Public Programs

Scout Island Nature Centre offers a variety of public programs all year round (some free and some for a fee). Talks and outdoor explorations by leading biologists cover a wide range of nature-related topics.

Some of these programs change seasonally. Please follow our Blog to stay up to date with current programming. 

margaret-geese-kidsmay-08-7

Exploration Programs for Families and the Nature Kids Club

Scout Island Nature Centre offers weekend look-at-that-300and evening nature exploration programs at least once a month all year round (check the Calendar of Events on the home page). Most of these programs are free or for a nominal fee. Events at the Nature Centre are open to all families. Off-site adventures are open only to members of our local Nature Kids Club.

We encourage families with children aged 5-14 to join the Williams Lake club of NatureKids BC – it’s only $35 per year for the entire family and it includes an annual subscription to NatureWILD magazine delivered to your door. Go to www.naturekidsbc.ca for details and membership forms. Then join us on our next adventure!

 

The program consists of three main components:

  1. Explorer Days: (at least 1/month at Scout Island Nature Centre) Field trips and other hands-on programs led by local naturalists provide experiences ‘in the field’
  2. Action Awards: Given to individual members for completing a selection of activities based on nature study, environmental action projects and community participation – joining in local events such as beach clean-ups, pitch-in week, recycling campaigns.
  3. Nature WILD: This Nature Kids publication is BC’s only nature magazine for children, containing articles written by leading BC naturalists and scientists, projects, puzzles, games and competitions. It is mailed to members quarterly. Scout Island Nature Centre has all the back copies for you to look at. This is one of the best nature magazines for children.

Spring Break, Fall Break and Summer Programs/Camps

Each camp is designed so participants enjoy exploring and being naturalists and scientists. The goal is to be flexible enough to appeal to a range of abilities and to meet the needs of individuals and group dynamics (50% is planned and 50% takes advantage of what we discover while exploring). Games are used extensively to help develop skills and extend the knowledge base. There is often an overnight adventure.

Techniques Practiced
  • Observation
  • Data Collection/Recording
  • Hypothesizing and experimenting
  • Use of equipment (microscopes, magnifying glasses, aquariums)
  • Posing questions and finding answers
  • Problem solving
Behaviours Nurtured
  • Curiosity
  • Wonder
  • Appreciation
  • Responsibility
  • Commitment to nature and wildlife
  • Stewardship
  • Problem solving

For more information about this season’s programs or to book a program, call 250-398-8532 or e-mail.

Nature Fun Summer Program ages 4-13

nature-fun-watershed-day-w3This fun program, offered July-August each summer, is led by enthusiastic university students. Weekly themes keep the activities varied and lively.  You need to register ahead of time.
Week days Ages 4-8
Mornings 9:30-11:30 Afternoons 1-3 $12 per session
Art in Nature: Ages 8-13
One-Two days a week  8:30-4:30 ($25) This program includes art activities
The costs of these programs are kept low, thanks to generous donations from:

  • City of Williams Lake
  • Province of BC
  • Community members and businesses
  • Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake through the Central Cariboo Arts & Culture Society

and volunteer time from the Williams Lake Field Naturalists.

For more information and times call 250-398-8532 or e-mail

Group Programs

Get Outside!
Nature programs are suitable for community groups of all ages (children to adult) and can be booked individually or as a series. Programs are 2-4 hours long and change according to the season. Please see the Calendar of Events for the programs being offered at this time.

Costs
The cost for each program depends on the number of participants and length of time requested. It is generally $4 per participant or a minimum of $30 for the 2-hour programs. Please discuss this with the coordinator.

Nature Fun Birthday Parties
1.5 hour nature program (walk, games, and activities) for the children. Then use the Nature House to have cake etc.
Cost: $75 for 1-8 children, $5 for each additional child.

For Adults – Parents and Staff of Community Groups – offered all year
Sharing Nature With Children: techniques to help you lead children into nature

Other Ways for Groups to Enjoy the Nature Centre All Year:

  • Have a sleep-over at the Nature House and go out for a walk to “catch” the night creatures
  • Hold an “Earth Friendly” nature party as a seasonal celebration
  • Have your youth group plant trees, help care for the trails, and other stewardship activities


For more information and times call 250-398-8532 or e-mail