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TIPS FOR A SMOOTH(ER) FAMILY CAMPING TRIP
PLAYLISTS AND RECIPES FOR EVERY OCCASION THIS SUMMER!
THE COTTAGE IS CALLING!
In partnership with professionals in healthcare, education, and gaming, Access+ teams are working to develop a range of inclusive games suitable for a wide range of people, including those with cognitive disabilities.
We’re super excited that the warmer season has arrived, and we’re delighted to welcome you to our sixth issue of Game On! Magazine! In this spring/summer edition, we wanted to create a fun vacation resource to bring along with you, regardless of your summer plans.
Whether you just want to keep it low-key, go in search of adventure, make your home THE party spot for the summer, or find new activities to occupy the kids without screen time, we’ve got you!
We hope that this edition will allow you to spend some valuable time with the ones you love, that it will accompany you on all your playful adventures, and that it will help you (re)discover the joys of just taking some time to play.
Any of our games makes for a memorable experience with family and friends.
We provide you with everything you need to learn how to play our games in minutes.
Are you ready for some upbeat news? We’ve got you!
BY KALINDA PATTON
Did you know that there are annual awards for board games? Just like the Oscars or the Grammys, but for games! There are over 100 such awards worldwide, the most prestigious being the Spiel des Jahres, which means “Game of the Year” in German and the As d’Or (or “Golden Ace”). Each year, a jury of industry experts selects their top titles and votes for the ultimate winner. This year, Asmodee studio Z-Man Games won the As d’Or award (seasoned players category) for its hit game, Challengers!
Did you know that February 27th was Pokémon Day? Did you also know that since its release in 1996, the franchise has made more than 92 billion dollars?! Wild right? Not to mention all the content released each year!
Speaking of special days, May 4th is Star Wars Day, so May the fourth be with you! Other fun upcoming dates include Train Day, on May 13th, and Tabletop Game Day, on June 3rd.
Have you tried any new games lately? We’ve tried quite a few over the last year and compiled our 2022 favourites here.
Summertime usually means you have more time to pursue your favourite family pastimes, whether it’s camping, hitting the beach, or touring the countryside. This summer, transform even more of your precious leisure time into quality family time by playing, hiking, biking, chilling, chatting, exploring, and just enjoying life together!
Roasting s’mores as you tell your favourite ghost stories around the fire. Hiking to stunning lookout points. Giggling over classic board games. Few family activities allow you to bond as much as when you’re camping together in the great outdoors. To make the most of your next family vacation in nature, follow these 10 easy tips.
BY BARBARA BALFOURPLAN AHEAD AND MAKE A PACKING CHECKLIST.
Some of the essential items you’ll need to bring along include a tent, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, appropriate clothing for the weather, extra water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
Look for a safe location with easy access to showers, restrooms, and kid-friendly activities. Being close to town will come in handy if you need to venture out for supplies.
Once you’re there, try to fully disconnect from technology and the digital world. Stay fully present in the moment to appreciate your surroundings.
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Kids’ attention spans are especially short, so bring lots of goodies to keep them busy. Some ideas include a bubble blower, frisbee, books, location-specific board games like Spot it! Camping, and a bag of their favourite candies.
Don’t worry about following your original plan if something more exciting to see or do comes along. Let your kids be kids: if spending more time collecting pine cones or chasing butterflies in a field means not getting to the next activity on the agenda, so be it.
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Safety should always be a top priority when camping. Make sure everyone knows basic rules such as keeping a safe distance from wildlife, using a campfire safely, and staying hydrated. Keep your first aid kit and any essential medications within easy reach.
Help keep the wilderness pristine for the next generation and be a good role model for your kids by practising Leave No Trace principles. That means taking all your trash with you, avoiding any damage to the environment, and leaving the campsite exactly as you found it.
Respect the space and privacy of neighbouring campers. Keep noise levels down and avoid shining flashlights onto other campsites. If you meet other families with kids who are open to socializing, break the ice with a fun game such as Throw Throw Burrito.
Having fun and creating unforgettable memories is what camping is all about. Whether that means going on a nature walk, planning a scavenger hunt, or making new friends with neighbouring campers, allow yourself to fully enjoy the experience.
Ask your kids to help you set up camp and cook meals. Let them explore and play on their own, within safe limits. This helps them build confidence and self-reliance.
They’re cheesy, crunchy, and completely customizable. And the best part is anyone can make them. Behold the mighty campfire nachos—a fun, delicious, and low-effort way to enjoy a cozy evening with the whole family. Load them up with all your favourite toppings, gather ‘round the fire, and dig in!
