Family Summer Guide 2012

V I C T O R I A & VA N C O U V E R I S L A N D

Family Summer Guide 2 012

It’s a GREAT place to be a KID! Discover the Amazing world of Insects and

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glow in the dark scorpions and Canada’s largest Leafcutter Ant Farm, to name a few! All live in a safe, fun and educational atmosphere conveniently located in downtown Victoria. Hands-on, f u n a n d i n t e r a c t i v e . A r e y o u f e e l i n g a d v e n t u r o u s ? O p e n D a i l y.

631 Courtney St, Downtown Victoria (one block north of the Empress Hotel) 250-384-2847 bugs@bugzoo.bc.ca www.bugzoo.com

Contents Welcome............................................................................................3 Beach Bucket List...............................................................................4 Blackberry Bounty.............................................................................6 Hit the Trails......................................................................................8 The Beauty of Boredom....................................................................12 Making Way for Unstructured Play..................................................14 Dinosaurs Roam the Royal BC Museum..........................................15 Guide to Duncan.............................................................................16 Secrets for a Splendid Summer.........................................................18 Calling All Muggles..........................................................................19 Kid-Friendly Island Campgrounds...................................................20 Safety Outdoors...............................................................................21 Must-See Attractions........................................................................22 Wild at Heart...................................................................................28 Goody Gumboots............................................................................30 Summer Calendar of Events.............................................................32 Ode to the Shore Crab.....................................................................50 Summer Writing with Kids...............................................................52 Party Directory.................................................................................54 Captivating Critters..........................................................................56 Growing Healthy Kids......................................................................58 Mathematics in Summer..................................................................60 Family Getaways..............................................................................62 Details, Details.................................................................................64

Family Summer Guide 2012 A special annual edition of Island Parent Magazine. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.

Published by Island Parent Group, Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9; Tel 250-388-6905; Fax 250-388-6920; www.islandparent.ca

2  Family Summer Guide

President/Publisher...........................................................Paul Abra Vice-President...................................................................Anna Abra Editor....................................................................................Sue Fast Director, Production Manager.................................... Mada Moilliet

Sales & Marketing...............................................................Rod Holt Publisher’s Assistant....................................................... Linda Frear Distribution................................Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Production................................................Eacrett Graphic Design

Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

ISSN 0838-5505. Printed in Canada.

Cover photos for this issue were provided by the winners of our annual summer photo contest: Keri Coles (grand prize winner), Bryena Chapman, Kelly Loch, Kerilee McLeod, Marla Meyer, Jill Nichol, Lisa Ottesen and Emillie Parrish. Thank you all for your submissions!

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Welcome to the

Family Summer Guide 2012 “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we confinement, he adds, creates an emotional rut, grow old because we stop playing.” where we can’t move past hoping for change George Bernard Shaw but feeling unable to effect that change.

“The benefits of play come not from ‘rest’ f you thought water fights, blowing bubbles, for the brain, as if play is just a time-out from and building sandcastles were just for kids, life,” says Brown. “Play is an active process think again. We all, young and old, need to play. that reshapes our rigid views of the world.”

According to Stuart Brown, M.D., and We never grow out of the need for play. Play founder of the National Institute for Play, reinvigorates us and gets us in touch with the people of all ages, not just kids, need to play. joy of life. To spend a sunny day playing with Play fosters our ability to improvise, innovate our kids is to erase a week’s worth of chores, and adapt, he says in an article for Huffington routine, and deadlines.

Post. When we play, we see things not only as So this summer, banish “must,” “ought,” they are, but as they could be. We see endless and “should” from your vocabulary. Scratch possibilities in, say, a box of Lego—or even the “finish homework” off your daily To Do list. box itself—because the only limits are the ones Stay up late. Switch off the alarm clock. Sleep we imagine. When we stop playing and using in. Goof off. Have fun. And let go of the idea our imaginations, though, we begin to accept that play belongs in specified spheres— playthe status quo and our place in it. This sense of grounds, playrooms, playpens, playdates and

I

www.IslandParent.ca

playgroups—separate from everyday life. Play in the least likely places. Keep in mind that with kids, it often doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it together.

No matter what you have planned this summer—or what just happens—we hope this year’s Family Summer Guide will help you have the best summer ever. Within these pages you’ll find information on numerous Vancouver Island attractions, places to stay and explore, kid-friendly Island campgrounds, walking trails suited to families, places to see animals, good summer reads, craft ideas, and much more. Check out Details, Details on the last page to find out specifics about parks, weather, ferry travel, road conditions, and tourist information. The Summer Calendar highlights what’s happening on the Island in July and August. There’s a more detailed version on our website, and we’ll update our online calendar as new listings come in (visit www. islandparent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com).

This year’s Family Summer Guide marks the start of Island Parent Magazine’s 25th year.

Launched in July, 1988 by Selinde Krayenhoff and Jim Holland, Island Parent continues to keep the founders’ original goals at heart: “To inspire community and to support parents as they tackle the most important job of all.”

