Educational Programs and Field Trips

Get your students out of the classroom and increase their physical literacy. Play soccer in a blow up bubble or experience a new sport that you may not have tried before. Depending on the size of your group, you will be able to pick a variety of sports for your students to rotate through.

Program Options:

• Bubble Soccer
• Disc Golf
• Dodgeball
• Flag Football
• Handball
• Lacrosse
• Shuttle Baseball
• Soccer
• Speedminton
• Team Building
• Ultimate Frisbee

School Electives: Inquire about creating a customized program for your class.

Grades: 1 to 12
Class Size: 20+ participants (smaller groups are also available)
Available: October to April
Duration: Half day or full day
Location: Richmond Green Sports Dome
Pricing: Half day: $9.95 per person    Full day: $14.95 per person

How to Book: 
Jen Cockburn
Outdoor Education and Challenge Course Program Coordinator
905-773-4630, ext. 2458
jen.cockburn@richmondhill.ca 

Students must bring their own skates and helmets. Rental options are not available.

Grades: 1 to 12
Class Size: Maximum of 250 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 2 hours (1 hour rental, access to change rooms 30 minutes before and after)
Location: Elgin Barrow Arena, Bond Lake Arena, Ed Sackfield Arena, Elvis Stojko Arena, Tom Graham Arena
Pricing: $119.82* +HST
*School rate pricing only between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to Book: 
Facility Rental
905-771-8800
bookings@richmondhill.ca 

On-ice instructors will teach balance and gliding, forwards and backwards skating, and stopping and turning. Students will take part in games and fun skating activities! Find a session that works for your class schedule! Lessons are conducted during the school day. We have flexible times and locations across Richmond Hill.

Students will require: Skates and CSA approved helmets with facemasks

Book your class program today!
For more information and bookings contact Paul Collins at 905-884-1368, ext. 227 or paul.collins@richmondhill.ca.

Richmond Hill offers a variety of swim programs that are sure to make a splash with your students. Pool Play programs help build confidence and self-esteem, while learning the value of teamwork and being active.

Pool Play/Structured Play Activities

Students will have fun in the water learning unique new games and activities under the supervision and direction of a certified swim instructor/lifeguard. You may choose a combination of activities (15-30 minutes per activity) for your students to rotate through.

Grades: 4 to 8
Class Size: 24 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: $119.70* +HST

How to Book: Contact the Aquatic Coordinator at the facility of your choice.

*The instructor to student ratio is 1:8. If more than 24 students participate, the fee will increase as additional instructors are required.

Structured Play Activities
Swim instructors will lead your class through a number of structured activities/games, including but not limited to: Manikin Tow Relay, Sharks and Minnows, Chuck the Duck, Blob Tag, Waterpolo, Super Saver Obstacle Course, Build a Boat, Get to Safety.
Location: All Pools

Basketball
Basketball with a splash of excitement! While floating on an innertube, your
students will practice passing and shooting skills, play games and have fun.
Location: The Wave Pool

Innertube Waterpolo
A fun way to get active in the pool! While floating on an innertube, your
students will learn basic skills through drills for ball handling, passing and
shooting. Participants will also have a chance to play in a game.
Location: The Wave Pool, Oak Ridges Pool

Underwater Hockey
A unique way to bring the game of hockey into the pool! In the shallow end,
under the direction of a swim instructor, participants will be introduced to the
basic skills of underwater hockey. Special sticks and pucks will be provided
to play games of hockey underwater. Goggles are strongly recommended.
Location: The Wave Pool, Centennial Pool

Volleyball
Where diving for the volleyball ends in a splash. Participants will practice
basic volleyball skills, play games and have fun.
Location: The Wave Pool

Swim to Survive

Swim to Survive! The Lifesaving Society's Swim-to-Survive^® Standard defines the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. These are expressed in a skill sequence in the Swim-to-Survive^® standard. 
Students will receive a Swim-to-Survive^® Certificate.

Grades: 1 to 5
Class Size: 24 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 3 classes, 1 hour each or 4 classes, 45 minutes each
Location: All pools
Pricing: $359.10* +HST per group for 3 classes

How to Book: Contact the Aquatic Coordinator at the facility of your choice.

Swim to Survive Plus

Swim to Survive Plus builds on the training provided in the Swim-to-Survive^® program. Swim to Survive Plus teaches the skills needed to survive real-life aquatic situations and to safely assist a friend.
Students will receive a Swim to Survive Plus Certificate.

Grades: 1 to 5
Class Size: 24 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 3 classes, 1 hour each or 4 classes, 45 minutes each
Location: All pools
Pricing: $359.10* +HST per group for 3 classes

How to Book: Contact the Aquatic Coordinator at the facility of your choice. 

