Local youths learned more about the animals found in Saskatchewan, thanks to a program offered by the Souris Valley Museum.
Teeth, Claws, Fur and Wings – All About Saskatchewan Animals was at the museum on Friday afternoon. It was offered through the museum’s No School Day workshop program, which is offered on professional development days.
“This is our fifth one of the year, and they have been very successful,” said Mark Veneziano, the museum’s curator-director.
The program’s morning session emphasized some of the different animals children would see in Saskatchewan, including bears, raccoons, skunks, cougars and the Arctic fox. Participants learned about what the animals eat and the habitat where they reside.
Youths also played games, created crafts and went on scavenger hunts – all with animal themes.
In the afternoon, children learned about Indigenous stories and the importance of animals in their culture, with an emphasis on the buffalo and the turtle.
“We’re trying to pick topics that kids are interested in,” said Veneziano. “We’re also trying to make the programming here at the museum a little more diverse. We really cater our programs to make sure children will enjoy themselves.”
The animal theme was suggested by a child from a previous program, so the museum decided to try it.
The workshops allow the children to attend in the morning or the afternoon, or both sessions.
The May program will teach children about the weather.