Happy Summer. Play on.

Summer 2012 3

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Tina Kelly

Beach Bucket List Jack Nicholson did it. Morgan Freeman did too. In their hit movie, The Bucket List, both of these men constructed a list of things they wanted to accomplish before they “kicked the bucket.” Let’s redefine bucket list—the bucket list below features things to do before the kids kick the brightly coloured beach bucket into the storage closet and head back to school.

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4 Family Summer Guide

1

Learn how to read a tide chart. The pull between the moon and the sun causes two low tides and two high tides each day. The best time to explore a beach is during low tide when a whole different world of sea life—algae, invertebrates and fish— is exposed. Visit www.waterlevels. gc.ca, click on lower Vancouver Island and then choose the location closest to where you are going—Oak Bay, Victoria, Esquimalt, Sooke, Sidney, etc. Tidal heights are given in metres and feet; the lower the number, the lower the tide. Although the sea usually recedes and advances slowly, be aware of your surroundings and when the tide is changing.

4

Keep a journal. Record date, weather, tide, location and everything you experienced by your senses—sight, sound, smell, taste and feel. Did you smell seaweed or sunscreen?

Hear waves crashing or eagles calling? Taste the salty air or nibble on algae? Did you find a lot of animals or only one or two? Were they camouflaged or colourful? Sketch a diagram or snap a photo and paste it next to your observations.

5 2

Flip through a guide book of intertidal fauna, pick an animal, learn a few things about its natural history—prey, predators, reproduction, behaviour and habitat (rocky beaches, tidepools, sandy beaches, eelgrass meadows)—then spend the summer visiting beaches to look for your chosen species living in its own habitat. You’ll likely learn about other species along the way.

3

Repeat #4 for every beach you visit. Try out rocky beaches or sandy shores, calm seas or stormy weather, sunny or cloudy days. At the end of the summer review your journal and note the differences or similarities between the places you visited.

7

Make a sand castle that would rival the entries in an international sand castle competition.

Take along buckets, garden tools and spray bottles to keep your sand moist and packed together.

Adorn your sand sculpture with natural items found on the beach; decorating items from home may not be environmentally friendly and could accidentally end up in the sea. Don’t forget to take a picture—weather, tides and possibly even other beachgoers may dismantle your creation.

6

Imagination stations can be done anywhere and the beach is no exception. How about a driftwood-shell mosaic? Use items naturally found along the shoreline to create art or sculpture and leave it displayed as a surprise for the next beachgoer to enjoy. Put on a play or concert; large logs make great stages.

Visit the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

A National Park is right on our doorstep but with a catch—you need a ferry or your own boat to get to any of the islands encompassed in the 36-square km park. Sidney Island—with a multitude of ecosystems including a long sandy spit, www.kidsinvictoria.com

eelgrass meadow and forested area—is accessible by ferry from the town of Sidney. While exploring Sidney Island, look for evidence of its unique history.

8

Have your own Survivor Challenge. With the aid of a GPS unit or Smartphone, you can engage in an interactive scavenger hunt through the natural habitats found in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s family friendly and the only cost is your transportation to participating islands—Sidney, Saturna and Pender. You are given the location of the first cache, or treasure box, and then using clues and directions, you carry on uncovering the next one. Successful completion of three out of four challenges earns you a limited edition geo-coin. Passport is required and can be downloaded for free at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gulf or for more information call 250-654-4000. The Gulf Islands Survivor Challenge is available until September 3.

9

Leave every park or beach cleaner than you found it. To ensure healthy wildlife and successful beach bucket lists for the future, we need to act as nature stewards. The bucket that helped create your sandcastle can carry garbage away from the beach. Even garbage dropped kilometres from the shoreline can make its way to the sea via streams, storm drains and weather patterns.

Let’s pick it up and dispose of it properly before it makes its way into the Salish Sea.

10

Make your own beach bucket list. Pick 10 species to find or 10 things you find and then identify the species, 10 favourite beach activities to do, 10 new beaches to explore, 10 habitats to sketch, 10 castles to build—the possibilities are endless.

The great thing about a beach bucket list is that whatever item you don’t cross off this year can always be done next year. There is always another summer around the corner.

But then again, what about a fall, winter or spring beach bucket list?

Year-round Getaway on Mayne Island with direct daily ferries from Swartz Bay

Tina Kelly is the Visitor Experience Director at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Her beach bucket list is likely to involve art journaling and will definitely include picking up any garbage she finds on the beach.

9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getaways

www.IslandParent.ca

250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com Summer 2012 5

Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a state of health.

Midwives recognize what an extraordinary time this is in your life and we are available to support you through your childbearing year.

Covered by Your BC Health Care BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby.

You can self-refer to a midwife.

Quality Care Studies show that midwifery clients have lower rates of episiotomies, infection, Caesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries and newborns that require resuscitation.

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-592-0099 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

6 Family Summer Guide

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Blackberry Bounty I

wish I had a green thumb, but I don’t. I’ve planted innumerable vegetable gardens over the years in an attempt to grow my own food, but I inevitably find myself overwhelmed with the labour, and underwhelmed with the results.

Fortunately there’s one West Coast crop that never fails. The only thing I have to do is show up for the harvest.

Most of the year the Himalayan blackberry is a weed of the worst kind—a vicious thorny invader that strangles everything in its path. I know first-hand how difficult blackberries are to eradicate. Hack the brambles to the ground, and the plant sends up new ones. Dig up the roots, and new vines spring from the bits that were missed. Reclaiming the margins of my semi-rural yard is an annual battle. But come August—as the first berries grow plump and juicy in the sun—my attitude shifts. What was a menace is now a source of free, local, organic, all-I-can pick fruit. Time to put away the shears and break out the buckets!

It’s hard to beat the nutritional content of the humble blackberry. A lot of attention has been given to blueberries, pomegranates and more exotic acai and goji berries, but blackberries can hold their own in the antioxidant category. They are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and K. Their rich colour is the result of a high concentration of anthocyanin—a flavonoid believed to have powerful cancer-fighting and cardiovascular disease-prevention properties. Blackberries are also high in dietary fiber, and a great source of potassium and calcium. While their fat content is extremely low, the fat that is present in their chewable seeds is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. And all this nutritional goodness comes in a package most kids love.

I take full advantage of this free bounty every summer, picking enough to see my

family through until the next harvest season.

Blackberry picking isn’t a science, but it does help to choose the right spot. I’m always on the lookout for new picking areas. The ideal location should have an abundance of easily accessible bushes, and they should be a safe distance from car exhaust, heavy dust and other pollutants. A location within walking

or cycling distance from home is a major plus, and a nice view doesn’t hurt. A safe place for my five- and three-year-olds to play is essential if they’re going to be with me while I’m picking. But it’s not until the berries ripen that I can determine if I’ve found the perfect spot.

Blackberries can vary dramatically from one place to another—from stingy raisin-sized fruit, to berries the size of small plums. I pick where the berries are biggest, which decreases the time required to fill a bucket (efficiency www.kidsinvictoria.com

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matters when you’re filling half a freezer with fruit!). I also prefer to pick from higher vines rather than lower ones—it’s much easier on the back.

While many people pick blackberries to make jam, pies or even wine, most of my berries go straight into the freezer. I sort out any debris or unsuitable berries, but if I’ve picked them high on the bushes and from a dust-free zone, I don’t always rinse them. If I have rinsed them, I spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and blot them dry with a dishtowel before putting them in the freezer. When the berries are individually frozen, I transfer them into a freezer bag. I use a straw to suck out as much air as possible before sealing each bag, which helps prevent freezer burn.

Fresh-frozen berries retain much of their original nutritional value. We use them frozen in smoothies, or let them thaw at room temperature to eat on their own. When I’m packing my children’s lunches in the morning, I often add frozen berries to their yogurt (which I pack in reusable containers). The berries keep the yogurt cold as they thaw, leaving an extra-fruity treat. Occasionally, I also make berry sauces for pancakes or desserts.

While blackberries are both tasty and nutritious, I know that many parents avoid them because of their clothes-staining potential.

While I certainly don’t dress my children in white before feeding them blackberries, I’ve learned that most fresh berry stains can be removed by pouring boiling water directly on and through the affected areas. If you do try this method, always check that the fabric is colour-fast and washable in hot water, and be sure that your children are a safe distance away. To treat a fresh blackberry stain, first stretch the stained garment over a bowl in a clean sink. Bring a full kettle of water to a boil, and then pour the water in a steady stream through the stain. It’s amazing how the pigment bleeds out and disappears. If the stain persists, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the remaining mark, and then leave the garment to dry in the sun. I’ve saved many items of clothing using this method.

Thanks to publication deadlines, berry season is still a few months off as I write this.

Last year’s berries are almost gone, and I’m carefully rationing the ones that remain in my freezer. But you’ll know exactly where to find me when August comes. I’ll be around the corner at my favourite patch, coaxing big, juicy berries into my bucket.

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Rachel Dunstan Muller is the mother of five, and a children’s author. Her previous articles can be found at www.islandparent.ca. www.IslandParent.ca

Publication

Island Parent Magazine

Insertion Date

July 2012

Size

4.75 x 2.125

Colour

BW

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7

Hit the Trails

Hiking and cycling trails, paths, walkways— a few of Vancouver Island’s many offerings.

Lace up your hiking boots, grab your walking stick, a snack and a bottle of water, and head on out to enjoy the sights. The following listing includes some of our local trails and walkways—to find more in your area, visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks or www.vancouverisland.com/trails.

