Educational Programs
Lead by our qualified staff, our quality programs fit into the Ontario Curriculum’s requirements and can be adapted for all ages and abilities. Below is a list of the programs we offer to visiting groups. Custom-designed programs are also available upon request. Programs lengths can be tailored to suit the group’s age and abilities, and the trip’s length.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Understanding our impact and role in our natural environment is an essential part of our programs at the Ecology Centre. Gain a better understanding and appreciation for our natural world and learn how you can have a positive influence on our environment. We can all live by the M.A.D.E. principle (Make a Difference Environmentally).
General Ecology
All Seasons
Animal Ecology
All Seasons
Winter Ecology
Season: Winter
Forest Ecology
All Seasons
Wetland Ecology
Seasons: Late spring, Summer, Early fall
Water's Going On?
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
River/Stream Study
Seasons: Late spring, summer, early fall
Soil Ecology
Seasons: Late spring, summer, early fall
Geology Rocks
Spring, summer, Fall
Weather
All seasons
Environmental Crafts
All seasons
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is part of our everyday life. All of us, especially our youth, are growing accustomed to an increasingly digital society. Here at the CEC we embrace technology and incorporate it into our educational programs.
Introduction to GPS
All seasons
GPS Certification
All seasons
Additional Cost: $22/participant for GPS (includes field guide) and $14/participant for GIS
Program Length: 6-8 hours
Level: Grade 9+ and SHSM students
OUTDOOR SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES
Being active and outdoors is an integral part of any environmental education program. We believe that environmental education is more than just knowing the classroom material. Developing a strong environmental ethic is all about surrounding yourself with nature and finding lifelong activities that support a healthy respect for oneself, each other, and our environment. Our many outdoor skills and activities are focused on personal goals, challenges, and team work.
Wilderness Survival
All seasons
Orienteering
All seasons
Hiking
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (snow dependent)
Explore one of the many trails in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. Watch for signs of wildlife, learn to identify plants and trees, and enjoy the scenic views. Combine this program with others such as Heritage and Ecology!
Snowshoeing
Seasons: Winter (snow dependent)
Explore a winter wonderland on snowshoes. Combine this program with others such as Heritage, Ecology, and Nature Photography!
Canoeing
Seasons: Late spring, summer, early fall (dependent on water temperatures)
Swimming
Seasons: Late spring, summer, early fall (dependent on water temperatures)
HERITAGE
Experiencing physical and visual connections with historic places is an important part of understanding and appreciating past events. Rich with Canadian history, our location in Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park allows us to offer a unique experience as we are located on the main route of the historic fur trade.
Voyageur Heritage
All seasons
Fur Trade Game
All seasons
Learn about the fur trade in the fun and educational activity. Look for historic trading posts around the site, complete challenges, answer trivia, and trade your European goods for furs!
EVENING PROGRAMS
The fun does not end when the sun goes down! Enjoy some evening fun with our education staff!
Campfire
All seasons
Creatures of Night
All Seasons
Wolf Howl
All Seasons
Hand Drumming
All Seasons
Legends of the Night Sky
All Seasons
The night sky has been used for centuries for navigation and for storytelling. In this activity, students will have the opportunity to create their own legend and constellation using tea lights.