The Storeroom | Outside-In

The Storeroom

Looking for inspiration? This section brings together frameworks, lesson plan ideas, and external resources that we find useful — curated for educators, coaches, and outdoor practitioners. Use these as a starting point for your own planning — search terms, frameworks and ideas to build from. A starting point, not a ceiling.

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Hong Kong Outdoor Learning Association

The leading advocacy and professional body for outdoor learning in Hong Kong. HKOLA works to raise standards, connect practitioners, and grow the quality and quantity of outdoor education across the region. If you work in outdoor education in Hong Kong, this is your community.

Association of Experiential Education

The AEE is an international professional membership organisation dedicated to experiential education and the practitioners who use it. It supports research, professional development, and programme accreditation — and provides a global community for those working at the intersection of education, adventure, and human development. A strong reference point for anyone wanting to ground their practice in a recognised international framework

Viristar

Viristar is considered a world-leading safety expert, offering training courses, with participants from over 60 countries on six continents. Their programmes cover human factors, emergency planning, equipment management, safety standards, documentation, and legal considerations and are rigorous, practical, and globally respected. Essential for any outdoor practitioner serious about safety management.

The Mountaineering Council of Hong Kong

The Mountaineering Council of Hong Kong runs progressive Level 1 to Level 3 mountain skills courses, alongside hiking, camping, climbing, abseiling and Leave No Trace training for all levels of experience.
Instructors are highly qualified and the teaching style flexible — built around helping people enjoy and engage with what they're learning, rather than just running through a checklist by rote.
A trusted presence in Hong Kong's outdoor community.

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Institute of Outdoor Learning

The IOL is the professional body for outdoor learning practitioners in the UK and internationally. It sets standards, supports professional development, and advocates for the value of outdoor education at every level. Particularly useful for those working towards or holding Accredited or Recognised Practitioner status.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is the internationally recognised framework for minimising the impact of outdoor recreation on natural environments. Its seven principles provide practical, evidence-based guidance for anyone leading groups outdoors — from wilderness expeditions to urban green spaces. Essential reading for outdoor practitioners, and increasingly expected as a baseline in professional outdoor education settings

6seconds

The world's leading organisation dedicated to emotional intelligence — supporting researchers, educators, coaches, and leaders in developing and applying EQ in the real world. Founded in 1997, 6seconds provides assessments, tools, training, and certification programmes used in over 150 countries. Their practical, science-based framework makes EQ measurable and actionable rather than abstract. Outside-In's programmes draw directly on 6seconds methodology.

Forge Learning

A specialist UK training provider for Forest School and Outdoor Learning, with twelve years of reputation and expertise behind them. Forge Learning runs Level 2 and Level 3 Forest School qualifications, outdoor first aid training, and CPD for practitioners already working in the field — alongside a resource library built from material that's actually been tested and used. If you're developing or delivering Forest School and outdoor learning in the UK, this is worth knowing.

Outdoor Education Podcast

Created by Rob Carmichael, this podcast explores the stories, ideas, and people shaping outdoor learning worldwide. Honest conversations with practitioners across the sector — the kind that remind you why this work matters. A good companion for a commute or a long walk

Vertical Playpen

A podcast for anyone working in adventure and experiential education — covering programming theory, facilitation tips, activity ideas, industry career advice, and interviews with professionals from across the field. Phil Brown brings a practitioner's perspective and a genuine curiosity about what makes adventure education work.

Expand and Impact

Hosted by Violetta Zorkowski, each episode explores the hidden patterns shaping how we think, feel, lead, and perform under pressure.

Blending psychology, mind-body science, lived experience, and thought-provoking conversations, this show helps you build a healthier relationship with yourself so you can lead, create, and succeed without sacrificing your wellbeing, your ambition, or your joy.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, supporting others, or creating a life that reflects who you truly are, you'll discover practical insights that help you think more clearly, lead more intentionally, and enjoy the life you're working so hard to build.

Expand and Impact helps the people others rely on better understand themselves, so they can create extraordinary impact without carrying extraordinary pressure.