Greater Victoria

Sidney

Beacon Hill Park. This 74-hectare park near downtown Victoria offers trails meandering through meadows, gardens and trees, along with a petting zoo, an 18-hole putting green (bring your own clubs and balls), wading pool and playground. Walk up to the lookout for views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and Washington’s Olympic Mountains. Stroll past the duck ponds, over the bridge, through beautiful gardens, and see one of the world’s tallest free-standing totem poles (38.3 metres). The Cameron Bandshell features a variety of free concerts during the summer (www.victoria.ca/ cityvibe). www.beaconhillpark.ca.

Galloping Goose Regional Trail. This 55-km partly paved trail (formerly a railway line) winds from Victoria to Sooke with access points along the way. Walk, run or cycle. Start in the heart of the city or drive out to a rural access point for more of a country experience.

The 29-km Lochside Regional Trail starts in Saanich and ends at the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay. In some places trail visitors must share paved or gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm vehicles. Trail maps and suggested access points/day trips are available online from the CRD website: www.crd.bc.ca/ parks, then select “Find a Park.”

Sidney Spit Marine Park is a great destination for a day trip. Take the foot-passenger ferry from Sidney to Sidney Island (25 minutes).

Explore the sandy spit at the northeast end or hike around the whole island. You’ll see tidal flats, salt marshes, rolling meadows and sandy beaches, not to mention various wildlife. Walkin camping is also available for those who want to stay longer. The ferry leaves from Beacon Pier at the bottom of Beacon Avenue. For a day trip, head over on the 10am or 11:30am run, and return at 3pm or 4:30pm (or at 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays) from June 27-Sept 5. For the full schedule and rates, visit www. alpinegroup.ca (and look under “Our Companies”) or call 250-474-5145.

Saanich Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary consists of two distinct areas: marshy lowlands surrounding Swan Lake; and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 12,000-year-old lake is a rich habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife including muskrats, river otters and mink. Circle the lake along a 2.5-km trail featuring two wharves and a floating walkway, then stop in at the Nature House to see interpretive displays and more.

For more of a hike, the summit of Christmas Hill is 109 metres above sea level and gives a spectacular view of the city. To download a trail map or to check out the various programs for kids and families, call 250-479-0211 or visit swanlake.bc.ca for info.

8 Family Summer Guide

Metchosin/Sooke Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin. More than 5 kms of beautiful trails run through woodland, past lagoon and marsh.

Keep your eyes open for birds as you meander down to the sandy beach. The warm water means you can actually swim in the ocean (that’s rare around here). Add a low tide and this beach becomes a paradise for skim boarders, beachcombers and swimmers alike. The Nature House at the trailhead has some great hands-on displays. Approximately 40 minutes from downtown Victoria, on Metchosin Road. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke.

Picnic at the protected cove after an easy walk from the parking area. Wander the 7 kms of trails through cedar forest and along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Hike along a cool creek or climb a mossy slope for hilltop views of Roche Cove and the Sooke Basin. Roche Cove is also a good access point for the Galloping Goose Trail. Head out on Sooke Road, turn left on Gillespie Road (just past the 17 Mile Pub), which leads to the park entrance on the left. Approximately 45 minutes driving time from Victoria. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

East Sooke Regional Park offers 50 kms of trails along the windswept rocky coast, over dry

hilltops, through dark rainforest to sheltered coves. Find pocket beaches, grassy knolls, rocky bays and tidepools for exploring. Aylard Farm is popular with picnickers and those looking for an easy excursion. A 5-minute walk through open fields leads to a sandy beach. Trails head inland to hilltop views, or along the rugged, more challenging Coast Trail. From Sooke Road, turn left on Gillespie Road. Go to the end and turn left on East Sooke Road, then right on Becher Bay Road to reach the park entrance. Approximately 1 hour driving time from Victoria. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Along Highway 1 Francis King Regional Park is 113 hectares of lush forest and wildflowers with 11 kms of gentle groomed trails. The Elsie King Trail is a forest loop of cedar boardwalk (wheelchair and stroller accessible) that includes interpretive signs and rest areas with benches and a shelter. Visit the staffed Nature House for some interesting displays. Located on Munn Road, off Prospect Lake Road, 13 kms out of downtown Victoria. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Thetis Lake. Go for a hike on the scenic trails hugging Upper and Lower Thetis lakes.

For panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding hills, follow the more challenging trails up Seymour or Scafe hills. Help protect this sensitive habitat by staying on designated trails and keeping pets on the trail. The beach area of Thetis Lake is perfect for a family picnic or swim, although it tends to be quite crowded in the summer. If you have a canoe, try an early morning or evening paddle. From the Old Island Highway, turn right on Six Mile Road which leads to the park entrance. Pay parking: $2.25 for the day or $20 for the season. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Goldstream Provincial Park. Take a trip into the old-growth temperate rainforest, just 17 kms from downtown Victoria. Douglas fir, giant maples and Western red cedars make this park a local favourite. Goldstream offers year-round activities with its riverside trails, salmon spawning, wildflowers, ferns and lush vegetation. Visit the Nature House or look for one of the old mine shafts from the late 1800s when miners panned for gold. 250-478-9414 or www.naturehouse.ca.

