Still Space for SKIP this Sunday!

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!

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, winter | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Winter Session for SKIP!

The Friends will be offering a set of four winter and early spring programs based on its successful Super Kids In Parks series.

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.

“We’re taking some of our popular programs and reformatting them to provide four educational activities from February through April at the park,” explained Stephanie Gray, the Friends’ education committee chairperson. “It’s a bit more relaxed than the weekly seasonal series we offered in the past and will also provide opportunities for families to get involved.”

On offer this season is a nature hike on snowshoes on Feb. 3 starting from the main ski lot, an ice fishing experience on Feb. 17 (part of Ontario Family Fishing Weekend) starting from the Park Store, a shelter building and outdoor cooking experience on March 3 at the Park Store area and a pond study on April 28 in the main park.

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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.

“There are huge benefits for children who are connected with nature, and through SKIP we are hoping to provide interesting opportunities for kids and their families to take part in outdoor activities and learn a little something about nature at the same time,” said Cindy Deachman, Friends president.

Pre-registration is requested for the programs so the Friends can ensure there is an adequate number of volunteers and equipment for the activities. Registration is limited (first come, first served). Program leaders and volunteers have a wide range of expertise and experience. Parents who wish to drop off their 7- to 10-year-old children for the program must download and submit a signed permission form from the website and the fee is $10 per child ($12 at the door). Space permitting, families may participate with their registered children for $25, which includes the cost of a daily vehicle pass. Visit the Super Kids In Parks page for registration and general information.

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, Uncategorized, winter | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Check out the amazing ski trails!

Our friends at the Tay Valley Ski Club have been busy grooming the trails at Murphys Point – so grab your cross-country skis and head out to the park to experience this winter wonderland! Many folks (including our own Mike Murphy on Facebook) are reporting that the trails are great and the park looks gorgeous. There are 13 km of groomed, trackset trails for classic skiing and a 4-km loop for skate skiing. Permits are available at the main lot and you can stop at the drive shed at the Lally Homestead to enjoy some shelter and the woodstove – bring your lunch!

Check out the ski club’s website for more information. Click here for a map of the trails.

Have fun!

Posted in cross country skiing, Murphys Point, skiing, Tay Valley Ski Club, winter | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment