Great Minds Think Outside

Launched in 2015, Great Minds Think Outside (GMTO) is a bilingual, hands-on professional development program that helps educators bring curriculum-based learning outdoors—regardless of subject area.

Through innovative outdoor learning experiences, GMTO provides educators with the skills, resources, and confidence to create meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Our approach fosters creativity, supports well-being, deepens connections to nature, and inspires environmental stewardship.

Our team of experienced trainers is located throughout New Brunswick and is available to deliver professional development tailored to the unique needs of your school, including your curriculum goals, teaching priorities, and available outdoor spaces.

In 2023, GMTO launched Wabanaki Land-based Learning Activities, a resource guide designed to support educators in incorporating meaningful land-based learning into their practice. This specialized professional development opportunity is for for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Educators in New Brunswick and offers educators a rich and transformative experience that extends beyond simply learning outdoors. Participants spend a day learning alongside an Elder, developing a deeper understanding of Wabanaki perspectives and experiencing the Land as a teacher. A Wabanaki session is most beneficial to educators who have already experienced a regular GMTO training session, as it builds upon the foundational skills of outdoor learning

Whether you are looking to take your existing curriculum outdoors or deepen your practice through land-based learning, Great Minds Think Outside provides educators with practical tools, meaningful experiences, and the inspiration to make outdoor learning an integral part of education.