By Sarah Fullerton
Digital Communications Specialist
Since 1994, the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival has been a cornerstone of environmental education in the region. Founded by Earth and Environmental Sciences alumnus Peter Grey, this annual event draws approximately 6,000 elementary students each year, fostering a deep understanding of water resources among young learners.
Over 600 volunteers are needed to facilitate operations and run 50 water-related activities that engage and educate elementary students on water stewardship. University of Waterloo students, faculty, and staff, along with groundwater specialists, members of industry and government, and high school student volunteers come together to make the event possible.
The Faculty of Science’s Earth Sciences Museum has been a dedicated partner since the festival’s inception. Each year, the museum recruits volunteers to help run activities during the five-day event held in the spring. Activities include educational booths that teach students about aquifers, the Great Lakes, the ocean, wetlands, and more. Whether it's digging their hands in the sand, looking through a microscope, or playing a game, children are encouraged to participate at each booth for an engaging learning experience.
Beyond the five-day event, meticulous planning and coordination by volunteer board members is done throughout the year to ensure the festival runs smoothly. Among these dedicated members is Earth Sciences Museum Curator, Corina McDonald.
“We strive to create an event that not only educates but also inspires students,” says McDonald. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we have on the community each year. The festival has run so long that elementary children that attended the festival in the past have come back to help as high school students, and then as adult volunteers who bring their children to attend the festival.”
Her efforts, along with many others, are essential to providing children with the opportunity to acquire knowledge that will empower them to initiate change within their homes, schools, and communities.
You can learn more about the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival on their website.
