With a few more weeks of summer left, kids of all ages still have the opportunity to take advantage of the programming offered at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park – including some new programs to ensure kids are being safe during outdoor play.
“It’s been a really fantastic season for us,” said Susan de Caen, executive director with the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF). “We’ve had an incredible take-up on our programs, and our summer staff has been absolutely fantastic this year.”
According to de Caen, the park’s pond exploration program has been especially popular – encouraging kids and their parents to dip their nets in the water and see what they can discover.
“Parents can’t just drop their kids off – they actually learn together. Our staff are so well-versed in the material they are delivering, they can address questions from little guys all the way to adults. There’s something for everyone to learn,” de Caen said.
The archaeology digs have also been popular, de Caen said. The two-hour program lets families learn what archaeology is all about by actually getting dirty and participating in a real dig at a number of sites located throughout the park.
“We will bring that back again next year, because it’s been very well-liked,” de Caen said. “Our staff have also piloted some other projects this year, including one that we have had to postpone because of the rain.”
The Hug A Tree program has been rescheduled to August 30 at 1 p.m. According to de Caen, this free program is presented with the help of Cochrane Search and Rescue.
“It’s all about making certain kids understand how not to get lost,” de Caen said. “We want to make sure kids aren’t afraid to get outside, and that they are safe while they are doing it.”
Kids can still get in on pond exploration excursions, Paws and Claws animal tracks programs, a summer photography course and many more golf cart tours that take participants to unique spots along the almost 30 kilometers of trail stretching throughout the park. A full calendar of upcoming programs can be found at grpf.ca/events.
The foundation is supported by Alberta Conservation Association and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, who de Caen said provide grants and sponsorship to ensure the programs are available for families to enjoy.
Check out the Eagle’s Fall Registration section in this issue, pages 35-42, for programs coming this fall.
