Today’s post comes from Sebastian Basualto, parks program educator for Awenda Provincial Park.
Hello, I’m Sebastian, program educator here at Awenda Provincial Park.
Before joining Awenda, I spent years teaching in Toronto’s bustling classrooms. Working at Awenda has been a significant change, but it’s given me a unique opportunity to blend my love for teaching with my passion for nature.
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An inspiring park
Growing up, Awenda was more than just a park to me — it was practically my backyard.
Every year since I was in first grade, my family and I would head up to our cottage at Sawlog Bay, just a stone’s throw away from the park. Those summers were filled with hikes through the forest trails, exploring the shoreline, and watching the seasons change from our own little corner of Georgian Bay.
Now, stepping into this role, I feel like I’ve come full circle — sharing the magic of Awenda with a new generation who, like me, might just fall in love with these woods and waters for life.
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Enriching programs
Working alongside Chief Park Naturalist Tim Tully and Senior Naturalist Katy McKay has been an incredible learning experience. Their deep knowledge and passion for the park’s ecology and history have enriched my understanding and allowed me to bring even more depth to the programs we offer.
At Awenda, I aim to connect students to the beauty and richness of the natural world. This park is a place of endless wonder — from the vibrant fall foliage that lights up our trails to the soft lapping waves along the Georgian Bay shorelines. It’s a living classroom where each season, every leaf and animal has a story to tell.
Our school programs allow students to explore this natural classroom firsthand.
Recently, I had the pleasure of guiding students through hands-on activities like nature journaling, a simple, yet engaging way for students to practice being present and actively observe their environment.
One of my favorite activities was leading a watershed construction challenge along the beach, where students creatively built tiny watersheds using sand, sticks, and stones, discussing the importance of water systems.
Perhaps the most magical moment was watching the students pause on a forested trail, overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope of autumn colors.
One student summed it up perfectly, saying, “When you look around, it looks like a fairytale!” Comments like these remind me why connecting students to nature is so vital.
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Looking for an experience that goes beyond the four walls of a classroom?
Awenda’s programs are more than just outdoor activities; they’re experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and a love for the environment.
Awenda is ready to welcome you and your students. Email is awenda@ontario.ca to plan your visit.
We’re here to help young learners see the world differently, inspiring them to cherish and protect the natural spaces we all share.
