The Nature Conservancy found that on average Canadian kids under 13 now take part in freestyle play outdoors for only a half-hour per week.  That means that our children are not getting a chance to develop their “naturalist intelligence.”  Yes, according to Howard Gardner (professor of education at Harvard University) that is one of 8 types of intelligence.  Naturalist Intelligence is  the ability to understand patterns, relationships and connections in nature.  Children need ample time to get their bare hands dirty while exploring turtle nests and deer beds.  They need a big dose of exploring and loving the natural world. Our Nature fun two hour programs (Mon, Tues. Thurs. and Fri) does this for 4-8 year olds.  And, the Art in Nature program on Wednesdays does it all day for 8-13 year olds.  Our small groups (12 children and 2 leaders) allow for children to move at their own pace and stop and explore what they are interested in.  It’s a great way to spend a summer day.  It goes from 8:30-4:30 so perfect if you are a working parent.  The first week we will be getting up close to amphibians and reptiles, catching their food, observing, pretending to be one, and writing all about it.    Did you know garter snakes incubate their eggs inside their bodies? 

We are only having 5 weeks of these programs (we received less funding to pay for summer staff—university students), so sign up your children soon so they don’t miss out on the nature adventures.  

Call 398 8532 or email scoutisland at shaw.ca