Western Development Museum launches new Heritage Club as part of summer program

The Western Development Museum (WDM) has some exciting news for the community as it gets its summer programming underway this year. The Museum has developed a new Heritage Club that is a great option for children and parents looking for exciting but educational things to do while the kids are out of school. Education and Public Programs Coordinator at the WDM, Karla Rasmussen says the Heritage Club is something the entire family can be part of. “The club is new to the Western Development Museum this year, which is very exciting for us. The club is a come-and-go system, so busy families can also take part with us as well. In the past, the WDM has held summer camps, but attendance was rather low. We are trying a new approach this year in a more relaxed fashion that will allow children to attend as many or as few activities and workshops as their summer schedules allow.” She says the Heritage Club offers an opportunity for children to explore in-depth aspects of the Museum and develop an interest in Saskatchewan’s heritage. “Our Heritage Club offers a more in depth look at the Western Development Museum. Participants will have opportunities to hear our volunteers share their love for different artifacts and take part in hands-on activities. We hope to inspire kids to think historically, look at stories they thought they knew in a different way and foster a life-long interest in our heritage.”

The Heritage Club will have a variety of activities from scavenger hunts around the museum, to learning extensively about different forms of transportation, to creating homemade crafts. There will be guest speakers such as WDM’s Blacksmith and locomotive engineer who will talk about their passion for these heritage skills. Club members may also write a poem or draw a picture of their favourite artifact, try their hand at making homemade ice cream or learn to churn butter.

“Club members will learn more about Saskatchewan’s story through our artifacts and heritage skills and join other like-minded children who have a love for heritage and history in making new friends and discovering new things about old things,” noted Rasmussen. In addition, as children complete challenges or take part in an activity, they will receive a stamp on their passport. Throughout the summer, smaller awards will be handed out as these are completed, and all participants will be entered in a draw at the end of the season for a more substantial prize.

Activities will take place throughout the weeks in July and August. “Through July and August, we will have activities throughout each week for the children to participate in. They will be approximately 2 hours long. Each week will consist of new topics and new activities that tie into our Museum collection; a full calendar of activities will be provided upon registration,” she said. “We encourage everyone to sign up for these exciting opportunities throughout the summer.”

The Heritage Club is open to ages 5-18. Rasmussen says the activities are created for different levels and grades, so all ages can be involved and take something away from the program. To register for the club, you can visit the Museum’s front desk or website for registration forms at (http:// www.wdm.ca/mj/events/heritageclub.htm). From there, you can email or submit the form in person. Registration includes unlimited Museum access for the months of July and August for the registered child/ children and one guardian. The cost is: Individual (1 child, 1 guardian): $90, WDM Members $80; Family (3 children, 1 guardian): $250, WDM Members $225.

The community or local businesses can also get involved by sponsoring the Heritage Club. “We are looking to partner with local businesses and organizations that would be interested in sponsoring or donating prizes/financial contributions, or contributing smaller items such as products, free passes or gift cards to be included as giveaways to the participants.”

“We hope to inspire kids to think historically, look at stories they thought they knew in a different way and foster a life-long interest in our heritage.”

- Karla Rasmussen, Education and Public Programs Coordinator at the WDM