Education

Introduction

Hope Mountain Centre believes in getting children outside. Direct experience in nature gives kids a stronger connection to the outdoors, improving their physical and emotional health and guiding them toward better stewardship of the ecosystems where they live. Our curriculum is locally-developed, reflecting the unique ecology and human history of our region. Each program addresses specific learning objectives for each grade level, as defined by the provincial curriculum guide. Outdoor programs emphasize place-based, experiential learning, encouraging students to engage with their senses and learn with fun, hands-on activities.

Our dynamic programs depend on effective community partnerships. Nestle Waters Canada has provided vital multi-year funding since 2009 and now funds our Grade 4 and 5 programs. The Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission provides funding for the Grade 6 Skagit Valley Camp. Local School District 78 Fraser-Cascade shares our commitment to outdoor education and currently funds Strong Start, Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2 and 3 programs, and contributes in-kind resources such as teachers and parent chaperones. Land agencies such as Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and BC Parks provide access to diverse landscapes needed for fieldtrip activities. Lastly, community volunteers provide crucial support, helping to teach students and keep them safe in the outdoors.

Contact us for more information about educational programs we can do for your group.  Email Rowan at rlalonde@hopemountain.org, or call 416-809-7044.

Title photo by Hayley Tarrant

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Strong Start

(Ages 0 – 5)

Beaver Tales

(Grade 1)

Young Stewards of our Forests

(Grade 3)

Young Stewards of our Wetlands

(Grade 4)

Young Stewards of our Watersheds

(Grade 5)

Skagit Valley Camp

(Grade 6)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Thacker Regional Park, including Sucker’s Creek wetlands, is a nine hectare regional park in the Hope community. The park area includes crucial spawning and rearing channels for coho, pink, and chum salmon, a one kilometre-long trail for all ages, interpretive signage and toilet facilities. Cheam Lake Wetlands is a 93 hectare regional park located near the towns of Agassiz and Harrison. Approximately 2 kilometres of trails, with raised walkways and an elevated viewing platform, are ideal learning stages for youth of all ages. Facilities in the Cheam Lake area include an information shelter, toilets, seasonal running water and an information kiosk. Both wetland areas host a multitude of birds, insects, amphibians, mammals and wetland plants. Hope, Agassiz and Boston Bar are all communities located on the Fraser River which drains the largest watershed in British Columbia. Other key watershed systems in our area include the Skagit and Chehalis Rivers. These rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands and forests provide outdoor classrooms for our students as they explore and come to understand the value of a healthy natural environment.

As a joint project with Fraser Cascade School District, Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning delivered programming to over 1,000 students in the last school year. Our programs use a hands-on learning approach to connect students to our local wetlands, forests and watersheds. All are taught by highly experienced naturalists with support from our extensive and knowledgeable volunteer base.