On November 24th, Waterlution’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) launched a crowdfunding campaign for its Great Water Challenge (GWC) program, which features, Canada’s Great Water Adventure, a storybook written by dedicated volunteers and illustrated by an emerging young artist.
Led by volunteer YAB members who serve as young water leaders from across the country, the GWC engages grades 4–12 to learn about water in their community! A few of these youth volunteers have collectively written Canada’s Great Water Adventure. The story follows, Brooke, a young Canadian, and Fernando, a foreign exchange student from Brazil, as they travel Canada and learn about our waterways, diverse history, and water’s impact on livelihood and well-being.
“It was cool to work on the book while engaging with students in the Great Waters Challenge. We chose water factoids that were unique to each region of the country. It was a fun challenge incorporating many different water uses—cultural, recreational, historical and scientific— into the storybook,” said Dorothy Graham, YAB member and co-author of Canada’s Great Water Adventure. “Working on the book gave me ideas for facilitating water discussions with students who are playing the Great Waters Challenge throughout Canada.”
Waterlution’s youth advisor volunteers will be coordinating and hosting book readings at local libraries, schools, and community centres. Over the next few months, Youth Advisors will work to create partnerships with local bookstores, gift shops, and larger retailers to increase the reach of the storybook, which helps bring water literacy to young people throughout Canada.
“Overall, we had a blast conceptualizing, mapping, and writing the book together; the four of us authors became close friends! This project has inspired me in countless ways,” said Stephanie Woodworth, YAB member and co-author of Canada’s Great Water Adventure. “I have felt so inspired to explore more of the country I call home一to visit all of the provinces and territories and to jump/swim/paddle in lakes and rivers that I have never been to before.”
Written to inspire children through life-enriching educational content that sparks an interest in water and outdoor adventures, Canada’s Great Water Adventure invites readers to see Canada and its waterways through the eyes of someone new to the country. In the book, Brooke and Fernando visit each province and territory from coast (east)—to coast (north)—to coast (west) across Canada.
This book is specifically written for children aged 6-11 (grades 1-6) to learn about water through a fictional story, featuring real Canadian waterways and facts. This is a story about curiosity, a desire to learn, connections with nature and water, and a deeper respect for all cultures and traditions on this land, from indigenous peoples of Canada to newcomers.
More information about Waterlution’s programming is available on its website. To support the Youth Advisory Board’s crowdfunding campaign, visit indiegogo.
