Fun times had by all at our second annual Youth Water Festival!

Fun times had by all at our second annual Youth Water Festival!

We had our annual Youth Water Festival on June 6th at Lakeside Park. 250 students grade 1-6 came down despite a bit of rain to learn about Water Stewardship actions happening around the lake.

Six different local environmental non-profits showcased booths, each one with hands-on and interactive activities. For example, the Central Kootenay Invasive Species booth had the kids playing musical mussels; a game similar to musical chairs but with a few twists it became a lesson about keeping Zebra mussels out of the lake. Nelson Canoe and Kayak club taught students proper paddling strokes, and the Slocan Streamkeepers had students dressing up as aquatic insects.

 

Students at the Citizen Climate Lobby Booth learning about the importance of freshwater and climate change

Students with the Nelson Cone and Kayak club pretending to be in a paddle race

Students working on painting a parachute that says “life depends on clean water”

Students at the Slocan River Streamkeepers both lining up to take turns looking at aquatic insects

A huge thanks to the activity leaders:

Nelson Cone and Kayak Club

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Sail Nelson

Citizens Climate Lobby

Kokanee Creek Nature Center

Slocan River Stream Keepers

Regional District of Central Kootenays

As well as our sponsors:

Ambler Hats

Columbia Basin trust

Fortis BC

Pixie candy

Nelson District Credit Union

Kootenay Coop

Secret Garden Toys

Nelson and District Community Complex

Oso Negro

 

The Youth Water Festival is an important event that gives an opportunity to non-profits to share information and connect with the future stewards of Kootenay Lake. Students and teachers alike learned a lot and had tonnes of fun. We are so excited to host this event again next year!