Green Thumbs is super excited to collaborate with Project Canoe on our new program called the Local Explorers. Our very own Program Manager, Ohemaa Boateng, and Indigenous Program Coordinator, Cara McArthur are co-creating the Local Explorers program with Project Canoe’s Program Manager, Segen Mehreteab.
The Local Explorer program was created to support Black and Indigenous young girls to foster and cultivate their connection to nature in a meaningful way. Segen, Cara and Ohemaa were inspired to develop this program out of recognition that Black and Indigenous youth often do not have the opportunity or the ability to safely access and engage in outdoor recreation programs. Being that a lot of the youth we support often live within densely populated urban communities, the challenge of safely exploring, connecting and engaging with nearby green spaces, gardens, parks, ravines or nature has become harder, especially during this pandemic.
This program will allow our youth to participate in creative and artistic activities, learn garden skills, team building games, story-telling, building a sense of self, belonging and community and have an opportunity to practise skills that will encourage healing. Local Explorers focus on understanding the history and relationship we all have to the Land, giving youth space to learn, think about and share with each other what their story on this Land is. This program will also include special guest speakers from Evergreen Brickworks, and High Park Nature Centre.
SCHEDULE
Local Explorers runs from September 2021-June 2022. There will be two sessions per month, one virtual and one in-person.
There will also be two overnight retreats (December 2021 & March 2022), and a multi-day canoe trip in July 2022.
COST
Program is free of cost
Tokens for transportation will be provided
Refreshments and meals will be covered
ELIGIBILITY
13-18 years old
Identify as female or non-binary
Identify as Black and/or Indigenous
Live in the G.T.A.
FACILITATORS
Local Explorers is co-created and facilitated by three incredible women from Green Thumbs Growing Kids and Project Canoe. Click on their photos to learn more about them!
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