Intergenerational Advisory Group Visit to Bronte Maple Syrup Festival
On March 16th, the Gilbrea Centre’s Intergenerational Advisory Group and staff visited Bronte Creek Provinal Park Maple Syrup Festival in Oakville for an exciting intergenerational event. The Intergenerational Advsory Group consists of older adults and McMaster students members who work with Gilbrea to consult on ongoing and future intergenerational work being done the Centre.
Noreen, an older adult member who attended the event had this to say about the day:
“The trip was a near perfect inter-generational event, from the interaction with the students from McMaster, the faculty, and staff and with the other adults in the group. It was insightful and delightful to observe the school age children who filled the grounds at the festival. [With] the warmth of the sun made it a perfect day to be outside, to connect, to learn something new and to enjoy the festival. [Also], the pancake lunch and the tractor ride was enjoyable too.”
Pictured: Anthea, Thamarah, Helen (co-author), Michelle and Noreen (co-author)
David, a student member who attended, shared his views on the event:
“I’m so glad I chose to go on this outing. Especially later in the term when the workload is at its highest, it can be hard to make time for more leisurely experiences. But I think times of stress are when we need this interaction and connection most! Ultimately, it was the highlight of my week and I think more students should be looking to engage with these types of events :)”
The day included a guided walk at the park which offered a tutorial and history of how maple syrup is made, visiting farm animals, toasting marshmallows, trying maple taffy, a tractor ride and concluded with a wonderful pancake lunch at the pancake house. The day was a social opportunity for older adults, students and Gilbrea staff to get together to engage in fun activities, forge meaningful connections, conversations, and memories.
Pictured: Jasmine (co-author), Michelle, Dalen, and David (co-author)
Helen, an older adult member shared her thoughts:
“Returning to Brontë Park and attending the Festival brought back so many wonderful family memories. The sunshine, the happy memories, and the conversation with new friends over sweet maple sugar made for a perfect day.”
Pictured: Helen (co-author)
Jasmine, a student member who attended the event felt that:
“Having the opportunity to go to the pancake house and enjoy eating with my peers, [older adults] and those on the Gilbrea team. It was a great time to relax and be in a new environment. I also really enjoyed going to the “Spruce Lane Farmhouse” and looking at the animals and the historical ways of life from the 1800s of how maple syrup was created throughout the years. We also had the opportunity to roast marshmallows and go to a gift shop, where we explored and looked at different sweets and spent time together!”
Pictured: Michelle, Dalen, Erin, Thamarah, Zoe and Jasmine (co-author)
Overall, the Intergenerational Advisory Group’s visit to Bronte Creek’s Maple Syrup Festival was was a day full of great fun, lively conversations, wonderful weather, and most importantly sweet maple treats! The event would not have been possible without the support and funding from The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, and the participation from our active Intergenerational Advisory Group.
