JOGGINS – A chicken and some compasses helped see out a busy three days of March Break activities at the Joggins Fossil Centre here on Thursday.
More than 20 youngsters took in this year’s programs at the centre, a sizable jump from last year’s handful of participants, much to the delight of Dr. Melissa Grey, scientific curator.
“We’re very pleased,” she said. “Last year we had about 5-7 kids, and this year it’s grown four-fold. The kids love it, they’ve been going home really happy and wanting to come back.”
Activities began on Tuesday with a session on paleontology, where the participants played and learned about fossils, particularly those found in the Joggins region. Later in the afternoon, they hunted and painted Easter eggs.
On Wednesday, the group had a Zumba session and then did beach glass crafts with Pam Harrison, followed by a card-making session in the afternoon.
Thursday’s activities included a visit from local farmers Bryan Dyck and Shannon Jones (along with their chicken, Legs,) who led the group in a session on organic gardening. The day was capped off with an orienteering session with Rick Rhodes in the afternoon.
“We’ve had different activities every day, and every time the kids get to bring home a little goodie bag,” said Grey. “They seem to be having a really good time.”
Due to the success of this year’s program, the staff has decided to offer the March Break activities again next year, and is also planning summer camps.
