There’s a first time for everything, and this year marked our first time attending the July 1st Canada Day parade in Aurora. Everything went smoothly – the parking, the spot we found, and getting there on time to catch the beginning of the parade, filled with red and white, truly Canadian decorations.

The moving displays were beautifully decorated, the air was filled with cheerful shouts of “Happy Canada Day,” and waves from the crowd. But what stood out the most was the incredible spirit of the people, all coming together to celebrate Canada Day in Aurora.

I took a zillion pictures, and there’s no way I can share them all in one blog post! So, this week, I’m doing a Canada Day special – a series of posts covering various topics, with plenty of celebration images to share. Stay tuned for more!

It was amazing to see so many children and youth taking part in the parade. It was equally heartwarming to see families with kids attending and celebrating together. This post is dedicated to Aurora’s young Canadians, who made the celebration even more special.

Looking at these pictures, it’s clear how deeply engaged young Aurorans were in this year’s celebration. The faces in the photos speak volumes—smiles, discipline, motivation, dedication, and respect.

This gives me a chance to highlight the youth’s involvement in Canadian history, politics, and the environment. While researching, I came across some fascinating articles and websites that I think are worth exploring. Honestly, I didn’t realize just how many resources and opportunities are available for young Canadians to get involved and make a difference.

Let start with Forum for young Canadians: “Forum for Young Canadians, now in its 37th year, is an annual series of one-week sessions held in the fall and spring. Each year, a total of 315 young Canadians aged 15 to 19 come to Parliament Hill to experience first-hand how the Government of Canada works. Canadian Heritage is investing more than $80 million each year in youth programming to allow more than 100,000 youth across Canada to learn about their country.” Source: Harper Government Invests in Canada’s Youth: Forum for Young Canadians.

Another exciting initiative connects young Canadians to nature and history. Nature Canada, the Historica-Dominion Institute, and Parks Canada have teamed up to create the My Parks Pass program. This program grants Grade 8/Secondary 2 students free access for one full year to any of Parks Canada’s national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to explore Canada’s rich natural and historical heritage.

“The My Parks Pass program has reached over 400,000 young Canadians each year and I have had the chance to personally see the sparkle in their eyes as they get, in many cases, a first glimpse of Canada’s most treasured natural and historic places,” said the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “Canada’s future lies in the hands of its young people, and I’m proud to be giving them an opportunity to experience and develop a meaningful connection to the very essence of Canada.“ Source: Government of Canada Connecting Young Canadians to Nature and History.

COMMENTS

Phil said: July 3, 2012 at 14:18

“Anna, My abiding memory of two visits to Canada was the pride that Canadians have in their wonderful country- your pictures capture that in the scenes and faces.”