The Junior Naturalist Program: Learning the FUNdamentals of natural science

The Junior Naturalist crew at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, July 2013. Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society
The Junior Naturalist crew at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk, July 2013. Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society

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.

Teams raced solar powered trains they built during the “extreme energy” Junior Naturalist after-school program this past spring at BVE.  Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society
Teams raced solar powered trains they built during the “extreme energy” Junior Naturalist after-school program this past spring at BVE. Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society

Summer Topics and Dates:

July 1st 2ndWonders of Weather
July 8th 9thInvasive Invader’s
July 15th 16thPassionate Pollinators
July 22nd 23rdWhere in the world are we? Maps and Orienteering
July 29th 30thAvian Adventures with feathered friends
August 5th 6thFantastic fresh water studies @ Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk
August 12th 13thForest Friends: Forest Ecology and the Revelstoke Forestry Museum.
August 19th 20thAnimal 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.

Checking out the glaciers on Mt. Begbie from atop the Nels Nelson Ski jump. Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society
Checking out the glaciers on Mt. Begbie from atop the Nels Nelson Ski jump. Photo courtesy of the North Columbia Environmental Society

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