BC Parent Summer 2016

Celebrating

summer 2016 bcparent.ca

DIY

Day Camp The Importance of

Risky Play

Summer Camp Guide

Years of Service to BC Families

Open Now Through Sept 18

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BOOK YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY TODAY! 604.252.3663 • Minimum 8 packages required for birthday rate.

2 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Chinese Legacy Initiative Projects from the Royal BC Museum The Royal BC Museum at your ďŹ ngertips!

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604.572.8032 childcareoptions.ca

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BC Parent Newsmagazine

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 3

Celebrating

Letter from the Editor

Years of Service to BC Families

S

ummer is a great time of year—endless trips to the beach, endless trips to the park and endless hours to entertain the kids! The thought of what to do with them for eight weeks straight can be daunting. In this issue, we’ve tried to help you out by putting together a list of the available camps. Whether you are ready for overnight (residential) camps or looking for a camp to just entertain your little ones—our guide has it all. We also have some tips for you on the importance of risky play and how to help your children assess risk and ideas on how to help prevent the dreaded academic summer slide.

Enjoy the issue and have fun getting outside with your family.

And if you’re stuck for ideas for outdoor fun, we’ve provided that too!

Carlie Parkinson

Inside ...

6 Stargazing with your Kids 8 The Importance of Risky Play SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 10 Residential Camps 11 Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley 17 Okanagan

20 Summer Camps for Kids with Special Needs BC Parent Newsmagazine

22 DIY Day Camp 24 Enriching Summer Routines that Increase Learning & Prevent the Summer Slide

Follow us on

http://twitter.com/bcparentmag

28 Go Outside and Play: 15 Old Fashioned Summer Time Activities

18 Vancouver Island 30 Places and Products We Love

Celebrating

summer 2016 bcparent.ca

Publisher/Executive Editor: Carlie Parkinson Editor: Geoffrey Legh Advertising Design & Layout: Julie Cochrane Editorial Design & Layout: www.retrometrodesign.ca

Summer Issue 2016 Volume 25, Number 3 Mailing Address: P.O.Box 30020, North Vancouver, BC V7H 2Y8 i“>ˆÂ?\ĂŠÂˆÂ˜vÂœJLVÂŤ>Ă€iÂ˜ĂŒÂ°V>ĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°LVÂŤ>Ă€iÂ˜ĂŒÂ°V> Canadian Publications Mail Registration No.251836

4 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Advertising Sales: info@bcparent.ca Contributors: Jackie Veling–ACTIVEkids.com, Jennifer Hood–JUMP Gymnastics, Variety–The Children’s Charity, Megan Smith, Christina Katz, Pam Molnar.

BC Parent is published 6 times per year. The Publisher reserves the right to omit advertising which is judged to be in poor taste or which does not conform to the concept of this publication.

Years of Service to BC Families

DIY

Day Camp The Importance of

Risky Play

Summer Camp Guide

Photo credit: My City Photos & Event Specializing in people! mycityphotos.ca info@mycityphotos.ca 604-544-6313

2

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Weekend Passes

Children 12 and under are free The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a Canadian cultural institution—a unique community-based celebration with an internationally-renowned reputation for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music artists from around the world. Come along and share in the music, dance, food, children’s activities—and the magical ambience of the festival.

Value: $340.00 To enter: Visit www.bcparent.ca Contest closes: July 3rd, 2016

4

tickets to Sharon, Bram and Friends

Enter to win four premium tickets to see legendary family act Sharon, Bram & Friends live at the Orpheum.

Featuring favourite hits such as “Five Little Monkeys,� “Skinnamarink,� “Tingalayo� and “She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain�, the unforgettable show guarantees fun for all the family at this child-friendly event that will delight fans young and old.

Sharon, Bram & Friends will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 18 for an afternoon of joy at the iconic Orpheum (601 Smithe Street, Vancouver).

Value: $160.00 To enter: Visit www.bcparent.ca Contest closes: August 15th, 2016

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 5

Stargazing with Your Kids Outer space has fascinated humans for centuries, but it’s often the youngest of us who marvel at the galaxy’s oldest mysteries.

By Jackie Veling, ACTIVEkids.com

I

f your child has recently shown a growing interest in stars and planets, it’s time to take full advantage of it. After all, learning about astronomy is a rare opportunity to get your kid excited about science and the natural world.

Here are a few tips to help your kid reach for the stars.

Make a Star Map

Also known as a star chart or a star finder, a star map is an outline of the night sky that helps your child identify specific stars and constellations. It’s also one of the easiest ways for a young astronomer to begin understanding the layout of our solar system.

You can ďŹ nd printable star maps online (http://www.skymaps.com/downloads. html), but make sure to choose the right one for your location and time of year.

Once you print the map, you can help your child cut it out and even decorate it—great 6 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

for kids who love arts and crafts.

On a clear night, take the star map outside and show your child how to align it properly. They will love ďŹ nding the mythical animals hidden in the night sky.

Embrace their curiosity and explain that there are still many unknowns about outer space, which is exactly why the world needs a new generation of scientists.

Catch the Next Meteor Shower

Shooting stars may be rare, but meteor showers are a more reliable space phenomenon. Year-round meteor shower guides (http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/ earthskys-meteor-shower-guide) are avail-

able online, so you can plan ahead to witness the best one in your area.

Some cities even have astronomy clubs that hold viewing parties in local parks.

Bring blankets and sleeping bags and keep your eyes peeled upward. It won’t be long before a quick burst of light shoots across the sky.

Save Up for a Telescope

If your kid is serious about their space interest, it may be time to buy them a telescope.

If they’re ready to do so, you can even encourage them to save up for one themselves, or at least pitch in.

With even the most basic telescope, your child can see craters on the moon and faint colours of Jupiter. Plus, if they contribute some of their hard-earned money, you’ll throw in an important lesson about money management.

High-functioning telescopes are a pricey item, but a kid’s telescope is usually around

$30. Start small and work your way up—no need to go all-in for a bigticket item until you’re sure your child will use it regularly.

don’t be surprised when your kid starts asking them.

Embrace their curiosity and explain that there are still many unknowns about outer space, which is exactly why the world needs a new generation of scientists. This is also a great opportunity to teach your child that asking questions is a good thing, even if the answers aren’t immediately available.

Go on a Trip

If you live in a major city, it may be difficult to see all of the wonders of space through the city smog.

Once the weather gets warmer, book a weekend trip outside of the city. National parks boast some of the best stargazing around, with miles of protected land enhancing your view of the beautiful Milky Way galaxy.

Make a Rocket

Does your child dream of going into space?

Why not make a toy rocket to show them just how they would get there?

Before you have ashes of an innocent experiment gone horribly wrong, making a rocket doesn’t have to be a dangerous pursuit. For younger kids, you can simply make the frame of the rocket out of paper (no scary tools needed).

You can also make a rocket powered by

Grow a Sense of Connectedness

water and antacid tablets, like TUMSÂŽ. If you have older kids, try baking soda and vinegar. Regardless of what you use, constructing a homemade rocket can help teach children basic math and physics.

Discuss the Unknown

What does the inside of a black hole look like? Are aliens real? Is there another Earth somewhere? These are questions that even the smartest of scientists don’t know, but

We’re all part of a bigger world and an even bigger solar system. Everything is connected.

The moon controls the tides. The seasons are set by the sun. The sun’s rays give the human body much-needed vitamin D. Help your child gain respect for celestial nature, and their place in it all. If they can learn about how it affects their everyday life, it can greatly beneďŹ t their actions in the future.

Want more activities for your kids? Visit !#4)6%KIDS COM to find fun and affordable kid-friendly options all over British Columbia.

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During the months of July and August, your child will participate in four out of six distinct summer classes selected by each school. CEFA’s Summer Program offers children the opportunity to develop their creative and social skills through a variety of fun-filled summer activities and projects.

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CEFA South Surrey - Morgan Crossing morgancrossing@cefa.ca | t (604) 881 2332

15 Private School locations throughout Greater Vancouver | www.cefa.ca

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 7

The Importance of

Risky Play

By Jennifer Hood

R

isky play is one hot topic right now. Parents, educators, researchers, administrators and kids all seem to have an opinion on what exactly risky play is and whether or not it has a place in a young child’s life. I recently spoke at the International Physical Literacy Conference in Vancouver and,, by far, the presentation that generated the most discussion was the one on Risky Play. And for the sake of our children’s health I couldn’t be happier that this topic is getting so much attention. “Risky play can be deďŹ ned as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk.â€?1 But, and I want to be really clear here, it is not about encouraging or promoting injury nor is it about neglect or negligence. In fact, the whole idea is to develop strong, resilient adults that are capable of making safe and conďŹ dent choices in life. Let me explain.

