About Me—Natalie B. Kemp
An outdoor educator fuelled by conversation, curiosity, and too many cups of coffee
For work I am an outdoor & experiential educator. It’s a career that I love, though I’ve certainly worked some jobs that I’ve loathed. The day-to-day can be a bit of a mixed bag, but most days are an opportunity to connect people with nature — to have some fun and sneak in opportunities for learning. I primarily work with youth, though I sometimes get to work with adults or families too.
I am also deeply involved in the outdoor education community, currently serving as President for the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (COEO). I have learned so much from other educators in the COEO community throughout my career. And while I’m definitely still learning lots I now also get to give back. I offer mentorship and guidance to emerging outdoor educators; I organize conferences so our community can share ideas and find support; I advocate and help break down barriers in hopes that more kids will get to take their learning outside.
As you would likely guess I also spend a lot of my down time outside. Most of this time is spent travelling on foot — hiking, walking, running. I’m happy to explore a new spot, revisit a favourite trail, or admire the nature right in my neighbourhood. I also love to be on the water, particularly in a canoe. In recent years I have been working on my solo paddling skills and gotten more into backcountry camping, though I’m also still happy to get out for a tandem paddle on Cootes Paradise marsh whenever the opportunity strikes. And while I don’t do any of these things nearly as often I also love cycling, swimming (especially in lakes), snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
While I don’t think an About Me could ever give a perfect idea of who I am here’s a few more tidbits to help paint a fuller picture:
I have a habit of talking to strangers. In fact, conversations with strangers has been one of the things I’ve missed most throughout the pandemic.
I listen to a lot of podcasts.
I enjoy being involved in my local community. Amongst other things I attend neighbourhood events, stream the city council meetings, and am an active member in my area’s Buy Nothing group.
I would much rather chat on the phone than engage in a conversation over text. Also not a huge fan of video calls, though I’d still prefer that over texting. Perhaps an odd stance for someone who loves to write.
I don’t drink alcohol, but I do drink quite a bit of coffee.
As for my writing: I’d describe it as part journaling, part storytelling. I love writing about personal experiences and memorable interactions, but it’s not just about capturing a narrative. For me writing offers an opportunity for self-reflection, a way to process through thoughts and feelings. And though I hope that my writing resonates with others I would definitely say I write for myself just as much as I write for my reader.
All of that said, with the 50+ pieces I’ve published I’ve had fun exploring different writing styles and topics. Finance & nature, mental health & poetry, politics & relationships — no topic is off the table.
If you’re curious about my writing, here are a few of my favourite pieces:
