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 interpreters bring Alberta's history to life. Dynamic presentations 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

     

    2024-25 Program Availability Update

    • Zhnyva: The Harvest - Fully booked for 2024
    • Rizdvo: Ukrainian Christmas - Fully booked for 2024
    • Velykden': Ukrainian Easter - Fully booked for 2025
    • Children's Fun Day - Fully booked for 2025
    • We are accepting a waitlist for each of the fully booked programs. Email us if you'd like to be added to the waitlist for one of these programs.

     

    Contact the booking coordinator via email to book all programs.

    2024-25 Seasonal Programs (October to April)

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    Zhnyva: The Harvest (Grades 1-6) Fully booked!

    Fully booked for 2024!

    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 1-8 and 11-25, 2024

    Duration: 4 hours

    Grades: 1-6

    Cost: $12 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. 

    Rizdvo: Ukrainian Christmas (Gr 1-9) Fully booked!

    Fully booked for 2024! 

    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 25-December 13, 2024

    Duration: 4 hours

    Grades: 1-9

    Cost: $14 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 18 and 19, 2024

    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)

    Velykden': Ukrainian Easter (Gr 1-9) Fully Booked!

    Fully booked for 2025!

    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 3-21 and March 31-April 11, 2025

    Duration: 4 hours

    Grades: 1-9

    Cost: $14 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 24-28, 2025

    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

    2025 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 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6, 11, 12, and 18-20, 2025

    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: $14 per student

    An optional Prairie Classroom program is available as an add-on to your Self-Guided Discovery Tour for up to 30 students per session, maximum two sessions offered per day. 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 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6, 11, 12, and 18-20, 2025

    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 $14 per student

    Capacity: 30 students per session, 2 sessions offered per day

    Children's Fun Day - Fully booked!

    Fully booked for 2025!

    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 13, 2025

    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: $17 per student

      School Program Information

      Payment Information

      • Payment is required on the day of your program. The amount charged is for the number of students in attendance.
      • We are unable to invoice or accept payment over the phone.
      • Payment is processed via credit card payment on our secure online payment site. 
      • An email address for a payment contact is required upon booking. The link to pay will be emailed to the contact after the group has arrived and confirmed numbers. Payment must be completed within two hours after the link has been sent. 
      • Total payment must be made in one lump sum.
      • No coupons, discounts, or passes are redeemable for school programs.

       

      Trip Planning

      • The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is located 50 kilometers (25 minutes) east of Edmonton along Highway 16, 3 km east of Elk Island National Park
      • If this is your first time visiting us, please familiarize yourself with our site map.
      • 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 Requirements

      • Supervisor requirements:
        • Kindergarten to grade 6: 1 teacher/adult per 5 students
        • Grade 7 to 12: 1 teacher/adult per 10 students
      • A seasonal program fee is charged for each additional adult beyond the required ratio.
      • Aides assisting students on a 1:1 basis are free and not included in the ratio.

       

      Supervisor Preparation

      • All children must be accompanied by an adult supervisor at all times.
      • Adult supervisors are responsible for providing guidance and supervision for groups throughout the day. Please ask your adult supervisors to ensure appropriate student behaviour and conduct during their visit.
      • Adult supervisors may not bring younger children/siblings, as this will impact their ability to provide oversight and direction to the students.
      • Smoking or vaping is not permitted in the historical village.

       

      Student Preparation

      • No student backpacks are allowed in the historical village. Only adults are permitted to take backpacks.
      • No food or drink is allowed in the historical village. Water bottles are permitted.
      • Please review appropriate behaviour and conduct in a museum with students before your visit.
      • If you are using the Self-Guided Discovery Visit student workbooks, please ensure all students have a pencil.

       

      Upon Arrival

      • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your program to ensure time for payment, washroom breaks, and general organization to allow for a prompt program start.
      • Please have an exact tally of the amount of all students and adults ready upon arrival.
      • For May/June programs - payment is processed at the admission booth as you enter the parking lot and before you park. 
      • For October through April programs, payment is processed in the Visitor Centre (#1 on the map).
      • Please have the bus drop off the students at the Visitor Centre (#1 on the map).
      • Any delays may reduce the duration of your booked program.

       

      Lunch

      • Please put all bagged lunches in large boxes, containers, or coolers with a lid to ensure wildlife cannot access lunches.
      • No fridges or microwaves are available for school lunches.
      • For October through April programs - Programs include a 30-minute lunch break. There is no food available for purchase on site - all participants and supervisors need a bagged lunch. Lunch bins should be dropped off at the Red Barn (#62 on the map).

       

      Cancellation Policy

      • Cancellations must be communicated via email to UCHVBookings@gov.ab.ca.
      • 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 foreseeable circumstances, may be rescheduled based on availability without the cancellation fee.
      • Due to program popularity, we cannot guarantee availability to reschedule programs.

       

      What teachers say about our programs:

      • "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.”