Risk taking is an essential part in the healthy physical, social and emotional development of children.

Developmental psychologists are linking the importance of play, particularly play that involves some element of age-appropriate risk, to a whole host of positive outcomes including the ability to regulate emotions such as fear and anger, improved gross motor skills and perhaps most signiďŹ cantly, a decrease in adult mental health issues such as neuroticism and anxiety.2 Studies are showing that during critical times of early development children need to learn to manage fear and anger, develop self-protecting behaviours and hone their decision making skills, in order to deA hazard is something a child does not see. velop into healthy and happy adults. It A risk is a challenge a child can see is play that involves age-appropriate risk that gives children the opportunities they and chooses to undertake or not. need to learn these skills. And this makes sense. If a child is able to learn to manage —Mariana Brussoni, Ph.D. !SSISTANT 0ROFESSOR &ACULTY OF -EDICINE $EPARTMENT OF 0EDIATRICS fearful situations and make the appropri3CHOOL OF 0OPULATION AND 0UBLIC (EALTH #HILD &AMILY ate social and physical decisions then 2ESEARCH )NSTITUTE "# )NJURY 2ESEARCH 0REVENTION 5NIT they will be far more conďŹ dent as adults 4HE 5NIVERSITY OF "RITISH #OLUMBIA "# #HILDREN S (OSPITAL 3ITE when faced with difďŹ cult or dangerous 8 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

situations. Ultimately, removing risk only leads to an inability to assess danger.

Now, as a mom of 3, I know it is an enormous leap between understanding that risky play is important for my child’s development and actually being conďŹ dent exposing my kids to risk. After all, it seems completely counterintuitive because my job as a parent is to keep them safe. But after much thought, I have come to realize that risky play is no different that any of the other difďŹ cult parenting topics that we all have to navigate. And similar to talking to your children about sex or drugs or bullying, talking to your kids about risk taking (in play or in life) involves education, patience and a whole lot of open communication.

First, I think it’s important to answer the question of “how much risk is too much?�

Vancouver researcher and mom of two Mariana Brusonni sums it up best: “A hazard is something a child does not see. A risk is a challenge a child can see and chooses to undertake or not.� This means that our primary job as parents is to remove the hazards—not the risks—from our child’s life.

Your child may not see a hazard either because it is literally hidden (for example, glass buried in the sandbox) or because they are too young to developmentally see it (a toddler stepping into a pool). As our children grow and mature, the line between hazard and risk is always changing. For example, a 2 year old crossing an intersection by themselves is a hazard. But a 12 year old crossing the same intersection is a risk. The 12 year old has the cognitive ability to recognize the dangers and make an appropriate plan to manage them. The 2 year old does not.

Once we have removed the hazards then our role as a parent must be to teach our children to manage the risks in their lives.

Our natural instinct as parents is to simply remove any risks or problems that our children face (this has recently been called bulldozer parenting). But it is far better in the long run to actively teach our children how to handle those risks themselves. This does not mean stepping completely away and letting them ďŹ gure everything out themselves but instead, giving them the tools they need to succeed and then gradually stepping away as they (and you!) are ready. This process will be different for every parent-child relationship but starting at very young ages children can begin to develop these tools to manage risk.

Step 1: Teach your child to identify the risk.

Work together to label it, point it out and talk about it. For little ones this is as simple as saying “big step� as you hold your child’s hand down the stairs. For older ones it can be a longer conversation. “I know you want to bike to school with your friends. Can you tell me some of the risks you might face?� As your child gets older their ability to see the risks in a physical (or social) situation will get better and better with practice and guidance.

S t e p 2 : Te a c h yo u r child to assess or measure the risk. Discuss

what the consequences are or what the ‘worst case scenario’ is. This is the step that takes a lot of practice. And, it is the best opportunity for you to measure your child’s developmental readiness to tackle the risk independently. If they can accurately tell you what could happen then you know they are prepared to take action if needed.

Use a lot of open ended questions like “can you tell me what might happen?� Or, “I see that the slide is wet today. Can you tell me what that means?�. If they simply can’t tell you how big the risk is then step in and help them out (“Wet slides are much more slippery. You will go much faster.�)

Step 3: Teach your child to manage the risk. Talk about a plan of action. Get

them to describe to you what they would do if they found themselves in a difficult situation. If they can openly talk to you about how they plan to manage the risks then it is so much easier to feel confident letting them go ahead. For example, once your child can tell you the risks of biking to school and tell you what they would do at a busy intersection or if they get a flat tire or if they wipe out, then you know they are developmentally ready to take on that risk and it is far easier as a parent to let them go.

Step 4: Allow your child to take the risk. This might be the hardest- and the

most important- part. Once we have prepared our kids it is time to allow them the freedom to practice their new skills without us hovering and swooping in to ‘save’ them.

The freedom to make mistakes and learn from them is one of the best gifts we can give our kids. And the more they practice now the more they will develop those critical self-protecting skills that will help them grow into happy, healthy adults.

If you are looking for a great place to practice risky play this summer I highly recommend taking the whole family to the adventure play environment at Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond. Parents are encouraged to play too which means the whole family can take some risks and have some fun! *ENNIFER (OOD is the owner and director of Jump Gymnastics—a program focused on developing Physical Literacy and giving kids the tools they need to succeed in sports and be active for life. Jennifer is a certified teacher specializing in primary education and has more than 20 years’ experience coaching gymnastics in organizations across Canada.

1. Sandseter, 2007; Little & Wyver, 2008 2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201404/ risky-play-why-children-love-it-and-need-it

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 9

summer camp guide Residential Camps

Camp Kodiak Parry Sound, Ontario campkodiak.com Ages 6–18

Aspengrove Equestrian Academy Vernon, 250/545-9470 aspengrovebc.com Ages 8–17

Camp Owaissi Kelowna, 250/769-3676 campoac.com Ages 7–17

British Columbia Family French Camp (BCFFC) Shuswap Lake, Gwillim Lake and Nanaimo info@bcffc.com bcffc.com At British Columbia Family French Camp, children from French Immersion bring their families along to camp!

Families camp in their own sites and together we form a friendly neighbourhood, surrounded by the sounds of children playing and singing in French.

Camp Pringle Shawnigan Lake, 250/472-6877 camppringle.com Ages 6–14

Camp Fircom Gambier, 604/662-7756 ďŹ rcom.ca Ages 5–17 Camp Imadene Mesachie Lake, 250/749-6606 imadene.com Ages 7–18, plus Family Camps

Camp Suzuki: Howe Sound Howe Sound- Camp Fircom 604/732-4228 campsuzuki.org Ages 7–13 Camp Qwanoes Vancouver, Island 250/246-3014 qwanoes.ca Qwanoes is a Christian camp built from the ground up for kids to experience an unforgettable life-changing week.

Qwanoes is wild action and pure fun, sun-soaked days, new friendships, tasty food, great music, over 75 activities, and all in a spectacular setting with amazing staff from the around the world... all who love kids. Life like no other awaits!

10 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Children’s Horse Camp Webbs Holiday Acres Aldergrove, 604/857-1712 webbsholidayacres.ca Ages 6–14 Debate Camp Canada Vancouver: Day Camp, July 4–8, Grades 5–10 Brentwood College, Mill Bay, Vancouver Island: Overnight, July 10–16, debatecamp.org Grades 7–11 Evans Lake Camp North of Squamish, 604/294-2267 evanslake.com Ages 8–16 Green Bay Bible Camp West Kelowna, 250/768-5884 greenbay.bc.ca

Stillwood Camp Cultus Lake, 1-800/507-8455 stillwood.ca Ages 5–16 Timberline Ranch Maple Ridge, 604/463-9278 timberlineranch.com Ages 9–16 Wyld Summer Camps WYLD Expeditions Strathcona Park, 250/286-3122 gowyld.ca Ages 12–18

special needs

Outward Bound National locations 604/901-0013 (ext 221) outwardbound.ca Ages 14+

Camp Alohi Lani June 26-29 Port Moody alsbc.ca/services/caregivers-days/ camp-alohi-lani For youth who have a parent or grandparent in a signiďŹ cant role living with ALS.

Pioneer PaciďŹ c Camp Thetis Island, 250/246-9613 pioneerpaciďŹ c.ca Ages 7–18

Camp Goodtimes and Teen Program campgoodtimes.org For children ages 7–15 and teens 15–18 with cancer and their families.

summer camp guide Camp Moomba July 31–August 5 Elphinstone youthco.org/moomba For youth from 6 to 17 years old who are living with HIV, or who have a family member living with HIV. DYT Summer Camps fndc.ca Focussing on language enhancement (ASL) and social opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing children ages 5–18.

Easter Seals Camps 604/873-1865 or 1-800/818-4483 eastersealscamps.ca Ages 6–18 For children and teens with physical and/or mental disabilities.

