Current Classes

This 8-week class will help students build self-confidence, fine motor skills, and creativity while enjoying the satisfaction of completing unique, personal projects. The supportive environment ensures that every student can express themselves and participate at their own pace. Each session will follow a similar routine with breaks, as well as lots of opportunities to build friendships.

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Week 1: Personalized Craft Kits

Focus: Introducing crafting tools and creating a personalized craft kit to use throughout the program.

Personalized Craft Kit: Each student will create their own "craft toolbox"—a small box or bag where they can store and organize their tools and materials for the program. They will decorate the outside of the box/bag using stickers, paints, and other embellishments to make it uniquely theirs.

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Week 2: Collage Art

Focus: Exploring collage-making to express emotions and ideas visually.

Hands-On Project: Create a collage using magazines, fabric scraps, colored paper, and glue. Students will pick a theme (e.g., "My Favourite Place" or "My Dreams") and represent it through imagery.

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Week 3: Friendship Bracelets

Focus: Learning about patterns and weaving using threads or yarn.

Hands-On Project: Teach students how to make friendship bracelets using thread or yarn, focusing on simple knotting and pattern-making.

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Weeks 4 & 5: Paper Mâché Creations

Focus: Learning the technique of paper mâché to create sculptures.

Hands-On Project: Students will create simple sculptures using balloons (for shape), newspaper strips, and glue to form their own 3D art pieces.

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Week 6: Nature Crafts

Focus: Using natural materials to create eco-friendly crafts.

Hands-On Project: Create nature-based crafts: leaf rubbings, flower bookmarks, or a nature mobile

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Week 7: Clay Creations

Focus: Learning the basics of working with clay to create sculptures.

Hands-On Project: Students will sculpt small figurines, beads, or abstract shapes using clay. Emphasis will be on texture, form, and molding.

Decoration: After creating their pieces, students can decorate their sculptures using paint or markers.

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Week 8: Crafting a Memory Book – Reflecting on the Journey

Focus: Creating a memory book or scrapbook to celebrate the progress and creativity developed throughout the program (photos will be provided).

Craft Project: Students will create a scrapbook or memory book using the crafts they’ve completed over the last 7 weeks. They’ll be encouraged to include photos, small mementos (like pieces of artwork or quotes), and written reflections about their experiences.

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Additional Notes:

Sensory Considerations: Materials will be chosen to provide a variety of textures that are sensory-friendly (e.g., soft fabrics, smooth clay, and paper), and there will be quiet spaces available for students who may need a sensory break.

Support: Staff will offer individualized guidance throughout each activity, ensuring that students feel confident in their abilities and are encouraged to express themselves freely.

Routine and Flexibility: Each session will follow a predictable structure with flexibility to accommodate different learning paces and preferences.

This 8-week class is designed for those curious about nature and science. Each week will involve a bit of learning and a bit of experimenting, with lots of opportunity to connect with other like minded teens!

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Week 1: Introduction to Nature & Ecosystems

Focus: Understanding the Basics of Ecosystems

Discussion: Introduce the concept of ecosystems, biomes, and the interconnectedness of living organisms.

Activity:Ecosystem in a Bottle – Using a clear plastic bottle, teens can create their own mini-ecosystem with soil, plants, water, and small creatures like ants or worms. Discuss the balance required for a healthy ecosystem.

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Week 2: Plants and Photosynthesis

Focus: The Science of Plant Life

Discussion: Learn about plant anatomy (roots, stems, leaves, flowers) and the process of photosynthesis.

Activity 2:DIY Terrariums – Create small terrariums using glass jars, soil, and plants. Discuss the process of photosynthesis and how plants contribute to the environment.

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Week 3: The Water Cycle

Focus: How Water Moves Through Nature

Activity 2:Rainfall and Runoff Experiment – Set up a simple experiment with dirt, water, and a small incline to simulate how rainwater flows over land and creates runoff.

Outdoor Exploration: Collect rainwater and study its composition (if possible, check for pollutants or conduct simple tests with pH paper).

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Week 4: Insects and Pollinators

Focus: The Importance of Insects and Pollination

Discussion: Learn about different types of insects (bees, butterflies, ants) and their role in pollination and the environment.

Activity 1:Insect Identification – Go on a nature walk and identify different insects. Provide a guide or app to help teens with identification.

Activity 2:Build a Bug Hotel – Using materials like wood, straw, and leaves, create a habitat for beneficial insects (bees, ladybugs, etc.).

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Week 5: Weather and Climate

Focus: Understanding Weather and Its Impact on Nature

Activity 1:DIY Weather Station – Help teens create simple weather instruments such as a rain gauge, anemometer (wind speed), or barometer (pressure).

Activity 2:Weather Journaling – Keep a daily weather journal to track changes and patterns in temperature, wind, and precipitation. Discuss how different weather conditions affect the environment.

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Week 6: Animal Adaptations

Focus: How Animals Survive in Different Environments

Discussion: Explore how animals adapt to their environments to survive (e.g., camouflage, migration, hibernation).

Activity 2:Build a Camouflage – Have teens create their own camouflage using natural materials, then test it by hiding their creation in a nature setting.

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Week 7: Rocks, Soil, and Geology

Focus: The Earth Beneath Our Feet

Activity 1:Rock Identification – Provide different rock samples and guide teens through identifying their types based on texture, color, and mineral content.

Activity 2:Soil Samples – Collect soil from various locations (e.g., garden, forest, beach) and compare their textures and components.

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Week 8: Environmental Conservation and Sustainability

Focus: Protecting Nature for the Future

Activity:Recycling Challenge – Have teens create something new and useful out of recycled materials (e.g., a bird feeder from plastic bottles).

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Additional Notes:

Sensory Considerations: Materials will be chosen to provide a variety of textures that are sensory-friendly (e.g., soft fabrics, smooth clay, and paper), and there will be quiet spaces available for students who may need a sensory break.

Support: Staff will offer individualized guidance throughout each activity, ensuring that students feel confident in their abilities and are encouraged to express themselves freely.

Routine and Flexibility: Each session will follow a predictable structure with flexibility to accommodate different learning paces and preferences.