School Programs

Travel back in time for a unique learning experience at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village!

 

A range of year-round programs and hands-on historic activities will complement the curriculum and make a lasting impression on children of all ages.

Our award-winning open-air museum, authentic setting and costumed 'historical characters' bring Alberta's history to life. Dynamic interpreters and an enchanting environment offer a unique opportunity for active and experiential learning.

  • All programs must be booked in advance
  • Program bookings are subject to availability
  • Book early to ensure your selected date is available

 

What teachers say:

  • "It was engaging, educational, and relevant to the students"
  • "My students have come to the Ukrainian Village for the Velykden' program in previous years. I thought you did a phenomenal job of taking the most important aspect of the day and condensing it into one hour of virtual programming. I can tell there was a lot of work that went into making this presentation so seamless. Bravo"
  • “The staff were fantastic. Their interactions with the students was fun to watch and an awesome learning opportunity.”
  • ”Our students loved this field trip. Aligns perfectly with our curriculum.”

 

Full Listing of School Programs

The Ukrainian Village is now accepting booking requests for our 2023-24 school programs.  Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to hear when school programs are available to book.

What happened to guided tours?

2023-24 Seasonal Programs (October to April)

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Zhnyva: The Harvest (Grades 1-9)

The culmination of a year’s work in east central Alberta, the harvest is brought to life by costumed interpreters. Students are immersed in the historic processes of a pre-1930 harvest. They are asked to think critically about the sacrifices that Ukrainian settlers made to bring in the harvest on time, and are engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that demonstrate the need for hard work and help from the community to prosper in a new land.

Dates available: October 16-26, 2023

Duration: 4 hours

Grades: 1-9

Cost: $11 per student

Program Duration and Delivery

Zhnyva begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. The program schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break for each group. Teachers will divide students into smaller groups for the program. Each group will have a different schedule to follow but will complete the same activities. 

Virtual Zhnyva: The Harvest (grades 1-9)

The culmination of a year’s work on the farms of east central Alberta, the harvest allows farmers to feed their families and feed their communities.  Students learn about where food and grain come from, how they are harvested and preserved, and the vital role that farmers play in our community.

Program duration: 45 minutes

Grades: 1-9

Capacity: 1 class (max 30 students) per session

Dates Available: October 30 & 31, 2023

Times: 9 - 9:45 a.m., 10 - 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 1:45 p.m.

Cost: $135.00

Rizdvo - Ukrainian Christmas (grades 1-9)

Students experience customs and traditions for the entire Rizdvo or Ukrainian Christmas season as they are brought to life by costumed interpreters. In this full day of activities, groups will help with preparations for Rizdvo, learn how the holiday was celebrated, and experience traditions associated with the New Year and Iordan.

Dates available: November 27 - December 15, 2023

Duration: 4 hours

Grades: 1-9

Cost: $13 per student

Intended Outcomes

  • Awareness of and respect for the beliefs and traditions of other groups and communities
  • Understanding of specific Ukrainian cultural and religious traditions related to the Christmas season
  • Knowledge of traditions and customs from the past that continue today
  • Appreciation for the stories and experiences of Ukrainian immigrants to east central Alberta
  • Appreciation for how events of the past relate to and connect families to the present

Program Activities

This school program aims to teach students the meaning and significance of the Christmas season to early Ukrainian-Canadian settlers in east central Alberta. As part of the program activities, religious themes and information will be presented to the students as they pertain to the Ukrainian Christmas traditions and activities students are learning about. This program also includes an educational visit to one of our museum’s consecrated churches. UCHV staff endeavour to create a learning atmosphere that is respectful and inclusive while educating students about these cultural beliefs and traditions. If you have any questions or concerns about the content and activities related to the Rizdvo-Christmas program, please feel free to contact us.

This program patterns Ukrainian pioneer lifestyle as it occurred during the festive season in east central Alberta prior to 1930. The program activities will span the Ukrainian Christmas cycle from the lenten period (pist), to Christmas Eve (Sviatyi Vechir), to post-Christmas celebrations of New Year’s Eve (Malanka) and Epiphany or the Feast of Jordan (Iordan). During the program, students will be involved in home and meal preparation, indoor and outdoor chores, and in learning about special religious customs and traditions like caroling. Through hands-on activities and interactions with costumed interpreters, students will acquire significant information and images of a Ukrainian Pioneer Christmas in Alberta.

Program Duration and Delivery

Rizdvo begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. The program schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break for each group. Teachers will divide students into smaller groups for the program. Each group will have a different schedule to follow but will complete the same activities. 

