Calling All Youth!
Are you between the ages of 6 and 18?

You are personally invited to attend the 2011 Barrie Ecofest!

For registration and to receive a complete schedule of events email ecofestbarrieyouth@gmail.com.

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Kid Zone

Welcome!

As the environmental education outreach coordinator for the 2011 Barrie Ecofest, it is my pleasure to invite you to the 2011 Barrie EcoFest, taking place this June 11^th and 12^th at Heritage Park on the waterfront in Barrie.

EcoFest Barrie is heavily focused upon youth, those aged 6 to 18, in an effort to encourage interaction and environmental learning. The goals of the youth fest are twofold: first, to provide a space for students to learn new skills and knowledge from our itinerary of workshops and certificate programmes; and secondly, to present their own environmental initiatives on stage so they can showcase the green efforts they have undertaken either individually or as a member of a club.

Attached, you will find an outline of the workshops we are offering as well as information outlining your capacity to partake as a presenter. I would be more than happy to discuss the possible involvement of you or your group with you and can be easily reached by email at ecofestbarrieyouth@gmail.com or phone at 905 506 1512.

Greenest regards,
 

Youth Itinerary of Events:

Events Running Weekend Long in the KID ZONE

• CRAFTS: animal face art, paper, seed balls and mini-garden making
• ART: add your artistic touch to our sidewalk of fame
• MUSIC: add your beat to the drumming circle
• SPORT: beach volleyball, cycling
• YOGA: open your mind and heart and find your yogic groove!
• SOUND & PLAY: join 'Junestra' and create music from the instruments in your backyard!
• SOUND WALKS: do you hear what I hear? Join us on our guided sound walks!

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Programme descriptions:

1. Blooming flowers and butterfly gardens
   Saturday June 11, 12 - 12:30pm
   Presented by Wildflower Farm

   Come and create your own blossoming native plant garden! A self-taught horticulturalist, Paul Jenkins is the co-founder of Wildflower Farm - Ontario's oldest native plant nursery, which was founded in 1988. Located on a 100 acre farm near Coldwater, Ontario, Wildflower Farm has blossomed over the years into becoming the largest producer of seed for locally sourced native wildflowers and grasses in the province as well as a leading native plant nursery & garden center.
    

2. Ecosystem wonders - getting to know the honey bee!
   Sunday June 12^th, 10:30 - 11am
   Presented by Dickey Bee Honey

   The Honey Bee, although small, plays a very significant role in food, farming and the environment. The bees and the beekeeping industry are of the utmost importance to the health and vitality of Canada's agricultural industry and the country's economy. Honey Bees play an indispensable role in the pollination our essential crops, in fact, honeybees are responsible for the health of $170 million worth of crops in Ontario each year. We need to work very diligently to protect our bee's existence, crops and the environment. We have the healthiest bees - in the cleanest environment, and Canadian honey is the most delicious in the world.
    

3. Wetland wonders
   Saturday June 11^th, 4 - 4:30pm
   Sunday June 12^th, 2:30 - 3pm
   Presented by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

   Did you know that the Lake Simcoe watershed is recognized as having one of the highest concentrations of wetlands in Southern Ontario? This interactive workshop will allow you to learn why wetlands are important to our environment, who lives there, what threatens their health, and how we can help preserve these vital areas for everyone to enjoy. Wetlands have a vital role in a healthy environment and are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. In Canada, they are home to about 600 plant, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish, bird and insect species alone!
    

4. Organic magic with worms
   Sunday June 12^th, 3 - 3:30 pm
   Presented by Cathy's Crawly Composters

   Learn all about worms and vermicomposting! Discover how worms convert organic matter into nature's finest soil amendment known as castings. Feed the soil, not the plant. Find out how worms benefit the environment. During the presentation, vermicomposting is explained from set-up to harvest. Worm eggs, castings and worm bins in various stages are displayed. Worms are going to play an ever-increasing role in waste management and soil production. Life as an entrepreneur and some of our research and collection projects are discussed.
    

