While many local residents may be anxiously awaiting spring, Grade 7 students from Trafalgar Middle School have been celebrating winter.
Classes have been snowshoeing at Camp Busk and learning how animals and plants adapt in order to survive winter.
The field trips are part of Wild Voices for Kids, an environmental and heritage education program provided by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network with financial support from the Columbia Basin Trust, Environment Canada, Regional Districts, Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival Society, Mountain Equipment Coop and Parks Canada.
“These field trips help connect our students with the natural environment,” explained Grade 7 team lead Ann McDonnell. “We can teach the concepts of ecology in the classroom, but to make it real we need to take our students outdoors.”
In addition to snowshoeing, the French Immersion Grade 7 students had the opportunity to try cross-country skiing. Mark Weigeldt of Gerick Cycle and Ski, who speaks French, was on hand to help students build their vocabulary and their confidence as many tried the sport for the first time. Gerick’s and Boomtown Emporium provided cross-country ski gear at a discounted school rate.
“We appreciate the support our community and local businesses give to our students,” said Stephanie Davina, a Grade 7 French Immersion teacher.
“It is wonderful for our students to learn that many people in our community speak French and want to support them in learning to do so.”