wellbeing and advocacy.

HKOLA
Nov 30, 20241 min read
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Exploring Pathways to Professional Recognition
What does it mean to be an outdoor professional? This session will ponder this crucial question and call upon the attendees to co-create their own definition for Hong Kong. On the way, it will look at what it means to be a professional in other nations, the benefits of being recognised as a professional, and the potential pathways that we could take in Hong Kong to achieving professional recognition.

HKOLA
Nov 30, 20241 min read
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Guidelines, standards and laws; whats the difference?
As an outdoor instructor in Hong Kong, it's important to understand the differences between guidelines, standards and laws within the outdoor adventure education industry.

HKOLA
Oct 14, 20242 min read
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Research Survey & Thank You
On behalf of the research team, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all members who participated in the recent survey on the state of the outdoor education sector. Your thoughtful responses and insights have been incredibly valuable.

HKOLA
Jul 10, 20241 min read
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HKOLA Updates Articles of Association for Improved Governance
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Hong Kong Outdoor Learning Association (HKOLA), we are pleased to announce updates to our Articles of Association. These foundational governing documents outline the rules and procedures that guide the operation and management of our non-profit organisation.

HKOLA
Jul 10, 20241 min read
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Update: research survey on the state of Hong Kong's outdoor learning sector
Important research is happening on HK's outdoor learning sector.HKOLA invites readers to contribute their perspectives in this short survey.

HKOLA
May 12, 20242 min read
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What makes a professional qualification professional.
In the realm of outdoor adventure sports, professional skill qualifications are not just fancy titles or certificates, but solid proof of instructors' expertise, safety consciousness and ethical conduct. In this blog entry, we will delve into the development of professional outdoor skill qualifications.

HKOLA
May 12, 20243 min read
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Outdoor Adventure Education in East Asia: Interpreting Data From Outward Bound Hong Kong
Research conducted by Jim Sibthorp, Aaron Funnell, Mike Riley, Bacon Chan, and Lisa Meerts-Brandsma (2018) Summary The article "Outdoor...

HKOLA
Oct 31, 20232 min read
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Impacts of the Pandemic on HK's Outdoor Adventure Education Sector - a summary
This Masters thesis (2023) investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Hong Kong's outdoor adventure education (OAE) sector. It explores the challenges faced by OAE organizations and educators and discusses what the future holds for outdoor education in Hong Kong.

HKOLA
Oct 17, 20233 min read
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World Standards Day
On the 14th of October every year, World Standards Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of international standards and their help in tackling larger global issues.
When it comes to outdoor education, we all know that safety, quality, and sustainability are key. That's where international standards come into play!

HKOLA
Oct 14, 20232 min read
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