Smileys

June 15, 2013
9 AM
Learn to Fish

This is an exciting, hands-on, informative program for youth ages 7 and up (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) focusing on fisheries science, recreation, healthy outdoor living and an appreciation for Nova Scotia's aquatic environment. The program consists of a "classroom" component and outdoor session. In class, we will learn: freshwater sport fish ID, fish habitat, what fish eat, aging fish, how to assemble a fishing rod, terminal tackle, knot tying, safety, ethics and respect the importance of healthy living and outdoor recreation. At the water, we will learn: safety based casting and baiting the hook, retention and catch and release techniques, sportsmanship and follow 'leave no trace' principles. Dress warmly (weather appropriate), wear rubber boots and prepare to get wet. Bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Sponsored by the NS Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture and the NS Department of Natural Resources. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Participants must receive confirmation from the park in order to participate in this event. To pre-register, contact Jodi at jlgreenough18@gmail.com (prior to June 3^rd) or contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca. (after June 3rd).

June 22, 2013
2 PM
Blacksmithing Basics - An Introduction to Forging

Blacksmiths were an integral part of agricultural life many years ago, and the local area around Smileys Provincial Park was no exception. Come experience a piece of local heritage with Blacksmith, Dan Brazzell, as he demonstrates the art of traditional blacksmithing. Please check at the Park Office for the meeting location. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

June 22, 2013
9 PM
Night Prowl

Come explore Smileys in all its nighttime glory. Join Zoologist, Andrew Hebda, from the NS Museum of Natural History, as he takes you on a prowl for things that go 'bump' in the night. An event for the entire family. Dress for weather conditions and wear waterproof shoes as you will be taking a wander upstream. Bring flashlights, insect repellent, and water. Check with the park office regarding the meeting place for this event. The Night Prowl will start at last light, approximately 9 PM. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

June 29, 2013
2 PM
Lady Slipper Day

Come enjoy an easy, guided tour of Smileys Provincial Park highlighting one of nature's wonders - the Showy Lady Slipper. Dress for weather conditions and wear waterproof boots as the walk is quite wet! Bring your camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 1, 2013
11:45 AM Meet/ Noon start
Canada Day Bicycle Parade

Celebrate Canada Day! Children are invited to decorate their bikes and join the parade through the park and then enjoy some cake! Don't forget your bike helmets! The parade will begin at noon sharp with the singing of O Canada. We will meet at the Campground Host site #48 in the Cherry Loop near the comfort station at 11:45 AM. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 6, 2013
2 PM
Creature Feature

Join Forest Technician, Jordan Post, to find out what wonderful critters and creatures call Smileys home. You'll learn about all sorts of creatures that spend time on land and also in the air. What do they eat, what sort of place do they make their homes in, and so much more. Dress for weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and water. Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 13, 2013
10 AM
Archery

Come try your hand at archery. Once you learn how to select your bow, arrows and other archery equipment, it's time to hone your skills on the target range. You'll learn these 'finer points' from experienced archer, Joanne Spencer of Raven Archery. Sponsored by the Annapolis Valley Shooting Sports Club and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Please check at the Park Office for the meeting location. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 13, 2013
2 PM
Homemade Ice Cream

Enjoy a taste of our rich agricultural history and observe how to milk a cow. Learn the art of making ice cream by hand, the way farmers of this area have done for generations. We will meet across from the park office. Dress for weather conditions. Sponsored by the local Annapolis Valley dairy farmers and the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 20, 2013
11 AM - 2 PM
Family Fun Day

Celebrate Canada’s Parks Day with activities that include face painting, piñatas, races, displays, crafts, free BBQ, an antique fire truck and the NS Department of Natural Resources helicopter (availability dependent on weather and fire hazard conditions)! Dress for weather conditions as Fun Day will go ahead rain or shine! Meet by the playground in the day-use area of the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

July 27, 2013
2 PM
Wilderness Survival

Join Kara McCurdy, for a fun and informative afternoon learning how to build a shelter, build a fire and bring a kettle of water to boil on your fire! Please check at the park office for the meeting location. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

August 3, 2013
2 PM
Gold Panning

Come try your hand at gold panning and maybe even find some gold! Join park staff for this fun and informative introductory event. Pans are limited, so if you have your own (a frisbee works well), please bring it along. Dress to get wet as this event takes place in the river! Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

August 10, 2013
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Storybook Walk

Join us on the trails for a modest hike as we share some of our favorite nature based story books. Along the walk and in between readings we will use our senses to explore wildlife and look for signs to learn about some of their fascinating stories as well. This program is designed for families and younger participants ages four and up, adult supervision is required. Feel free to bring any nature storybook to share although keep in mind we may not get to all of them. Dress for weather conditions and wear sturdy footwear. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Meet at the Park Office. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact Amelia at (902) 384-3420, or email coxaw@gov.ns.ca.

August 17, 2013
2 PM
Survive!

Could you rescue yourself if you found yourself stranded in the middle of the woods with nothing but the clothes on your back? Do you know what you can eat in the woods and what you cannot? If you were injured without a first aid kit, would you know what to do? Would you be able to tell what direction you needed to go in to find your way out? What would you do when it got dark? To find out some survival tips and tricks for staying alive when stranded, join us for this event! Dress for the weather and to be in the woods. Please bring insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat. Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

August 24, 2013
2 PM
Wetland Wonders

Did you know wetlands actually filter polluted water? Ponds and marshes are important habitats for many plants and animals. Put on your boots and prepare to muck around as we look for frogs, salamanders, water insects, wetland plants and much more. If we are really quiet, we may even see some turtles or other wetland visitors! Dress to get wet and dirty and also for weather conditions. If you have a bug net or container, feel free to bring it along. Please check with the park office for a meeting place. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

August 31, 2013
2 PM
Fly Fishing

Often called a graceful art form, fly fishing can be an enjoyable lifetime pursuit. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fly-casting, rods, reels, line selection, and the equipment needed to get started. Come join fly fishing expert, Brian Gilbert, as we practice casting and try to encourage a fish to come to our fly. Dress to be in the river! Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water and snacks. Please check with the office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca. 

September 6, 2013
TBA
Nova East Astronomy Star Party

Friday September 6 - Sunday September 8

This is the annual camping and observing weekend for the Halifax Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Minas Astronomy Group. There will be various sessions throughout the day on how to use a telescope, astrophotography, as well as talks by guest speakers. In the evening there will be observing sessions scheduled with the public invited until 12:00 AM (weather permitting). Pre-registration is required and participation fees will be collected. Please note that regular camping fees apply. For more information and to pre-register contact Blair at b.macdonald@ns.sympatico.ca or visit our website at www.halifax.rasc.ca/ne.

September 14, 2013
2 PM
Fascinating Fossils

Join Dr. John Calder, NS Department of Natural Resources Senior Geologist and author of Coal Age Galapagos: The Joggins Fossil Cliffs, for a show and tell interpretive event. Have a hands-on look at Nova Scotia's rich history of life in the fossil record. Please check at the Park Office for the meeting place for this event. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.

September 21, 2013
2 PM
Golden Gourd Hunt

Bring the kids and enjoy a 'good ole' scavenger hunt! Kids will be grouped according to age, and set loose to hunt down the Golden Gourd! Dress for weather conditions and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and a grocery bag as there may be some other ‘treasures’ along the way. Meet in the picnic park across from the park office. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.