Registration for the Halton Children's Water Festival is now open for Halton teachers and students

Conservation Halton and Halton Region will be co-hosting the sixth annual Halton Children’s Water Festival (HCWF) from September 27 to 30, 2011. The festival educates children about water, one of the world’s most precious resources, and is once again being held outdoors at the picturesque Kelso Conservation Area in Milton. Registration for this year’s Festival is now open and teachers can sign their classes up through the website located at “(_)www.hcwf.ca:“http://www.hcwf.ca.

The Festival has grown every year since it began in 2006. Grade two students were added in 2007, and the Festival expanded from three to four days in 2008. Attendance has also risen from 3,000 students in 2006 to an anticipated 4,200 students in 2011.

“The Halton Children’s Water Festival has been successful in instilling a strong conservation ethic in the students who have participated, by encouraging them to be good stewards of natural areas and watercourses,” said John Vice, Conservation Halton Chairman. “Hosting the Festival at the Kelso Conservation Area also gives children the opportunity to learn about the environment, in the environment.”

The Festival is co-hosted by Conservation Halton and Halton Region in partnership with the Halton District School Board, the Halton Catholic District School Board, The City of Burlington, The Town of Halton Hills, The Town of Milton and The Town of Oakville. Conservation Halton Chairman John Vice and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr serve as the Festival’s Honorary Co-Chairs.

“The Halton Children’s Water Festival is a great opportunity to remind children about the importance of water in our every day lives,” said Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair and Honorary Water Festival Co-Chair. “After this year’s Festival, approximately 17,000 elementary school students will have had the opportunity to become environmental stewards while learning about water and the value of protecting and preserving it.”

Students will have a unique opportunity to learn about water in a fun and interactive way while covering Ontario curriculum requirements. The festival features nearly 60 curriculum-based, hands-on activity centres that incorporate four central water related themes:

• Water Science and Technology
• Water Conservation and Protection
• Water Health and Safety
• Water and Society

The Festival is a community partnership that depends on over 150 volunteers each day to assist with various activities. Each year, Halton high school students, staff from partner organizations and community volunteers all generously offer their time, while gaining experience with community outreach, public speaking, teaching, and time management. Residents and community groups who would like to volunteer this year can contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866 or TTY 905-827-9833.

The Festival is offered to Halton schools at a cost of $4 per child, which includes a full day at the Festival as well as transportation to and from the event. For more information on the Halton Children’s Water Festival, please visit “(_)www.hcwf.ca:“http://www.hcwf.ca or www.halton.ca/water.

Support Our Sponsors