Kitwanga Elementary School Hosts Explorations Camps

Explorations funding of $4,000 allowed Kitwanga Elementary School to host two arts camps and two arts, sport and recreation camps for 40 children aged 5-13. Organizers ensured the camps were culturally relevant and Aboriginal Elders were invited to participate as guest instructors. The camps created local employment for Gitwangak youth who served as camp leaders.

Sports camp activities included soccer, volleyball, badminton and softball. Students also participated in Aboriginal drumming and dancing as well as hiking and berry picking. The Fine Arts camp offered instruction in cedar weaving with students making rope, bracelets and headbands; paper and mask making; and preparing natural berry dyes for print making and tie-dyed clothing.

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.