Swim Lessons

Richmond Hill offers the Lifesaving Society Swim-for-Life^® Program. This program places emphasis on swimming and water survival skills. The program focuses on developing strong, effective strokes. This program is suited for all levels from beginner to advanced.

Grades: 1 to 3
Class Size: 24 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 6 classes, 30 minutes each
Location: All pools
Pricing: $359.10* +HST per group for 6 classes. There is an additional cost of $1.97 +HST per student, for report cards.

How to Book: Contact the Aquatic Coordinator at the facility of your choice. 

Grades: 4 and up
Class Size: 24 participants
Available: September to June
Duration: 6 classes, 30 minutes each
Location: All pools
Pricing: $538.65* +HST per group for 6 classes. There is an additional cost of $1.97 +HST per student, for report cards.

How to Book: Contact the Aquatic Coordinator at the facility of your choice.

 *The instructor to student ratio is 1:8. If more than 24 students participate, the fee will increase as additional instructors are required.

Richmond Hill's Adventure Series programs offer students a variety of outdoor experiences to spark their sense of exploration and discovery. 

School Electives: Inquire about creating a customized program for your class.

Grades: 1 to 12
Class Size: 20+ participants 
Available: October to April
Duration: Half day or full day
Location: Oak Ridges Community Centre, Phyllis Rawlinson Park
Pricing: Half day: $12 per person Full day: $16 per person
For groups with less than 20 participants and/or multi-day programs, please call for pricing.

How to Book: 
Jen Cockburn
Outdoor Education and Challenge Course Program Coordinator
905-773-4630, ext. 2458
jen.cockburn@richmondhill.ca 

Choose two to four of the below programs to make a full or half day field trip.

Animal Totems
Students will have an opportunity to create a personal totem by using clay, paint and natural items found in the environment. The goal is to allow them to be creative and express who they are and what they love.

Bonfire
You and your students will join staff around a fire while listening to and creating their own campfire stories and songs and roasting marshmallows!

Bug Detectives
In this discovery and investigation-based program, students will take a closer look at their natural surroundings and creepy crawly neighbours. It's a chance to become bug detectives and build a bug hotel with us!

Cool Green Crafts
Don't throw that away! In this program, students will devise new uses for what was once discarded trash. Turn common recyclables into re-made art!

Fire Skills
Students will expand their survival skills in this hands-on class, including how to build their own fires, along with how to brew a cup of cedar tea.

Hiking
Come discover the sights and sounds of Richmond Hill by foot! It's a whole new world out there, a world of wonder and mystery, for students to discover together.

Orienteering
This program challenges both the body and mind! Orienteering offers students an opportunity to hone their decision-making skills by using a map and compass for navigation.

Outdoor Team Building
What's there to do outside? A lot! In this program, students will participate in a variety of exciting outdoor activities focusing on team building, communication and leadership.

Shelter Building
Students will develop their own survival skills in this class, including how to build their own shelters, while learning more about survival in the wilderness.

Archery
This program introduces students to the fundamental skills of archery. Instructors will offer step-by-step guidance on proper techniques, while maintaining a safe and engaging environment. All equipment will be supplied.

Campfire Cooking
In this program, students will discover a new way to cook their favourite foods in the great outdoors! They will be introduced to a variety of techniques and recipes for cooking over an open fire, gaining valuable skills.

Electric Treasure Hunt (Geo-caching)
This geocaching adventure teaches students the basics of orienteering, by showing them how to use a handheld GPS unit while searching for hidden treasure containers around the park. Students will work in teams to input and follow coordinates, solve puzzles and uncover hidden treasures.

Paper Making
Making recycled paper is an important lesson in reusing natural resources, not to mention that it's super fun! In this program, students will turn simple recyclables into sheets of paper, which they can use to create cards or wrapping paper. 
*Please note this program is not be available during the winter months.

Richmond Hill's 22-element dynamic ropes course will challenge and excite your students, while giving them the confidence to try anything. Experienced instructors will keep students physically and emotionally engaged as they experience the different elements of the ropes course. The program provides team building, communication, motivation and climbing instruction.

School Electives: Inquire about creating a customized program for your class.

Grades: 3 and up (ages 8+)
Class Size: 25+ participants 
Available: April to November
Duration: 2 to 5 hour bookings
Location: Eyer Wideman Youth Centre & Ropes Challenge Course
Pricing: Please call for pricing. Ask about groups with less than 20 participants and/or multi-day programs.

How to Book: 
Jen Cockburn
Outdoor Education and Challenge Course Program Coordinator
905-773-4630, ext. 2458
jen.cockburn@richmondhill.ca 

Take a walk back in time with one of our Heritage program field trips. These educational programs are designed to meet the requirements outlined in the Ontario curriculum. Programs are available at the Richmond Hill Heritage Centre and the Artifact Collections Facility.