Cowichan Valley Cowichan River Footpath. The lower stretch of the footpath, from the Cowichan Fish and Game Association clubhouse to Skutz Falls, is a well maintained trail, beautiful at any time of the year, with many excellent picnicking spots. To access the Duncan trailhead, drive north from Victoria on the www.kidsinvictoria.com

Trans-Canada Highway (#1) to Duncan.

Turn left at Miller Road and left again at Vaux Road. Follow Vaux (which changes its name to Robertson Road) for approx 6 kms to the Fish and Game Clubhouse parking lot. There is a 2.4-km circle route to Holt Creek and a 6.4-km circle route with good picnic spots.

Pick up maps for the footpath at the Duncan Visitor Information Centre.

Cedar Hemer Provincial Park is located on Holden Lake southeast of Nanaimo. There is a network of shady forested trails, including a main trail running alongside the lake, and a bird viewing platform overlooking a marsh, approximately 1 km from the parking lot.

You may see various types of ducks, Trumpeter swans, Bald eagles, turkey vultures and beavers. From Cedar Road follow the signs to the park entrance.

Cable Bay Trail leads down through the cool forest to the ocean. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mossy rocks, and watch for sea lions.

The beach itself is sandstone and is under water when the tide is in. Two kms of well-maintained trail is fairly steep on the way back up, so make sure young hikers don’t use up all their energy at the shore. Off Holden Corso Road (which becomes Barnes Road); watch for the sign.

This is a popular trail for dog walkers, but it doesn’t tend to be crowded.

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Nanaimo Buttertubs Marsh Bird Sanctuary encompasses 49 acres of natural wetlands and grasslands. The 3.3-km loop of wide trail is level and perfect for strollers. You’ll make your way around a body of water buzzing with bird activity. Some ruins in the area, as well as the giant bleached remains of long-dead deciduous trees standing in the water give the marsh a wonderful ambience. Don’t bring your dog.

1780 Jingle Pot Road.

Pipers Lagoon Park past Departure Bay off Hammond Bay Road is a great place to walk, beachcomb, fly a kite or have a picnic. An isthmus extends out to a rocky headland, and twisting trails lead to seaside lookouts. Spread your blanket on the sandy beach or play Frisbee or Bocce on the field. The lagoon is home to a variety of seabirds, including sandpipers, loons, kingfishers, oyster catchers, horned grebes and great blue herons.

Neck Point Park is a short distance past Pipers Lagoon. This oceanside park includes forest, beaches, rocky cliffs and lookouts. Explore the various trails criss-crossing the park, watch the boats on the ocean, do some beachcombing, and just enjoy the sea breezes and sparkling www.IslandParent.ca

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water. To access the park, go along Hammond Bay Road, past the turn-off to Pipers Lagoon, then turn onto Morningside Drive.

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Oceanside The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the scenic Englishman River.

The trail winds through public and private property, with a number of access points (a local favourite is at Industrial Way and Tuan Road). Enter from the Chattell Road trailhead and you’ll be at the suspension bridge over the river. The Information Centre at the south end of town will provide directions.

Craig’s Crossing (south of Parksville) to Long Beach Cathedral Grove - MacMillan Park is a dayuse park just past Cameron Lake on Highway 4. View some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver Island, including over-800-year-old giants and lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system that winds through the park.

Cathedral Grove is approximately 20 minutes from Parksville.

Stamp Falls Provincial Park near Port Alberni is over 327 hectares of forests, rivers and waterfalls. Explore the 2 kms of hiking trails along the river, past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting in late August, millions of spawning Sockeye salmon begin making their way up the Stamp River. The park is a 20-minute drive from town on Beaver Creek Road.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and many tourists!).

Check in with the Tourist Information Centre 3 kms northwest of the Ucluelet-Tofino-Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities.

The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park. Follow the cliff edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. You’ll be able to view the ocean’s fury from the protection of the trail and from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. You’ll also be awed by the gigantic nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. The trail is presently divided into three sections: Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach and Brown’s Beach.

Lighthouse Loop, Phase I of the Wild Pacific Trail is 2.5 kms long and can be walked in a 30-45 minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail is wide enough for 2-3 people to walk side by side.

Includes frequent viewpoints and benches for

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watching whales, birds or catching the sunset.

For maps and descriptions of the various sections, visit www.wildpacifictrail.com.

