Please check the Publications & Resources section for available information about past news and events.  

October 13, 2022    

Project Coordinator & PhD student Rachel Ramsden welcomed as one of UBC’s new Public Scholars

A big congratulations to Rachel Ramsden, whose work on outdoor play and community-driven research was recently recognized as part of UBC’s Public Scholars Initiative!

The Public Scholars Initiative supports UBC doctoral students whose work pushes existing boundaries and contributes to public good through collaborative, interdisciplinary research: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/psi

July 11, 2022    

Dr. Mariana Brussoni awarded $1.3 million grant to improve daycare outdoor play 

Very exciting news for our Promoting Early Childhood Outside (PRO-ECO) study!

Announcement was made on July 11, 2022 that the study was awarded $1.3 million from the federal government’s Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Program. The grant will support the second phase of the study, focusing on a partnership with First Nations and Métis child care organizations.

“We already know from many other studies that more outdoor play is better. What we are doing with PRO-ECO is focusing on how we can change the behaviours and practices of early childhood educators and families, to support more outdoor play in their centres, especially in the context of the pandemic” – Dr. Mariana Brussoni. 

May 26, 2022     YWCA Women of Distinction Awards

Hebah Hussaina is the 2022 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Award recipient!

Big congratulations to Hebah Hussaina on being the 2022 YWCA Young Woman of Distinction!

Hebah is recognized for her support of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education for youth, including as Surrey Program Coordinator for Science World‘s Future Science Leaders, and as part of her community involvement.  Listen to Hebah’s 2019 TEDx talk: “How Volunteering Grows Healthy Communities.” 

November 23, 2022     Webinar with Dr. Mariana Brussoni

Importance of Outdoor Play on Brain Development & Mental Health

This presentation by Dr. Mariana Brussoni is the first in a new webinar series by Families Canada and the Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development, focused on addressing emerging issues and challenges in the family support sector. Dr. Brussoni will discuss science-based information and strategies that support the positive impact of outdoor play on brain development and mental health in early childhood as well as for adults and educators alike. Helping participants to understand the importance of outdoor play, touching on risky play and how to implement it.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/importance-of-outdoor-play-on-brain-development-mental-health-tickets-445368478107

November 3, 2022     Canadian Injury Prevention Conference

Child and Youth Outdoor Play – presentation by Megan Zeni and Emma Raaflaub

Curious about how to promote child and youth outdoor play?

Join Play Outside Lab members Megan Zeni and Emma Raaflaub at the 2022 Canadian Injury Prevention Conference.

Megan and Emma will be discussing outdoor play and learning, and covering topics of outdoor play, risky play, and risk-benefit assessment. They hope the workshop audience will gain an understanding of the importance of outdoor play, how equitable access to outdoor play can be achieved and analyze practical solutions of outdoor play in practice. 

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/2022conference

November 3, 2022     Canadian Injury Prevention Conference

Investigating Parents’ Risk Propensity for Themselves, Their Child, and Child Injury Incidence – presentation by Hebah Hussaina 

Hebah Hussaina, graduate research assistant with the Play Outside Lab, will be presenting at the 2022 Canadian Injury Prevention Conference.

Hebah’s presentation will be focusing on understanding the relationship between parents’ risk-taking perspectives and injury in the context of outdoor and risky play.

For more information about the conference, please visit: https://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/2022conference/

June 30, 2022     Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL)

Freedom! An OPAL online open day 

This event brings together international researchers, school leaders and education thinkers with a focus on ensuring more children have the freedom to play every day at school.

Featuring Michael Follett, Dr. Mariana Brussoni, Sarah Alexander and others! For tickets and information please visit Freedom! An OPAL online open day website.   

May 24, 2022     UNICEF Canada

UNICEF Report Card 17 Canadian Launch: The Future is Now

Join an intergenerational dialogue with UNICEF Canada and guests to review Canada’s progress and the policies that will protect children’s environment and their right to a childhood.

Speakers include Dr. Mariana Brussoni, Saara Choudry, Kyrstin Dumont, Dr. Elaine MacDonald, David Morley, Paula Robeson, Dr. Shannon Waters, Lisa Wolff and Julie Dabrusin. Please visit the event website for more information.     

May 5, 2022     Inspiring Scotland | Thrive Outdoors 

Thrive Outdoors Conference 2002

Dr. Mariana Brussoni will be speaking about risky and adventurous play at the online Thrive Outdoors Early Learning & Childcare 2022 Conference: Growing Ambition Together! 

Please visit the event website to register, as well as to check out the full list of exciting speakers.