On-Site Programs
School Programs
Fall/Winter 2024 - Registration now OPEN!
School programs at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary are designed to connect and supplement teachers with BC's core learning objectives such as critical thinking, effective communication, and personal responsibility. By the end of our programs, learners will be inspired to support local habitats by taking action in their local communities.
We have highlighted which programs best suit various grade levels and ages, but this does not limit you to that program. Our school programs also fulfill some requirements for Girl Guides and Scouts badges. Please reach out to programs@swanlake.bc.ca to see how any of these programs can be adapted to other audiences.
A reminder that the Nature Sanctuary is zoned for wildlife conservation, so please always leave pets at home.
Our Policy, Prices and Schedule
How To Book a Program
- Go to the Booking Calendar to select a date for your program
- To complete registration and reserve your booking, a payment will be required using a credit card
- Please make sure to completely fill out the form including any needs of your students
- We are unable to reserve time slots without payment at this time
Price
- $130
We believe that one aspect to fostering a more inclusive environment is by offering financial aid for community groups and teachers or other instructors who represent underserved, marginalized, or equity-deserving groups to participate in our programming.
If your group would benefit from a free program, please apply using this bursary form. Please make sure to read all the instructions and be as descriptive as possible.
Class Size
- Our maximum capacity is one class of up to 30 students per program (except for Wetland Wonders which is capped at 20 students)
- Unfortunately, we do not have the staff to support simultaneous programming for 2 classes
Adult Chaperones
- To ensure the best experience with our hands-on and station-based programs, we request that there are at least 3 adult chaperones from your group present
- Adults may be asked to actively participate in program activities
Indoor/Outdoor Programs
- Please check the individual program descriptions for whether your program is indoors or outdoors
- If you have any questions or concerns about where your program will be taking place please contact us before booking at programs@swanlake.bc.ca
Preparing For Your Upcoming Program
- Please check this page for more information
- We highly recommended arranging extra time to explore the nature house itself as well as the Nature Sanctuary grounds. Consider doing an activity (Nature Scavenger Hunt , Invertebrate Checklist , Bird Checklist , and/or doing a litter pick up. Please print out these checklists before arriving.
Cancellation Policy
- We require 48 hours notice for cancellations with a full refund
- Any cancellation within 48 hours before the class starts or any no-shows are non-refundable
- It puts a lot of strain on a small non-profit organization to offer refunds or make last minute changes; we appreciate your understanding!
Bus Parking
- Please use alternate parking for any school buses.
Does the winter make you grin with glee or hide under a blanket? Explore the seasonal changes that happen at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and how animals here sense and respond to them. Then consider the impacts (both positive and negative) that humans have had on their survival and how we can be better stewards to our overwintering neighbours.
This program takes place indoors.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 1 – Observable patterns and cycles occur in the local sky and landscape
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 2 – Water is essential to all living things, and it cycles through the environment (?)
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
- Grade 4 – The motions of Earth and the moon cause observable patterns that affect living and non-living systems
Learn what makes reptiles so remarkable and discuss why reptiles would want to live here at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Discuss the native and invasive species common in our area and the impact they have on our local ecosystems. Students might even get to meet a special guest!
This program occurs indoors.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
In this program, explore the amazing adaptations of owls found at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary and beyond. Examine specimens, search for signs of owls on a short nature walk, get up close with some owl “vomit,” and brainstorm how we can make better decisions for our owly friends.
Please note that we cannot guarantee a real owl sighting on site during the program.
This program occurs primarily indoors with a short outdoor walk, weather permitting. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviors that help them survive in their environment
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment
What’s in our water? Learn about the importance of the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary wetland ecosystem and the creatures that call it home. Then go down to the Founders Wharf to collect your own water samples to examine!
This program takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for any weather that may occur.
BC Curriculum Connections - Science Big Ideas
- Kindergarten - Plants and animals have observable features.
- Kindergarten - Daily and seasonal changes affect all living things.
- Grade 1 - Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
- Grade 2 - Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment.
- Grade 2 - Water is essential to all living things, and it cycles through the environment.
- Grade 3 - Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems.
- Grade 4 - All living things sense and respond to their environment.
- Grade 7 - Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.
- Science 9 – The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them
- Environmental Science 11 - Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
- Environmental Science 11 - Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems.
- Science for Citizens 11 – Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
- Science for Citizens 12 - Human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life
Teacher Testimonials!
"Even the more reluctant students were, by the end of the program, digging deep into their owl pellets and showing excitement to have identified specific bones!
"[The best part of the program was] the amount of information shared, and the variety of activities, and it was geared perfectly to Grades 4 and 5 students. Thank you."
"My students loved learning about the water cycle and what various pollutants can do to the rivers, streams, lakes, etc. The hands on part kept my students engaged."
"The combination of the hands on learning with the owl pellet dissection as well as the visual with the costume as they taught about adaptations [was the best part of the program]"
Have you recently attended one of our school or community programs?
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