Virtual Rizdvo - Ukrainian Christmas

In this session, our interpreters will teach about Ukrainian Christmas Eve traditions and foods.  Take a virtual step back in time to learn how Ukrainians in Alberta celebrated Christmas 100 years ago, and learn how those traditions continue today.  You’ll learn how to make a kolach, a special bread made for Christmas, and have a chance to interact with our interpreters and ask them questions.

Program duration: 45 minutes

Grades: 1-6

Capacity: 1 class (max 30 students) per session

Dates Available: December 19-21, 2023

Times: 9 - 9:45 a.m., 10 - 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 - 1:45 p.m.

Cost: $135.00

Outcomes:

  • Awareness of and respect for the beliefs and traditions of other groups and communities.
  • Understanding of specific Ukrainian cultural and religious traditions related to the Christmas season.
  • Appreciation for how events of the past relate to and connect families to the present.
  • Knowledge of foods and traditions important to a Ukrainian Christmas eve meal
  • Knowledge of the process involved to make a kolach (braided bread)

Iordan: Feast of Jordan (Grades 1-12)

Share in the rich celebrations and traditions of the Ukrainian Christmas season as they are brought to life. Participate in the church services and celebrations, interact with role-players, and partake in hands-on activities.

Date available: January 19, 2024

Grades: 1-12

Program Cost: $10 per student

Velykden': Ukrainian Easter (Grades 1-9)

The lifestyles of rural Ukrainian settlers, spring preparations, and Velykden' celebrations are brought to life for students by costumed interpreters. Through the program, students see the religious and cultural importance of Easter within the lives of early Ukrainian settlers in east central Alberta. A hands-on session provides students with the opportunity to learn about the symbolism of the traditional pysanky.

Dates available: March 4-21, April 2-19, 2024

Duration: 4 hours

Grades: 1-9

Cost: $13 per student

Intended Outcomes

  • Awareness of and respect for the beliefs and traditions of other groups and communities
  • Understanding of specific Ukrainian and Byzantine Rite cultural and religious traditions related to the Easter season
  • Knowledge of traditions and customs from the past that continue today
  • Appreciation for the stories and experiences of Ukrainian immigrants to east central Alberta
  • Appreciation for how events of the past relate to and connect families to the present

Program Activities

This school program aims to teach students the meaning and significance of the Easter season to early Ukrainian-Canadian settlers in east central Alberta. As part of the program activities, religious themes and information will be presented to the students as they pertain to the Ukrainian Easter traditions and activities students are learning about. This program also includes an educational visit to one of our museum’s consecrated churches. UCHV staff endeavour to create a learning atmosphere that is respectful and inclusive while educating students about these religious and cultural beliefs and traditions. If you have any questions or concerns about the content and activities related to the Velykden’-Easter program, please feel free to contact us.

This program patterns Ukrainian pioneer lifestyle as it occurred during the Easter season in east central Alberta prior to 1930. During the program students will be involved in home and meal preparation, indoor and outdoor chores, and in learning about special religious customs and traditions such as making pysanky and preparation of an Easter basket. Through hands-on activities and interactions with costumed interpreters, students will acquire significant information and images of a Ukrainian Pioneer Easter in Alberta.

Program Duration and Delivery

Velykden’: Ukrainian Pioneer Easter begins at 10 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. The program schedule includes a 30-minute lunch break for each group. Teachers will divide students into smaller groups for the program. Each group will have a different schedule to follow but will complete the same activities. 

Virtual Velykden' - Ukrainian Easter

Description: In this session, our interpreters will teach about Ukrainian Easter traditions.  Take a virtual step back in time to learn how Ukrainians in Alberta celebrated Easter 100 years ago, and learn how those traditions continue today.  You’ll learn how to make a pysanka, a special decorated egg, and have a chance to interact with our interpreters and ask them questions.

Program duration: 45 minutes

Grades: 1-6

Capacity: 1 class (max 30 students) per session

Dates Available: March 25-28, 2024

Times: 9 - 9:45 am, 10 - 10:45 am, 11:15 am - 12 pm, 1 - 1:45 pm

Cost: $135.00

Outcomes:

  • Awareness of and respect for the beliefs and traditions of other groups and communities.
  • Understanding of specific Ukrainian cultural and religious traditions related to the Easter season.
  • Appreciation for how events of the past relate to and connect families to the present.
  • Knowledge of the importance of pysanky in Ukrainian Easter celebrations
  • Knowledge of the process involved to decorate pysanky

2024 Spring Programs (May to June)

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Self-Guided Discovery Visit

Step into the past with our Self-Guided Discovery Visit!  The Ukrainian Village offers an interactive and engaging environment to learn about life in Alberta in the early 20th century and the experiences of Alberta’s Ukrainian settlers.  Costumed interpreters will engage students in activities and demonstrations to create learning in a fun and experiential way.  Interaction with our interpreters will allow students to express their curiosity and discover what the past means to them. 

