School programs were developed with Beyond the Classroom principles and cover many areas in the curriculum. We offer pre-school and kindergarten programs along with Grade 4 and 5 programs at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Meeting Creek Railway Station and Elevator Park Site. Full-day programs run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. dependent on the distance of travel. We adapt the program and the time to meet the school time requirements.
School Contribution for Programs
- A minimum of one volunteer per four students is recommended. This can include parents, teacher, and assistants arranged by the school.
- Appropriate clothing for adults and students for weather conditions.
- One week prior to coming, some programs require a list of the names of students and adults attending, and all programs require a list of any allergies of students.
Pre-school and Kindergarten Programs
Experience includes making gingerbread cookies, outdoor experiences in the Children’s Secret Garden, story, song, dance, and crafts. These programs are offered during May and June as half- or full-day programs. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Day in the Life of the Station: Grade 4
This program includes curriculum components for English Language Arts and Social Studies in recognition and respect for individuals and their collective identities as well as the challenges and opportunities that immigration presents to newcomers. This program requires a list of first names and costume preferences of each child emailed to the Administrative Coordinator one week prior to the program date. This program is held at the Camrose Heritage Station and Park site, Camrose, Alberta. Students and volunteers will be divided into groups and upon arrival and students will dress in period clothing. Students will be met by role-playing adults who have taken on cultural roles. Adults and students will work as a team to prepare a pioneer lunch. Following lunch preparation, the ‘new train recruits’ will have an opportunity to work in discovery and problem solving tasks while taking on the roles of the Maintenance Crew, Agent/Operator, Freight Agent, Engineer, Firemen and Conductor. After lunch and a time to revisit pioneer games the students regroup inside for shared learning and cultural experience time. Using artifacts from their discovery tasks, each group gives a description of what they have learned. The life of earlier days is compared to today.
The Land and Its History: Grade 4 and 5 – This program will be held once yearly in June.
This unique program takes place on site at the Meeting Creek Station and Elevator Park in Meeting Creek, Alberta. The science-based curriculum covers environment. Students use discovery kits for unique hands-on experiences outdoors on the Park Linear Trail. Students become aware of the need for conservation of water and land. Through use of discovery experiences the program addresses the historical Social Studies component while exploring the 1913 restored station and elevator. Students compare today’s life to how the people of the railway and the pioneers lived. We request at least two volunteers from the school plus your usual staff (teacher, assistant). Students and volunteers bring lunch and their own snack. Time: 9:30 – 2:30 pm dependent on bus time. This program will be held yearly in June, and is limited to four school classes.
Location and Booking Information
For more information or to book your Pre-school, Kindergarten, Grade 4 or Grade 5 class for a day of learning, sharing and hands-on nature discovery contact the Station Administrative Coordinator by email: canadiannorthern@telus.net
The Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Park is owned and operated by the Canadian Northern Society. The Society is a registered charity, operated by volunteers.