Just for Kids

Story by Kim Tannas

Summertime Adventures

Summer’s almost here and it’ll soon be time to put away the schoolbooks and enjoy some great weather and fun-filled activities. In Alberta, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep you busy. Learn to be a great chef, travel back in time or find out about life on the farm at some of these unique
summer day camps.

Time Travel

You don’t have to be Ukrainian to participate in one of these unique day camps at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Dress up like a pioneer and experience what it’s like to live in Alberta in 1892 to 1930. You’ll be given a Ukrainian name, get to attend a one-room schoolhouse and help out with family chores such as grinding wheat or feeding the farm animals. Look for similar time travelling camps at Fort Edmonton Park or Calgary’s Heritage Park.

Phone: 780-662-3640
Web: www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta  (click on Museums and Historic Sites)
Location: 25 minutes east of Edmonton
Ages: Grades 2 to 6

Creative in the Kitchen

If you’re thinking of becoming a chef someday or just want to learn more about cooking, NAIT has three different camps to choose from: Mini Chefs, Mini Sophomore Chefs and Mini Bakers. From creative breakfast dishes and specialty breads to
kids’ cocktails and delicious desserts, you’ll learn to impress your whole family. Half of your time is spent in recreation and sports.

Phone: 780-471-7713
Web: www.nait.ca
Location: NAIT campus, Edmonton
Ages: 7 to 14

Life on the Farm

Discover fun on the farm at a day camp at Butterfield Acres Children’s Farm. Your day might include activities like visiting and
learning about animals, playing farm games, doing crafts, going for pony rides and
grooming and feeding animals. Older
campers (ages 12 to 14) can go into the Farmers in Training program and learn more in-depth about animal care, record-keeping and other farm responsibilities.

Phone: 403-239-0638
Web: www.butterfieldacres.com
Location: Northwest Calgary
Ages: 3 to 14

Whole Wheat Saskatoon Muffins

These muffins are perfect for packing in the car when you’re heading out on a day trip.

2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat flour
3 tsp (15 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) saskatoon berries
1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) canola oil
3/4 cup (175 mL) milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla            

 In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in berries. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, canola oil, milk, eggs and vanilla and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add to dry ingredients and stir only until well moistened. Fill greased or paper lined muffin tins. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes or until evenly browned. Makes 1 dozen large muffins.

Adapted from the Fruit Growers Society of Alberta.