Joseph

Comox Valley

AMAZING

Paradise Meadows Loop Trail at Mount Washington starts adjacent to the Raven Lodge, 800 metres past the old trailhead area. A 1 km trail connects into the old trail system after winding its way around meadows. The Loop Trail is an easy walk of about 4.2 kms in length (1.5 hours) through sub-alpine meadows, and is suitable for all ages. You may catch glimpses of deer, black bears, eagles and marmots. You can also take a chairlift ride to the summit where you’ll see breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Other summer activities on the mountain include biking, disc golf, bungee trampoline, guided hiking tours and mini golf.

Lake Helen McKenzie Loop trail also begins at the Paradise Meadows trailhead in Strathcona Park. It is an easy 8-km (2-hour) walk on a boardwalk that takes you past Battleship Lake and sub-alpine meadows, and around beautiful Lake Helen McKenzie. The trail is well marked with some views of the mountain peaks through the alpine forest. If you’re eating a picnic lunch, make sure to protect your food from the gray jaybirds.

Lazo Marsh & Wildlife Park in the Courtenay area is a shallow wetland basin of cattail and yellow flag iris. Mallards, wigeons, wood ducks and Canada geese commonly nest here. Enjoy the forested trails through mixed woodlands and surrounding marsh. Parking and access from Lazo Road. On the north side is an easy stroller-friendly hike; the southside trails go deeper into the woods and marsh conservation area.

Filberg Park includes many paths overlooking Comox Bay. Established in 1929, the old farmstead covers over 9 acres with over 100 different trees, perennials, annuals, herb gardens and rhododendrons.The site also offers a historic lodge, picnic areas and a petting zoo.

Access from Comox Avenue.

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Ripple Rock Trail is a good hike for families (although not recommended for small children), 15.5 kms north of Campbell River, just off the Island Highway (it’s well-signed). The trail is 4 kms long and includes two patches of old-growth Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce, a sandy beach and good viewpoints. Have a picnic lunch at the top of the bluff overlooking Seymour Narrows. Easy to moderate trail with a steep section.•

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Summer 2012 11

Dayna Liz Mazzuca

The Beauty of Boredom I ��������� ���������� ���������������������� ������������������������������� ������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ����������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������

t may sound strange, but I feel slightly reassured when my children sprawl out on the floor and complain loudly, “Mom, I’m bored!”

It reminds me that despite all the healthy stimulation, outdoor exercise, games, puzzles and books that I can provide, there’s this ageold identification with boredom. It’s part of being human, and definitely part of being a child. I know plenty of adults who wish they had time to be bored.

So, I tell my children, “It’s okay to be bored.”

And then I do nothing to fill in their gaps. I just keep doing whatever I’m doing. I don’t

This may fly in the face of parents who tell their children that boredom is a sign that they have chores to do; who tell them to find something to clean if they’re bored, that they have no right to be bored. The message here is “Boredom is bad.” Not so! Boredom is beautiful. It’s okay to be bored.

Not only is it okay to be bored in my books, but if there is no time for boredom in a day, I consider the day over-booked. Although I realize embracing boredom is a bit counter-culture, I would ask its naysayers how much energy they have in a day to constantly be providing

even skip a beat or offer any helpful suggestions. I just wait it out…five, four, three, two, one…and presto, they come up with their own ideas, take up their drawing pads, or start a game called Graveyard or Tickle Tag. I love it.

I love what boredom leads to. It’s like a door into Never Never Land. Boredom is like the white spaces on the page that any layout artist will tell you are absolutely essential for the eye to find rest and put things in context.

Boredom is the buffer zone in the day that allows us to breathe between dentist appointments and swimming lessons and picking up dry-cleaning. Boredom is the thought we put into each day. No one can think our thoughts for us. They are unique and they make us who we are—irreplaceable originals.

distractions, entertainment, meaningful activity or just simply another 10 minutes of fun into their child’s day? I would then encourage them to let boredom have its way…and to see what emerges.

This is what I’ve seen happen when I let my children be bored, and when I don’t try to rescue their little brains and spirits from what seems like futile inactivity: First, when my children are bored, I sense rumblings below the surface of their bored faces. Often, there are new thoughts happening, small possibilities taking shape, connections being made. If I don’t distract them from all of this, pop goes the new idea! Like a fresh green plant emerging from the still, dark soil.

The root that goes down and takes hold in their spirits is the very thing that looks like boredom

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12 Family Summer Guide

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above ground. It may look like nothing is happening when children say they are bored, but there is something going on. If we give it room to grow, if we water it with our inattention, if we bless it by saying, “It’s okay to be bored,” children will look inside themselves.

They will dig a little deeper. Like roots that go searching for water, their minds will seek out creative reservoirs to produce something life-giving, original and worthwhile. They will come up with their own ideas.

On another note, “Dad, I’m bored” may be code for, “Dad, can I play on the iPad?” or “Dad, how will you entertain me now?” or even “Dad, will you spend time with me?” So when boredom is blessed, when boredom is allowed to happen, the question behind the blanket statement “I’m bored” tends to become much sharper and more honest. When a child is not rescued from the banal state of boredom, the real need or want surfaces sooner than later.

