The Bluewater Education Foundation

About Us

The Bluewater Education Foundation (BEF) is a nonprofit registered charity founded in 1973 (originally called the Inspired by Nature Campaign). We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The OEC site/land is held in trust, with BEF and the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) working together through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring the land is protected while being accessible for educational and community use.

BEF manages all rentals and inquiries for the site outside of BWDSB use, while also managing long-term planning efforts to expand access to outdoor education and nature-based experiences. In addition, BEF completes all fundraising initiatives that help advance the organization’s mission.
Throughout the year, BEF delivers a variety of programs and events, including summer camps, seasonal programming, and community activities.

Our Mission:
Providing children and adults with a fun, immersive and safe learning environment while being a national model for environmental sustainability, education, and capacity building through immersive and meaningful programs in nature.

Our Vision:
A safe, self-sufficient campus for outdoor education that provides fun, immersive experiences in nature and encourages personal commitment to environmentally sustainable actions which build resilient communities.