Extra Intriguing Information for Each Camp!
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There are few things quite as exciting as the anticipation of flipping that shaded, odd shaped and slightly wet stone in the corner of your backyard. Cool to the touch, it’s like uncovering hidden treasure, except this kind has legs...lots and lots of legs. We dedicate one week each year to the study of all things creepy crawly. This delicate yet hardy sub-section of our ecosystem provides the foundation for the food we eat and the plants we grow.
Bugs, Brains, and Big Ideas: How Insects Inspire Young Environmentalists
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals that when kids participate in insect-focused citizen science projects, they not only deepen their understanding of nature but also develop stronger intentions to protect it.
Programs like Insect Investigators empower students to discover new species and connect with real scientists—sparking curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to conservation. Teachers, too, are inspired to bring more nature-based learning into the classroom
Read more about how tiny creatures are making a big impact: Teaching kids about bugs benefits the environment, research suggests
The Painted Lady’s Remarkable Migration
As spring unfolds in Vancouver, you might spot delicate orange-and-black wings fluttering by—meet the Painted Lady butterfly (*Vanessa cardui*), a global traveler and seasonal visitor to our region.
Unlike monarchs, Painted Ladies don’t follow the same route each year. Their migration is influenced by weather and food sources, and their journey is astonishing. These butterflies travel thousands of kilometres—from North Africa and the southwestern United States—all the way to Canada, including our own backyards here in BC.
Though no single butterfly completes the entire round trip, successive generations leapfrog northward, reproducing as they go. By late spring or early summer, Vancouver may welcome a new wave of Painted Ladies, resting and feeding on thistles, daisies, and lavender.
Keep your eyes open—these nomads are fleeting guests, but their visit connects us to ecosystems across continents.
Curious to see their journey? Click here to view the migration map.
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Celebrate the magic of nature with your preschooler in this hands-on, story-rich camp. Christianne will guide campers through enchanting tales that highlight the beauty of plants, followed by outdoor adventures exploring local gardens with a custom invasive species guide. Creative projects include crafting miniature rock gardens, painting with moss, and designing tiny shell gardens to bring life to overlooked spaces.
Painting with Moss
Did you know you can make eco-friendly paint using moss and yogurt? Blend a handful of moss with plain yogurt or buttermilk until it forms a thick, green paste. Brush it onto stone, brick, or wood—and with a bit of moisture and patience, the moss will start to grow. It’s a creative way to turn surfaces into living art, combining nature and imagination!
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There are few things quite as exciting as the anticipation of flipping that shaded, odd shaped and slightly wet stone in the corner of your backyard. Cool to the touch, it’s like uncovering hidden treasure, except this kind has legs...lots and lots of legs. We dedicate one week each year to the study of all things creepy crawly. This delicate yet hardy sub-section of our ecosystem provides the foundation for the food we eat and the plants we grow.
Dinosaur Discovery in B.C.: Armoured Fossils Identified!
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals that when kids participate in insect-focused citizen science projects, they not only deepen their understanding of nature but also develop stronger intentions to protect it.
Programs like Insect Investigators empower students to discover new species and connect with real scientists—sparking curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to conservation. Teachers, too, are inspired to bring more nature-based learning into the classroom
Read more about how tiny creatures are making a big impact: Teaching kids about bugs benefits the environment, research suggests
Mystery of Pachyrhinosaurus (dinosaur) mass grave
in Canada - 19/May/2025
As spring unfolds in Vancouver, you might spot delicate orange-and-black wings fluttering by—meet the Painted Lady butterfly (*Vanessa cardui*), a global traveler and seasonal visitor to our region.
Unlike monarchs, Painted Ladies don’t follow the same route each year. Their migration is influenced by weather and food sources, and their journey is astonishing. These butterflies travel thousands of kilometres—from North Africa and the southwestern United States—all the way to Canada, including our own backyards here in BC.
Though no single butterfly completes the entire round trip, successive generations leapfrog northward, reproducing as they go. By late spring or early summer, Vancouver may welcome a new wave of Painted Ladies, resting and feeding on thistles, daisies, and lavender.
Keep your eyes open—these nomads are fleeting guests, but their visit connects us to ecosystems across continents.
Curious to see their journey? Click here to view the migration map.