July 10, 2010 - 9:04pm
Ice cream treats were handed out along with diplomas for 77 participants in a popular program for grandparents and their grandchildren at Vancouver Island University.
GrandKids University ran for two days at the Nanaimo campus of VIU. Participants earned their diplomas through hands-on learning experiences in Field Biology, Anthropology, Fisheries & Aquaculture and Earth Sciences. Many also stayed overnight in campus residences.
The program has doubled in size since it began in 2008.
“The program provides a very special time and place for these generations to interact without the parents of the child. We have had some grandparents and their grandchildren take part in all three years. It’s a great opportunity for participants to have fun while learning from university instructors,” said program coordinator, Nahanni Ackroyd
“As their souvenir T-shirts proclaim, VIU hopes to welcome the young learners back as full-time university students,” said Ackroyd.
She added that some of the grandparents are already taking other courses at VIU as a result of their previous time with GrandKids University.
In addition to demonstrations and activities such as aquatic insect cataloguing during classroom sessions, participants took part in optional programs including sports with a VIU Mariner student/athlete and splatter paint art projects.
VIU esthetics students also provided optional mini-manicures and hand and arm massages, a popular activity at GrandKids U. The program is currently geared for children aged 7 to 12 and their grandparent or favourite adult.
GrandKids University is offered through the Faculty of Adult and Continuing Education. Watch for details later this year about the 2011 program on the faculty’s website: .
Tags: In the Community
