Outdoor Education Program Flourishes with HIEA Support
Outdoor education programming through the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board continues to flourish in core city elementary schools, due to the support of the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association (HIEA).
The program provides an opportunity for children in grades one, two and three to visit the Dave Brown Outdoor Education Centre, in Churchill Park. The program helps students understand the natural environment and introduces children to the basic concepts of sustainability. Students take part in activities and role play, and are amazed at the complexity of the natural ecosystems. For many of the children, it is their first time investigating a local natural environment.
HIEA’s funding has provided program opportunities that extend throughout the school year. In the 2003, 1,700 students, teachers and parent volunteers participated in the program.
The success of this unique program has consistently received praise and encouragement from all participants. According to one teacher, “This is the only way that children will understand their role and responsibility toward the environment.”
For more information about this program please check thier website: http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/outdoor_education/dboec/index.aspx |
Students explore the local habitat at the Dave Brown Outdoor Educations Centre.
A child from one of Hamilton's core city elementary schools closely examines the ground underfoot.
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A typical thank you card from a student who had the opportunity to participate in the program.
Students from Robert Land Elementary School expresses their appreciation to HIEA.
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