PORTIONS 4
PREPARATION 5 MINUTES
COOKING TIME 10 MINUTES
• 1 bag (250 g) of corn chips
• 1 cup (250 ml) salsa
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (40 g) pickled jalapeño peppers
• 1 1/4 cup (284 ml) canned red beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) sliced Kalamata olives
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) shredded aged cheddar cheese
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Sour cream
• Homemade or store-bought guacamole
• Salsa
1. In a large cast-iron skillet, spread out the corn chips.
2. Spread salsa, diced red bell pepper, jalapeños, red beans, Kalamata olives, and shredded cheese over the chips.
3. Place the skillet over the fire and cook until the cheese is melted.*
4. Garnish with chopped green onion.
5. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Meat version
For meat nachos, replace the red beans with 250 g of your favourite ground meat, which you will have pre-cooked at home or in the same pan.
*Cooking time may vary depending on the intensity of your campfire.
Taking a road trip with the family this summer? Check out our top five tips to ensure a memorable journey!
BY EMILY BRADSHAW
Long trip? You’ll want to keep everyone well fed between pit stops. Why not mix it up with a choice of (not too messy) snack options, like chopped fruits and veggies, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, and cheese sticks? And don’t forget to pack lots of bevvies to stay hydrated.
Happy - Pharrell Wiliams
Hit the road jack - Ray Charles
Shake it off - Taylor swift
For the complete spotify playlist scan this QR code or click here!
Prepare a playlist, put those tracks on shuffle, get your singing voice ready, and roll out! Looking for ideas? Check out our road trip playlist on Spotify!
It’s important to take breaks, especially during long journeys. You may want to switch drivers, hit the washroom (because of all the hydration), grab a meal, stretch those legs, and shake out the sillies! →
I spy, with my little eye… something to keep them busy! There are tons of games to play while on the road. Some of our favourites include:
ʬ Scavenger Hunt—Prepare a list of things to look for along the way (flag, lake, bus, bird…). The first one to find them all wins!
ʬ Tic-Tac-Toe—Some paper and a few pens and pencils are all you need!
ʬ Portable board games! We recommend Brainbox and 100 Pics. They’re compact and easy to play in the car :).
As much as parents may try to limit electronics, sometimes they can save the day. Of course, we would not recommend hours of screen time, but when all else fails, a device with a couple of pre-downloaded movies can do wonders for the peace.
Wherever the road takes you this summer, having fun with loved ones will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
“AND JUST LIKE THAT, WE’RE ON OUR WAY TO EVERYWHERE”
– EMERY LORD, OPEN ROAD SUMMER
Making the most of the summer is easy when the sun is shining, but can be a challenge when it’s grey. And while we can’t predict the whims of Mother Nature, we can plan fun activities no matter what the weather. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy the summer, rain or shine!
BY ARIELLE GRENIER-BRAZEAU
Ah! That long-awaited moment when your towel hits the warm sand. Heaven! Here are a few beach bag essentials for a perfect summer day.
We all know that a day at the beach requires good sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply every two to three hours! Add your favorite hat (avoid heat stroke in style), sunglasses, and two towels (one for swimming and one for sunbathing), and you’re all set!
Be hip and bring your own lunch to reduce food waste and garbage. And don’t forget to bring enough water to stay hydrated all day. Tanning is thirsty business!
Speaking of thirst-quenching, why not level it up with a batch of homemade lemonade to sip at the beach? Yum!
To keep the kids even more entertained, how about a quick game of Spot it! – Beach? Its laminated cards resist water, sand and even ice cream! Summer-approved!
Unpredictable weather on the horizon? Perfect opportunity for indoor fun! Must-Haves
Is dolce far niente calling to you? A good book, a delicious beverage, and your favourite armchair can provide a welldeserved moment of tranquility. Or, why not pop some corn and curl up with a comforter to catch up on your favourite TV series or movies?
Enjoy a moment of respite (with softly falling rain in the background) to start a puzzle. Dixit’s new line of puzzles will immerse you in a dreamlike world of imagination.
Want something a little more ... active? Why not bake a delicious batch of cookies or muffins with the kids? Nomnom!
In the mood for a brainteaser? The Unlock! line offers a multitude of escape game scenarios without leaving the comfort of your air-conditioned living room. We bet you’ll be so entertained that the sun will be shining again before you know it!
Sharing a cottage with friends can take your summer holidays to the next level. Create incredible, lifelong memories of all the time you spent exploring nature, preparing meals, making new acquaintances, and just enjoying life’s magic moments together. So fire up the BBQ, pour a round of drinks, and let the fun and games begin!
