As 2019 draws to a close and the fields at ClearWater Farm become covered in snow, we are about to take a breath over the holiday season to celebrate our successes.
We HAVE, though, planned the 2020 year of education programs and now it’s also time to take stock of the impact we have had in 2019. This year we expanded the number and variety of programs designed to help kids connect with the land, food and water and how everything we do on the land affects the health of Lake Simcoe.
Ourtagline, Helping Kids Grow, is a reflection of the mission of the not for profit that oversees the farm, the Ontario Water Centre. That is: Inspired by water, we exist to deepen young people’s connection with the natural environment, marrying the arts, science and technology to cultivate a more sustainable future.
This year, in partnership with the Town of Georgina, we had 5 weeks of Summer Camps along with after-school programs, drop-ins for parents with young children, as well as many community-based events – all of this attracted more than 1,000 children!
This incredible participation at ClearWater Farm of so many kids is thanks, in part, to the 3- year, $750,000 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This year was the third, and final, in this particular grant, and allowed us to work with children, aged 12 and under, to connect them with nature and create the eco-champions of the future. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF awards grants to projects across the province that help build healthy and vibrant communities. The Ontario Water Centre for ClearWater Farm was one of those lucky recipients.
This grant has also allowed us to lay the foundation for continued growth in 2020 – that’s right, we have next year planned out! To learn more about our programs for youth of all ages click HERE.
Now, it’s time for our Education team to take a rest – we hope to see you and your family in 2020!
