- Jardin botanique
Violène Simard receives 2019 Hommage Award from Association des camps du Québec
Raising awareness of nature through day camps
Recreational science coordinator and head of Youth Garden programs and the Jardin botanique day camp Violène Simard established the Jardin botanique day camp—an idea she dreamt up with the support of Les Amis du Jardin botanique—close to 30 years ago. She subsequently developed all the related programs, becoming one of the pioneers of natural science camps in Quebec. A great ambassador for the importance of contact with nature, for both young and old alike, she even brought new audiences to the Youth Gardens: grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as children with various slight intellectual disabilities. Always eager to renew herself, she recently integrated philosophical discussions into some scientific day camps activities.
A natural science ambassador
Violène, who loves to share her knowledge and contagious enthusiasm for science and nature, has been a lasting source of inspiration to hundreds of science guides, monitors and assistant guides. Some campers have even gone on to become guides and then regular Espace pour la vie employees! She has also been actively involved in a number of community organizations, including the Association des camps du Québec, groups promoting urban farming and various local organizations, helping to raise the profile of the Jardin botanique and Espace pour la vie. Under Violène’s guidance, the Jardin botanique’s camps were an immediate success and they continue to offer wonderful experiences to hundreds of children every summer.