Eureka Camp 604/520-1155; eurekacamp.ca For children and adolescents with invisible disabilities.

Young Burn Survivors Camp July 17–22 burnfund.org/camp-for-young-burn -survivors For young burn survivors ages 6–18

Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley art, music, drama & dance The Arts Connection Richmond, 604/241-0141 theartsconnection.ca Ages 6–12 Arts Umbrella Vancouver, Surrey, 604/681-5268 artsumbrella.com Ages 2–19 Bard on the Beach: Young Shakespeareans Vancouver, 604/737-0625 bardonthebeach.org Ages 15–18

themselves using Colourstrings educational principles, as they become intrepid ‘explorers’ on an adventure weaving singing, movement, percussion, games, drama and art into a traditional story from around the world.

New camps: piano, ukulele and percussion Dance Co Vancouver, 604/736-3394 danceco.com Ages 3+ Dance Co provides unparalleled dance training for all ages and levels. Providing technique and performance while developing conďŹ dence and creativity.

Programs start throughout the year, for more information visit our website: danceco.com Douglas College Community Music School New West, 604/527-5469 douglascollege.ca/cms Ages 8+ Come Play with Us this summer! We offer summer music camps and classes for children, youth, and adults of all levels: Jazz, Guitar, Rock, DJ’ing, World Drumming and more. Enjoy professional level instruction at community prices. Call us today to register!

Evergreen Cultural Centre Coquitlam, 604/927-6555 evergreenculturalcentre.ca Ages 6–21 Gateway Academy Acting Camp, Improvisation Camp, Speech Training Workshop, Musical Theatre Richmond, 604/247-4975 or academy@gatewaytheatre.com gatewaytheatre.com/academy Ages 8–18 Skills for Theatre. Skills for Life.

If you’re looking to ensure a fun, active, and social experience for your son or daughter this summer—look no further! We offer programs to suit various ages and interests, with start dates throughout July and August.

Goh Ballet Vancouver, 604/872-4014 gohballet.com Ages 4–12

Camp Monarch, Music, Art & Dance North Vancouver, 604/723-8151 campmonarch.ca Ages 5–12

Jean Lyons School of Music Vancouver, 604/734-4019 jeanlyonsmusic.com Ages 4–17

Colourstrings Music & Movement Summer Session Vancouver, 778/846-1287 colourstrings.ca Ages 5–9 Registration is now open for all students Summer Music & Movement: Starts the ďŹ rst week in July, one class per week for 6 weeks.

World Explorer Camps: Integrating music,movement, drama and visual art, children learn to express

Place des Arts Coquitlam, 604/664-1636 placedesarts.ca Place des Arts Summer Fun! Art Camp 6 weeks: July 4–August 12, 2016. Summer Fun! offers exibility, choice and lots of summertime fun for children ages 5–7 & 8–12. Our half-day, weeklong workshops for 11–14 year olds provide more intensive experiences in a range of visual and performing arts disciplines.

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 11

summer camp guide StageCoach Theatre Arts Schools Vancouver Eastside/Westside, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, Victoria 1-877-787-8243 stagecoachschools.ca Sing, Dance, Act! For 4–18 yr olds.

The world’s largest part-time theatre school network, with weekend schools across the Lower Mainland. We offer classes in Singing, Dancing and Drama every weekend alongside the school term as well as week long summer camps. Building conďŹ dence in young people since 1988! Come join the fun!

provides an intensive and fun musical experience for ages 10 to 18 in two levels of concert band and jazz band workshops, as well as two singing workshops. Overnight or daycamp.

“Summer in the City� weekly Art Camps Vancouver, 604/737-2636 suzybirstein.com Ages 6–17

general activities

Summer School for Dancers Burnaby, 604/521-7290 royalcityyouthballet.org Ages 6+ Summer Theatre and Arts Camp Whistler Arts Council Whistler, 604/935-8410 artswhistler.com Ages 5–12 Summer Music at UBC 604/822-3113 summer.music.ubc.ca The UBC Summer Music Institute

Vancouver Academy of Music Vancouver, 604/734-2301 vam.bc.ca Ages 4+ Westside Dance Centre 604/736-1000 westsidedance.ca Ages 4+

Alexandra Neighbourhood House 604/535-0015 alexhouse.net Ages 6-12 Programs for children and families throughout Metro Vancouver. Residential Summer Camps include a 5 day camp for Families with limited resources, as well as a weekend Family Camp for families with teens/preteens with developmental challenges.

False Creek C.C. Daycamps Vancouver, 604/257-8195 falsecreekcc.ca Offers canoe/kayak camps, recreational camps and leadership camps for ages 3–14.

12 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

KidCity Day Camp Vancouver, 604/440-9094 kidcitybc.ca Ages 5–10

Spare Time Child Care Society Vancouver sparetimesociety.org Ages 5–12

Langara Family YMCA 604/324-9622 langarafamilyymca.org Preschool, Adventure, Leadership, and Counsellor in Training Camps.

Ages 3–16; 8 am–5 pm

Sunset Community Centre Vancouver, 604/718-6505 mysunset.net Ages 6–16

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Licensed Out-of-School Care at Florence Nightingale School Vancouver, 604/879-8208 mpnh.org 8 weeks of licensed summer care for 20 children 5–10 years old.

North Vancouver Recreation Commission 604/987-PLAY (7529) northvanrec.com St. John’s Summer to Discover Day Camps July 4–22, 2016 Vancouver, 604/732-4434 stjohns.bc.ca Ages 5–13 SFU Summer Camps 778/782-4965 sfu.ca/camps Ages 5–19

Vancouver College: A Finnegan Summer 604/261-4285 vc.bc.ca

specialty camps Adaptive Multi-Sport Camp Cloverdale, 604/333-3520 bcwheelchairsports.com Ages 11+ BC SPCA Among Animals Camp 604/599-7297 spca.bc.ca/youth/whats-happening Camps are held in various locations around the province. Participants will learn about animal care, welfare and environmental issues in a safe and fun environment.

Bricks 4 KidzÂŽ Vancouver, 604/250-6665 bricks4kidz.com/vancouver With our unique, motorized LegoÂŽ models, Bricks 4 KidzÂŽ Vancouver is

summer camp guide

$50 discount (ďŹ rst 10 students only).

LEARN MORE TODAY!

DISCOVER THE POWER OF

CRITICAL THINKING Enroll your children in Eye Level’s Summer Institute and enhance their critical thinking skills! This is a unique summer program that helps students advance by focusing on problem solving, developing their reasoning and critical thinking abilities for conďŹ dence in the classroom and beyond.

Eye Level of Richmond North n !CKROYD 2D 2ICHMOND "# 6 8 + ě?? RICHMONDNORTH MYEYELEVEL COM WWW EYELEVELRICHMOND COM

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 13

summer camp guide

offering an exciting lineup of summer camps. From our popular Space Adventures and Robotics Camps to our new Mining & Crafting and Jurassic Brick Land Camps, kids will have a blast with hands-on activities and challenges.

Burnaby Village Museum Burnaby, 604/297-4565 burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/camps Ages 6–12 In a 1920s setting, children play games and sports, enjoy activities, and enjoy daily carousel rides! There are themed weeks for speciďŹ c age groups.

Christianne’s Lyceum of Literature and Art Vancouver, 604/733-1356 christiannehayward.com Ages 5+ The Lyceum encourages young people to see themselves as readers, writers and artists as they engage with abstract ideas and reect on their own place in society. Programs include: bookclubs, writers’ workshops, literature and art classes and holiday and summer camps.

Dive into Summer Camp at the Vancouver Aquarium 604/659-3552 vanaqua.org

Eye Level Summer Institute 2016 Richmond 604/AT - LEVEL (285-3835) eyelevelrichmond.com/what-s-new Ages 4–16 Prevent your child’s minds from atrophying by joining our Summer Institute 2016. You can exibly choose from a lineup of Math and English courses that rope in problem solving, creative writing, coding, critical thinking, reading and writing club, and ďŹ tness.

FarmWonders Camp UBC Farm, 604/827-4048 farmwonders.ca Ages 6–11 FarmWonders camp takes place at UBC Farm, a 60-acre certiďŹ ed organic farm in Vancouver. Each of our oneweek themed camps include forest adventures, planting, eco-crafts, trips around the farm and a chance to harvest, cook and eat fresh garden produce!

Fraser Academy Summer Boost Camp Vancouver, 604/736-5575 fraseracademy.ca Boost your child’s skills this summer.

Our half-day, two-week Boost Camps build students’ skills in a fun environment through daily small group classes in curriculum areas including Language

14 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Arts, Math and Science. Students entering grades 3–8 are welcome.

Stewart Farms Summer Daycamps Surrey, 604/592-6956 surrey.ca/culture-recreation Ages 6–12 Spend a summer day on the farm at Historic Stewart Farm doing things the old-fashioned way! Tend the garden, go on a nature walk, play games, be a river pirate, and more—there is a different theme every day!

La Movida Sewing Camp Kitsilano, West Vancouver info@lamovida.ca; lamovida.ca For all skill levels, ages 8+ Langara Summer Camps Vancouver 604/677-0198 or eclarke@langara.bc.ca langara.ca/summer-camps For teens 13–17 years Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre North Van, 604/990-3755 lynncanyonecologycentre.ca Ages 5–12 Richmond Nature Park Camps Richmond, 604-276-4300 richmond.ca/register Ages 4–12

St. George’s Summer Programs Vancouver, Dunbar area 604/221-3601 summeratstgeorges.ca Ages 4–11 Science World at TELUS World of Science 604/443-7443 telusworldofscience.com StartUp Skool Vancouver/Burnaby, 604/349-8199 startupskool.com Ages 8–16 Tomorrow’s Master of Digital Media Program (TMDM) Centre for Digital Media Vancouver tmdm@thecdm.ca thecdm.ca/program/tmdm TMDM is a 3-week intensive summer camp for students entering grades 9–12 with artistic or technical interests who want to explore educational and career opportunities in the digital media industry. Students will learn rapid prototyping and collaborative techniques and will have a playable digital media product at the end of the camp.

Ages: 13–17

summer camp guide

WMA Summer Camps Jul 11 - Aug 5 7JTJU wmasummercamp.com GPS EFUBJMT BOE SFHJTUSBUJPO

3 - 6 yrs Half-Day Camps In our bright air conditioned indoor / outdoor classroom Ă™ 8FFL 6OEFS UIF 4FB Ă™ 8FFL 'SPHT 'SPHT 'SPHT Ă™ 8FFL .POLFZ #VTJOFTT Ă™ 8FFL 1FU 4PVOET

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BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 15

summer camp guide Urban Safari Rescue Society Surrey, 604/531-1100 urbansafari.ca Ages 6–12 Westside Church Day Camps North Vancouver and Kistilano 604/263-2314 wchurch.ca Ages 3–12 Westside Montessori Academy Vancouver, 604/434-9611 wmasummercamp.com Westside Montessori Academy’s Summer Camps are professionally-led half and full day camps for 3–12 year olds in East Vancouver. Taking advantage of their secure, air-conditioned classrooms and adjacent BeaconsďŹ eld Park, they make summer full of learning, exploring and fun!

West Point Grey Community Centre Day Camps Vancouver, 604/257-8140 westpointgrey.org Ages 3–13

sports Total Athlete Training Athletes in Action Langley, 604/514-2079 athletesinaction.com Ages 14–18

Atlantis Programs Vancouver, 604/874-6464 atlantisprograms.com Swimming lessons for kids 4 months and up. Since 1986, Atlantis has been offering swim lessons to kids 4 months and up. Specializing in small class sizes (generally 4:1), warm water and exceptional instructors, they have helped thousands of children to be safe and competent in the water, so they can enjoy a lifetime of aquatic activities.

KidRock Summer Camps Cliffhanger Indoor Rock Climbing Vancouver, 604/874-2400 cliffhangerclimbing.com Ages 9–16 Fitba—Soccer Player Development Vancouver, 604/340-1263; ďŹ tba.ca Grouse Mountain Adventure Day Camps North Vancouver, 604/984-0661 grousemountain.com/camps Ages 5–16 Jump Gymnastics Yaletown and North Van 604/568-9690 info@jumpgymnastics.ca jumpgymnastics.ca Age suitable for: 1/2 day camps for 3–7 year olds and full day for 4–7 year olds Jump Gymnastics programming gives your child the strongest foundation

for success in all sports and an active life. Classes, camps, birthday parties, date nights and more for kids from 6 months through their 7th year. Jump into the fun!

richmondoval.ca Ages 4–18

Langara Family YMCA 604/324-9622 langarafamilyymca.org Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Tennis and more! Girls and Boys only options offered, as well as a UBC Wrestling Camp for ages 12–16. Financial assistance available.

Ages 6–12: Hours 8 am–5 pm RBL Basketball 604/269-0221 or 604/253-5295 RBLBasketball.ca Ages 5–15 Week long camps for boys and girls from kindergarten to grade ten. Two to three hours each day.

The Little Gym Langley, 604/539-2543 thelittlegym.com Ages 3–12

Pedalheads Bike Camps 888/886-6464 pedalheads.com PedalheadsÂŽ is a learn to ride bike program for kids 2–12. Located across Canada and speciďŹ cally in the Greater Vancouver area, they have helped over 200,000 kids learn to ride. Offering a variety of levels from training wheels to trails, PedalheadsÂŽ offers half-day, all day and private lesson options.

Royal Soccer Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley 800/427-0536 royalsoccer.com The Royal Soccer Club is celebrating its 25th annual summer grassroots soccer day camps‌ #1 grassroots soccer camp in Canada. Open to boys & girls aged 5 to 13, we offer over 18 locations across British Columbia region during July and August. Visit www.royalsoccer.com or call 1-800-427-0536.

Mt Seymour Eco-Adventure Camp North Vancouver, 604/986-2261 mountseymour.com Ages 5–14

Scuba Camp Diving Locker, Vancouver 800/DIVE-398 divinglocker.ca Ages 10+

Oval Summer Sport Camps Richmond Olympic Oval 778/296-1400

Sole Girls Empowerment Camps Vancouver, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, Port Moody, 778/952-7653

SKILLS FOR THEATRE. SKILLS FOR

Summer Camps & Year-Long Classes KIDS & TEENS JULY 2016-APRIL 2017

Training in ...

REGISTER TODAY!

MUSICAL THEATRE ACTING SPEECH

SINGING PLAYWRITING

604.247.4975 www.gatewaytheatre.com/academy

16 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

summer camp guide solegirls.org/camps.html Ages 6-12 Sportball Mulitiple Locations, 604/688-3157 sportball.ca Sportball is a non-competitive sports program for children 16 months to 12 years. Children are introduced to eight popular sports: soccer, hockey, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, tennis and golf. Sportball offers weekly programs, outdoor soccer, camps during school holidays, and birthday parties.

Come try a free trial class! See our website for a location near you.

Timberline Ranch Maple Ridge, 604/463-9278 timberlineranch.com Ages 7–8 The Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Clinics Surrey July 4th-8th North Vancouver July 25–29 604/440-9999 frmclinicscanada.com Ages 6–15 Twin Rivers Equestrian Centre Cloverdale, 604/574-5481 twinriversequestrian.com UBC Sport Camps Vancouver, 604/822-6121 ubccamps.ca

Phoenix Gymnastics Vancouver, 604/737-7693 phoenixgymnastics.com Ages 3+ Yoga Kiddo Buttons Camp YogaButtons Studio Vancouver604/739-9642 yogabuttons.com Ages 3–7

Okangan art, music, drama & dance Arts Blast Rotary Centre for the Arts Kelowna, 250/717-5304 RotaryCentrefortheArts.com Ages 5–10 Art Adventures Kelowna Art Gallery, 250/762-2226 kelownaartgallery.com/art-camps Ages 3–12 ArtCamp with Natasha Harvey Kelowna, 250/863-0790 natashaharveyart.ca Ages 5–13 Arts Blast Camp Rotary Centre for the Arts

TEEN Friday Art Series Kelowna Art Gallery, 250/762-2226 kelownaartgallery.com/art-camps Ages 13–18

Kelowna, 250/717-5304 rotarycentreforthearts.com Ages 3–13 Hip Hop or Acro Intensive Creator’a Arts Centre Kelowna, 250/860-6616 creatorsarts.com Ages 6+

general activities Camp OC Okanagan College – Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Revelstoke okanagan.bc.ca

Karma Kids Get Bent Yoga & Dance Penticton, 250/462-1025 GetBentRec.com Ages 8–12

Green Bay Bible Day Camp West Kelowna, 250/768-5884 greenbay.bc.ca Ages 6–12

Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts Kelowna 778/478-0760 kelownadance.com Ages 4+

specialty camps

Summer JamReections Dance Studio reectionsdance.ca August 8–11, 2016 Ages 6 yrs & up!

Bricks 4 KidzÂŽ Summerland, 778/516-1505 bricks4kidz.com/bcsouthinterior Ages 6+

Summer Stages Kelowna Actors Studio kelownaactorsstudio.com Ages 7+

Geering Up UBC Okanagan Kelowna, 250/808-9309 geeringup.ca Ages 6-13

TEEN Art Week August 2 to 5 Kelowna Art Gallery, 250/762-2226 kelownaartgallery.com/art-camps Ages 13–18

Science Camp Okanagan Science Centre Vernon, 250/545-3644 okscience.ca Ages 6–12

Give your kids a strong g foundation forr an active activ ctive e life & success in n all sports! s!