Available: September to June
Pricing:
1.5 – 2 hours - $120 for up to 20 people, $6 per additional person
2 hours  - $130 for up to 20 people, $6.50 per additional person
3 hours - $140 up to 20 people, $7 per additional person

How to Book: 
Maggie Mackenzie
Heritage Centre Coordinator
905-737-1818
maggie.mackenzie@richmondhill.ca

Programs at the Heritage Centre: 
Students will have the opportunity to take a tour of the Heritage Centre and a walking tour of the historical neighbourhood. Participants should dress for the weather.

Programs at the Artifact Storage Facility: Students will have the opportunity to view Richmond Hill’s Heritage Collection of more than 10,000 artifacts and art pieces.

For more information, visit the Heritage Centre webpage. 

Cloaked in History - What's in Your Closet?
Students will have a chance to study clothing from the 1800s to 1900s from Richmond Hill's own collection.
Grades: 1 to 8 Duration: 1.5 hours Location: Artifact Collections Facility

For King and Empire*
Participants will explore local historical documents and artifacts as they learn about the Great War of 1914-1918 and its impact on the lives of ordinary Canadians.
Grades: 8 to 10 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre

Lights Around the World
Students will learn about a variety of cultures, tradition and celebrations which have been brought to Canada from all around the world. (Walking tour is not included with this program).
Grades: 1 and 2 Duration: 2 hours Location: Heritage Centre

Patterns for Living*
Participants will gain an understanding of early settlement land use and how
geographical characteristics made Richmond Hill an attractive destination.
Grade: 7 Duration: 3 hour Location: Heritage Centre

Pencil and Paper
Students will incorporate the principles of design and composition into the illustration of their own works of art. Interpretive storytelling from art and cultural contexts will be covered in this program. Students will have the opportunity to view Richmond Hill’s Heritage Collection of more than 10,000 artifacts and art pieces.
Grades: 3 to 8 Duration: 1.5 hours Location: Artifact Collections Facility

Trade and Industry*
Students will learn about Canada’s growth using local historical documents and artifacts and will examine how trade and industry shaped the growth of Richmond Hill from its early days to present.
Grades: 4 to 6 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre

Traveller's Trunk*
Participants will learn about our early and recent settlers to this region
and what they may have brought with them.
Grade: 3 Duration: 3 hours Location: Heritage Centre

*Included walking tour around the neighbourhood.

Can’t make it to us? We’ll come to you!

The following programs can be brought to the classroom with our knowledgeable instructors:

• Travellers Trunk
• Patterns for Living
• Industry and Trade
• Archaeology to Go
• Lights Around the World

Self-Guided Edukits contain tangible artifacts that students can handle and background material on the history of Richmond Hill. Choose from Historic or Pre-historic kits.

Grades: 1 to 12
Available: Year round
Duration: 1 week rental
Location: Pick up and Drop off at McConaghy Centre
Pricing: $22.05 per kit/week

Walk through 200 years of history in Richmond Hill’s historical neighbourhoods and explore how the patterns of settlement shaped them into a thriving City.

Choose from the following:

• Church Street and the Bright Lights of Yonge Street
• Yonge Street West – and the Village Backstreets
• Gormley West – Heritage District
• The Mill Pond – Industry and Commerce
• Yonge Street North – Education and the Arts

Grades: 1 to 12
Available: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Location: Various locations in Richmond Hill 

Investigate the unique history of Richmond Hill, the restoration of the 1840’s regency-style Heritage Centre and its original owner, Amos Wright. There will be opportunities to ask questions and time for independent viewing of the gallery exhibits.

Grades: 1 to 12
Class size: Maximum of 30 participants
Available: Year round
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Heritage Centre
Pricing: $52.50 for up to 20 people, $2.62 per additional person 

Participants will enjoy a tour of the Heritage Centre and take part in an interactive activity.

Choose from the following activities:
Udderly Funtastic – Ages 5 to 9
Explore Richmond Hill’s dairy industry and learn to churn butter the old fashioned way! Participants will also create a craft.

Just Dyeing to Know – Ages 9 to 14
Participants will experiment with how petals, leaves and bark were used to create fabric dyes for 19th Century wool and yarn production.

NEW! The Canadian Community – Ages 6 to 12
Participants will explore the early and current Canadian community and will learn about national and provincial symbols past and present.

Ages: 5 – 14 years
Available: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hour
Location: Heritage Centre
Pricing: $81.90 for up to 12 people, $6.82 per additional person 

Choose from one of our tours and afterwards, your group can experience a full services traditional afternoon tea which includes finger sandwiches, scones, crème, preserves, and delicious treats accompanied by bottomless cups of tea, coffee and/or lemonade.

