Just because it's the summer, doesn't mean children have to take a break from learning, at least, that's the idea Estevan's Nature Smarts program is pushing.
Led by Kathryn Roberton, literacy co-ordinator for the Estevan Area Literacy Group, a group of children and some parents gathered next to the gazebo at Royal Heights Park on July 9 to do some crafts and other activities during the Nature Smarts program's first day in action. The first item on the docket; tie dying socks.
"I'm actually having a lot of fun with tie dying socks right now," said Roberton with a smile, adding next week they plan on painting T-shirts.
Since Nature Smarts emerged back in 2008, its ultimate goal has been to prevent children from losing the momentum they gain at school once their summer vacation begins. Crafting, running around and being active, and even healthy eating is connected to the overall experience.
"We want to prevent that summer slump, keep them reading and active. All the crafts and activities we do helps with motor toning," said Roberton. "Everything has hidden learning underneath it."
Funding for Nature Smarts this year came from the Access Communications Children's Fund, and Sask. Waters, who also donated a significant amount of money toward books. Three thousand dollars to be exact.
"Each kid gets a book at the end of each session," said Roberton. "We were able to pick out ones that are age appropriate, but also of high interest to them."
The children who attend Nature Smarts and read those books, range from four to 14 years of age, but occasionally, kids younger than four enter the program with a parent.
"There's a very wide age group, and part of it has to do with my inability to say no," she laughed. "We had a three-year-old yesterday with her mom, and she did the crafts, did the activities, and she had a blast."
Nature Smarts will take place every week from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Park on Tuesdays, and Royal Heights Park on Wednesdays until Aug. 21.
"We're very lucky that play parks are willing to let us use the parks during the summer," Roberton said, noting the vast amount of space, especially at Royal Heights Park, is highly beneficial for the group.
"It gives us a lot of room to run around," she said.
Aiden Johnstone, who decided to participate in Nature Smarts' opening day after taking part in it last year, said he looks forward to the many activities that keep him active throughout the summer.
"I'm sure I'll be making some new friends too," he added.
Roberton stressed the importance of balancing the reading and the physical activities they do.
"It's all equally important. If you're a book worm and you sit on the couch and never do any physical activities, how much better is it than just sitting there and playing video games?" she said. "You can learn a lot from both, but you need to learn to balance that with the physical activities and the healthy snacks. It seems like we're trying to do everything at once, but at the same time there's value in all of those things."
