Sunday, January 31, 2010

SKIP - Week 2

This week our intrepid SKIP participants learned a little something about nature photography in a session led by volunteers Ian Gray (photographer) and Heather Lunn (naturalist). The kids were supplied with disposable cameras and some tips on such photography techniques as lighting and composition, along with some information on some of the natural elements they would be encountering and some features and creatures to watch for.


The kids were divided into groups of four, each led by an adult volunteer, and they were provided with a list for a photography scavenger hunt. Some of the items the groups had to find included buds on trees, rock formations, habitat examples, animal tracks, animal scat (yes, that's poop!), winter weeds, milkweed, a place where animals might hibernate, an example of human encroachment on habitat, something related to species at risk, and a mystery photo!


Everyone found something different to photograph as they explored the Lally Homestead site and nearby trails. We saw some great examples of habitat, including beaver and muskrat lodges, as well as lots of tracks and scat, and even a sleeping porcupine!

The SKIP volunteers will be getting the film processed and returning the prints to the participants by or before the last session and we look forward to seeing the results - especially those mystery photos!


It was another great session that ended with snacks and discussions and then some free play in the field and on an icy puddle. Good times outside in winter!

Special thanks also to volunteers Jane Irwin and John Strachan for their capable assistance!

Monday, January 25, 2010

SKIP - Week 1




SKIP is off to a great start!

Super Kids In Parks kicked off with a session on cross-country skiing led by volunteer Phill Brackenbury along with Tobi Kiesewalter and Alfred von Mirbach. A number of the SKIP kids experienced this activity for the very first time. Phill provided the equipment for the session and after boots and skis were matched to the right-sized feet, our SKIP kids set off to a big open field at the Lally Homestead to take part in some great warm-up activities, which got the new ones used to the feel of having super long feet! They played an alphabet game (you never want to make an X with your skis!), as well as tag and a fox-and-hare game - all without the use of poles. It was amazing how quickly the kids got used to the groove of cross-country skiing.


Next they grabbed their poles and set out on a short trek down the Silver Queen Mine trail, where they saw a number of interesting natural sites. The group returned for some snacks in the drive shed and a chat about the activity. We had an opportunity to talk about deer and their predators as Tobi brought along a deer bone the kids had discovered in the field. Each week the SKIP kids will take home an activity that they can work on with their families and report back the following week. This is all part of the program's goal to connect with nature while encouraging active and healthy living.

We look forward to more fun times next week when SKIP reconvenes for a session on nature photography - with a scavenger hunt!

Super Kids In Parks

The Friends of Murphys Point and a number of community partners have launched a new children’s outdoor learning program at Murphys Point Provincial Park. Super Kids In Parks (SKIP) is a six-week program aiming to help kids ages 7 to 12 connect with nature through a range of exciting sessions promoting active and healthy living.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this free pilot program in January and February,” explained Stephanie Gray, Friends of Murphys Point Park president. “Studies show there are big benefits for kids who are connected with nature. SKIP is designed to get them outside and moving, and while they’re having fun they’re learning things, too.”

The Friends, a non-profit, registered charity, have created a volunteer steering committee made up by members from local partners: the Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County, ecoPerth, the Rideau Valley Field Naturalists,
Murphys Point Provincial Park and the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club.

The winter session runs on Sundays from
1 to 3 p.m. at the Lally Homestead at Murphys Point. Children register for the full six weeks, which begin Jan. 24 and end Feb. 28. In that time, volunteers with a range of experience and expertise will lead sessions on such activities as cross-country skiing (for various skill levels), nature photography, nature crafts/outdoor stories, winter shelters/cooking snacks outside, snowshoeing/orienteering and a discovery hike with field naturalists.

“There is an outdoor component to each session along with a specific educational theme,” explained Judy Fletcher, SKIP steering committee chair. “We want this to be a fun experience for everyone – kids and volunteers – that gets children thinking about how they can lead healthy lifestyles.”


Equipment is provided for the sessions. An educational workbook and reward program will be part of the experience, and the Lally Homestead site offers a warm shelter if required, as well as privies. A healthy snack will be offered each week.


“We have been able to proceed with the winter pilot session thanks to generous funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion’s Healthy Communities Fund,” Ms. Gray explains. “Based on the success of this session we plan to seek new funding to expand the program into the spring and fall and offer it long term.”


Enrolment is full and has been limited to 20 spaces and there is a waiting list. Anyone wishing to be notified of future sessions should e-mail
friendsofmurphyspointpark@yahoo.ca. Stay tuned for weekly updates regarding the winter session activities!