North Okanagan-Shuswap schools are getting a financial boost to help the environment.
Five schools, plus an additional 10 classes through a district-wide grant, will receive about $7,700 for outdoor education field trips.
Armstrong Elementary’s Grade 4 and 5 classes will visit Kingfisher Interpretive Centre to learn about salmon.
Salmon Arm West Elementary’s Grade 2/3 and 4/5 classes will get out on the Shuswap River to explore life along the river and conduct local indigenous plantings
Shuswap Middle School’s Grade 6/7 class will go to Norfolk Wild Regional Park to investigate and measure biodiversity in the park
Hillcrest Elementary’s Grade 2/3 classes will take a trip to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park to examine plants and animals in the ecosystem
“Costs such as busing, program or leader fees, and outdoor field equipment are huge barriers for many classes here in B.C.,” Kerrie Mortin, HCTF education manager.
“GO Grants are relatively small amounts of money that can make a huge difference to whether or not a class can experience outdoor learning.”