Grades: All grades
Available: Year round
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hour (depending on tour)
Location: Heritage Centre
Pricing: $275.62 for 15 people, $18.37 per additional person 

This program can be offered virtually or we can come to your location.

We've Got a Story to Tell! Discover the history of your community by taking part in an informative visual presentation exploring Richmond Hill's unique heritage! Presentations are approximately one hour long with the opportunity for Q and A at the end of the presentation. Choose from the following presentations:

Coming Up Roses – The History of a Blooming Important Industry!
In the early 20th century Richmond Hill was known as the "rose capital" of Canada and "We've Got a Story to Tell" about the history of this blooming important industry. This visual presentation will explore this industry and the several large Greenhouse companies that put Richmond Hill on the map.

Richmond Hill DDO - A History
The David Dunlap Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada and a well-known attraction since its opening on May 31, 1935. But did you know this site was a family farm throughout the 19th century and "we've got a story to tell" about the people that played an instrumental role in the development of the property. Join Richmond Hill Heritage This visual presentation will explore the history of the land and how it became the David Dunlap Observatory.

Growing Up Yonge – Richmond Hill’s “Main” Street
Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe officially established Yonge Street in the 1790s. Envisioned as a military road from the Town of York (now Toronto) to Holland Landing, Yonge Street opened up the northern part of York County for settlement—and positioned Richmond Hill as an essential stopping point along the two-day journey. This visual presentation will illustrate the growth and the people that were influential in the development of Richmond Hill’s “Main Street”.

Virtual Presentation Pricing
$100 for up to 20 people
$25 for each additional 10 people

In-person (at your site) Pricing
$120 for up to 20 people
$6 for each additional person

For the 2019-20 Educational Series at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, we have thoughtfully chosen 12 shows to reflect the stories and experiences of our community, each with an Ontario Curriculum connection for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Available shows:

• Dog Man: The Musical
• The Joshua Show
• The Berenstain Bears
• Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village
• The Magic School Bus
• Things My Fore Sisters Saw
• Yao Yao
• Ripopée
• Llama Llama Live
• The Little Mermaid
• Head À Tête
• The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito

Pricing: $15 per student. A 25% off discount code for the school bus will be provided upon booking. Each school receives two complimentary adult tickets for every 10 students booked. There is a $5 handling fee on all orders.

Educational Outreach
RHCPA takes its theatre programs off the stage and into your classroom. Three exciting categories of Educational Outreach programs are available: Pre- or Post-Show in Class Workshops, Guest Artists in The Classroom, and Afterschool or Lunchtime Classes. We'll be happy to work with you to find a program that best suits your needs.

How to Book:
Ashley Van Eysinga
Education Coordinator
905-787-8471, ext. 228
ashley.vaneysinga@richmondhill.ca

Engage young stargazers and science enthusiasts in our specialized educational programs tailored to your group’s needs. To check availability or to book a program, use our online DDO group booking request form.

Astronomy Program for Girl Guides and Scouts Canada
Fee: $200 for 20 people, $10 per additional person
Availability: September – April, Mondays – Thursdays, 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Astronomy Programs for School Groups
Grades: Meets Grade 3, 6, 9, and 12 Ontario Curriculum requirements. Programs can be tailored to students from grades SK – 12
Available: September – June, Mondays – Fridays, Weekdays (mornings or afternoons)
Pricing: $270 for 20 people, $13.50 per additional person

How to Book:
Complete the online DDO group booking request form.

Astronomy Programs for Special Interest Groups
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $270 for 20 people, $13.50 per additional person
Availability: September – April, Mondays – Fridays, Weekdays (mornings or afternoons)

DDO Administration Building Historical Tour
Come on a tour of the Administration Building to learn about the history of the land and see the architectural features of this Beaux-Arts style building. This tour includes the opportunity to see the Observatory’s 74-inch telescope.

Available: Year Round
Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: $80 for up to 20 people, $2.50 per additional person

How to Book: 
Complete the online DDO group booking request form.

Maggie Mackenzie
Heritage Centre Coordinator
905-737-1818, ext. 6007
maggie.mackenzie@richmondhill.ca 

Please Note: The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory and Administration buildings are historic buildings and are not accessible. Flights of stairs must be navigated in order to access amenities within the facilities such as washrooms.

Virtual Astronomy Presentation
Explore breaking news from space and current research into what lies beyond our home planet! We’ll take a virtual tour of the David Dunlap Observatory and enjoy a talk from a DDO Astronomer. We will also  provide accurate and detailed answers to your astronomy and space-related questions!

Pricing: $100 for up to 20 people, $25 for each additional 10 people