At Stanley Park Ecology Society, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the wonders of our environment. However, for many students, financial barriers can make this connection seem out of reach. Thanks to the incredible generosity of YVR (Vancouver International Airport), we have been able to remove these barriers and bring the magic of Stanley Park to students who might not otherwise have had the chance.
Bringing Nature to the Classroom
Each year, SPES offers a selection of 10 themed, curriculum-based field trips to over 5,000 students from kindergarten to Grade 12. These field trips provide a unique, hands-on learning experience where students can explore the diverse ecosystems of Stanley Park, including its forests, beaches, and wetlands. However, the costs associated with these trips—up to $1,000 per class if they require bus transportation—can be prohibitive, especially for schools serving equity-deserving communities.
Recognizing this need, YVR stepped in to help us launch a new initiative aimed at subsidizing field trip fees and transportation costs for classes from underserved communities. This generous support has allowed us to offer low or no-cost field trips to these schools, ensuring that students could benefit from our engaging and educational programs.
Impact in Action
In total, we hosted 19 classes and 471 students on these subsidized field trips through the 2023-2024 school year. The feedback from teachers and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting just how important these experiences are for young learners.
One teacher shared:
“Our students would not likely have been able to experience this wonderful program if we had not received free transportation and discounted program fees. Many of our families struggle financially, and field trip fees can be difficult for them. We are very grateful to have received this opportunity.”
Looking Forward
We are incredibly grateful to YVR for their support in making this program possible. Their commitment to community and education has opened doors for students who might not otherwise have had the chance to explore the natural world in such a meaningful way. As we look to the future, we hope to continue expanding access to our programs, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, can experience the joy and wonder of learning in nature.
Thank you, YVR, for helping us inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Learn More and Get Involved
To learn more about our educational programs and bring your own class to Stanley Park, visit our Field Trip page. Consider donating here so we can provide more opportunities like this to classes who need it.