Fostering in youth a curiosity to keep learning about the natural world and being responsible stewards of the land as well as helping to solidify a foundation in science and art are primary goals at Aspen Ranch Canada.
"Everything that's around us is tied into science in some sort of way," said Dante Muzzo, a camp director and retired science teacher who helped establish the ranch some 20 years ago. Originally started for Calgary-area schools, the program has long since expanded to cater also to local kids, he said.
The avid science enthusiast said he enjoys not only the opportunity to work outdoors, but also being able to impart knowledge about the natural world to younger generations while encouraging children to nurture a "curiosity for how things come to be, or why something is the way that it is."
In an age of growing science skepticism and a public perception of elitism projected onto scientists, making otherwise challenging concepts easier to understand is as important as it has ever been, he said.
When asked about public figures and science spokespersons such as Bill Nye the Science Guy, Muzzo said such individuals bring the subject matter right down to a level that everyone can wrap their heads around.
"That's what science should be about. There's no arrogance about them. I'm intrigued by good presenters and fun presenters."
Located about 20 minutes from Sundre on the north side of Highway 587 just east of Highway 22, the ranch every summer makes available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis a weeklong science camp called Minds in Motion that is followed by a weeklong art program for students in grades 3-9. The site features a blend of biodiversity in its ecosystems and boasts rolling hills, pastures, forests as well as a creek, he said.
The University of Calgary's science department has a coordinator for Minds in Motion who arranges to schedule graduate students to run the camps, which include activities pertaining to such fields as biology, physics, robotics, computer sciences and chemistry, he said.
While the day camps last throughout one week from Monday to Friday, children are bused out in the morning and brought home in the afternoon, he said.
"We provide for these camps free busing for the kids from Sundre."
Although some people might equate quality programs with a hefty price tag, he said exceptional options are nevertheless made available through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and community-minded people.
This year, a total of 20 children were signed up for the science camp while 26 took part in the art program, he said.
"I went last year for science camp and art camp," said Brooke Rosevear, 9, who returned for this year's art program near the end of July with her brother Cole, 8, who had never before been to the ranch.
"I really liked pottery and making puppets," she said, adding other activities included a hands-on approach to creating paint blob monsters as well as symmetrical patterns of colours.
"We used our thumbprints to make birds," said Cole, who also said he loved the pottery and that he had never had the chance to do any such project in art class at school.
"I made a moon and a snowman and a circle face!"
At the end of the week, the children got to bring home all of their projects.
"It was my first time there, and so far it's been fun!" said Natalia Klis, 9, who like her friends enjoyed pottery as well as painting and also agreed she was glad to have the opportunity to attend.
Although summer camp operations at Aspen Ranch are limited to the two weeklong science and art programs due to financial restrictions, the non-profit organization is active throughout the rest of the year as well.
"We make our centre available during the regular school year for kids to come out and do ecosystems studies," said Muzzo.
For example, every fall during the third week of September the camp hosts a farm safety and agricultural awareness program for Grade 4 students, who among other things learn about modern environmental stewardship practices, he said, adding that 350 children from numerous regional communities ó Bowden, Rocky Mountain House, Olds, Caroline, Spruce View, Penhold, Cremona and of course Sundre ó come to take part.
That program is in large part supported by Red Deer County as well as Mountain View County and Clearwater County. The summer programs are mostly made possible through volunteer support from a fundraising group of parents as well as financial donations from companies like Shell Canada, he said.
A newer service now available through the camp's website offers Internet surfers the opportunity to access the ranch's observatory.
"We have an observatory that the kids will be able to access via the Internet. They'll be able to navigate themselves through the heavens through the convenience of the Internet from the comfort of their homes," he said, adding a user only need sign up to book a block of time to remotely access and use the telescope free of charge.
"What I would want to share with your readers is the community should really rally and be supportive of opportunities for kids such as the ones we have here."
Visit www.aspenranchcanada.com for more information on the camp's programs and available services or to contribute a donation. Also helping to offset the costs of running the camp are 12 serviced camping sites that are available as soon as the weather is warm enough, he said.
The camp has limited spaces available for its summer programs, so parents are encouraged to register early ó especially if their children are keen to go.
"I want to go next year, and the year after that, and the year after that!" Brooke expressed enthusiastically.
