Children & Youth Programs at HCP

Welcome to the Children & Youth Programs at HCP!

Our aim is to create and provide land-based learning opportunities for children and youth in our community. Through these outdoor educational programs, we believe that we can promote individual, community and environmental health. During all of our programs, we will use the gardens and surrounding forests as our classroom and as an educational tool to cultivate joy, wonder and meaningful connections to plants and the natural world.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are navigating the safe delivery of these educational programs within the guidelines of current Provincial Health Orders. All of our programs are subject to changes mandated by the public health authorities, and in the case that a session is cancelled, a full refund or credit will be provided. As we continue to navigate, in-person sessions may also be then offered online. We look forward to seeing you in our gardens again soon!

AT A GLANCE...

• Garden Nature Academy (Pre-kinder program)
• Garden Friends (Series designed for a child and parent)
• Kit + Video Workshops (In-person workshops on hold)
• Garden Camps (Pro-D Day and Summer)
• Garden Workshops
• Birthday parties (Currently on hold)
• and More!

For more information about any of these programs, please contact our program coordinator at [email protected]

 

GARDEN NATURE ACADEMY – Fall Sessions! *New age group added*

The outdoors offer safe and seasonal opportunities for your preschooler to explore through play, games, songs and activities! These outdoor sessions will include time in our vegetable garden, as well as numerous pathways and native plant forest areas to explore. The small group sizes and our experienced nature educators help to create a nurturing and engaging environment for young children to learn, play and grow! Limit: 8 children.

 

Summer Session

Dates: 8 Weeks: from June 1st to July 20th, 2021
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am (Morning)
Age: 3 to 4 years old
Fee: $160 (price is for full series)
Register: (Now full)

 

Fall Sessions

Dates: 8 Weeks: from September 7th to October 26th, 2021
Time: 9:00am to 11:30am (Morning)
Age: 3 to 4 years old
Fee: $160 (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

Dates: 8 Weeks: from September 7th to October 26th, 2021
Time: 12:30pm to 3pm (Afternoon)
Age: 5 years old (and almost 5 year olds)
Fee: $160 (price is for full series)
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

GARDEN FRIENDS (a series designed for a child and parent) Summer and Fall

Children love to explore our gardens while observing and experiencing nature. Together, we will engage in a series of nature activities. Each session includes a garden wander, sharing circle and story time. Bring a snack and picnic blanket for story time and dress for the weather. Limit: 8 children.

Summer Session

Dates: Thursday's in July (July 8th to the 29th)
Time: 10:00am to 11:30 am
Age: 3 to 6 years
Fee: $55/4 sessions for members or $65/4 sessions for non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

Fall Session

Dates: Thursday's in September (September 9th to September 30th)
Time: 10:00am to 11:30 am
Age: 3 to 6 years
Fee: $55/4 sessions for members or $65/4 sessions for non-members
Register: HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

Summer Garden Workshops (In person)

Our workshops explore a variety of plant-centric topics, from organic crafts to concrete gardening skills, while fostering an appreciation of our natural systems, providing creativity and fun!. Select from our Video + Kit Workshops and our In-Person small groups in the gardens. We look forward to helping keep your family learning about plants this summer in many different ways!

 

CREATING WITH HERBS

Many of the most common herbs are living in our yards, but we do not always know how to use them. We will begin with a Herb Garden wander to introduce a variety of new and different herbs to our participants. Next, we will learn about harvesting these herbs, then how to use them for culinary and self-care products at home. There will be samples to take away as well as “how to guide” and recipes. All materials will be included. Maximum: 10

Date:Monday, July 12, 2021
Time:1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age:    6 + years
Fee:     $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: registration closed

 

SUCCULENT GARDENS

Creating them is so much fun! These easy care plants require little water and add interest to any yard or low maintenance area. Join us and learn about the propagation of succulent plants as we use the gardens to explore how they are used in difficult to garden areas. Then create your own succulent garden to take home using basic principles of design.  All materials are provided! Maximum:  10

Date:   Wednesday, July14, 2021
Time:  1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age:    6+ years
Fee:    $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: registration closed

 

GNOME GARDENS

We hear a lot about fairy gardens, but gnomes need room to hangout and play too! Participants will create their own beach themed mini garden. We will be using a variety of plants that are easy to maintain and are suited to these miniature gardens that are meant to be played in! All materials are provided! Maximum: 10

Date:  Friday, July 16, 2021
Time:  1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age:   4+ (under 6 with an adult participant)
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register: registration closed

 

DINOSAUR GARDENS

If fairies can have a place to hang out, so can dinosaurs! Participants will create their own mini garden with these fun creatures. We will be using a variety of  easy to grow plants that will hold up to some gentle dinosaur action in the garden. These gardens are meant to be played in! All materials are provided! Maximum: 10

Date:  Monday, July 26, 2021
Time:  10:00am - 11:30am
Age:   4+ (under 6 with an adult participant)
Fee: $25/members, $30/non-members
Register:  HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

TEA MAKING

The first credible record of brewing tea dates back to the 3rd Century AD. Fast forward to 2021 and the cold brewing of  teas made with garden botanicals in our HCP Kids Garden. We have been brewing our harvested flowers and herbs safely, using cold brew methods for years and our participants love to sample and create their own personalized blends. We will also be sampling and adding to commercial blended teas such as mint and green. This is also a fun way to introduce children to basic plant identification as we learn to recognize plant families for their features and their beneficial uses.

