Apr. 3rd, 2012 – Eco-Ambassador Program Update

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Statefarm’s Eco-Ambassador Program begins Segment Three:  “Urban Ecology”

Our Statefarm funded Eco-Ambassador program is in full-swing. This week we began Segment Three: Urban Ecology. Evergreen staff, Stuart and Liz, visited the Academy and provided an introduction to the concept of Urban Ecology. We spent much of our time setting up a values system for our end of program project: Greening the FDC childcare space.



Last year the Academy began greening the childcare space. We had little idea what would be suitable – but we worked hard. As the snow melted and the ground became visible, at the FDC, we were eager to see last year’s survivors. With Evergreen’s expertise and our hard work – we look forward to an amazing space!

FDC Child Care space before greening transformation

Feb. 16th, 2012 – Evergreen Kitchen Session Pics

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Evergreen Brickworks, students and teachers alike put on there aprons and chefs hats to once again cook up a storm in Evergreens kitchen.  The theme this time was black box cooking. Students were given a bunch of different ingredients and given the opportunity to cook with those ingredients as they pleased. This allowed for the use of not only organic ingredients, but also an organic experience. Students learned how to use a variety of ingredients (a la Chef at Home) that they can find in their refrigerator to make a meal.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Jan. 24th, 2012 – Evergreen Volunteer Night

YMCA Academy Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning, Student Spotlight

The Academy’s own Jessie was honoured recently at Evergreen’s volunteer appreciation night.  The event was held at the Brickworks where Jessie has contributed many hours of volunteer work.  With support from Kaili and her co-op program at the Academy, Jessie’s placement with Evergreen has turned into a rich and rewarding experience that shows no signs of slowing down.  In addition to co-op hours, Jessie has volunteered on his own time in the summer months as well as with the Academy for their spring and fall stewardship program at Downsview Park.  Thanks for all you do, Jessie, and congratulations!

Visit the Evergreen Website

Nov. 8th, 2011 – Statefarm Cheque Granting Pics

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship

Statefarm grants Evergreen & the YMCA Academy a cheque for $39,090

Evergreen and The YMCA Academy are recent recipients of a state farm grant to fund the creation and implementation of the Eco-Ambassador program. Between September 2011 and June 2012, the YMCA Eco-Ambassadors project will engage our entire student body in a series of hands-on environmental education workshops and greening activities.  Each of the youth participants will engage in service learning in 3 subject areas:

  • Active transportation
  • Food systems
  • Urban ecology

Youth will collaborate with teachers and Evergreen staff to identify goals and activities for each module that match Ontario curriculum requirements with hands-on environmental opportunities.  Building on the momentum of 3 years of successful collaboration, the YMCA Eco-Ambassador program will generate teachable moments within YMCA Academy classrooms, and equip youth with the knowledge and skills to become ambassadors for sustainable living in their families and communities.

Between our hike through the Brickworks quarry and a workshop on bike tire repair, Statefarm representatives took a moment to give Academy the GIANT cheque.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Oct. 31st, 2011 – Evergreen ‘Eco Ambassadors’

YMCA Academy Community, Environmental Stewardship, Experiential Learning

Yesterday, a group of Academy students visited Evergreen Brickworks in the Don Valley. After a beautiful walk to a lookout point overlooking the city of Toronto and some beautiful fall foliage, students headed to the workshop to and learned to repair flat tires on bikes. The activities were part of the Active Transportation unit in the ‘Eco Ambassadors’ program, a partnership between the YMCA Academy and Evergreen Brickworks with generous support from Statefarm.

Check out the rest of the pictures on our Facebook Page!

Check out Evergreen Canada’s Website