Our environmentally-focused and interactive programs serve children and youth in elementary, middle and high schools, preschools, clubs and summer groups in the Capital Regional District. To book a program call Nashira Birch at 386-WORM (9676) during our regular office hours. Workshops are offered Wednesday to Friday, January to November. Programs range from one to two hours and may be delivered at our demonstration site or at your facility. We have three different programming areas:
What teachers have said:
"We loved our worm info session. The Preschoolers have really taken on the composting lifestyle and are taking very good care of the worms. Thanks very much!!"
This spring we have an exciting set of brand new Garden Learners modules at the Compost Education Centre! Our Garden Learners program for home learners uses the environment of our vibrant garden and our straw bale teaching building to give your child a hands-on experience of learning through growing food, composting, and exploring local sustainability. Provincially-prescribed learning outcomes and children’s interests are incorporated.
This is a drop-off program, which is offered in 4 week modules that can be taken stand-alone or consecutively. The modules are facilitated by our Education and Outreach Coordinator who has a background in Child and Youth Care, as well as an extensive experience as a home learner and an educator.
Module 3: Soil and Sky
Description:Join us for an exciting investigation of the elements in the garden. We will be looking at water, soil, air, sun, and weather. We will set up our own weather station, do soil experiments, and make treasure maps of the garden.
Ages: 6-10
Cost: $70
Dates: Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15
Times: Wednesday mornings – 9:30-12:00
Location: Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
Contact: Nashira Birch, Education and Outreach Coordinator outreach@compost.bc.ca (250)386-9676
Please call or email to pre-register.
Module 4: Seeds, Sprouts, Buds, and Bees
Description: The garden is coming back to life after it’s long winter sleep, and we will be there with magnifying glasses and microscopes to see it all happening! We will look at plants’ super powers turning the sun into food, seed turbo packs, and powerful pollinators. We may even brew some mysterious compost tea!
Ages: 6-10
Cost: $70
Dates: Feb 22, Feb 29, Mar 7, Mar 14
Times: Wednesday mornings – 9:30-12:00
Location: Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
Contact: Nashira Birch, Education and Outreach Coordinator outreach@compost.bc.ca (250)386-9676
Please call or email to pre-register.
Module 4: Let’s Get Growing!
Description: Things are going to be growing like crazy, and it is time to plant seeds and baby plants in the garden, so that we will have lots to eat this summer! We will be planting, transplanting, growing, watering, eating, and going on bug hunts in the garden! We will also have fun-packed field trips to nearby gardens and farms.
Ages: 6-10
Cost: $70
Dates: April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16
Times: Wednesday mornings – 9:30-12:00
Location: Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
Contact: Nashira Birch, Education and Outreach Coordinator outreach@compost.bc.ca (250)386-9676
Please call or email to pre-register.
Introduce your kids to urban agriculture and sustainable food at the GRUBS Spring and Summer Break Camps! This spring and summer, LifeCycles and the Greater Victoria Compost Education Center are again teaming up to host exciting urban farm day camps. With the expert guidance of farm camp facilitators, kids will learn through hands-on outdoor educational activities. Together they will explore urban farms, build compost, play with worms, learn about local food, plant seeds, grow food, have fun outside, go on field trips and much more!
Spring Break Camp Dates: March 19-23, 2012
Summer Camp Dates: July 16-20, 2012
Time 9am-3pm:
Ages: 6-9
Cost: $140 (bursaries and payment plans available)
Location: Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
Contact and registration: Email outreach@compost.bc.ca or call(250)386-9676
What parents have said about GRUBS camps:
“My child’s comment was that he wished school was like that. He felt that he was taught things that were meaningful and useful.”
“My son was very excited to tell us about his experiences in the gardens and what he had learned. I was surprised at how much he took away with him!”
“[My daughter] had such a great time at spring camp, it was a great experience. She came home excited about the program everyday, she showed me what she was learning about, and has taken a real interest in worms and earth".
“My son LOVED the camp during spring break we thought he learned so much and we are going to plant a large garden this year.”
Our on-site birthday parties offer a fun and exciting atmosphere, while promoting sustainable living. We deliver great activities geared at teaching kids all about the wonders of gardens and soil while providing fun birthday party games such as: face painting, pin the tail on the worm, find the red wriggler worms, and nature treasure hunts.
Length: 2 hours
Ages: 4-11
Cost: $75 for 10 kids; $5 for each extra kid (max of 15 kids)
Wildfire Cake can be included for $30
Available Wed-Sat
We provide:
1. Indoor and outdoor space for snacks, freeplay, presents, cake, etc.
2. Worm cake (optional) (Organic Vegan Chocolate Cake from Wild Fire Organic Bakery)
3. Engaging, educational, and multisensory program. Choose from one of three exciting themes: Worms, Garden, or Compost.
You provide:
1. The children
2. The dishes (no disposables, please!)
3. Food
4. Presents, party favours, etc.
For additional information call (250)386-WORM (9676) or email outreach(at)compost.bc.ca. Click HERE to view poster.
What parents have said:
"Fun, active, educational, engaging!"
"Good mix of fingerplay, movement, songs, group discussion, and structured activities."
Are you between the ages of 13 and 30? Do you want to learn more about how to grow your own food and live more sustainably in the city? Check out our exciting workshop series for youth! The workshops dates and topics are constantly evolving, so check back regularly for new workshops and exciting fieldtrips! Do you have an idea of something you might like to learn about or teach? Email your ideas and pre-register for workshops by contacting Clare at slugs.coordinator@gmail.com. Workshops are drop-in (pre-registration required) and cost is by donation.
For a full listing of upcoming workshops and program information Click HERE