Classes, Camps, Birthday rthday Parties, Date Nights ts & More!

TOMORROW’S

MASTER OF DIGITAL MEDIA PROGRAM 3-week intensive digital media summer camp for teens

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TMDM Fine Print

TMDM Goals Engage students in project-based learning.

Encourage team-based collaboration.

Highlight education & career opportunities in the thriving digital media industry.

Teach rapid iteration, prototyping and design essentials.

TMDM is for students entering grades 9–12 with artistic or technical talent.

Tuition includes lunches and ďŹ eld trips.

Taught by current faculty and grads in the Master of Digital Media program.

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JUMP into our great programming for kidss from 6 months to 7 years old..

Program runs from August 8-26, 2016 weekdays from 9am-5pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE thecdm.ca/program/tmdm a collaboration between

Centre for Digital Media 685 Great Northern Way Vancouver, BC, V5T 0C6

JumpGymnastics.ca

Yaletown North Vancouver 604.568.9690 604.971.0513 101- 837 Beatty St 120 -2270 Dollarton Hwy

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 17

summer camp guide Stand Up Paddleboard Camp Kelowna 250/808-6247 bookings@kelownabeachrentals.com kelownabeachrentals.com Ages 8–16 Wakeboard/Waterski Camp Kelowna, 250/212-1554 mwsadventures.com Ages 5+

Vancouver Island art, music, drama & dance 4Cats Langford, Oak Bay, Victoria 4cats.com Ages 3–12 Art Play Camp Poppet Studio poppetcreative.com Ages 5–12 Crafty Summer Camps Crafty and The Woodshed Victoria craftyvictoria.com Ages 5–8 Dance Camps Stages Performing Arts School Saanich, 250/384-3267 members.shaw.ca/stagesdance All ages HipHop Intensive Esquimalt, 250/896-4427 vibestreetdance.com Ages 7–18

StartUp Skool Kelowna, 604/349-8199 startupskool.com Ages 8–16

sports EnergyPlex Kelowna, 250/765-4486 energyplex.ca/day-camps Ages 5–11 FitKidz Gymnastics Club Penticton, 778/476-KFIT (5348) ďŹ tkidzcan.com Ages 4+ H2O Adventure and Fitness Camps Kelowna, 250/491-9622 h2okelowna.ca Ages 5–14 Okanagan Mission Tennis Kelowna

okmissiontennis.org Ages 6–12 Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Vernon, 866/696-5035 gymnasticsinvernon.com Ages 5–16 Royal Soccer Kamploops, Kelowna 800/427-0536 royalsoccer.com The Royal Soccer Club is celebrating its 25th annual summer grassroots soccer day camps‌ #1 grassroots soccer camp in Canada. Open to boys & girls aged 5 to 13, we offer over 18 locations across British Columbia region during July and August. Visit www.royalsoccer. com for more details or call 1-800/4270536.

Sportball Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton sportball.ca

18 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

The Music Box Summer Camps Victoria themusicbox.musicteachershelper.com Ages 6–12 The Paint Box School of Art Victoria, 250/590-7571 thepaintbox-victoria.com Ages 3–14 Stages Performing Arts School Victoria, 250/384-3267 stagesdance.com Ages 18m + Victoria Academy of Ballet Half-day Children’s Camps Victoria, 250/590-6752 victoriaacademyofballet.ca Ages 3–11

Burnside Fun N Sun Burnside Gorge Community Association 250/388-5251 burnsidegorge.ca Ages 5–11 Camp Oaklands Oaklands Community Centre Victoria, 250/370-9101 oaklandscommunitycentre.com Ages 8–11 Camptastiq Quadra Village Community Centre 250/388-7696 quadravillagecc.com Ages 5–12 City Centre Park Langford, 250/391-1738 citycentrepark.ca Ages 5–15 Fun Seekers and Adventure Kids Camp Esquimalt Rec Centre 250/412-8500 esquimalt.ca/parksRecreation/programs Registration Ages 6–12 FUN Camps Friends Uniting for Nature Victoria, Metchosin; 250/891-1067 funcamps.ca Ages 5–16 Hands on Summer Camp Victoria, 250/995-6425 handsonsummercamp.com Ages 7–12 Kids Klub School Summer Camps Multiple Locations, 250/881-1223 kidsklub.ca Ages 5–12 Lux Mundi Summer Program Christ Church Cathedral School Victoria, 250/383-5125 cathedralschool.ca Ages 5–11 Oak and Orca Summer Camp Victoria, 250/383-6609 oakandorca.ca ages 5–12 SMS Summer Camps St. Margaret’s School Victoria, 250/479-7171 stmarg.ca Girls Ages 5–13 St Michael’s University School Victoria, 250/370-6120 smus.ca/summer Ages 5–15

general activities

Summerscope Day Camp Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre 250/361-0732; victoria.ca/crystalpool crystalpool@victoria.ca Ages 6–9

Big Kids Corner Babies to Big Kids Childcare Esquimalt, 250/590-2722 babiestobigkids.com Ages 5–12

Sun Fun The Cridge Centre for Family Victoria, 250/995-6407 cridge.org/childcare/sunfun Ages 5–12

r e m Sum

summer camp guide

Make Camp and Fashion Camp Victoria, 778/430-MAKE (6253) themakehouse.ca Ages 12–17 Ocean Adventures Deep Bay Marine Field Station Nanaimo, 250/740-6611 2.viu.ca/deepbay Age 6–12

Shoots with Roots Daycamps Vancouver Island University Nanaimo, 250/752-6153 2.viu.ca/milnergardens Ages 6–14 SPCA Kids Camps Victoria, 250/686-1581 spca.bc.ca/kids-teens StartUp Skool Victoria, 604/349-8199 startupskool.com Ages 8–16 Summer Camps & Tech Camps Christ Church Cathedral School Victoria, 250/383-5125 cathedralschool.ca Ages 5–13 Cathedral School offers 2 summer programs: Lux Mundi is for age 5–11 and includes daily ďŹ eld trips, sports, and indoor play. Tech Camps are computer based camps for ages 9–13 with themes like Minecraft and Lego Mindstorms Robotics.

Ezra Soccer Summer Camp Nanaimo, 250/756-5200 enlighteningenterprises.com Ages 3–13

Royal Soccer Victoria 800/427-0536 royalsoccer.com The Royal Soccer Club is celebrating its 25th annual summer grassroots soccer day camps‌ #1 grassroots soccer camp in Canada.

Open to boys & girls aged 5 to 13, we offer over 18 locations across British Columbia region during July and August.

Visit www.royalsoccer.com or call 1-800-427-0536.

Falcon Gymnastics Victoria, 250/479-6424 falcongymnastics.com Ages 18m–14

Royal Victoria Yacht Club (Sailing) 250/592-6113 rvyc.bc.ca Ages 7–17

Golf & Multi Sport Full Day Camps Victoria Golf Club Victoria, 250/598-4321 victoriagolf.com Ages 12–17

Urban Adventure Summer Camp Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria Esquimalt, 250/384-9133 bgcvic.org

Highland PaciďŹ c Golf Victoria, 250/478-4653 highlandpaciďŹ cgolf.com Ages 6–14 Hockey Training Camps Behind the Bench Victoria, 250/642-7792 behindthebench.com Ages 7–17 Jetin’ Extreme Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre Victoria, 250/361-0732 victoria.ca/crystalpool Ages 9–12 Kayaking Camp Ocean River Sports Victoria, 250/381-4233 oceanriver.com Ages 10–14 Kids Martial Arts and Fitness Camp Crusher Combat Sports Victoria, 250/478-3596 crushercombat.com

ram g o r p g n i n i tra

Canadian Forces Sailing Association

www.cfsaesq.ca Courses for all ages, from beginner level to Advanced.

Register now!

1001 Maple Bank Road

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Sewing Camp Bay/Fernwood, 250/592-7879 andreasseweasy.com Ages 7+

CFSA Summer Sail Training Program Colwood, 250/580-2670 sailinginstructor@cfsaesq.ca cfsaesq.ca/training/ summer_|training_program.html Ages 4+ Offering one or two week courses for children to adults of all skill levels. CFSA is a wonderful place to learn sailing. Instructors are certiďŹ ed by Sail Canada following CANSail curriculum.