Finally, when a child is not rescued from the undercurrents of boredom, as if they were in danger of falling into an unsafe place emotionally or mentally, they learn to slow down.

They learn there are rhythms to life, and not all of them feel good. They learn how to be in a hard place that is still a very safe place.

The more they learn this when they’re young, the better equipped they’ll be to enter into the even harder rhythms of life when they’re older. For instance, when called to sit by a sick bed, it’s good to know how to be bored. When studying late into the night, it’s good to know how to be bored. In any long-term endeavor or relationship (even marriage), there will be points of boredom. Few people know how to go through a hard time and stay present, how not to seek out distractions, but to stay put.

In other words, not many of us know how to be bored. It’s an excellent life lesson, and one that is right at our fingertips as parents.

Personally, I love watching how my children respond to boring things, like riding in the van while mom does a half day’s worth of errands, or learning how to tie soccer cleats really tight, or rake up six big bags of leaves, or even write a thank-you note. While they no longer expect me to rescue them from their boredom, they still tell me when they’re bored. It’s like they’re letting me know what state they’re passing through. Good to know.

Some things are boring. That’s life. “It’s okay to be bored,” and sometimes it’s even great to be bored. You never know where it will lead.

Treat yourself to a fun family getaway!

Dayna Mazzuca is a freelance writer living in Victoria. She is looking forward to summer, including the in-between, mom-I’m-bored battles ahead. Teaching opportunities abound!

Visit kidsinvictoria.com or IslandParent.ca and click on “Join our Kids in Victoria and Island Parent Newsletter”

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Summer 2012

13

Making Way for Unstructured Play 1. Turn off the T.V.

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This is one of the most important steps— and perhaps one of the most difficult, both for children and for parents—in making way for unstructured play.

According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian child watches nearly 14 hours of television each week. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how cutting back on T.V. time could open up some extra hours for unstructured play.

2. Limit other screen time.

Televisions aren’t the only time-consuming culprit. Computers, hand-held games, or videos viewed on a laptop en route to some summer destination all add hours to a child’s screen time. Consider setting a daily limit that leaves time for your children to be unplugged.

3. Provide toys that inspire imagination.

Encouraging unstructured play time doesn’t mean parents need to invest in a roomful of new toys. Just having some basic art supplies on hand along with an assortment of good library books, recycled objects (toilet paper rolls, boxes, egg cartons) for projects, treasures from a walk along the seashore (shells, driftwood, sand) will keep kids busy for hours. As for toys, the good ones are those that inspire imagination and creativity.

4. Encourage outdoor play.

When kids play outside, they run, leap, climb and breathe fresh air and look to nature for fun and things to do.

5. Watch your children play.

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Doing so shows children that you value what they’re doing. You don’t need to join in, though can if you’re asked as long as you don’t try to take over. Let children lead—making decisions, controlling the flow of the play, and assigning roles—while you follow along doing whatever they choose to do.

Related Reading

Endangered Minds: Why Our Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About It by Jane Healy, published by Touchstone Books, 1999.

Remote Control Childhood? Combating the Hazard of Media Culture by Diane Levin, published by the National Association for education, 1998.

The Overscheduled Child by Alvin Rosenfeld and Nicole Wise, published by St. Martin’s Griffin, 2001. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sue Stackhouse

Dinosaurs Roam the Royal BC Museum

F

amilies are keeping cool and learning together this summer at Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries. Though the Dino Summer Camps sold out early, there are other opportunities for dino-learning, including some for older kids.

In the Dinosaurs exhibition area, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on most days, you’ll find volunteers ready for kid-friendly chats about items on their animation carts. You may see a volunteer patiently scraping away material encasing a fossil find. You could plan a family visit on the next Wonder Sunday, for Dinosaurs Part 2. Or you can just enjoy the exhibition, on until September 16.

Kids age 12 and up may want to grab a parent and come to one of two free, and often standing room only, Live @ Lunch presentations.

(This provides a learning opportunity of a different sort, offering seats to older visitors!)

On Wednesday July 4 at noon, museum volunteer Thor Henrich presents “Lunchtime in the Cretaceous Swamp.” Thor will talk about what was on the menu for herbivores, the evolution of flowering plants and their role in the food chain. He is a retired science teacher who recently made a large donation of fossil plants and a rare fossil pearl to the Royal BC Museum.

If you’ve wondered what it was like in “BC during the Age of Dinosaurs,” hear it from Timon Bullard on Wednesday, August 1 at noon. The short answer: it was underwater.

But it wasn’t all about marine life. Timon will talk about Triassic fish from Wapiti Lake and Cretaceous marine creatures on the coast, but also about newly-discovered dinosaur fossils and trackways in northern B.C. Timon is a high school teacher whose graduate research was on mosasaurs, predatory marine reptiles.

He volunteers in the museum collections, working behind the scenes doing research on nautiloids and other molluscs.

