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Ringing Endorsements for our New Forest School |
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We are offering one-week, month-long,
and full-semester programming this Fall.
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Camp Kawartha’s Forest School opened September 18th, and the first few weeks have proved to be very successful at many levels. Parents are delighted with the concept and students are enjoying an active, hands-on learning environment involving such programs as wetland studies, animal adaptation, habitats, traditional games, and canoeing.
Having small cohorts has been part of the success of Camp Kawartha's Forest School. “We are in regular contact with the parents, and they are saying that students are engaged, happy, and tired at the end of the day”, says Susan Ramey, Forest School Coordinator. “Our teachers are working hard to ensure the students not only have valuable experiences in nature, but are also involved in curriculum-linked learning".
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“We enrolled our two boys in Forest School (grades 4 and 6) to remove them from the uncertainty of what public school will look like during the pandemic. This opportunity has blown us away: our boys are learning by doing, experiencing a new model of learning, cheered to try, and being respectful to classmates and the environment. They are happy and loving the outdoors. We are so grateful to teacher Neil and the rest of Camp Kawartha’s people for this incredible experience so far - it’s such an encouraging environment." Forest School Parent
The School currently has three cohorts – Kindergarten; Grades 1-3; and Grades 4-6. Numbers are capped at 12 for Kindergarten, and 20 for the other two.
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Meet Our Forest School Teachers |
Camp Kawartha is privileged to have an amazing pool of talented educators working for our organization. Some of our best are our Forest School Teachers. |
Leading the Kindergarten cohort is Catherine (Cat) deDomenico, a qualified teacher who fell in love with the outdoors right here at Camp Kawartha. She spent seven years working in various Summer Camp positions, including time as Assistant Director (Dolce). She aims to foster creativity and curiosity in the Kinders, as well as a love and commitment to protect the natural world. She encourages others to join the kindergarten program if parents are looking to build independence and a sense of wonder for the natural world in their children!
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Teaching the Grade 1 to Grade 3 cohort is Amanda Kennedy. A teacher with a long history (over 14 years) as an Outdoor Educator for Camp Kawartha. She says her passion is to get kids outdoors and connected to nature. She believes that early and consistent exposure to nature builds a lasting love and respect for the natural world throughout a lifetime. Kids are born loving nature. All it takes is the time and effort to nurture it. As well, it’s just plain fun!
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And leading the Grade 4 to Grade 6 cohort is our Outdoor Education Manager, Neil Fortin. Neil has been with Camp Kawartha for more than 18 years and has been teaching outdoor education for 25 years. He has a deep knowledge of nature and he knows how to design programs that activate and motivate students. Neil says that kids need nature on so many levels. It provides for healthy development of body, mind, and spirit, and builds resilient, self-confidence and problem solving skills. His motto: "healthy kids for a healthy planet".
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The Old Health Centre is Gone! |
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Work has now officially started on the construction of our innovative new Health Centre, an exciting "zero" building (zero carbon, zero toxins, zero waste). Our old Health Centre, built in the 1950s, is no more, and work has already begun on the foundation for the new Centre.
You might think we would be sad about this considering how long that cabin was a central part of Camp life, but luckily we have pictures and loads of good memories to cherish as we move forward. We are so excited about creating an exemplar in sustainable design, in addition to a healthy, safe, and welcoming space for our campers, staff, and visitors. We want to showcase to our community and beyond, that it is possible to create a healthy sustainable Health Centre.
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We have created several new programs for those parents whose children aren't quite ready to go back into school just yet.
These ‘Outdoor Forest Day Programs’ will follow the model we have been using for homeschoolers at the Environment Centre. Children spend most of the day outdoors, exploring, and learning about the unique nature features of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre and the 200 acres of Nature Sanctuary lands it is situation upon.
Programs are running for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 12, and 11 to 14.
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Leadership Applications are now OPEN |
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Deadline for applications is Monday, October 12th, applications will be accepted after this date, but priority is given to applicants who make the deadline.
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Stay tuned for details on Summer Camp 2021 Registration, COMING SOON! |
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Animal Showcase: Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
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We have noticed a parade of birds to our feeders recently, and one that we've found especially intriguing has been the Red-Breasted Nuthatch. They are one of three species of Nuthatch found in Canada. They are quite small, only 11 cms, and have a black and white striped head with a grey/blue back, and a distinctive rust-coloured belly. Their wings are short, but wide, their tails are short, and they have a prominent beak. They most fun thing we've found out is that they are unique in that they will move down a tree head-first.
Nuthatches like to eat insects and in winter eat seeds and nuts from fir, spruce, beech and oak trees. If you want to attract them to your home this winter, put out suet and sunflower seeds. They seem to love ours and help clean out our feeders regularly!
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Looking for some engaging nature activities for the kids to do at home? Check out our YouTube Channel for a wealth of Nature Notes from our Executive Director, Jacob as well as our Summer 2020 CK at Home Staff
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There is lots of apparel on SALE right now! Check it out and outfit yourself or your campers to showcase your
CK Spirit year-round!
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OFFERING CURBSIDE PICK UP AT BOTH OF OUR LOCATIONS |
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Camp Kawartha is an accredited, award-winning, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the promotion of the highest standard of programming, with a particular focus on outdoor environmental awareness, outdoor and environmental education and stewardship. Registered Charity # 12453 9214 RR0001
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705-652-3860 1-866-532-4597
info@campkawartha.ca
campkawartha.ca
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