Whistler Nature Camp | Spring Break
Spring Break @ Home
Program Update – We were having so much fun these past two weeks we decided to extend our programming to the end of April. Participate in any 5 or more activities and receive your very own personalized Junior Scientist e-certificate. Happy Trails!
With two weeks off from school in the SD48 it’s a great time to head outside and learn in nature. Download the Spring Scorecard below and collect badges each time you complete an activity. Collect 5 or more badges and receive a personalized Junior Scientist e-certificate before heading back to school!
Looking for more? Check out our Activity Books and Activity Sheets for countless hours of nature fun! Our thanks to the Whistler Community Foundation for supporting us as we adapt programs as a result of Covid-19.
Activity 1/10 – Photo Scavenger Hunt
Watch the video below to get a more detailed description of the scavenger hunt items we challenge you to find. Download and print the Photo Scavenger Hunt activity sheet and take your camera/phone or paper and pencil with you on a nature walk and capture at least 8 out of 10 items. Email these photos to naturekids@awarewhistler.org to collect a Nature Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 2/10 – Who Am I?
Part of a junior scientist’s role is research! Watch the video introduction and then complete your worksheet to determine which animal species is which. Send your completed worksheet or answers to naturekids@awarewhistler.org to earn a Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 3/10 – Leaf Rubbings
Let’s get crafty! With spring weather around the corner, the snow is beginning to melt and Mother Nature is revealing some of our favourite crafting materials. Watch the video tutorial below or download the worksheet to learn how to make your own “Leaf Rubbing”. Don’t forget to send in your creations to naturekids@awarewhistler.org to receive your Nature Camp badge for your Spring Scorecard. 
Activity 4/10 – Circle Search
When we look for something it’s natural to think we should keep moving, but when was the last time you stopped and let nature come to you? Check out our latest video, head outside and record your observations! Don’t forget to send them to naturekids@awarewhistler.org for Nature Camp Badge 4 for your Spring Scorecard. 
Activity 5/10 – Wonder Wander
We are switching it up on this outdoor adventure to find nature items based on describing words. Enjoy searching for a wide variety of things and write down what you discovered! When you’re finished submit your completed worksheet to naturekids@awarewhistler.org and we will send you your next Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 6/10 – Best Nest
Birds are the ultimate nest-builders. Their beaks and feet are designed for carrying and arranging the materials they gather. Each different species has its own unique nest-building techniques, from simple scraps on the ground to elaborately woven nests of sticks and grasses. Some are camouflaged and some are out in the open. Some are big and some are small. It all depends on the bird, and where and how it lives. Send us a photo of your completed nest and receive a Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 7/10 – Nature Ninjas
Calling all Nature Ninjas! Today’s scavenger hunt is going to be unlike any other we’ve had thus far. On this nature walk, we are going to have a list of things to interact with instead of to collect or find. This list will not only have you moving in all directions but will help develop your agility skills, practice balance, and above all spark your sense of adventure! Tell us about your adventure at naturekids@awarewhistler.org and we will send you your next Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 8/10 – Bird’s the Word
Listen to the bird calls in the Bird’s the Word video found on our website and do your best to write down your own mnemonics to help you remember the calls. Fill in the blanks below and then bring your sheet outside with you to help you when you’re out birding in the forest. See examples on page 1 for some inspiration. When you’re finished, email us your completed worksheet at naturekids@awarewhistler.org and we will send you your next Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard. 
Activity 9/10 – Insect Inspect
Time to put on our scientist caps and conduct an outdoor experiment! Try this activity sometime in the morning or early afternoon and be sure to check your results before it gets dark. When you’re finished share your findings with naturekids@awarewhistler.org to receive your next Nature Camp Badge for your Spring Scorecard.
Activity 10/10 – Water World
Did you know that beavers have clear eyelids that they can close underwater to help them see while swimming or feeding? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have clear vision underwater without using a pair of goggles? Well, get ready because here is your chance! Watch the video to learn how and make sure to share your creation and/or findings with us to collect your final badge for your Spring Scorecard. 
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In a usual year, our Spring Break Programming would include…
Spring Break Camp for ages 5-9
Part of AWARE’s Whistler Nature Camp series
The Whistler Nature Camp series strives to provide opportunities that will nurture children’s innate curiosity about the natural world, foster their understanding of the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things, and instill in them a sense of care and responsibility for the well-being of their communities and our shared planet. Whistler Nature Camp focuses on ages 5–9 years old, with programs for older kids to come in the following years. As a day camp, the program is offered when school is closed following the School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) calendar and is available through the summer holidays, spring break and teacher professional development days. Sign up can be for one day or an entire break period.
What to expect at Spring Break Camp
This March break camp offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with Whistler’s natural backyard as milder temperatures allow signs of spring to emerge from beneath the thick blanket of snow. Experience a fun-filled day packed with outdoor adventure and activities to leave participants with excitement and curiosity to learn more. Spring Break Nature Camp focuses on ages 5–9 years old and strives to teach participants about Whistler’s unique flora and fauna, and foster an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things.
LOCATION
Spring Break Nature Camp is located at Spring Creek Community School. Campers will spend the majority of the day outside in the fields, forests and naturalized play areas surrounding the school grounds regardless of weather (so please dress appropriately). We also have an indoor nature classroom to retreat to during extreme weather and as safe storage for lunches and belongings. Spring Creek Community School
KEY INFO
- We plan to spend the majority of our day outdoors, so please ensure your child arrives dressed for the weather conditions on that day. (Snow pants, hat, gloves on winter days.)
- Closed-toed shoes or boots are mandatory.
- There will be a break for lunch, as well as a morning and afternoon snack. Food is not provided so please send your children with enough food for the day.
2022 DATES & TIMES
- TBD
Drop Off | 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Pick Up | 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Questions?
We hope the registration portal will provide all the information you need. If you have any additional questions about Whistler Nature Camp, please e-mail us at naturekids@awarewhistler.org.
Program Partners & Sponsors
Whistler Nature Camp was created through a partnership between nature-based groups including the Whistler Naturalists, Whistler Museum and Pemberton Stewardship Society, and spearheaded by AWARE. The camp has only been made possible thanks to support from the Community Foundation of Whistler‘s Environmental Legacy Fund and the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Community Enrichment Program. 
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