Oak Bay Figure Skating Rink Ratz Oak Bay, 250/744-6603 oakbayfsc.ca Ages 4–10

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Science Venture Camps UVic Science Venture Victoria, 250/721-8661 scienceventure.ca Ages 6–14

Canoe Camp Victoria, 250-380-0226 chinookclub.ca

Play Sport PaciďŹ c Institute for Sports Excellence Victoria, 250/220-2510 summercamps.piseworld.com

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Royal BC Museum Summer Camps Camp Mammoths Victoria, 250/356-7226 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/camps Ages 5–11 Camp Mammoths explores the fascinating creatures of the ice age and Mammoth Mornings allows the littles mammoths to roam the museum. Our third camp, Living Sustainably, investigates the topic of sustainability in exciting, handson ways.

Register at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/ camps

Basketball UVic Vikes Recreation Victoria, 250/721-7282 vikesrec.uvic.ca Ages 8–13

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Camp Pringle Shawnigan Lake, 250/472-6877 camppringle.com Ages 6–14

Pedalheads – Newbees to Level 3 Braefoot, 888/886-6464 atlantisprograms.com Ages 4–8

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specialty camps sports

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CFB Esquimalt Docky kya yard rd

To register call:

Colwood Activity Centre

250-363-1009

For course information: www.cfsaesq.ca/sail_training.html, email sailinginstructor@cfsaesq.ca, phone 250-580-2670 We follow the Sail Canada CANSail curriculum of instruction

Victoria Gymnastics Victoria, 250/380-2442 victoriagymnastics.com Ages 2+ Vikes Summer Camp Victoria, 250/472-4000 vikescamps.com Ages 5–18 Water Sport Camps Fairway Gorge Paddling Club Victoria, 778/432-3472 fgpaddle.com Ages 6–12

Visit www.bcparent.ca Read our new blogs‌ catch up on past issues‌ enter our contests and find out about great family events in the Lower Mainland.

Motocross Camp Westshore Motocross Langford, 250/590-8088 westshoremx.com

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 19

Summer Camps for Kids with Special Needs

by Variety – The Children’s Charity

L

angley mom Andrea remembers the look on her daughter Ella’s face the ďŹ rst time Ella tried wheelchair basketball: “She came off the court and she was like ‘OMG this is the best thing ever! It’s awesome! I never thought I’d be able to do sports but I can—I don’t have to be stuck on the sidelines anymore.’â€?

For Ella, a bright twelve-year-old girl who gets straight As in school and has cerebral palsy, keeping up with her able-bodied friends is often exhausting. It is wonderful to be treated just the same, but difďŹ cult too.

Participating in wheelchair basketball on weekends gives her the chance to enjoy the freedom of ying around the court in her specially designed sports wheelchair, forgetting her challenges for a while and having fun with her peers. This is the fourth year Ella has played the sport, and she looks forward to her ďŹ rst wheelchair basketball camp this summer.

Ella is just one of the many kids in British Columbia with special needs eager to explore the many summer camp options

20 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

available this season. Kids with physical, cognitive or medical challenges can spend a night under the stars, paddle a canoe, or sing around a campďŹ re in a safe and supportive environment speciďŹ cally designed to meet their needs. And Variety–The Children’s Charity is stepping in to make sure those options are accessible. “In 2015, Variety provided over $132,000 in funding to 29 camps for kids with special needs, directly helping 505 children in BC to enjoy a summer camp experience,â€? says Kristy Gill, Variety’s Executive Director. “By partnering with organizations that provide enriching opportunities for kids with special needs, we can broaden the impact of

our support and help more families in BC�

Some of the camps are condition-speciďŹ c, like the Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Camp.

The medical needs of children with kidney disease or living with a transplant often prevent them from attending typical camps, but at the Kidney Camp they have access to 24/7 health care. For one week the children are free to change their routines of constant care by taking part in outdoor adventures such as ďŹ shing, hiking, swimming and kayaking, as well as the traditional favourite—arts and crafts. All travel and camp costs are covered, thanks in part to funding from Variety. “[Attending camp] helps the kids to grow their conďŹ dence by challenging themselves

to do more than they might normally try, while at the same time seeing others go through similar challenges,� says Pam Bilusack of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch. “This summer memory will be one that will last a lifetime—a memory of what it can be like to be a kid just the same as others. They make lifelong friends and know that they aren’t alone.�

Knowing that they’re not alone is also what makes the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Camp special for children who are burn survivors. Kids from across the province come every year to take part in fun activities in a medically supervised environment speciďŹ c to their needs. “For one week these kids can let their guards down and just be kids,â€? notes Lois Budd, Director of BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “They feel accepted and proud of who they are and who they can become.â€? And the organizers of the Burn Camp give the kids plenty of opportunities to become leaders themselves, with mentorship programs that partner older campers who have had many years to recover from their burn injuries with younger children

still navigating the physical and emotional healing process.

Some camps, like the Douglas Park Community Association’s Summer Adventures Daycamp in Vancouver, are integrated camps which serve children with and without special needs. Last year two pre-schoolers, one with ADHD and one with autism, took part in the Adventures Daycamp,

“I don’t have to be stuck on the sidelines anymore!�

with especially positive outcomes. One of the children was non-verbal, but began to ourish in his communication skills thanks to the support of specially trained staff, and the consistency of coming to the camp every day. By being able to interact with other children in a supportive environment, the other child was able to overcome socialization challenges, which will help prepare him to transition to kindergarten.

According to Rosie Laforges, Licensed Child Care Coordinator at the Douglas Park Community Centre, the learning goes both ways for the kids, who develop positive learning skills through their interactions.

And by stepping in to support the camp program with funding, Variety played a key role in the children’s success. “Had the parents not had funding support from Variety, they would not have been able to afford the camp for the whole summer. We appreciate the support and the families appreciate it,� remarks LaForges.

(ELPING FAMILIES IN "# IS SOMETHING 6ARIETY HAS BEEN DOING SINCE 4HIS YEAR THE CHARITY CEL EBRATES ITS TH ANNIVERSARY AND IS SEEKING TO PROVIDE EVEN MORE DIRECT HELP TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 6ARIETY STEPS IN WHERE HEALTH CARE ENDS TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR MEDICAL CARE AND SERVICES MOBILITY AND COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND THERAPIES AND EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES THAT FOSTER DEVELOPMENT 6ARIETY SEES KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AS CHAMPIONS WHO WITH DIRECT SUP PORT ARE ABLE TO TRIUMPH THROUGH CHALLENGES AND FULFILL THEIR UNIQUE POTENTIAL &OR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE A DONATION TO 6ARIETY TO HELP KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ATTEND SUMMER CAMP THIS YEAR

OR TO APPLY FOR A GRANT FROM 6ARIETY PLEASE VISIT VARIETY BC CA

Join the BC Parent Team!

We are looking for two motivated individuals to help us expand to the Okanagan and Vancouver Island! The role is ideal for a parent looking for exible hours, who knows their community and can build strong relationships with advertisers.

Find out more on BCParent.ca or email your resume to info@bcparent.ca.

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 21

DIY Day Camp Save $$$ and be a part of their summer fun

S

ummer break is long, and although Summer camps can be a great solution by giving your children exciting learning experiences, the costs can add up quickly.

If you are looking for a more budgetfriendly way to achieve the same beneďŹ ts that a day camp provides, you might want to consider teaming up with other parents and putting together a DIY Day Camp!

How it works: Join forces with other parents

22 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

to provide a day camp by each taking the kids for a day. Five is the ideal number of parents involved, with one child each. This way you have an entire week taken care of and are just responsible for the kids for one day.

Discuss with the other parents details regarding drop-off and pick-up time, packed or provided lunches, and possible themes. Be sure to find out about each child’s abilities, allergies and soft spots.

Planning:

Parents can choose their activities based on their skill level or tolerance for mess. Some suggestions include outdoor games, arts and crafts, music and dance, gardening, cooking and baking, science projects, story time and of course, lunchtime. Other options include teaching a new skill like how to sew on a button. If your group is small, you might also consider a short field trip. Of course, if it’s sunny and hot just turning the sprinkler on might be all you need to do.

Choose the activities:

Here is a suggested itinerary: 9:00 am

Drop off, general playtime

9:45 am

Skill building activity

10:30 am

Snack time

11:00 am

Craft

12:30 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm

Playtime

2:00 pm

Pick up

Don’t get too hung up on following the itinerary, depending on the ages of the children they may just want to have free play time. But planning ahead can save you if the group is bored so have the activities available and see what interests them.

Set a theme: Using a daily theme for each day of your camp will help to provide inspiration to the parents involved and tie the activities together. Some themes are western, space, superheroes, Star Wars and travel. Pinterest has endless ideas for themerelated crafts, games, and snacks.