You know winter’s over when the May long weekend rolls around. It’s a time when the warm spring air comes alive with laughter, lively conversation, and the succulent scents of barbecue season! Planning a BBQ? Here are our must-haves:
BY KALINDA PATONWhile the standard weenie roast is OK, why not host a bring-your-own-meat (or non-meat) night? Everyone brings their favourite grill fare, and it’s smooth sailing.
What’s a BBQ without a banging playlist! Scan the QR code below or check out our suggestions here!
There are plenty of fun options for your BBQ soirée.
Why not prepare some icebreaker questions like What would you choose as your superpower? Window seat or aisle seat? Or a round of What Would You Rather?
You can also grab some great games! We love the easy and ridiculous party game Champions! or Scatter for more active fun. If your guests are into TV, check out Stranger Things: Attack of the Mind Flayer.
Whatever you choose for BBQ fun, all that really counts is the people you spend the time with!
Why not do it outside?
When the hustle and bustle of everyday life takes its toll, nothing compares to the peace and tranquility of a getaway in the great outdoors. What better way to escape than by renting a cottage with your closest friends? Whether you’re looking for a weekend of R&R or a week of adventure, there are numerous benefits to getting away with those who know you best.
BY BARBARA BALFOUROne of the biggest benefits of renting a cottage with friends is being able to split the costs of a luxurious getaway at a fraction of what you might pay for a traditional hotel. Since cottages often come equipped with full kitchens, you’ll also be able to cook together and save money on dining out.
Another advantage of renting a cottage with friends is the sense of community and togetherness you can build. Whether you’re gathered around the campfire, hiking in the woods, or playing board games in the living room, spending time with your closest friends in a cozy cottage environment can create lifelong memories.
A cottage can provide your group with much more privacy, space, and comfort than traditional accommodations. That means being able to spread out and enjoy all the amenities without the noise or distractions of a hotel.
Sharing a cottage with friends gives you a great base for exploring new adventures and reconnecting with nature. Some possibilities include hiking, fishing, and canoeing. You could also explore nearby towns, go on scenic drives, or simply escape from the stress and monotony of everyday life and do nothing.
One of the best parts of spending time together at the cottage is having a captive audience for the board games you’ve always wanted to play. Here are a few to consider for your next cottage getaway:
Think rummy with a twist. This strategic game of tiles and tactics will have you and your partner racing to the finish line.
Flex your strategic muscles as you take turns drafting and placing coloured tiles to decorate a palace. This game can get intense and competitive, so get ready to roll up your sleeves!
See how well you really know your friends with this party game that may reveal shocking surprises (all rated G).
This kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette is a card game that never fails to keep players on their toes.
People have exchanged stories ever since the day we invented fire. Storytelling is, by far, our oldest and richest art form. It is also, arguably, the most universal, with good reason.
A good story, well told, brings us together, whether we’re sitting outdoors, gazing at the stars and wondering if anyone is out there, or huddled around the kitchen table thinking, okay… what’s next?
Storytelling is relaxing. It helps us open up and develop our communication skills, both as tellers and as listeners. Storytelling can get timid youngsters to overcome their basic shyness. And it’s proven to help oldsters keep their memory sharp!
Listening to our parents or grandparents talk about the “good old days” strengthens our familial connections as we learn more about them and, by extension, ourselves. Storytelling is a fun way to learn more about each other because a story grabs
our attention and keeps us engaged. It fosters openness and understanding and makes us more empathetic. But more than that, telling a story is like opening a window to our world, our thoughts, our feelings, and all the wonderful creations of our imagination.
Some stories, like the ones we tell while playing Telephone or Dixit, really come alive because when everyone gets to join in, we all have to be even more attentive. Because no one knows where each strange, new twist in our wild and shared tale will lead us to next.
Storytelling can also open our eyes and our minds to fantastic new worlds where practically anything can happen. Ghost, gothic, and horror stories can scare us to bits, especially if they involve role-playing, bloodthirsty werewolves, and terrified villagers. Silly or humorous stories, on the other hand, can make us all laugh our fool heads off. So, gather round and, please, tell me a story!
Ingredients
• 2–3 oz lemonade
• 1 oz. blueberry syrup
• 1 oz. gin (optional)
• 3–4 oz. club soda
Instructions
1. Add fresh lemonade to shaker.
2. Add blueberry syrup.
3. Add gin (optional).
4. Shake.
5. Pour over ice.
6. Add club soda.
7. Garnish and enjoy!
Ingredients
• 1 oz. blue curaçao syrup
• 3–4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 oz. rum (optional)
• 1/2 passion fruit, flesh only
Instructions
1. Pour blue curaçao syrup into a glass filled with crushed ice.
2. Add pineapple juice.
3. Add rum (optional).
4. Scoop the flesh from the passion fruit, add it to the glass, and serve.
Ingredients
• 1 oz. vodka
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz. triple sec
• 1/2 oz. parfait amour
Instructions
1. Add ingredients to shaker.
2. Shake.
3. Pour over ice.
Quick, where would you go to find Union Square, the Japanese Tea Garden, South Beach, Twin Peaks, Haight-Ashbury, and the Golden Gate Bridge? Hint: They’re all just across the Bay from the world’s most famous prison: Alcatraz. If you guessed San Francisco, prepare to sing, “Here I come!” There’s so much to see and do there!
