The Bondar Challenge

Attention Parents! Does your child enjoy photography? Does your child enjoy nature? Is your child eager to exercise their skills while learning in a fun and positive environment? We have the perfect opportunity for you!

The Riverview Park & Zoo (RPZ) and Otonabee Conservation are pleased to announce that we have teamed up to bring you The Virtual Bondar Challenge Summer Camp during July and August.

Registration for the Bondar Challenge Virtual Summer Camp Program is now open.  Three sessions are being offered. Please note, you can register anytime in the first week of the camp:

• July 27th - August 7th, 2020

• August 10th - to August 21st, 2020

• August 24th to September 4th, 2020

The Bondar Challenge, developed by The Roberta Bondar Foundation, teaches youth about their natural environment through the art of photography. Over the course of twelve days, participants will learn a variety of photography techniques, ranging from basic to advanced, through the Google Classroom on-line forum.

Participants will then have the opportunity to apply these skills as they explore the scenic environments in their own backyard, neighborhood, on local trails, in parks, or conservation areas with their friends and family.

A series of weekly challenges and prizes encourages participants to spend time outside capturing the beauty of flora and fauna in our local environment. At the end of this program, participants will choose their best photograph for submission to The Roberta Bondar Foundation. A panel of judges will evaluate photographs submitted by youth from across Canada, to select winning photographs for the summer of 2020. Winners will have their photograph featured on The Roberta Bondar Foundation’s website and will be awarded a variety of prizes.

This year, we have developed an on-line format for the Bondar Challenge Summer Camp to keep kids active and keep them safe as we all work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This summer camp program can be completed over the course of 12 days, and includes approximately 3 hours of computer time and 3 to 6 hours of outdoor photography and exploring nature on your own schedule.

For more information email connect@riverviewparkandzoo.ca or call us at 705-748-9301 ex: 2304, available 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.