Field Trip Ideas 4HINK ABOUT TAKING THE KIDS TO THE BEACH A MUSEUM OR A PARK $ON T VENTURE TOO FAR AIM FOR NO MORE THAN MINUTES TRAVEL TIME 0LAN A PICNIC OR ARRANGE WITH THE OTHER PARENTS TO SEND A PACKED LUNCH -AKE THE OUTING THE ENTIRE DAY CAMP Getting there Mini-Van: )F YOU RE CONSIDERING TAKING THE KIDS ON A lELD TRIP AND ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE A MINI VAN DON T FORGET TO THINK ABOUT BOOSTER SEATS 0LAN AHEAD AND GET EACH PARENT TO DROP OFF THEIR BOOSTER SEAT WHEN THEY DROP OFF THEIR CHILD Public Transit: ! BUS RIDE CAN BE AN ADVENTURE ALL BY ITSELF )N THE ,OWER -AINLAND lND OUT IF THE OTHER PARENTS HAVE TAKEN THEIR CHILD ON PUBLIC TRANSIT )F THEY HAVE THEY MAY ALREADY HAVE A #OMPASS CARD )F YOU RE STICKING TO THE BUS YOU CAN KEEP USING CASH AND BUS TRANSFERS BUT YOU LL NEED #OMPASS TO TRANSFER TO RAIL OR 3EA"US

Don’t forget to capture the memories: take a lot of pictures of the kids at camp. You can ďŹ nd inexpensive photo booth printouts online and at Etsy or snap candid shots of the kids in action. Exchange the photos by email or through Facebook.

The best thing about a DIY day camp is that you can hold it with any number of parents. If you have more than ďŹ ve interested, split the group and mix it up over a couple of weeks.

Unlike other camps, you will be a part of your child’s camp experience, an advantage that is priceless.

Treasure Hunting )F YOU HAVEN T HEARD OF 'EOCACHING BEFORE YOU RE MISSING OUT h'EOCACHING IS AN OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS USE A 'LOBAL 0OSITIONING 3YSTEM '03 RECEIVER OR MOBILE DEVICE AND OTHER NAVIGATIONAL TECHNIQUES TO HIDE AND SEEK CONTAINERS

CALLED hGEOCACHESv OR hCACHESv ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD v )N OTHER WORDS 'EOCACHING IS A TREASURE HUNT ,OGIN TO GEOCACHING COM TO OPEN YOUR FREE ACCOUNT AND SEE WHAT PEOPLE HAVE HIDDEN NEARBY 9OU DON T TYPICALLY TAKE ANYTHING WITH YOU BUT SOME GEOCACHES ARE MORE AIMED AT CHILDREN AND HAVE A TREASURE TO TRADE )F YOU RE USING THIS AS ONE OF YOUR $)9 #AMP DAYS

MAKE SURE TO lND THE GEOCACHE BY YOURSELF lRST TO ENSURE IT S STILL THERE "ETTER YET YOU COULD START YOUR OWN

BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 23

Enriching Summer Routines that Increase Learning & Prevent the Summer Slide

By Christina Katz

L

et me guess. Your kids are going to be around at least part of the summer?

Maybe they are going to camp or day camp or a workshop or summer school here and there, but some of the summer they will be home with no structured activities.

Yikes. Your ďŹ rst instinct might be to give them the summer off, but be careful. They may be tired from being busy all school year but kids recover quickly. Within 48 hours of summer, you will be wondering what the heck you were thinking if you let them clear their summer schedules.

But if you did, never fear, because I have a plan for you that works during summer or over any school break. Put this vacation enrichment routine into effect on the ďŹ rst weekday of vacation and watch your child 24 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

go from listless and unmotivated to enthusiastic and engaged. Believe it or not, you can prevent the summer slide with an at-home summer enrichment program of your own making.

Your child’s brain will definitely turn to mush if you let them do nothing but play video games and watch TV all summer. So sign them up for an age-appropriate summer reading challenge through their school or local library or even create your own. We buy our daughter eight age-appropriate reading-challenge books before school gets out. The rule is she must read for at least a half-hour on weekday mornings before she can do anything else. The half-hour often turns into an hour

Issue a reading challenge.

or even hours depending on the book. Keep your costs down by using the library or buying second-hand books or e-books.

In our house, phones are viewed as a privilege, not a right. As long as we pay for them, we get to model healthy cell phone behaviours no matter what the other parents are doing. So we don’t use cell phones until noon, every day, even when it’s not summer. The idea is that Samantha could be doing something enriching or creative with her brain that does not involve staring passively into a screen. However, we make an exception if the screen is being used in pursuit of self-expression. So if she wants to look up fashions from different periods so she can

Ban cell phones in the AM.

render them more accurately in her fashion notebook, that’s allowable. We also permit a quick phone check first thing in the morning to wish someone a happy birthday or reply to a message.

Tackle life-skill projects. Life skills are often not taught in school and learning new skills can be a fun, shared experience between parents and kids. Examples might be creating a garden with a toddler or preschooler, learning to cook with an elementary school child, redecorating a room with a tween, or balancing a checkbook with a teen. What’s nice about having a life-skill project with each of your children every summer is that it’s something you can bond over. Selecting seeds together, shopping for food together, deciding on paint colours together, and visiting the bank together suddenly becomes a shared adventure rather than a mundane task. As parents, we know a lot, but we often don’t take the necessary time to share what we know. Summer is the perfect time to connect while pursuing ageappropriate training.

Schedule daily, weekly & monthly chores.

Your child is part of the family and therefore part of a team. Summer is not your only chance to reinforce this principle, but more free time can mean more help around the house if you play your cards right.

Before summer begins, sit down and make a chores list for each child. Divide it up into daily, weekly, and monthly chores so kids can’t wiggle out of helping with big jobs like cleaning out the garage or washing the cars. Kids like to feel like they are graduating to more sophisticated chores the older they get, so make sure the level of difficulty of each chore matches each child’s aptitudes and abilities. Kids can feel proud of pitching in whether simply emptying the dishwasher daily, cleaning their room weekly, or doing yard work with the whole family every other week.

What if everyone in your home learned something new each summer that interested them? Satisfying their interests will likely enrich the whole family so go ahead and set a date for a show

Learn something fun.

Ideas for Self-directed Summer Learning s *UGGLING s (IP (OP $ANCING s -AGIC 4RICKS s 'EOCACHING s 0UPPET -AKING s 0ERSONAL %XERCISE 0ROGRAM s 3INGING s "UTTERmY 3ANCTUARY s #ARD 'AMES s 7RITING #ONTESTS s #ARTOONING s 3IGN ,ANGUAGE s 0AINTING s -OSAICS s &AMILY (ISTORY

s &AIRY 'ARDENS s *ELLY *AM -AKING s 4RAIN 3ET #ONSTRUCTION s 'ARDENING s 4URN (OBBY INTO "USINESS s #REATE /UTDOOR !RT s #AKE $ECORATING s "UILD ! &ISH 0OND s !STRONOMY s %THNIC #OOKING s #REATE "ATH 0RODUCTS s 6ISUAL *OURNALING

DR. DOUG COHEN & DR. ÉAMONN GILL 앍 Registered Psychologists

Success in School We all want the very best for our daughters and sons. Much of their future depends on how well they express knowledge in school assignments, quizzes and tests. Despite their hard work, sometimes our children’s school HYDOXDWLRQV GRQ¡W UHà HFW ZKDW ZH EHOLHYH they are capable of.

There are many factors that can prevent children from reaching their potential.

A Psychoeducational Assessment from Dr. Cohen & Dr. Gill can identify which factors are affecting your child’s school performance and identify changes that will help them put their best foot forward. :H FDQ SURYLGH \RX ZLWK VSHFLÀF VXJJHVWLRQV and recommendations designed to enhance your child’s enjoyment of school and facilitate improved educational performance.

PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT Learning Disabilities ADHD ě•Ť Giftedness ě•Ť Depression ě•Ť Anxiety ě•Ť Self-esteem ě•Ť Social/Emotional Capacities ě•Ť ě•Ť

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Tel. 604-210-4695 ě•Ť Fax. 604-210-4694 ě•Ť www.gillcohen.com ě•Ť welcome@gillcohen.com BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 25

and tell celebration at the end of the summer.

Then look for summer learning opportunities through your child’s school, through the local library, YMCA, or community center, and even online. Video training series are available online any given day, just make sure you screen the instructor, website, and material for security and age-appropriateness. You can even help your kids create their own curriculum using books, videos, vocabulary, and a creative project. If you want to teach your kids that learning can be fun, put them in charge of learning a topic that motivates them and watch what happens.

Start these vacation policies when your kids are young if you can, although they will create a more balanced summer even if you start today with teens. Kids love having routines and these strategies will quickly become the new norm.

If you have company or go to someone else’s home, let the enrichment routine go for the sake of being in and enjoying the moment. Routines create structure, which increase feelings of stability and security in kids. But don’t be afraid to bounce the routine in favour of an impromptu trip to the pond or lake or beach. Having summer enrichment routines offers the kind of balance parents need to create a happier, more peaceful summer for the whole family.

