Local youths have spent the first few weeks of summer learning through the Estevan Area Literacy Group’s (EALG) Nature Smarts program.
Grace Caputo, who is the co-ordinator for the EALG, said they have had about 20 kids register already, and they’re still accepting registrations. Families have two times for people to choose from: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1-3 p.m. Sessions run from Monday to Thursday each week.
People can email Caputo at literacycoordinator@outlook.com, or call her at 306-634-4711, to register. They can also drop by the Nicholson Centre, which is where Nature Smarts is taking place.
“This year we have a lot of themes,” said Caputo. “So what we try to do is create a fun, educational summer program, so we incorporate nature, science, crafts and physical activities and games, and we also promote literacy with book reading to the children.”
Some of the themes for this summer include plants, the sun, dinosaurs and fossils, weather, insects, birds and Canada.
“It’s quite fun for the children, and it’s also educational at the same time, so we’re really excited about that,” said Caputo.
The children have had a favourable response to the program. They like the flexibility and the two different times that are offered.
“They don’t have to commit for the entire seven weeks. Some children have come for a couple of weeks, or they’re absent for a few days, just because they have other things that they have planned during the summer.”
It’s also a positive that the kids don’t have to wear masks any longer, since the COVID-19 Public Health restrictions have been lifted. Kids can still wear masks if they choose, but with the recent heat wave, most haven’t donned a mask.
On the hot days, they try to have indoor activities.
Caputo said the EALG is grateful for the sponsors they have, because without them, they wouldn’t have been able to offer Nature Smarts this year.
