Friends of Murphys Point Park

Don’t Miss Ice Fishing with SKIP!

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Join the Friends of Murphys Point on Sunday, Feb. 17 for ice fishing at the park!

As part of Ontario Family Fishing Weekend, the Friends are hosting a Super Kids In Parks event that will introduce children and families to the popular winter sport. Ontario Family Fishing Events give people a chance to experience ice fishing licence free in Ontario.

SKIP is an outdoor learning program at Murphys Point Provincial Park that aims to help kids ages 7 to 10 connect with nature through a range of activities that promote active and healthy living. Activities are geared towards 7- to 10-year olds, but the whole family can get involved.

Conservation officers and Friends volunteers will run the program, which features a demonstration of ice fishing equipment and techniques, as well as an opportunity for everyone to give it a try.

“This is a fun introduction to ice fishing for anyone who has never tried it before,” said Stephanie Gray, Friends’ education committee chairperson, “and it is also a chance for those who frequently go ice fishing to come out for an afternoon at the park and show their skills.”

Ice fishing at SKIP in 2011.

Equipment will be provided, but anyone who has their own is welcome to bring it along.

The program will start from the Park Store at 1 p.m. and runs until 3. Participants should dress for the weather, although a warm shelter (and hot chocolate!) will be available.

Space is limited and pre-registration is preferred so the Friends can ensure there is enough equipment and volunteers. If ice conditions are not safe enough to run the program, a message will be posted here on the website by 10 a.m. on Feb. 17.

Children ages 7 to 10 can be dropped off (with a signed permission form) for the program or families can take part. For fees and registration information (including the permission form), check the Super Kids In Parks page. Space permitting, registrations may be accepted at the door.

Two more SKIP programs will be held this winter and spring, including an outdoor cooking and shelter-building experience on March 3 at the Lally Homestead and a pond study in the main park on April 28. Watch for details!

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, Ontario Family Fishing, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, Uncategorized, Volunteer, winter | Tagged Friends of Murphys Point Park, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, tay valley township, winter | Leave a comment

SKIP on Snowshoes!

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Super Kids In Parks became Survival Kids In Parks on Sunday, Feb. 3 as an intrepid group of hikers set out to explore Murphys Point along a fun, challenging route!

The first SKIP program of the 2013 series was held from 1 to 3 p.m. There wasn’t a lot of snow, but the skiff that was there covered a layer of ice, so the snowshoes with crampons for gripping were actually very handy.

Snowshoe basics

Volunteer Phill started us off with some snowshoeing basics (thanks for bringing the snowshoes, Phill!), and once we were strapped in our interpreter Alida led us along an exciting trail marked especially for SKIP. The first stop was at a “vernal” or spring pool, where Alida talked about species of frogs that freeze solid when they hibernate. Brrrr!

Alida at vernal pool

The rugged trail was loads of fun as we scrambled over logs and around boulders in good old Canadian Shield country. Volunteers Don and Steph took up the rear to make sure everyone stayed together.

Shield country

We frequently stopped to talk about the animals and birds that call various types of habitat home, and we identified numerous tracks along the way, including deer, rabbits, squirrels and wild turkeys.

Checking tracks

As we reached the pinnacle of the hike, the chalet was in sight – where volunteer Judy was ready with hot chocolate for everyone.

Almost there!

Thanks to all who participated in our snowshoeing adventure. Ice fishing is our next SKIP program on Feb. 17 – check the Super Kids In Parks page for registration info. Hope to see you there!

(Photos by S. Gray)

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Geology, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, Volunteer, winter | Tagged Friends of Murphys Point Park, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, perth historical society, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, tay valley township, winter | Leave a comment

Still Space for SKIP this Sunday!

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Don’t be discouraged by the weather forecast – we’re still planning to have some outdoor fun on Sunday with Super Kids In Parks and there is still lots of space!

The Friends are running four SKIP programs this winter, and the first one is this Sunday, Feb. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. It will feature a winter nature hike and, depending on the conditions, will either be on snowshoes or regular feet! Alida and Phill will lead the hike and other fun games and activities (geared for 7- to 10-year olds) starting from the main ski parking lot (just before the park entrance). There will be a break for hot chocolate, too!

Please pre-register so the Friends can ensure there is an adequate number of volunteers and equipment for the activities. Registration is limited (first come, first served). Parents can drop off their 7- to 10-year-old children for the program (with a permission form) or, space permitting, families may participate. For fees and registration information, see the Super Kids In Parks page.

Registration is also open for the next program, an ice fishing experience on Feb. 17 (part of Ontario Family Fishing Weekend). March 3 will feature a shelter building and outdoor cooking experience at the Lally Homestead and on April 28 we’ll be celebrating spring with a pond study. Stay tuned for details!

All programs will take place on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. and equipment will be provided. There are warm shelters at each activity location if required. Participants should bring a water bottle and dress for the weather.

SKIP is an outdoor learning program at Murphys Point Provincial Park that aims to help kids ages 7 to 10 connect with nature through a range of activities that promote active and healthy living. Seasonal sessions were offered throughout 2010 and in 2011.

Hope to see you there!