Happy summering!

Author, journalist, and writing coach #HRISTINA +ATZ is a creative type and creative types love routines. They also love bagging the routine in favour of a spur-of-the-moment summer adventure with the family, which is what summer is all about.

Bonus lessons that come from summer enrichment routines: s /THER FAMILIES HAVE THEIR OWN SUMMER ROUTINES AND THIS IS OURS s "OOKS ARE PORTABLE +IDS CAN READ IN THE CAR OUTSIDE IN THE HAMMOCK OR WHILE LYING ON A BEACH s 3UMMER IS FOR FUN AND THIS TYPE OF SCHEDULE ALLOWS FOR PLENTY OF OUTINGS

SLEEPOVERS AND CAMPOUTS s "EING A GOOD MEMBER OF THE FAMILY TEAM IS HELPFUL PRACTICE FOR BEING A MEMBER OF TEAMS BEYOND THE FAMILY s 4HIS ROUTINE LETS OLDER CHILDREN BECOME ROLE MODELS AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN s +IDS WHO LEARN LIFE SKILLS FROM THEIR PARENTS CAN TRANSITION MORE SMOOTHLY INTO ADULTHOOD s )F YOU ARE CHEERFULLY COMMITTED TO YOUR FAMILY S SUMMER ROUTINE YOUR KIDS WILL FOLLOW SUIT s &UTURE SUMMER MEMORIES WILL INCLUDE LAZY READING TIME ADVENTURES IN LEARNING

AND HAVING FUN AT HOME AS WELL AS AWAY FROM HOME s )F YOU DON T HAVE EXPECTATIONS OR IF YOU ALWAYS ADOPT THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS

YOUR KIDS WON T LEARN TO RESPECT YOU (AVING EXPECTATIONS ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER LIKE SUMMER ENRICHMENT HELPS THEM FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES AND FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOUR PARENTING

Where History Comes to Life

Su ummer Camp p Fun Fun! Fu n!

Camps Cam p run we ps w ekl e y in the sum ek summer merr an and d feat e u uree cr c aft afts, gam afts, games, e heerit es, ritage ag acctiv age ivvities iti tiess and rides on the Caro aro r use ro sell.l.

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26 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Marpole Bilingual Montessori (Est. 1985)

Pre-School, Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Celebrating Over 25 years of Montessori Teaching in the Community OUR ENRICHED MONTESSORI CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

Let your child’s dental visit be a positive experience.

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The Phonetic approach to Reading & Writing, Mathematics, Geography, Science, Music, Art, French, Yoga and a variety of Cultural subjects.

Children are required to wear school uniforms.

We offer 2-1/2 hour and 3-1/2 hour programs for 2-1/2 to 5 year olds as well as an Extended day program for 5 year olds.

Private English Tutoring, Phonics & Conversational Tutoring and French Tutoring are also offered.

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BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 27

Go Outside and Play 15 Old Fashioned Summer Time Activities

By Pam Molnar

S

ummer is the best time to be a kid.

School is out, the weather is great and each day promises a new adventure.

At least that is how it used to be. Today, summer’s biggest rival is the computer screen. With the return of sunny skies, there is no need to bask in the artificial light of a digital display. Instead, encourage your child to gather up the neighborhood kids and show them how to have some old fashioned summer fun.

Start summer off with a splash.

Break the group up into teams, find a long rope and stand on opposite sides of a kiddie pool filled with water. On “Go�, see who will make the first splash of the summer.

Frisbee Tic Tac Toe: Draw a tic tac toe board on the driveway with chalk or in the yard with spray paint. Gather four frisbees for each player and try to get the frisbees to land in the squares to win tic tac toe.

Water Gun Shooting Range: Gather empty water and soda bottles and set up on a deck railing or table edge. Fill your water gun and try to knock them over. On windy days, fill each bottle with an inch of water.

Tug-o-War:

28 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

Whether you are in the backyard or a local forest preserve, help the kids make a list of items they can gather and race back to the starting line.

Find things like a river rock, pinecone, acorn or a robin’s egg shell.

Nature Scavenger Hunt:

It’s the same idea as a potato sack race, but easier to come by. Line up the kids and their pillow cases at the starting line and watch them go.

Pillow Case Race:

Line up the players, called minnows, on one end of the yard.

One shark stands in the middle of the yard.

The minnows try to cross to the other side of the yard without getting tagged and becom-

Sharks and Minnows:

Dig out the hula hoops, soccer cones and jump ropes. Use your creativity to set up an obstacle course in the backyard and let the races begin.

Obstacle Course:

ing a shark themselves. Play continues until all minnows have changed to sharks.

Cut watermelon into half-moon pieces and set in front of each player on the table. On “Go�, try to eat the watermelon as fast as you can without using your hands.

Watermelon Eating Contest:

tries to find them while keeping an eye on the can. If he gets too far away from the can, another player can come out of hiding and kick the can. If the player is tagged before kicking the can, he becomes “it�. If not, he is safe. Play continues until all players kick the can or until a player is found or tagged.

Everyone clips a hinged clothes pin to the back of their shirt. The person who is “it� tries to grab the clothes pin as they run by.

Clothes Pin Tag:

One player stands at the end of the yard or street with a baseball bat and tennis ball. He throws the ball up and hits it with the bat into the crowd. They try to catch it on a fly–100 points; with one bounce–50 points; or two bounces–25 points. Whoever scores 500 first is the winner.

Five Hundred:

Set up several soft vinyl balls in the center of two teams. On “Go�, charge the center to get to a ball and start throwing them at other players. If a player catches it, the thrower is out. If he misses the catch or gets hit with the ball, the player is out.

Dodgeball:

Kick the Can: Place a metal can in the mid-

dle of the driveway or backyard patio. The players hide while the person who is “it�

Water Balloon Toss: Stand in parallel lines and pass a water balloon back and forth without dropping it. Change it up by setting one person in the middle of a circle holding a bowl on his head. Players try to toss the balloon in the bowl.

Drip, Drip, Drop: Played like Duck, Duck, Goose, this is a fun game for a hot day.

Instead of taping the players in the circle for ‘duck’, drip a little water from a sponge.

When you choose a player to “goose�, yell ‘drop’ and squeeze the sponge over their head before you start running.

This game is similar to baseball, but it levels the playing field so all ages and skill levels can play. The pitcher rolls a large ball to the “batter� who kicks it with his foot. Like baseball, the batter runs the bases and the opposing team tries to get him out before he gets home.

Kickball:

0AM -OLNAR is a freelance writer and mother of three. She has fond memories of summertime games with her neighbors and looks forward to watching her children make summer memories of their own.

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BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 29

Designed to be used as hand luggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belongings whilst parents keep them in tow.

shopping list places we love Beansprouts

Vancouver, 604/871-9782 www.beansprouts.ca A Main Street staple, Beansprouts is a great spot to find amazing pieces for your children—either pre-loved or new. It is also the best place in town to bring your own lightlyworn, but loved garments that your child outgrew too fast. atma

North Vancouver, 778/980-7705 www.facebook.com/atmastore/ Looking for a little European style? Make sure you visit atma for all the latest pieces to get your little one making a statement on the playground.

Momease Baby Boutique

Victoria, 778/265-5651 www.momease.ca Owned by fellow parents, Momease stocks 30 BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE

carefully chosen products for their quality, functionality, style and value. From strollers to swaddles, car seats to carriers and everything in between, their products are sure to help you parent with both style and ease!

Baby & Me Maternity, Baby and Kids

Kelowna, 844/394-2229 www.babyandme.ca Staffed by highly trained individuals, Baby and Me will help any parent get only the best for their child. Offering a wide array of products, they are Kelowna’s one-stop baby shop!

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Wouldn’t you love to have a toy large enough to play with and not have to worry about it getting lost at the airport? Trunki solves that problem and is the original and best ride on suitcase for kids, designed to make the journey just as much fun as the destination!

Designed to be used as hand luggage, kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belongings whilst parents keep them in tow.

Trunki founders believe travel is about new experiences, creating memories and making every journey just as enjoyable as the destination. They understand that whilst parents buy products, children make friends with them, so everything they create has the functionality that grown-ups value, and the personality that kids adore. Only available from www.oyaco.com.

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower people to nourish themselves by providing access to healthy food, education and training. The GVFB assists over 28,000 people each week and is committed to its vision of accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all.

To learn how you can leave a legacy that will help provide food to thousands in need, please contact Heidi MagnusonFord at 604.216.2329 or heidimf@foodbank.bc.ca.

www.foodbank.bc.ca

VanFoodBank

VanFoodBank BCPARENT CA s SUMMER ISSUE 31

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