Thousands of local students will take part in interactive outdoor learning this year through the Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival, now in its 18th year.
The three-day event, held at C.M. Wilson Conservation Area south of Chatham, delivers water-themed education to about 2,000 Grade 4 and 5 students from across the region. Activities cover topics such as water science, technology, conservation, protection and attitudes.
Organizers describe the event as a “giant outdoor classroom,” offering 45 hands-on stations, including lessons rooted in First Nations Traditional Ecological Knowledge and sessions that connect water issues to local climate change impacts such as lakeshore flooding, algae blooms and phosphorus runoff.
The festival also provides leadership opportunities for about 300 high school students, who guide activities for younger participants. Teachers, volunteers and community partners play an active role, with support from school boards, conservation authorities, service clubs and local organizations.
Each year, more than 150 adult volunteers help run the event, while teachers and parent leaders also take part in learning about local water issues. Organizers say the festival not only reinforces Ontario curriculum expectations in science, technology and social studies, but also inspires students to become catalysts for environmental awareness in their homes and communities.
The program has been recognized by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority with awards for its long-term community partnerships.
More information is available at cklwaterfestival.com.
