Coast Mountains School District Hosts Explorations Camps

Explorations funding of $10,000 allowed the Coast Mountains School District to host two arts camps for 55 children aged 4-12. Five schools participated in the camps which were held at John Field Elementary in Hazelton. Students attended from throughout the Gitxsan Territories and organizers ensured programs were relevant to Gitxsan culture.

Activities included hiking to collect materials for art projects. Children made Long Houses from Popsicle sticks; and canoes, bent boxes and totems were made from construction paper. Students also sang and danced to traditional songs. Instruction from a master carver enabled children to carve animal and bird forms - their fish forms decorate the school drive-through area. Camp ended with a mini-feast and a performance for families. 

Explorations provided students in kindergarten to Grade 7 with opportunities to explore arts, sport and recreation in summer camp settings. The program, which ran from 2005-2008, served students who were otherwise unable to attend summer camps due to location, local resources or financial limitations. Explorations was supported by the Province of British Columbia.