BARRY’S BAY – Kids spent July 5 learning about geology and gems at the Railway Station and the Madawaska Valley Public Library.
It was part of Madawaska Valley Geology Rocks, a program dedicated to promoting the geology, quarries and parks in the area. It’s a three-tiered program, including an exhibition at the Railway Station, a special tour guide outlining geology in the region and an educational experience for kids.
Anya Gansterer is the culture and tourism coordinator at the Railway Station. She said two guest speakers were asked to present, including “Caveman” Chris Hinsperger (owner of Bonnechere Caves) and “Rockhound” Rob Filipkowski. The sessions started with a fossil hunt at the Railway Station followed by an art project at the library.
Gansterer said the original idea was to have one morning session for the kids. It cost a nominal fee of $5 for kids to take part.
“Before we knew it, that had filled up to capacity,” she explained.
Then the Community Resource Centre in Killaloe approached the Railway Station and asked to bring their group to the camp. Gansterer said an afternoon session was added and more than 30 kids took part in total.
“We really wanted to get children involved,” Gansterer said. “The Railway Station and the library have a history of partnering to offer programming in particular to children.”
Get your July 13, 2016 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.