Young investigators enjoy CSI experience

Times Reporter

 

There has been speculation about what sort of things the newly formed Strathmore FCSS will be offering to the community. One thing Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Linda Nelson promised was exciting, new kids programming. Nelson invited me, Mayor and council, and town staff to test out one of the programs being offered during the Spring Adventure Quest being held April 2 to 5. 

Anyone who knows me would know it was a no brainer for me when I found out I would be partaking in a murder mystery. I mean, come on! A crime, an investigation and an opportunity to think like a kid? It couldn’t have been presented to me any better. 

On Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. we met in the council chambers for a briefing, and to find out who would be a part of our investigative team. We were split into three teams.

Brenda Holder, of Mahikan Trails out of Canmore, gave us the news: the remains of an animal had been discovered and it was up to us to solve the crime. We would first visit the crime scene, and then it was up to us to use our best investigative and teamwork skills at each station to gather as many clues and facts as we could before presenting our case to the crown prosecutor. 

Despite the chill to the wind it was easy to see how a child would take to the program, the right amount of imagination mixed with the six different areas of the investigation made the plot come to life. I was looking for clues everywhere, tracking people to check the pattern on their boots and looking at everything as if it was a part of the investigation. 

“I love telling adults how kids always do better, because they do. They seem to have a much better grasp on the concepts that we’re trying to introduce and they’re also astute, they are literal at everything. They will go into extreme detail and they ask questions adults don’t even think about asking and they’re very smart,” said Holder. 

“What’s really interesting is they really begin to have a different understanding of the animal world and they get quite excited about it, kids love animals. So they have a very good understanding about the animal world and then they…suddenly realize that they may have a different talent that they didn’t discover before, but the other thing is, is that they also have a different level of confidence because they really have truly contributed to it.”

Holder and her husband Dave began Mahikan Trails in 1995 and it was initially offered to the British Military. Since 2000 the Holders have been adding in both corporate and school groups. She said many adults already have an idea in their head about how the ‘crime’ happened, whereas kids will ask questions about everything.  

Joseph Macdonald, who helped as one of the guides on Saturday, said each group’s first analysis of the ‘kill’ site was always wrong, but then questions were asked to help determine what the truth was. Being willing to ask questions, of course, led to the right results. 

“It’s actually amazing the kids will go through that process too and they’ll learn to encourage one another. It’s positive on both levels because with adults it’s often really good for people to look around and say ‘wow those other people I work with have a lot to contribute if I take the opportunity to listen’,” said Macdonald. 

“Then if they take the opportunity to speak up, it’s a two way street. Kids will realize that too…and they really go home proud because they did work it out and contributed to solving the problem.”

At the end of the investigation each team once again gathered in the council chambers to present their case. It was clear everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, and there was easy competitive banter being tossed between the teams. The compliments for the program were high.

“I’m really happy that it’s the town that’s going to be putting on this program, this is something that we’re doing for our constituents and I think it’s going to make a big difference especially for the youngsters, I think this is a great learning experience for them,” said Councillor Bob Sobol.

“It had each of (us) working together to solve the situation. When the children come to the event at the spring break it will be challenging for them to solve the situation. The event was well run and the organizers had good props,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dwight Stanford. 

“Confidence building for the kids,” said Councillor Dave Hamilton. 

“(It’s) a great program, I believe it’s going to help FCSS a great deal, it’s something new to the community,” said Mayor Steve Grajczyk. 

“I think it would be a blast for a kids, just a blast. That’s why we picked these guys is for their program because I know they get rave reviews from teachers and parents and the kids talk about it I guess for weeks afterwards,” said Nelson. 

The CSI  nature and farm portions of the Spring Adventure Quest are only one part of what will be offered over the four day Easter break. There will also be a Geo Cache, Hunger Games, Tracking Games and much more. Registration will also include two afternoon swims. There are a total of 60 spots available, 30 for children ages 6-9 and 30 for the 10-12-years-old range. For more information or to register contact Strathmore FCSS at 403-934-9090.