Margaret Duncan has been a passionate volunteer with the Estevan and Area Literacy Club for nearly a decade, playing a key role in the development and delivery of its summer programming. Her involvement with Summer Smarts, formerly known as Nature Smarts, has helped shape a space where children can explore literacy through hands-on learning, creativity, and outdoor experiences. “We have different themes each week,” she explained, “some of them have been learning about First Nations communities, learning about how science is part of our daily work, and learning about plants and insects, just different things that I think the kids will be interested in.”
Each week is carefully designed to engage children through multiple learning styles. “We try to have some science-based activities along with crafts so that kids can learn through different modalities,” Margaret said. Whether it’s reading outside in nature or experimenting with solar ovens, the goal is always to make learning fun and accessible. This summer, she was supported by student helper Sarah Pyra, whom Margaret described as “a big help.” Sarah assisted with everything from guiding kids to the park to helping facilitate activities. “She’s worked with the kids, helped bring them back and forth to the park—we try and read outside and everything and be in nature.”
The final day of the program was a celebration of everything they’d accomplished. Families gathered at the splash park for a potluck featuring dishes from various cultures, face painting, and tie-dye crafts. “It was our wind-up, our last day,” Margaret said. “Some of the kids came every single day during the summer, so you really form a strong bond with them, and they form good friendships as well.”
For Margaret, the most rewarding part is seeing the wonder in the kids’ eyes. “The highlight for me was watching the kids be amazed every time we did something,” she shared. “Kids have this amazing way of being excited over simple things, and I think we have to stop and realize how great the little things in life are.” Looking ahead, she hopes the program continues to grow and reach more families. “I hope that we can keep running this program. So if anyone has kiddos who are between the ages of four and twelve next summer, we hope to see you.”
The final day was a celebration of community, complete with face painting, splash park fun, tie-dye shirts, and a potluck featuring dishes from diverse cultures. But the real stars of the show were the kids themselves—eager learners with curious minds and plenty to say about their summer adventures.
Ralph Panlilio was fascinated by a filter that “turns all the bad water to grilled water,” while Carl Contillo proudly shared his fire station knowledge: “Someone said I have to get my job application ready because I knew everything about the fire station!”
The kids also experimented with solar ovens—though not everyone was a fan of the results. “The marshmallows were softer, and I did not like the marshmallows,” Ralph admitted.
Crafts, games, and cultural experiences rounded out the program. “We made bannock and put jam on it,” Carl said. “Everyone liked it, mostly.”
Ezra and Summer Cossette chimed in with memories of “special people” who visited and presentations that sparked their imaginations. “We made helicopters and learned about science, and the police came,” he added. "We talked about First Nations," Summer explained.
From learning about city police and fire trucks to making bannock and playing at the park, the kids’ enthusiasm was infectious. Their voices captured the heart of Summer Smarts—where learning is hands-on, friendships are formed, and every day brings something new.
As the season wraps up, Duncan hopes to see even more young learners next year. “If anyone has kiddos between the ages of four and twelve, we hope to see you next summer.”
In Estevan, programs like Summer Smarts remind us that education doesn’t stop when school’s out—and sometimes, the best lessons come with a splash of paint, a sticky marshmallow, and a whole lot of laughter.
Summer Smarts is proudly run through the Estevan Literacy Club, a local initiative dedicated to fostering a love of reading, creativity, and lifelong learning in children. Through seasonal programs like this, the club continues to build strong community connections and inspire young minds across southeast Saskatchewan.