School Programs
The education programs offered by the Museum at Campbell River are intended to complement and enrich specific areas of the school curriculum. The content of these programs reflects the Museum's extensive collection of historic and ethnographic artifacts from Northern Vancouver Island. Working on the premise that children learn and remember through personal involvement, participatory and "hands-on" activities form an important component of all museum visits. Our staff present the guided museum programs with trained museum volunteers called docents.
New this year!
'Basketry Traditions Around the World"*
For thousands of years people have used plant fibres to weave a surprising variety of useful products. Containers are just 
the tip of the iceberg when it comes to basketry. Clothing, shelter... even bridges were all manufactured using basic basket-making techniques. Following a short slide presentation, sutdents will use simple Kwakwaka'wakw basket making methods to make a project they can take home. *Our new Basketry program can be adapted to different age groups.
Primary Programs
Salt Chuck and Stump Farms 
K-1
Ever wonder what it was like to live 100 years ago? Step into Mr. Curtis' log cabin and find out. Students will explore how families lived , played and worked in the days before cars, stores and TV.
Pioneer Communities
Grades 2 & 3
How did Campbell River come to be? Using slides, gallery exploration and lots of hands on learning, student will discover how pioneer communities in this area grew and evolved.
Other Times, Other Ways
K-1
What is it like to live in a house that's 600 ft. long? ...to go to Quadra Island by canoe instead of ferry? Students will explore continuity and change in the First Nations communities of this area.
Intermediate Programs
First Nations of Northern Vancouver Island
Grade 4
Who are the Lekwiltok? Where is Klamatook? Students will have an opportunity to learn more about the First Nations of this region, past and present, and to experiment with traditional technologies.
Voyage of Discovery - European Exploration of Vancouver Island
Grade 4 
Step into our Transitions Gallery to learn about European exploration and the impact of colonization on local First Nations. Working in teams students will try for themselves some of the mapping technology used by Spanish and British explorers.
Fishing for a Living
Grades 5 & 6
First Nations, Chinese and Japanese people all had specialized roles in the salmon fishing industry. Students will explore the sociological and technological evolution of this 'pioneer industry.'
Logging in the Jungles
Grades 5 & 6
While other parts of the province experienced a gold rush, here on the island we had a timber rush. Find out how this industry shaped settlement on the north island. Students may even try their hands with a 'Swedish fiddle!'
Middle & High school Programs
Stones, Bones and Middens - Archaeological Investigations of the Northwest Coast
Grade 7
How do archaeologists decipher the past? In this program students are taught how to 'read' artifacts. Using real artifacts recovered from local sites, they explore the more than 8,000 years of human history on this part of the coast. They also use pre-European manufacturing techniques to make a xwádlayu (ground slate fish knife) to take home.
Where Are the Children?
This program explores the legacy of Canada’s residential school system. During the program individuals who attended Saint Michael’s Indian Residential school in Alert Bay recount their personal experiences. Students explore the concepts of integration, assimilation and segregation in the context of residential schools. They put themselves in the place of First Nations students in a residential school setting to gain insight into the impact residential school policies had on the lives of First Nations children and their families.
The Impact of Colonization
In the 1770’s Juan Perez and James Cook ‘discovered’ lands that Kwakwaka’wakw and Nuu chah nulth nations had called home for thousands of years. This program explores European exploration and settlement of the central coast from the perspective of the people who were already living here.
CHANGING EXHIBITS GALLERY
As the name suggests, exhibits in this gallery change regularly. School programming to complement these temporary exhibits is often available.
SEASONAL PROGRAMMING
Halloween Special
Grades 2 & 3 only
A gallery tour interrupted by visits from Halloween spirits. Limited bookings available from October 26 to October 29.
Christmas Special
K - 1 only
Children travel back in time to help Aunt Winnie prepare the cabin for Christmas. Available December only. Spaces fill up fast so book early to avoid disappointment.
RESOURCE MATERIALS
A variety of educational resource materials are available for use in the classroom. These include a selection of archival photographs, videos, artifacts and Education Kits.
Booking Information
Education Programs are offered at the Museum Tuesday - Friday. Advance booking is required. Teachers wishing to book a program should contact the School Programmer Marlene Pearson by phone at (250) 287-3103 or e-mail at school.programs@crmuseum.ca
