ACTIVITIES

Turning the decision-making power over to the participants is important in planning projects, completing activities, getting materials, etc. Having the group as the driving force behind the plans gives them ownership of the project. At the same time it builds thinking skills and increases interest and enthusiasm in their learning.

Once plans have been made, the tools and equipment specific to each project must then be acquired. From this, a variety of new learning experiences such as communication, math, budgeting, etc., can occur, benefiting each participant.

A timeline of events and projects is helpful. This allows participants a chance to fine- tune their plans, prepare materials, arrange advertising, adjust for weather, etc.

Having individuals and groups take-on the ownership of specific activities, has been one of the most beneficial aspects of 'their' project. They have a committed interest in the quality and outcome of what was their concept and design. To participate in a project from start to finish greatly increases self esteem.

An essential part of a Trails' project involves the gathering of information through surveys, pictorial records, journals, periodic progress reports, etc. This information provides an avenue of learning for participants, covering evaluation, planning, statistical analysis and math.

Some of the activities and events that have been planned and carried out through Trails to Literacy are:

• Nature Walks - coordinated by participants, with nature guides from local areas to answer questions on the flora and fauna along the trail.
  
• Star Gazing and Owl Hoot - led by a local astronomer and biologist, participants viewed the night skies and learned about different species of owls and nocturnal birds.
  
• Children's Walk - organized in partnership with a local childcare centre, children and Trails participants hiked a portion of the Trans Canada Trail, examining the beauty of nature as seen through the eyes of a child.

• Carpentry - Several projects were researched, planned, costed, scale diagrams drawn, etc. Bird feeders, birdhouses, bat roosts, butterfly boxes, signage, benches and shelters, were constructed and placed along the trail.
  
• Chainsaw Safety Course - St.Lawrence College in Kingston offered a chainsaw course in which successful participants received a certificate.

• Computer Upgrading - was ongoing with the demand unique to each individual project. An" Introduction to Computers" training course was given to promote the use of computers for the purpose of research by the participants.
  
• Electrical Hand Tool Safety Course - this was an essential part of the program. The course provided individuals with knowledge of electrical hand tools and how to use them safely.
  
• Floats - creating and submitting floats in the local Santa Claus and Canada Day parades allowed individuals to learn and demonstrate skills in the design and construction of each one. Skills in teamwork, measuring and costing were also displayed. This provided an excellent marketing opportunity.
  
• Gingerbread Display - A replica of a historical railway station was researched and designed. The finished result was entered in a local Festival of Trees competition and received a second place ribbon.
  
• Promotional Displays - A number of presentations were organized and presented by participants at local events, tourism workshops and inter-agency meetings.
  
• Newspaper - Articles reporting projects underway, significant events and future plans were written by our participants, staff and local reporters. (see samples in Scrapbook)
  
• Newsletters - were created and this proved to be one of the most successful projects developed by the participants. The Knapsack in Frontenac circulated over 600 copies four times a year. This provided a venue for publishing written work, research, success stories and marketing our project
  
• Signs - Working with local trail supervisory committees, participants designed and created signs to identify and mark the trails. Plaques have provided information on local history, geography, plants and animals. Signs also mark significant land marks, roads and trail branches.
  
• Conservation - Partnering with local conservation committees on a project to help design and create pamphlets; do research and gather information; participate in rural rambles; build nesting boxes; and rehab' wildlife areas.
  
• Museums - With a local museum helped design and create a tour guide of the museum written in language geared to lower levels of literacy. This hopefully will encourage more people to use the museum.
  
• Cultural - exploring native heritage and developing workshops to create cradle boards, moccasins, hair roaches and talking sticks.
  
• Horticulture - collecting native plants in area and researching their history and use with the help of a horticulturist.
  
• Writers Group - having guest speakers present different styles of writing to the group and spending time writing and commenting on each others work.
  

Excerpt from tool costing day trip report:

."..just a final note; we learned several factors today in our journey:
1. Communications, team spirit, public relations, costing, budgeting and comparison.
2. We learned about metric, converting between meters and feet, symbols, and established use by trades people
3. We also learned about several types of electric/hand tools and what they were designed to do. ex: Routers-sign lettering, table edges, boring, etc.; Jigsaws- fine scroll cutting, curves, etc.; Skill saw- ripping, framing etc.
4. Safety and respect for operating and maintaining equipment."
'Tool man' (a Volunteer Tutor)

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