Date:  Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Time:  10:00am - 11:30am
Age:   6 years
Fee:    $25/members, $30/non-members
Register:  HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

FAIRY GARDENS

Every fairy garden workshop is a bit different and this one features a house to create a beach theme. If you are new to these fun mini gardens, this is a great one to start with! We will be using plants suited to these miniature gardens that will hold up to endless garden adventures. These gardens are meant to be played in! All materials are provided! Maximum: 10

Date:  Friday, July 30, 2021
Time:  10:00am - 11:30am
Age:   4+ (under 6 with an adult participant)
Fee:   $25/members, $30/non-members
Register:  HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

PLANTING A FALL GARDEN

We love our summer gardens, but did you know that the middle of summer is the perfect time to start seeding for fall and winter crops? Our pacific northwest climate allows us this opportunity to enjoy our fresh harvests well into the colder months, and depending on the season and where you are growing them, into spring! Let's discover the best plants to grow in the cooler seasons for ongoing harvests. Then assemble seeds and plantings to take home and learn how to look after them, transplant and harvest. All materials are provided! Maximum:  10

Date:  Monday, August 16, 2021
Time:  1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age: 5 to 15 years
Fee:    $25/members, $30/non-members
Register:  HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

TERRARIUM GARDENS

This class is an introduction to tropical gardening in an easy way that children can manage and enjoy. We will learn about the individual needs of these interesting plants and create a safe environment for them to grow in while using a glass container that is being reused or upcycled. Once you make one you may have to go home and look for more containers to make into gardens for yourself and others. These make great gifts!

Date:  Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Time:  1:30pm - 3:00pm
Age:    6 + years
Fee:     $25/members, $30/non-members
Register:  HERE or phone (250) 479-6162

 

Child & Youth Nature Workshops 

 

These workshops will be available ONLINE starting February 20th and can be accessed until August 20th, 2021. After registering, participants will receive an email including an instructional sheet, a link to an instructional video, as well as time and date options to pick-up your take-home workshop kit! Workshops will be available for participants to watch and do at their leisure. *Now featuring summer themed kits*

 

TERRARIUM GARDENS FOR KIDS

 

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Get creative as you learn about the needs of little plants and what better place to grow them than in an upcycled glass container. Bring along a glass bowl, vase, jar or other container and see what you can create! (containers up to 20 cm in size). Children under 7 years must be accompanied by an adult. You provide the glass container and we provide the rest. 

Age:  6+ years, recommended
Fee:  $25

Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

 

OUTDOOR FAIRY GARDENS

 

Using a selection of seasonal outdoor plants, we will create a fairy garden for your deck, your balcony or garden. These will provide a fun reason to move your child's play out of doors this season and makes a great destination to check on throughout summer and fall!

Age:  5+ years, recommended
Fee:  $25

Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

 

Fairy Furnishings

Making your own fairy garden furnishings can be fun and easy with a little expertise and guidance. In this kit and video package, we will take a walk together to forage natural materials that can be made into fun and functional furnishings for existing and future fairy gardens. We will explore doors, gates, transitions and theme related furnishings. Participants will receive a kit with instructions and supplies to make featured items and will be encouraged to source out their own special materials going forward. Imagination is a wonderful tool as we learn to create items for these playful and whimsical gardens!

Age:  5+ years, recommended
Fee:  $25

Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

 

SEED STARTING FOR KIDS

Growing vegetables from seed is a fun way for children to become self reliant and aware of their own food security. This class includes the introduction to growing 6 different seasonal crops from seed, their maintenance and replanting information. Participants will learn about the best soils to use for starting seeds, how to water, when to harden off and how to plan for successive crops. Participants will take home a tray with their planted seeds and the potential to fill a small garden or several containers with seasonal vegetables.

Age:  6+ years, recommended
Fee:  $25

Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

 

TEACUP FAIRY GARDENS

The mystique of having fairies in our gardens has us all intrigued! Learn how to incorporate tiny plants and elements of design into these little gardens for indoor use. We will explore the needs of plants and how to care for them in a miniature setting, while providing a magical place for wee garden visitors! Warning: These can be addictive and so fun to make!

Age:  6+ years, recommended
Fee:  $25

Register HERE or call 250 479 6162

 

Garden Camps (Summer, Fall and Winter 2021)

Join us at the gardens for our JMG (Junior Master Gardener) Pro-D Day  and Summer camps! During these camps, we will busy ourselves with seasonal gardening activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden! There will also be exploration of the many natural systems that keep our gardens growing, garden arts and crafts and more!

 

Pro D Day Camps

An outdoor garden experience where we take on seasonal gardening tasks and activities in our very own HCP Kids Garden. There are also opportunities to explore the vast wilderness areas to experience the natural systems that keep our gardens growing, get our hands busy with garden arts and crafts and more. Limit: 15

Dates: *check back soon*
Times: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 12 years (school age)
Fee: $40/child
Register Online or call 250 479 6162

 

Summer Camps

Dates & Times: 
July 5 to 9;  9:00am to 4:00pm 
July 12 - 16; 9:00am - 12:00pm
July 19 to 23; 9:00am to 4:00pm
August 3 to 6; 9:00am to 4:00pm
August 9 - 13; 9:00am - 4:00pm
August 16 to 20; 9:00am to 12:00pm

Ages:  5 to 12 years (school age)

Fee: 
Five-day Camps (9-4): $180/child, $315/2 children, $450/3 children
Four-day Camps (9-4): $145/child, $250/2 children, $355/3 children
Half-day Camps (9-12): $95/child, $170/2 children, $245/3 children

Click on camp date to register or call 250 479 6162

 

Birthdays in The Garden

BIRTHDAY PARTIES ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

School Virtual classes, Tours, Programs and Workshops

If you are looking for a plant-centred learning opportunity for your class or home school network, consider our school programs (Virtual Classroom, School Tours, Programs and Workshops). Check out our Nature Education page HERE for more information!