Programming at the Deanery has always been a dance. The tune changes frequently, and consequently so too have our programs. As the province continues to relax Covid restrictions, we’re happy to be putting together lots of new programming for people of all ages. Details and registration for all programs are available on Facebook, and www.thedeaneryproject.com.
Deanery Open Houses (first Sunday of the month: March 6/April 3) have expanded activities. Pre-school Forest Fun programming from 10-noon, is followed by Nat’s Pizza Bonanza lunch til 2:00. From 1:00 – 3:00 there are tours, a music jam and artist demos. If you miss an Open House come by for a delectable Sunday Brunch March 27th or April 10th.
We have exciting March Break programming for ages 13-18. Register for a day or the whole week. Themes include: Our Ocean Supermarket: Foraging for Marine Foods; Smart Scrapping: Creative ways to repurpose your trash; Our Zombie Apocalypse: Responding to the Climate Crisis; and How to Start a Movement: Teens Confronting Climate Change.
2022 is rich with programs geared to connecting people of all ages with nature and the night sky. On March 19th we are launching Explore the Universe with a presentation by Royal Astronomical Society Fellow David Chapman in the evening. During the day, there’s Maple Tree Tapping with Jim Turner. Other nature programs in the works include: seed starting, mushroom cultivation, and worm farming (vermicomposting). And we’re offering stained glass workshops in our new studio.
Introduction to Natural Building is an online course that will help participants think through options for environmentally responsible building; four classes Monday evenings from March 28th to April 11th.
With a slick new projector set-up in the Main Hall, we have started hosting cozy movie nights the second Tuesday of the month. Sharing a movie with friends, popcorn, and a fire in the woodstove is a sweet alternative to Netflicks at home. By donation.
Our online affiliation with Earth Activist Training (EAT) continues to expand. I will be the lead instructor for many of the EAT permaculture programs/certificates. Check out www.EarthActivistTraining.org for details. Contact me at the Deanery to register. We have full diversity scholarships available for BIPOC applicants.
An unexpected silver lining of the pandemic for the Deanery unfolded as national environmental organizations sought out smaller local organizations to partner with. Since the summer of 2020 we have been hosting in-person and online programs with Ocean Wise and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
Both offer exciting immersive programs for in-depth learning, and youth engagement centered around conservation efforts across Canada. Their service-learning programs connect folks under 30 years old with experiences in environmental conservation, adventurous field work, research projects, and educational and outreach programs. In January the Deanery began a three month project with two Direct Action/Ocean Wise youth, and will welcome two Canadian Conservation Corps (CWF) youth in April.
Both organizations are currently accepting applications for 2022-23. They provide fully-funded opportunities for participants at locations across Canada to gain skills, and make a difference in these challenging environmental times. They are actively seeking applications from rural Atlantic Canada. Check out: education.ocean.org and CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca. Please encourage anyone interested in this opportunity to apply!
Lots going on!! Please call 902-845-1888 for more information, watch our website, and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date: www.thedeaneryproject.com Hope to see you on site soon!
-- Deanery Program Director Charles Williams
