Who’s Missing? Starting a Grassroots Professional Body from Scratch — HKOLA as a Case Study
David Addis
Mike Thomas
Across Southeast Asia and beyond, outdoor and experiential education is delivered by a diverse and largely independent landscape of providers — schools, commercial operators, NGOs, and freelance practitioners — often with no unifying body to set standards, share practice, advocate for the sector, or support sustainable careers. OFFSEAS itself was founded in 2011 by a grassroots collective of educators who recognised exactly this gap.
In Hong Kong, the COVID-19 pandemic brought this into sharp relief. Strict restrictions and prolonged school closures shook the sector — reducing young people’s opportunities to learn through the outdoors, impacting livelihoods and careers, and exposing gaps in governance and safety systems. It was in this context that the Hong Kong Outdoor Learning Association (HKOLA) was established: to build resilience into the sector by raising standards, developing supportive communities of practice, and becoming an advocate for outdoor learning.
This session uses HKOLA’s journey as a case study, but its real purpose is outward-facing: to equip and inspire educators from other countries to start or strengthen their own professional networks for the good of all.
About David
Dave’s outdoor learning career started in the UK as a freelance instructor, but he really learnt his trade working in Hong Kong, where he now calls home. Working in the outdoor education field, he has always appreciated the experiences it has given him, the people he’s met and the places he’s travelled to along the way. Currently, he is the Head of Outdoor Learning at ICHK Secondary, where he uses the outdoors to enhance his students’ understanding and awareness of themselves, others and the world around them as much as possible. After completing a Masters in Outdoor Education, Dave became a founding member of the HK Outdoor Learning Association; a professional body working to create positive impact for HK’s outdoor learning sector and the people they serve.
About Mike
A seasoned traveller and adventurer, Mike has embarked on a journey that has taken him from the UK to diverse landscapes, including the European Alps, Pyrenees, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Hong Kong and Mainland China. His explorations have been driven by a desire to discover, develop and grow both personally and professionally.
With a solid foundation in IT, psychology, physiology, and economics, coupled with teaching experience and a progression through various Governing Body awards, Mike has cultivated a unique blend of technical knowledge and practical skills.
Since 2013, he has specialized in Emotional Intelligence (EQ), integrating it into experiential activities.
Mike’s commitment to helping others extends beyond his professional endeavours. He has served as a member of a Mountain Rescue Team and as a First Responder, providing emergency care in rural communities. Additionally, he works as a Technical Expert for companies and schools, offering training and guidance on their operations.
When not exploring the world or assisting others, Mike enjoys spending quality time with his three young dogs and seeking out new challenges for himself and his canine companions.
Mike also holds directorial positions at Asia Adventure Sports and Outside-In, further contributing to the field of adventure and experiential learning.
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.”
John Muir
