Recreation One notable positive of the ELP is that participants experience first-hand the importance of building partnerships and community support. Duncan receives high commendation for having had the vision to create the program. He is quick to point out, however, that its success is a direct result of the keen interest, participation and support from primary partnerships with Lauren Selby from the Jaffa Outdoor Education Centre, Elgin County Stewardship Council and the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, plus a host of other supporters and sponsors. In turn, field experiences are designed to meet the needs of local agencies and municipalities wherever possible. In designing the program, Duncan was also passionate about sharing his love of the outdoors and encouraging students to experience the positive impacts of outdoor activity on physical and mental health. As they work, play and teach in the outdoors, students develop not only a respect for the environment, but also an appreciation for the part the outdoors can play in a healthy lifestyle.
Attitudes about environment and health are ones ELP students are perhaps more likely to pass on to future generations, including their own children. Students a few years ago demonstrated just how clearly they understood the importance of providing hands-on environmental education to children at an early age. They came up with the idea of taking their primary school teaching sessions about wetlands out of the classroom and into a nearby wetland. The students’ suggestion took shape in the Marsh Quest program. Each year, more than 500 grade 4 pupils over eight days come to the Herb Kebbel Wetland at Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area to learn more about wetlands habitat. With environmental educator Lauren Selby of the Jaffa Outdoor Education Centre and staff from Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, ELP students incorporate activities designed to be hands-on and linked directly to the Science and Technology curriculum. Their enthusiasm and fun teaching methods receive high praise from the younger students and their teachers.
Bottom left: Duncan Sinclair (second from left) accepts the RAMSAR Award; Students participate in several programs and trips as part of the ELP, including (clockwise from middle left): Northern Wilderness Resource Management, Marsh Quest, Northern Wilderness Resource Management, Canoe Certification, Catfish Creek Rehab, Algonquin Canoe Trip, Haliburton Forest Trip (3 images). (Photos courtesy of Duncan Sinclair)
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RELISH ELGIN EARLY SPRING 2012