Presentation/Workshop Submissions

The call for presentation and workshop proposals is now open until March 31st, 2025! We are seeking submissions for a mix of sessions that will be hands-on or minds-on for attendees, which centre the value of outdoor play, are grounded in research and/or practical/lived experience, and will be of interest to a mix of conference attendees (academics, practitioners, health professionals, etc.).

This year’s theme is ‘Play Across the Ages – Nature’s Call to All’. Across practice, policy, and research, this year’s Summit aims to explore how the landscape of outdoor play across generations has changed due to screen time, concerns over safety, and climate change, to name a few. Looking to the past, present, and future of outdoor play, the 2025 summit aims to inspire conversation and action on the value of play in fostering community, inclusive play environments, environmental stewardship, and overall health and well-being, informed and celebrated by the launch of the 10-year update to the Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play!

Submission guidelines

• Word limit: 350 words
• Deadline to submit: March 31st, 2025
• While we do not require any formal structure for abstract submissions, we offer the following suggested structure:
  • Introduction/Purpose
  • Methods
  • Results/Goals (if submitting a workshop proposal)
  • Conclusion/Significance of work
• ‘Minds-on’ proposals focus on sharing content (e.g., a more traditional research presentation). ‘Hands-on’ proposals focus on practical application (e.g., how to build fires with kids safely). Symposium proposals are welcome and may include 3-4 speakers for up to a 75-minute session.
• Most presentations will be held in the great outdoors with limited technological support! We encourage you to think creatively on how to share your knowledge outside (pun intended) of the traditional conference set-up – e.g., infographic handouts, links attendees can go to on their phones, or perhaps, using the natural space of Wesley Clover Parks to animate your ideas.
• Note: Notification of submission review and result will be completed by April 30^th. Registration is not required to submit a presentation/workshop proposal. However, if your submission is selected for presentation at the BoFA Summit 2025, and the registration fee payment is not received by May 15, 2025, the presenter will be automatically removed from the program with no further notice.