OCNews

It started with a patch of unused school ground and an idea. When North Glenmore Elementary School teacher Erin Burton secured funding through the BC Parks Foundation’s Learning by Nature Program to transform a corner of her school’s grounds, she made a phone call she wasn’t sure would go anywhere. She reached out to the Trades and Apprenticeship Department at Okanagan College (OC). 

Turns out, it was the right call.

More than 30 of OC’s Trades Sampler students — high school students from School District 23 (SD23) exploring careers in construction and other skilled trades — spent two and a half days at the elementary school in Kelowna, working side by side with more than 50 kindergarten to grade three students to build a vibrant outdoor learning garden.

The finished space features garden beds for Indigenous plants, a seating area and bird, bee and butterfly houses crafted from fallen logs, all built with young hands under the careful guidance of OC instructors and their teenage students.

Before arriving at the school, the OC students prepared more than 50 fallen logs and pre-cut and pre-drilled several wildlife houses. When they arrived at the elementary school, they also came ready to roll up their sleeves and pass along their learnings.

“We are so grateful to OC, and in particular, Travis Neigum, the Trades Sampler instructor, for all of the planning and preparation that went into this build,” shared Burton. “The high school students in the program were so patient and became inspiring mentors for our students. I hope that they feel proud of this work.”

For the elementary school students, the two and a half days offered an experience of the weight of a real tool in hand, working on a meaningful project and learning from an older student standing beside them, showing them the way.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while giving back to the community,” said Neigum. “It was especially rewarding to see the younger students gain the confidence to safely use the tools themselves and take pride in the result. That hands-on experience is where learning really takes shape.” 

The team at the BC Parks Foundation echo that sentiment. 

"This project beautifully demonstrates how outdoor learning brings people together across ages, experiences, and learning journeys,” said Jennie McCaffrey, vice president, health & education, BC Parks Foundation. “By working side by side with mentors from Okanagan College, these students have created a space that will support learning, play and connection to nature for years to come. We're proud to support projects that help young people develop confidence, curiosity and a lasting relationship with the natural world.” 

The garden space is expected to provide ongoing opportunities for students to engage with nature, learn about local ecosystems and continue developing curiosity and confidence through outdoor, experiential learning for years to come.

“This collaboration is a great example of how experiential learning, community partnership and mentorship come together in meaningful ways,” said OC’s Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, Tanya Tarlit. “Our students are developing practical skills while inspiring the younger generation, which aligns with the college’s commitment to hands-on education and community connection.” 

To learn more about the Trades and Apprenticeship programs, including the Trades Sampler programs at Okanagan College, visit okanagancollege.ca/trades.