Bushplane introduces 'exciting' new programs for 2023

“There’s lots of exciting changes happening here,” says Jasmine Agnew, the program coordinator at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

Beginning in January, the Bushplane will begin offering brand-new programs and activities for toddlers, children, and older adults, thanks to some funding they recently received through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Starting Jan. 3, adults aged 55 and older can take part in ‘Walk with us Tuesdays,’ where residents are invited to take laps around the museum’s planes and exhibits every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. for free.

The Bushplane has set a goal for 2023 to have its participants collectively walk the distance from the museum to Pickle Lake, Ont., totalling 1,211 kilometres.

Coffee and tea will be available for walkers, along with places to sit and socialize.

Residents aged 55+ are also invited to come back every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for a monthly rotation of an assortment of activities:

• Week 1: Active Thursday (Amanda Lambert from Strong Minds will come in to lead a cardio and movement class with the goal to improve cardiovascular strength and help build total body strength)
• Week 2: Creative Thursday
• Week 3: Mindfulness Thursday
• Week 4: Gameday Thursday

Meanwhile, the Bushplane Kids Club is returning with a pair of brand-new programs.

The Tiny Pilots program invites toddlers aged two-four to enjoy weekly sensory activities, story readings, and songs every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Then on Sundays at 1:30 p.m., the Bushplane will be holding its Sky Explorers program for children aged four-10 for crafts, scavenger hunts, and other activities.

“It means everything to have these programs,” Agnew says. “I think everyone needs to get out and socialize more, and just be out in the community and enjoy themselves.”

“It’s such a great space and museum,” she adds.

Besides the 55+ Tuesday afternoon walk, the programs cost $5/week for each attendee.

Participants can show up on the day of an activity as pre-registration is not required, and Bushplane memberships can be purchased at the front desk for regular activity goers.

Agnew says the museum will also be offering half-priced entry on Tuesdays between 1 and 4 p.m. for general visits to the Bushplane.