Many things have been postponed or cancelled this summer as a result of COVID-19.
One activity that will be going ahead, albeit in an online format, are the popular summer camps held at Western Development Museum locations including Yorkton.
While the museums remain closed, Solange Massicotte with the Yorkton branch said plans are under way to hold four weeks of online camps.
鈥淭hey鈥檒l actually be virtual summer camps,鈥� she told Yorkton This Week, adding going online has created a rather interesting opportunity. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 cool is all of the branches are joining forces.鈥�
Massicotte said since the camps will be online all four branches; Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Yorkton, are able to contribute.
Providing the camps online also broadens access. Someone from Hudson Bay or Esterhazy or Moosomin might not be in a position to drive in daily for physical camps, but they can participate online.
Massicotte said they do hope people register, (online at www.wdm.ca), so they know how many are participating, but anyone can join in even if they haven鈥檛 signed up.
Over the four weeks a variety of activities will be offered over the Internet.
鈥淪ome of the things are super cool,鈥� said Massicotte, adding the programming is a combination where youth can have fun, and learn some new things at the same time.
The camps will require computer access, and a printer to run certain activity sheets, but if someone does not have a printer Massicotte said to call the nearest branch as they will have a few packages for such situations.
Each week of the camp will have a different theme, and programming.
July 13-17
Explore Saskatchewan鈥檚 living skies! Discover birds and butterflies in your own backyard, record-breaking weather events like the Regina Cyclone and the history of the Snowbirds and aviation.
July 20-24
What was settler life like 100 years ago? What games did kids play? What did people eat? Today, everything is 鈥渃ool鈥� 鈥� but what slang words were used in 1910? Experience a day in the life of someone a century ago.
July 27-31
What makes Saskatchewan special? Join in a rap song about Saskatchewan lakes, explore your ideal cross-province road trip, and discover recipes using local ingredients.
Aug. 10-14
What is history? How are exhibits made? What kind of jobs are there in a museum? Join WDM staff in exploring behind the scenes of the Museum. Learn how to make your own exhibit, create a COVID 鈥� 19 time capsule, and discover how to care for artifacts.
If you need more activities for your children this summer, the WDM has things to keep the family busy, including;
Storytime at the WDM through videos
Our Education staff love storybooks! Click the picture to join us for Story Time at the WDM. We鈥檙e adding new stories every week, so check back often!
Colouring sheets
The WDM would like to introduce our new illustrator, Timothy Senko.
Timothy currently lives in Regina with his wife Candice. Timothy studied Technical and Scientific Illustration at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. He enjoys communicating complex ideas using images. We can鈥檛 wait to see and share with you all the fun drawings he will be creating for us this year.
Plus activity guides to make your own conductor鈥檚 hat, make a caboose craft, and spot the differences challenges.
All the summer camp information and activities can be found by visiting www.wdm.ca and following the associated links or contact the Yorkton branch at 306-783-8361 or email [email protected]
