Robson Valley Explorers

Description

What is a Robson Valley Explorer?
Robson Valley Explorers is all about encouraging kids to put down their electronic devices and get out and play. We think
we can do this by creating a relationship between kids & their local community. This relationship creates an incentive for all to participate as one motivates the other. It all begins with motivation that works, the kind that gets kids active without them even knowing it. This motivation is based on finding something that excites kids! We call it an Explorer Badge. Kids earn an Explorer Badge for every activity they complete. The badges are bright & fun to collect.

Getting kids active in our community!
Become a Robson Valley Explorer. Participate in fun activities, earn badges, see all the cool places in our valley & keep busy this summer! Get your Explorer map @ the Library anytime after July 3rd

Program photos

Program promotional materials

Number of sessions

6

Frequency

Weekly
Audience

Primary Audience

Primary (Gr. K-3 or aged 5-8)
Intermediate (Gr. 4-7 or aged 9-12)

Secondary Audience

Young Families/Parents
Resources

Community partners

32 Local Businesses & Service Organizations

Funding (grants/foundations/corporations)

McBride Community Foundation

Budget for this program

Staff Time - 40 Initial Implementation and Creation Hours, 2 hours per week of staff time for 6 weeks, 150 Lanyards = $70, Laminating sheets $25, Paper & Printing cost $30, Prizes donated & Party Supplies $25

Resources required (materials/supplies; food/refreshments, etc.)

~ Page Plus SE Editing Program (FREE) http://www.serif.com/desktop-publishing-software/
~ Color Printer
~ Paper & Envelopes
~ Laminator & Laminating sheets
~ Lanyards - http://www.uline.ca/BL_823/Lanyards?keywords=lanyards
Evaluation

Feedback from Participants

~ Businesses were all very positive about the program
~ Children learned about various local environment (Beekeeping, birdwatching, etc)
~ Visiting grandchildren took part in the program during there stay
~ Parents appreciated active ideas during the summer months

Highlights - what worked well?

~ Businesses were very receptive and supportive of the program.
A example of supportive businesses - One displayed photos in their business window of children receiving their badges.
Another business welcomed participants by having "Welcome Robson Valley Explorers" on their businesses billboard.
~ Lanyards were seen on various times during the summer with over 75 children actively doing the program
~ PRIZES! Children were very excited about entering the prize for a "Robson Valley active basket" or a "Private Movie Night" at the Library. Gave children incentive for completing all badges.
~ Visiting each classroom & handing out the 1st badge exclusive to school children "Smarty Pants" Badge.

What were the goals/objectives of your program?

~ Getting children active in the community
~ Giving children in the community additional activities to participate in during the summer months
~ Supporting Local Businesses & Services
~ Encouraging children & families to explore what our community has to offer
~ Creating partnerships between the library & local businesses/ services

What would you change about this program?

~ We would like to expand the program to include the local motels and lodges to give tourists with families something to do with their children while they stay in our valley.
~ Expand our badges to include more locations or events