Children soaked up the sun and the dirt at the Fernie Community Eco Garden last Thursday as part of the Little Sprouts program.
From hanging hula hoops to tents and tunnels, the activities were endless during the last scheduled play date of the season.
“They dig in the dirt and they play in the mud, and they just get dirty and have fun,” program coordinator Chrisy Hill said. “The kids get to come and socialize, especially in the summer.”
The program, sponsored by the Woman’s Resource Centre, was held every Thursday morning from June till the end of August.
Program Assistant Carissa Hart noted that Fernie does not have many structured programs in the summer, and Little Sprouts gives children a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
She went on to say, “Kids get to play in the natural world. It’s [also] a good place for moms to come together and meet, and have kids socialize.”
Hill added that the program focuses on “getting people here who need to be here,” whether that be moms who are new to the community or vacationers.
Little Sprouts invites children six and under and their caregivers to the Eco Garden and this year they averageD about 50 children each week, giving them a chance to participate in themed activities.