Camp helps children explore the outdoors
Young participants enjoy catching bugs
There were bugs under rocks, in the stream and flying around everywhere, but they didn’t seem to bother the children in the Week of Wonders activity camp at the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook.
Thursday was “A Bug’s Life” day at the weeklong camp and the kids took to the great outdoors to do some bug catching.
Armed with nets, petri dishes and specimen containers, they scoured the area around the Participark and came back with loads of bugs, from slimy slugs and snails to carpenters, beetles and flies.
“I like bugs,” said eight-year-old Charlotte Sweetapple, one of 26 children enrolled in the camp.
“I like spiders, and little jumping bugs, I like them, too.”
After collecting about 10 insects, Charlotte was anxious to get back inside the college to get a closer look at them under a microscope.
Charlotte said she wanted to sign up for the camp “’cause it sounded really fun.”
She participated last year and liked everything about it.
Emily Noel, 8, is also a repeat camper, and like Charlotte found it really fun.
She said she didn’t mind digging in the dirt and picking the bugs up and she had fun using the nets to catch the crawling bugs.
“I like hoppers,” she said, referring to those jumping bugs that Charlotte mentioned when asked what her favourite bug was. Her reason: “I don’t know.” While collecting the insects was fun, Emily said her favourite part of the camp took place on Monday when the group made cupcakes.
“We all (worked) in the same bowl and took turns,” said camp coordinator Mark Hillier. “Someone beat the eggs; Someone added the oil.”
Hillier said the Week of Wonders is set up so the kids get to explore a different theme each day of the week.
On Monday it was bon appetit day which featured a presentation on nutrition.
“We learned about what you should and shouldn’t be eating and then we broke the rules and made
On Wednesday, July 25 from 3-4:30 p.m., His Honour the Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Her Honour Jane Furneaux Crosbie invite the public to join them at a Diamond Jubilee Garden Party on Government House grounds. Special features at this event include: The Church Lads’ Brigade Band, The Signal Hill Tattoo, The Celtic Fiddlers, Wonderbolt Circus, The Royal cupcakes,” said Hillier.
Tuesday was firefighter day where the children learned how to stop, drop and roll. Firefighters with the Corner Brook Fire Department also dropped by and the kids completed an obstacle course and ran some relay races.
Wednesday was environment day which focused on composting and water conservation.
The week wrapped with space cadet day. The kids got to launch rockets and check out the college’s new telescope. Newfoundland Constabulary Mounted Unit, and a surprise from members of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Light refreshments will be served by the Girl Guides.
In case of inclement weather on July 25, the Garden Party will be held on Thursday, July 26, from 3-4:30 p.m.
Government House webpage address: www.govhouse.nl.ca