Thousands of students to participate in groundwater festival
GUELPH – The Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival (WWCGF) is returning to Marden Park from May 22 to 28.
For students in Grades 2 to 5, officials say this award-winning festival transforms environmental education into an unforgettable, hands-on experience that is as fun as it is curriculum-connected.
Throughout five school days, thousands of students from Wellington, Guelph and Waterloo will step outside the classroom and into a vibrant outdoor learning environment featuring close to 60 interactive activity centres, focusing on topics such as:
– water science fundamentals;
– groundwater and aquifers;
– the water cycle;
– drinking water systems;
– water conservation and stewardship; and
– ecosystems and watershed protection.
Each activity aligns with the curriculum, reinforcing classroom learning in science, geography and environmental studies while keeping curiosity, creativity and exploration at the heart of the experience, officials state in a press release.
“The festival is where learning comes to life,” WWCGF’s executive director Beatriz Gomez states.
“Students don’t just hear about groundwater; they live it. They explore aquifers, see aquatic creatures, explore conservation practices and connect directly with the people who protect our water every day.”
The event is powered by the collective efforts of multiple tiers of municipal government, conservation authorities, school boards, environmental organizations, local businesses, post-secondary institutions, high schools and hundreds of volunteers.
“This large-scale partnership demonstrates the community’s shared commitment to water education and environmental stewardship,” officials state.
“By working together, these organizations create an immersive learning experience that inspires young people to value and protect one of our most vital natural resources.
“Beyond a single day of learning, the festival plants seeds for lifelong environmental responsibility. Students leave not only with knowledge, but also with a deeper understanding of how their daily choices impact water locally and globally.”