Teacher resources and student worksheets will help you plan and customize your visit to meet your needs and teaching goals.

Dates available: May 22-24, 29-31, June 5-7, 12, 13, 19-21, & 26

Duration: As this is self-guided, your group has the flexibility to plan a visit that works best for your schedule and needs.  We recommend a minimum of 2-3 hours to best experience what our museum has to offer.  School program activities are offered 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on days when this program is available.

Grades: K-12

Cost: $12 per student

An optional Prairie Classroom program is available as an add-on to your Self-Guided Discovery Tour. Please see program information listed below if interested.

Prairie Classroom

Complement your Self-Guided Discovery Visit with a half-day visit to one of our prairie classrooms!  Our teacher will welcome your class into his or her classroom and provide an immersive 1920s schoolroom experience.

Dates available: May 22-24, 29-31, June 5-7, 12, 13, 19-21, & 26

Duration: 90 minutes, either 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.

Grades: K-6

Cost: $135 per session in addition to Self-Guided Discover Visit cost of $12 per student

Capacity: 30 students per session

Children's Fun Day

End the school year with a bang by participating in this fun-filled special event for schools. In self-guided groups led by teachers and adult supervisors, students will visit staff-led hands-on activity stations.  Students will have so much fun…they won’t even realize they’re learning all day long!

Date available: Friday, June 14, 2024

Duration: As this is self-guided, your group has the flexibility to plan a visit that works best for your schedule and needs.  We recommend a minimum of 2-3 hours to best experience what our museum has to offer.  Activities will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Grades: K-6

Cost: $16 per student

Have questions about booking one of our School Programs?

Fill out our online School Program Inquiry Form.

Ready to book one of our School Programs?

Fill out our online School Program booking form.

 

School In-Person Pre-Visit Information

 

Trip Planning

  • We are located 50 kilometers (25 minutes) east of Edmonton on Highway 16. See our location on Google Maps.
  • Weather should be considered when planning your visit - there is an outdoor component to all of our programs, even if this just means walking from one historic building to another. Please plan for being outside and dress appropriately. Our rural setting often means different weather conditions than in the city of Edmonton. Check the weather before your visit.

 

Supervision

  • Teacher/adult supervision is required for all programs.
  • Students must be accompanied by a supervisor at all times during your visit to our museum.
  • Teachers and supervisors are responsible for the behaviour of their group.
  • Supervisor requirements:
    • Kindergarten to grade 6: 1 teacher/adult per 5 students
    • Grade 7 to 12: 1 teacher/adult per 10 students
  • Teachers and supervisors are admitted free within the supervisor requirements listed above.
  • Additional teachers/adults pay admission fees according to seasonal rates.

 

Admissions and Payment

  • Payment for school programs are processed online through credit card via our online payment system.
  • Total payment must be made in one lump sum, including students and all additional adult supervisors.
  • The email address of the payment contact is required upon booking.
  • The link to pay will be sent our to the payment contact after the group has arrived and numbers have been confirmed.
  • Payment must be completed within an hour after the link has been sent.

 

Arrival Information

  • Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your program to ensure time for payment, washroom breaks, and group organization to allow for a prompt program start.
  • Any delays may reduce the duration of your booked program.

 

Lunch

  • Food services are operated by the Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society.
  • If interested in pre-ordering lunches for your visit, please let us know so we can arrange this for your visit.
  • September through April, food services may be available via pre-order (subject to availability). Schools during this time should bring bag lunches.

 

Teacher Preparation

Upon booking you will be sent a detailed confirmation with information about your program booking.

 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received at least three weeks (fifteen working days) prior to your scheduled program(s) or your school will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. Field trips cancelled with less than fifteen days notice due to inclement weather, or other unforeseeable circumstances, may be rescheduled based on availability.

 

Accessibility and Special Needs

  • Please inform us of students' special needs at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate them.
  • Accessible washrooms are available in our Visitor Centre.
  • To maintain historical accuracy, buildings in the historical village have limited accessibility. Please discuss accessibility within specific programs at the time of your booking if this is a concern for your group.
  • Aides and support workers assigned to students in a one-on-one relationship are admitted free of charge.

 

Site Map

Please see the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village site map to plan your visit.