Stewardship for Kids
It is never too early to start learning about the Environment and the importance of being a good steward to our environment. The environment is everything around us including air; soil, water, plants, and animals.
Some ideas to engage your children in the environment:
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Recycle
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Hike (and pick up garbage along the way)
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Explore the bottom of the lake (safely/supervised: with a mask … snorkel).
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Explain the importance of aquatic plants (e.g. food for turtles; safe places for fish)
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Learn about the types of trees and plants (and how they are important)
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. Write up a list of things you’re sure to find around the cottage (for example leaves (oak, maple, poplar, birch, etc.); acorns; pine cones; sticks; birds; clouds; etc.). Go for a hike and have the kids search for the items nthe list. If you want more ideas, here is one example https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/440508407283435154/
Colouring and activity books are educational and fun:
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Invasive Species: Clean, Drain, and Dry Activity Book: https://canadainvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CCIS-Clean-Drain-Dry-Activity-Book-English.pdf
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Nature Conservancy Canada has a Kids Corner https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-you-can-do/bring-nature-home/kids-corner/
Learn about turtles
https://ontarioturtle.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/OTCC-My-Turtle-Booklet.pdf
Here are some cool videos https://www.turtleguardians.com/turtle-guardians-curricula-videos/
We have a wonderful variety of birds:
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Birds: how to get kids birding https://www.audubon.org/news/easy-ways-get-kids-birding
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Do you want to hear the different sounds songbirds make? Check out this cool interactive poster from the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources. Simply click on a bird to hear its unique tune.https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/bird_songs_interactive/index.html?mc_cid=81da42593a&mc_eid=756a8238e1
Here is a fun video on how to draw a frog https://youtu.be/n_kovglf_eM
Pathway to Stewardship & Kinship is a foundation for nurturing healthy and engaged children and youth https://pathwayproject.ca
Summer Camp Ideas
https://www.kawarthawildlifecentre.ca/wildlife-hero-summer-camp