By Matthew Kieller
Last summer, the North Columbia Environmental Society brought back to life the youth-based environmental education program. The program expanded this spring to include a successful six-week afterschool program at Begbieview Elementary with programs such as “awesome aquifers” and “dirt diggers” a soils based program.
This summer the program returns with 8 fun and engaging programs. The program focuses on developing an appreciation for natural environments through fun and engaging lessons combining observational skills and hands-on learning.
The goal of the programs is to get up close and examine aspects of our environment we may see everyday, but not notice or understand in relationship to the ecosystem as a whole.
Summer programs will run on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9am until noon. Locations will vary slightly, though the majority will be based out of the ski chalet just beyond the 2/5km parking lot on Mt. Revelstoke. Tuesday’s class will be suited towards children 5-7 years old, and Wednesday’s class will be aimed towards 8-11 year olds.
Summer Topics and Dates:
| July 1st 2nd | Wonders of Weather |
| July 8th 9th | Invasive Invader’s |
| July 15th 16th | Passionate Pollinators |
| July 22nd 23rd | Where in the world are we? Maps and Orienteering |
| July 29th 30th | Avian Adventures with feathered friends |
| August 5th 6th | Fantastic fresh water studies @ Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk |
| August 12th 13th | Forest Friends: Forest Ecology and the Revelstoke Forestry Museum. |
| August 19th 20th | Animal Tracking 101 |
This year we are excited to include a number of experts to contribute to our programs from organizations such as the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society and Bear Aware.
Program cost is ten dollars per week. To register your child for a program or if you have any questions e-mail Matt Kieller at juniornaturalist@gmail.com or by phone at 250-200-0691.
The Junior Naturalist program is able to operate thanks to generous grants from the Columbia Basin Trust and time and effort dedicated from the North Columbia Environmental Society.
Matthew Kieller is a member of the North Columbia Environmental Society and coordinator of the Junior Naturalists Program
