A March Break Nature Camp, from March 16 to 20, is being held at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre and registration is open.

“Our March break camp invites young explorers ages four-12 to spend their week outdoors discovering the magic of the natural world. Guided by experienced environmental educators, campers will learn, play, and grow through immersive activities that spark curiosity and build confidence in the great outdoors,” reads a release for the camp.

New this year, are single day options available March 16, 17 and 18 for campers ages seven-12. Contact the office to discus single day options for four- to six-year-old campers.

The camp runs from 8:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily with aftercare available until 5:15 p.m. for an added fee.

The cost is $350 for the week. For complete information and to register visit campkawartha.ca/summer-camp/peterborough-day-camps. Email sarah@campkawartha.ca or call 705-652-3860, ext. 201, with any questions.

Outdoors For All Campaign

For some children, the chance to explore the outdoors, learn about the environment, and experience the joy of camp isn’t guaranteed, but Camp Kawartha believes the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. Its Outdoors for All campaign helps children experience these moments, regardless of circumstances.

Help a child experience the magic of Camp Kawartha and the outdoors, by making a donation to this subsidy fund. Visit

canadahelps.org/en/charities/camp-kawartha-incorporated/campaign/outdoorsforall.

The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets Friday, March 6 at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services Building at Riverview Park and Zoo. If you prefer to attend online, the option to do so via Zoom is available. Community members are invited to either attend or join in virtually.

A novice astronomy class begins at 6 p.m. and runs for approximately 45 minutes. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. Participants need not to have attended previous classes and are welcome to stay for the meeting that follows, but there is no obligation.

This month’s novice class, Aliens Part 2: Is There Anyone Out There?, continues last month’s class in the examination of life in the universe. 

“We move on to consider cosmological and geological prerequisites influencing whether life can arise,” says Rick Stankiewicz, PAA publicity director. “Is life an unavoidable outcome given the right conditions and enough time? Astrobiology as a legitimate and cutting-edge science is leading the way in determining how we might think about answering this and other questions using Earth as an analogue. Is there life out there with which we might communicate?” 

The interactive segment of the class will examine how tenacious life can be and its ability to exploit extreme environments.

The main presentation at 7 p.m. is, The PiFinder — Pi in the Sky, by PAA member, Rodger Forsyth.

“PiFinder is a plate solving device to assist in aiming a telescope. It is based on a Raspberry Pi 4B and is fully self contained. It takes a photo of the stars that the telescope is aimed at and compares that to a database to determine where the telescope is pointed. With this information it can now guide you to your object of interest,” explains Stankiewicz.

There will be ample opportunities during the evening to ask any questions you have. Also, The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website listed below, for all to access. 

To participate in the Zoom meeting, register in advance at peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php where you will receive the password and link to the meeting’s classes and presentations. 

There is no cost and the meeting is open to all ages. The facility is barrier free. For further information visit peterboroughastronomy.com.

© Peterborough Examiner