This summer’s Dinosaurs exhibition explores how paleontologists are using new technologies to research and challenge long-held beliefs about dinosaurs. What did they really

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Summer Recreation Programs

look like, how did they move and behave, and why, or even whether, they became extinct.

Our knowledge of dinosaurs is only very recent. Just two hundred years ago, 14-yearold farm boy Pliny Moody was plowing a field when he found three-toed imprints in sandstone. At that time, no-one knew about dinosaurs, they were thought to be bird foot-

Hang out with us this summer!

July 1 – September 2, 2012

Photo: Royal BC Museum

prints. Those original fossilized tracks and other dinosaur remains are displayed under glass in the exhibition; some have little openings so you can touch a dinosaur that’s millions of years old. Interactive computer simulations and presentations include a variety of dinosaur animations and extinction scenarios. Go ahead, nudge the Apatosaurus on the monitor and see how it reacts.

A model of a Microraptor with wings on both its arms and legs glides between trees in a life-size model of the 130-million-year-old Liaoning forest in northeastern China. Fossil remains provide compelling evidence that today’s birds are living descendants—that birds are dinosaurs. See dozens of accurate life-size models of more than 35 different dinosaurs, reptiles, early birds, insects, mammals and plants in the forest. Or look up to the “trophy wall” of massive skulls, ranging from the three-horned Triceratops to the dome-headed Pachycephalosaurus.

For more information e-mail dinosaurs.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

1-888-760-2008 www.beachclubbc.com Summer 2012 15

s Summer

thi Five Things in Downtown Duncan

t long into the evening?

Ready for warm summer days and ligh to enjoy your summer, e plac Downtown Duncan is the perfect n this season: with these five things to do downtow r, visit the Cowichan 1) Come for a free-guided Totem Tou totems & murals. s can’ Dun Valley Museum, and explore utus Café, Bistro 161, 2) Enjoy lunch from the patio at Arb , or the Slice of Life, Pub Brew et NOW, Bona Dea, Craig Stre en grab an ice cream and watch while the world goes by. Th cone at Cherries or Rembrandts. ready with a pedicure at 3) Need a break mom? Get your toes ns, and show off those one of downtown Duncan’s many salo Cardino’s. new sandals you've just picked up from and buy a beach ball.

4) Take the kids to The Red Balloon nd in the water park Then spend the afternoon playing arou at Centennial Park! in City Square with 5) De-stress and enjoy yoga outdoors 5:30pm.

Harmony Yoga Thursday evenings at

Come Eat! Shop! Play! Experience all that Downtown Duncan has to offer!

It’s Festival Time!

This year in its 33rd consecutive year, the Summer Festival encompasses the entire month of July with Duncan Daze taking place the weekend of July 13th & 14th.

This street party involves all ages, families and friends. Children’s laughter mixes with the sound of a guitar, some drums and chit chat between friends. You want family fun? You got it.

Among the main entertainment, we have these scheduled events: Children’s Parade – Friday 5:00pm-6:00pm on Kenneth Street Grand Parade – Saturday July 14th 11:00am-12:00pm downtown Duncan Other entertainment includes: Duncan’s Got Talent in Charles Hoey Park; Insane Kane World Champion Street Bike Stuntman; Birds of Prey Flying Demonstrations in Charles Hoey Park; Tattoo Pipers; Live music and dancing in the evenings at City Square.

During the day there will be loads of activities for all ages in the downtown core (Station, Kenneth, Craig and Jubilee Street) including:

+ 6 > 5 ; 6 > 5

/,(9; 6- *6>0*/(5 Street sales from downtown merchants; El Paso Train Ride; Merry-Go-Swing; Children’s Carnival Street on Jubilee Street; Romper Room Climbing Wall; Dunk Tank; Karaoke; Spin the Wheel; Wii Games.

For more information about Duncan Daze (July 13th & 14th) contact the Duncan BIA at www.downtownduncan.ca and for a full list of performers for Summer Festival visit: www.cowichanfestival.com.

If you need to cool down stop at the lemonade man or the café for an iced latte. Also there will be water stations so bring your reusable water bottles.

When it’s time to eat, there will be food everywhere you look, including our downtown restaurants and outdoor dining at the Brew Pub and Elks Beer Garden.

For dessert, no festival is complete without ice cream, cotton candy and snow cones.

For the entire month of July there’s free live music in Charles Hoey Park and City Square provided by John Faulkner, owner of the nationally ranked Duncan Garage Showroom. So come to downtown Duncan and enjoy our little town.

toys • games • crafts • kites playmobil • lego • puppets puzzles • dolls • and more

The Red Balloon Toyshop DOWNTOWN DUNCAN 250.748.5545

250.748.1533 149 Kenneth Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1N5 email: volume1@islandnet.com | www.volumeone.ca

Maddy Smith

Secrets for a Splendid Summer

S

ummertime, and the living is easy…well, hypothetically, at least. