As part of Tuesday's program, each school took turns releasing their ducks. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Webbed based learning

Ready, set, launch!!!

Jun 20, 2023 | 5:29 PM

A fun community event at Prince Albert’s Memorial Gardens made quite a splash.

A total of 22 ducks that have been raised and cared for the past month by local area schools and daycares were set free on Tuesday. The program has been running for over 25 years and provides children with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences that foster compassion, care, and an appreciation for nature.

Christy Thompson, the early learning childcare manager at Hope’s Home said it was an awesome experience for the kids.

“Even during the last couple weeks the ducks were outside with our kids like all the way throughout the day so they got to play with them, feed them water, feed them food. It was really awesome,” she said.

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Along with the cheers and smiles, were also some tears as some of the younger kids had a hard time letting go of their feathered friends. They were however reminded they can always return to visit the ducks at Memorial Gardens, thereby creating a special bond that teaches them valuable life lessons about letting go and the cyclical nature of existence.

“The Duck Launch is not only a fun event for our children, but it also instils in them a deep sense of compassion and responsibility towards nature,” said Austin Atchison, branch manager at the memorial gardens.

“For over 25 years, this program has been a symbol of our community’s commitment to fostering an appreciation for the beauty of nature and the importance of caring for our environment,” he added.

Each school and daycare also gets the responsibility of naming their ducks and some of this year’s choices included Mario, Luigi, Cotton Candy and Cheese and Quackers.

Kay Hildebrand, a student at Spruce Home School said her favourite part was taking the ducks home. She also shared she learned a lot about ducks.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Some ducks were not as excited as the others. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell