Spring is back in Ontario, as is the time to replant, prepare our gardens, and connect to the land! The Métis Early Learning Virtual Spring Camp will be open to Métis early learners between the ages of three (3) and twelve (12), their siblings, and parents/guardians. The Spring Camp will provide participants with the foundational knowledge of spring harvesting, sustainability, skills in tracking animals, building a spring garden, and identifying edible plants. Children will have an opportunity to experience a deeper connection to nature and their environment. The camp will also spark an interest in outdoor activities and expand their connection to their Métis ancestors’ way of life.
This camp will follow a structure that has both guided and self-guided features. Registered families will attend multiple virtual sessions to meet their peers, ask questions, and be engaged in meaningful learning discussions. Sessions will run for one (1) hour from 6:00-7:00 pm for all ages. Extended learning opportunities will be available for older participants for an additional thirty (30) minutes after each session. Families applying for the Spring camp are encouraged to attend all six sessions. The camp schedule will be as follows:
- Harvesting -April 20, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Garden Preparation-April 27, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Spring Gardens- May 11, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Starting Summer Garden- May 18, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Spring Wild-Edibles – May 25, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Seed Saving and Sustainable Gardens- June 1, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Families can apply for the Spring Outdoor Camp between March 28 – April 4, 2022.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- One Parent or Child must be a Métis Nation of Ontario Citizen and must reside in Ontario
- Have at least one child between the ages of 3 years-12 years and one parent/guardian present during the workshop
- Ability to access the internet and have a device to connect to Zoom
- Interested in learning about Métis history and culture from an Early Learning perspective
- Willing to participate in a digital environment
Selected families will have any required materials for the Modules supplied to them. The MNO ELCC program will pay for any other required items. Families will be provided with the amount that the MNO will cover before the camp.
Please get in touch with Ruth Quesnelle with any questions at ruthq@metisnation.org