Summer events upcoming at Caledon Public Library and Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives

By Zachary Roman

With two months of summer left, there's lots to do in and around Caledon.

The Caledon Public Library (CPL) has activities happening nearly every day in the summer months.

On July 27, Scientists in School will host an event from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Alton branch of the CPL. Called “noticing nature”, the event will teach children ages six to 12 how to notice the sounds of nature around them, and will include some crafting too.

On August 15, the CPL will host a family fun trivia night. From 7 to 8 p.m. families can compete in a pop-culture trivia challenge online or in person at the Albion Bolton branch of the CPL.

“Questions will cover a variety of pop-culture topics including everything from anime to video games, superheroes to TV shows, and anything in between,” say organizers. “Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Door prizes will be given to those who are able to attend in-person.”

On August 18, local author Robyn Gram-Barclay will visit the Caledon Village branch of the CPL for a story time geared towards kids ages two to nine. From 1 to 2 p.m. Gram-Barclay will read her two books: My Good Friend, Ted! and My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in the Ocean of Colour. Gram-Barclay illustrated her two books with watercolour, and will answer any questions about her books and how she got them published. 

The CPL has ongoing book clubs, knitting groups, tech help sessions, crafting galore and more. Those interested in learning more about the CPL's events or registering for them can visit caledon.library.on.ca.

The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) has activities planned all summer long. It's hosting an “Adventures in Nature” kids summer camp from July 24 to 28. Children ages six to 12 will learn about the connections between art, nature and the environment at this camp.

Campers will paint “en plein air”, which means painting landscapes in the outdoors, and explore how natural elements can be included in art. The camp also includes nature walks and more. 

From July 31 to August 4, PAMA will run a camp for kids ages six to 12 called “Mixed Media Extravaganza.” Campers will paint, create sculptures, make collages, use pastels and more at the camp, which is dedicated to creativity. 

On August 12, Brampton artist Deon Best will be hosting a workshop on Modern Batik, an East African fabric art form. According to PAMA, Batik is an art form that uses wax and dye to create designs on fabric. Workshop participants will be able to try this for themselves and learn the basics of Batik. Materials will be provided to participants and no prior experience is necessary.

On August 24, certified forest therapy guide Sock Gee Gan will host a forest bathing exercise.

“Discover a practice that brings people closer with nature and supports healing and wellness through natural environments,” reads PAMA's site. “Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to ‘forest bathing'. Experience the benefits of slow-paced wandering in nature with a trained forest therapy guide on this guided journey.”

For more information on PAMA's summer programs or to sign up for them, those interested can visit pama.peelregion.ca.