5. Bicycled powered chocolate making
   Saturday June 11^th, 11- 11:30am
   Sunday June 12^th, 11 - 11:30am
   Presented by ChocoSol Traders

   ChocoSol is a community of innovative and dynamic individuals engaged in a trans-local trading relationship that goes beyond mere commerce to intercultural dialogue and reciprocal relationship building. Sol means the sun in Spanish, earth in French and in English sounds like Soul... Our own source of vibrancy! ChocoSol is a learning community/social enterprise that uses artisanal chocolate as a symbolic product that incarnates the values that we make part of our art of living and dying with dignity. We offer chocolate foods as opposed to candies or commodities.
    

6. Cycling 101 - racing and repair
   Saturday June 11th, 4 - 4:30pm
   Sunday June 12th, 4 - 4:30pm
   Presented by the Barrie Cycling Club

   Need a bike tune up? Pedal to us for on-site maintenance!

   Robb Meier is the President of the Barrie Cycling Club. A local not for profit corporation dedicated to providing rides, lessons and support for both cyclists, and those who ride bikes in and around Simcoe County. The club features 5 organized rides a week, ranging from Mountain bike, to road, and even includes a family oriented ride around the lakeshore on Wednesday evenings. Additionally, the BCC hosts 2 Provincial cup level races, one for youth ages 10-16 in late May, and a Cyclocross race in mid-October.
    

7. Yoga for kids!
   Sunday June 12th, 10 - 12pm
   Presented by Studio Bliss: Ann Green Yoga

   Yoga is an ancient practise that is used to strengthen and focus the body and mind. Whether you're a beginner or just curious to learn some yoga poses, come and join Ashleigh in a kid friendly yoga class where you can learn the basics of yoga and poses that will relax and invigorate your mind and body!
    

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Programmes requiring registration:

To register email ecofestbarrieyouth@gmail.com

1. EcoMentors: Youth, Environment, & Leadership Program
   Saturday June 11th, 1pm - 2pm
   Presented by Earth Day Canada

   Youth play an important role in environmental education. Earth Day Canada's EcoMentors program provides the opportunity, training and resources for youth across Canada to be active leaders in raising awareness and encouraging positive actions in support of a healthier environment. Through interactive activities and group discussions, this session will give you an opportunity to discover your role as a young environmental leader, and to explore how you can turn education into positive action for a healthier Earth!
    

2. ORCKA Safe Canoe & Kayak Certification
   Saturday June 11^th, 2 - 4pm
   Sunday June 12^th, 12 - 2pm
   Presented by the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club

   In celebration of Canadian Rivers Day, the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club will offer Eco-fest participants who register in advance (class sizes are limited) a 2-hour Safe Canoeing and/or Safe Kayaking clinic. This introduction of paddling is an Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association (ORCKA) program taught by certified instructors. Participants will receive a card of achievement.

   Expectations/Outcomes
   The Safe Canoeing and Kayaking programs provide first time paddlers with basic safety and performance information. By the end of this 2-hour session it is expected that the paddlers will have enough skill to safely enjoy recreational paddling close to shore for an hour or two. Participants will learn how to :

   • how to select an appropriate paddle, and learn several parts including: grip, shaft, blade and tip; several parts of the canoe including: bow, stern, bow seat, stern seat, gunwales and thwart
   • bow and stern a canoe, as time permits; carry and launch a canoe; enter and exit the canoe safely (shoreline and dock if possible);

   Note: All participants over 18 years are required to sign a waiver of liability and, if participant is under 18 years, a parent must sign the waiver.

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Involvement opportunities:

A key theme of the 2011 Ecofest is that of youth engagement and involvement. Here are two ways your students, class or club can be involved:

1. Volunteers
   Every year, we are so grateful to our host of volunteers who help make this weekend possible! Many volunteer opportunities are currently available ranging from guest services, set-up and takedown helpers. Email ecofestbarrieyouth@gmail.com if you're interested!
    
2. Present your act of green!
   New! This year at the Ecofest we are happy to present the chance for students, environmental clubs and youth environmental 'heroes' from across the region space on our main stage to present their act of green. Did you plant a vegetable garden at your school? Participate in the annual river clean up day? Fundraise for solar panels for your school's roof? We want to hear about it!
   
   Presentations can be diverse and engaging. Presentations will take place starting at 4:30pm on Saturday, June 11^th.
   
   Step 1:  Register your act of green with Kerrie at ecofestbarrieyouth@gmail.com
   Step 2:  Reserve your slot on the main stage! Email Kerrie.
   Step 3:  Rally forces! Make posters, visuals or any type of art form to display your act of green.