Summer Earth Education Program 2010
Grouped in clans such as the Roaring Rockhoppers or the Tree Clan, participants in our Summer Earth Education programs (SEEP) explored together, studied together and played together in the forests, freshwater and marine environments of the Gulf Islands. Components of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park as well as regional and community parks found on each of Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne and Saturna islands were the venues for the 2010 programs. The clans created their identity and built forts which were their base of operations for the week-long programs. Using rotations and activity centres, participants had hands-on experience in understanding forest ecosystem dynamics, multi-sensory explorations, bird communities, food chains and food pyramids, animal behaviour, energy flows in ecosystems, journaling and self reflection. Specifically designed games to re-enforce the concepts and activities had children role playing as prey, predators, salmon, and orcas to name a few.
Specific studies were done on forest decomposition and the soil cycle, intertidal zonation and freshwater aquatic organisms’ lifecycles. Each island program included sessions led by specialists in certain fields including forest bird communities, forage fish ecology, watershed dynamics and salmon survival, as well as, First Nations storytelling and use of resources. Participants also spent time collecting, identifying and recording various organisms found within forest, freshwater and marine ecosystems according to their place in the food chain.
Music was an integral part of each day’s opening and closing ceremonies in which the participants learned new songs about the natural world around them. At the end of the week’s program, individualized certificates of achievement were presented to each participant at our closing ceremony.
This PDF file details a typical day with GICEL.
Summer Earth Education Programs 2011 Schedule
Time: 10 am to 4 pm daily
Children ages 6 to 12
Fees: $175.00/week/child
For more details please contact the island coordinators below. GICEL has limited funds for financial assistance.
Join our dynamic leaders and amazing youth mentors to explore the gifts of nature on the southern Gulf Islands.
Salt Spring Island (Contact: Michelle Spencer)
Salt Spring Island (Contact: Michelle Spencer)
- July 11 – 15
- July 18 – 22
- July 25 – 29
- Downloads: Waiver and Registration Form
Pender Island (Contact: Julie Johnston)
- July 11 – 15
- Downloads: Waiver and Registration Form
Mayne Island (Contact: Jessica Willows or Michael Dunn)
- August 1 – 5
- August 8 – 12
- Downloads: Waiver and Registration Form
Saturna Island (Contact: Jessica Willows or Michael Dunn)
- August 15 – 19
- Downloads: Waiver and Registration Form
Click photos below to enlarge:
