Last weekend became a five day weekend for me as I spent time with my extended family at Clear Lake. This annual tradition has its origin more than 20 years ago. This year Kim Plett, our Education Coordinator, picked up my pen in my absence and provided an overview of this year’s education program. Thanks, Kim.
“The Education program was once again very busy during the spring and summer months. In May and June we had a total of 2,745 children coming from 60 schools from Southern Manitoba. During July and August we had over 15 daycare groups here in the village with over 200 children in total.
“The interpretive tours were our most popular tour option for school and daycare groups. School groups walked around the yard visiting the different buildings located on the village main street. They were greeted by interpreters dressed in period costumes who told the children about Mennonite history and culture and explained the significance of the building they were in.
“The hands on tours were also very well received as children got to experience baking schnetje, making a nail ring at the blacksmith shop, helping the Miller make flour, learning how to write on slate boards and writing with old fashioned ink pens. Children loved the hands on, pioneer skills they learned!
“Our Summer Pioneer Day camps this year were successful again. The camps were offered July 9-12 and August 13-16. Children came first thing Monday morning and stayed till 3:00 pm daily. Old fashioned games, snacks, songs, arts and crafts were just some of the things the children got to do! On the last day of camp the parents came to join their children for a wagon ride and enjoyed a slide show from the weeks’ activities.