The legendary singer Tony Bennett left his heart here. Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Metallica, and Green Day all started out here. And fans of great music, great food, and great cities from around the world continue to flock here. San Francisco is one of the stops in our acclaimed Ticket to Ride series! Looking for a memorable Californian road trip this summer? Here are our best picks when visiting the Golden City, beside riding its historic cable cars and collecting souvenirs from its most iconic locations.
BY DAVE FONDAIf you like to shop, you’ll love Market Street whose remarkable architecture, hotels, and shops have made it the Champs-Élysées of northern California. Foodies, on the other hand, will want to treat themselves to Pier 19 and the Embarcadero. The former is the city’s most frequently visited landmark and home to Fisherman’s Wharf. While the latter tantalizes visitors with its great views, great food, and great ferry service to Alcatraz. You know, the world’s most famous prison!
You’ll also want to spend some time savouring the incredible views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field. But don’t linger there too long. You’ll also want to spend some time in the legendary Haight-Ashbury District, which, during its heyday, was home sweet home to legions of longhaired hippies, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, the Summer of Love, and oh, so much more! (Ask your parents or, better yet, your grandparents!)
And then there are the breathtakingly beautiful Painted Ladies. These exquisite, hand-painted Victorian and Edwardian mansions line the gentle
slopes of Steiner Street. Also known as “Postcard Row,” these gorgeous homes harken back to San Francisco’s glorious past and are among its most iconic and photogenic landmarks.
Lombard Street will also take your breath away, but in a totally different way. Peering down its eight, hair-raising, hairpin curves you’ll think it’s a giant black python snaking down a deathly steep hill. Whatever you do, don’t forget to breathe!
Now that you have a better idea of what’s waiting for you in San Francisco, it sure will make you play harder. Think smarter. And move faster. Because there’s so much more for you to see and collect when you play Ticket to Ride – Express – San Francisco!
FANS OF SUSPENSE MOVIES AND TV SERIALS WILL WANT TO INVESTIGATE PACIFIC HEIGHTS, PRESIDIO, AND TWIN PEAKS. THESE HISTORIC DISTRICTS ONCE LENT THEIR NAMES TO THREE CULT CLASSICS!Dolores Park Pier 39
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Whether you’re heading there on a family vacation or just want to learn more about one of the most iconic destinations in the United States, check out our quiz to see how much you know about the Golden Gate City!
1
What is the name of the famous bridge in San Francisco?
4
What is the name of the famous street in San Francisco that’s known for itsturns?winding
2
What former prison is located on an island in San Francisco Bay?
3
Which inneighbourhood San Francisco is famous for its colourful houses andstreets?steep
5
What is the name of the famous fog in San Francisco?
ANSWERS: 1. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, 2. ALCATRAZ, 3. NEIGHBOURHOOD OF ALAMO SQUARE, 4. LOMBARD STREET, 5. KARL.Summertime is synonymous with festivals, holidays, special occasions, and celebrations!
Check out our calendar to discover the events we’re looking forward to this summer! Some are dedicated to family; some are dedicated to games; and all are about having fun!
MAY MAY 4
Star Wars Day
MAY 13
Train Day
MAY 14
Mother's Day
MAY 22
Victoria Day
JUNE
JUNE 3 International Tabletop Day
JUNE 9–17
Francos de Montréal*
JUNE 18
Father's Day
JUNE 24
Quebec National Holiday
JUNE 23–25
Game Con Canada (Calgary)
JUNE 29–JULY 8
Montreal International Jazz Festival
JULY
JULY 1
Canada Day
JULY 14–16
Montreal Comiccon*
JULY 14–29
Montreal Just for Laughs Festival
AUGUST
AUGUST 3–6
Gen Con (Indianapolis)
AUGUST 25–27
FallCon (Calgary)
AUGUST 24–27
FAN EXPO Canada (Toronto)
Loads of fun activities for long car rides, the cottage, or rainy summertime afternoons.
Play on the go with these easy-to-learn, printable games!
DOWNLOAD HERE!
Grab your crayons, pencils, or markers and set your inner artist free with these printable colouring pages, perfect for kids and adults!
