Campers and instructors learned all about local plants and wildlife at the ‘Into the Woods with Wildernook’ program at Little Red River Park on Thursday morning. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Into the Woods

Prince Albert youth learn all about the outdoors at Little Red River Park

Aug 12, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Sometimes camping is for leisure and sometimes it can be educational as well.

Today, camping was educational for many kids as a part of the ‘Into the Woods with Wildernook’ program at Little Red River Park through the City of Prince Albert.

“We wanted to get outside and have the kids learning in an outdoor, natural environment,” Rachel Pelechaty, playground coordinator told paNOW. “We have opportunities for kids to get out into the woods.

“One of the stations is a little pond where the kids get to experience and interact with the wildlife that are living in the pond. Another one is out on the sandhill where the kids get to go on an adventure that includes the swinging bridge, and get to interact with nature out there.”

Campers catch a few critters in a pond at the Little Red River Park on Thursday morning. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

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Indigenous elder, Liz Settee was also one of the instructors today and taught kids about all of the natural plants that grow at Little Red.

“Dandelions are a medicine, not a weed,” one of the campers explained. “You can use both the root and the flower, and it has a lot of uses. Rose hip can also be used for cough syrup, syrup for pancakes, and tea.”

Claire Miller, Director of Wildernook Fresh Air Learning, said today is about providing access to nature to many kids who live in urban areas.

“We have really tried to highlight some of the best that Little Red has to offer,” Miller said. “I think a lot of kids could benefit from having the invitation to come discover it, and have facilitated nature activities.

“We have an opportunity to collaborate and build together as a team at the sandhill. We’re also looking at the critters in the ponds, so we are having the chance to connect with nature in maybe a different way than going for a walk.”

Campers catch a few critters in a pond at the Little Red River Park on Thursday morning. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

Eight and nine year old’s got to go on the adventure this morning with 10-12 year old’s going this afternoon. There are about 25 kids in each age group.

The next event kids can look forward to is KidzFest on August 19 at Kinsmen Park.

Going forward, Wildernook Fresh Air Learning is working with the city to plan a day event in October.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8