Program Milestones

Learning beyond the classroom​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Over 30 years ago, students traveled for the first time to the Calgary Zoo to partake in a week of on-site learning through the Campus Calgary/Open Minds program. Since that first week, the immersive educational program has grown from one site to 14 across Calgary and has impacted over 150000 students. 2025 marks the 25th Anniversary of City Hall School and the 15th Anniversary of 2School: an urban experience.

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See what 30 years looks like

View Timeline
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The Campus Calgary/Open Minds program allows students to engage in a different way of learning. As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, we are provi​ding parents, teachers and childcare provid​ers with resources to engage in experiential learning on their own over summer and during the school year. Join us as we head out into the community to learn, engage and grow.

Why Journal?

We use journaling in our programs as a tool to help students stimulate curiosity and make sense of the world around them. By asking them to sketch and write about what they see, feel and imagine, they are encouraged to beyond the obvious. This allows for emotional connections that cement their learning.

This type of experience asks children to observe and reflect on their surroundings. This inspires them to make careful observations and thoughtful interpretations – setting the stage for inquiry.

Learn more about why journaling is a valuable learning tool​

Do It Yours​elf

To celebrate 25 years of Campus Calgary/Open Minds programs, we have developed guides for parents and teachers to get out of the house or classroom. We encourage you to embark on your own journaling program with your children!

Download​ our journaling resources:

• Journaling Techniques
• Engaging Parents with Journalling

We’d love to see what you discover using these program guides. Please share your experience and learnings online using the hashtag #yycCCOM25 and join in our milestone conversation.

Where to​ Go

There are many ‘special spots’ around the city where children can observe and reflect. In our 25th year, we are encouraging you to get out to a Campus Calgary/Open Minds site and engage in immersive education.

Here is a list of exciting and educational locations in the city that you can visit:

• Calgary Zoo
• Stampede Park
• Prince’s Island Park
• TELUS Spark Science Centre
• Aero Space Museum
• Heritage Park
• Calgary Tower
• Nose Hill Park
• National Music Centre
• Lougheed Park
• Chinese Cultural Centre
• Ann & S​andy Cross Conservation Area
• Devonian Gardens
• Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
• Bowness Park
• Elbow Valley Wetland
• Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Want to learn more about Calgary while engaging in immersive learning? Here is a helpful guide to Calgary:

• Campus Calgary/Open Minds Ways of Knowing Calgary

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