Island Hopping Adventure at ANHS
Article content
Annandale National Historic Site will be offering children a new Island Hopping Adventure this summer.
A series of weekly one-hour programs, available Tuesdays or Thursdays for children ages 5-10, will include a fun social-distancing activity and a craft under the shade on the front lawn.
“I’m actually quite excited,” said Patricia Phelps, Manager of Culture & Heritage / Curator.
Each week, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m., features a different island theme starting with Newfoundland and concluding at Hawaii, with stops at famous islands around the world in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.
The cost is $2 per child, per day. There will be a limit of 10 children per session and advanced registration is required. Call 519-842-2294 to book your spot.
“It’s the same program (Tuesday and Thursday), so we can have 20 kids come each week if they want,” said Phelps.
Annandale NHS staff will be adhering to all social distancing and Covid-19 protocols mandated by the Canadian and Ontario governments.
“We are going to social distance,” Phelps noted. “Each child will have their own work space area. We will have little four-foot tables, each socially distanced on the lawn… and we’re going to learn about other islands in the world.”
“We’re social distancing on our rafts – so everyone is going to have their own table,” explained Kathleen Watkin, Culture & Heritage Programs Coordinator. “Each table is going to be a raft.”
The Island Hopping Adventure starts Tuesday, July 21. Kids will receive a stamp in their ‘island hopping passport’ each week they attend.
“They can come either Tuesday or Thursday, and why we’ve done that is I’m only able to host 10 kids at a time for social distancing,” said Watkin. “It goes all the way to the week of September 1st. So there’s something for everyone to do all the way up to when school starts.”
Children can attend one session – or all, every Tuesday or Thursday. The ‘hour of fun on the lawn at ANHS’ is weather permitting.
What: ANHS Island Hopping Adventure
When: Tuesdays or Thursdays 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Annandale National Historic Site, 30 Tillson Ave, Tillsonburg
519-842-2294
July 21 or July 23 – Nifty Newfoundland
Get ready to create your passport for a summer adventure. The first stop is a Canadian island in the Maritimes. Sail your boat to the period when Leif Ericson and the Vikings roamed the island.
July 28 or July 30 – Glorious Great Britain
Travel to Great Britain, the largest island in Europe, made up of the countries of England, Scotland and Wales. Learn the customs of Jolly Old England, the history of Scotland’s notorious Loch Ness Monster, and some Gaelic from Wales.
August 11 or August 13 – Magnificent Madagascar
This island off the coast of Africa has some of the world’s most interesting animals, many of which live nowhere else on the planet! Learn some unique Madagascar traditions.
August 18 or August 20 – Naturally New Zealand
Sail across the Indian Ocean to the beautiful islands of New Zealand. Here, children will hear about the first inhabitants, the Maori people, and learn about their culture and traditions.
August 25 or August 27 – Joyful Japan
Partake in the Hanami Festival that has been celebrated in Japan since 710 A.D. Enjoy traditional kit making and celebrate under the cherry blooms.
September 1 or September 3 – Heavenly Hawaii
Sunscreen will be needed for the final stop! Learn about Hawaiian culture and create your own lei.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.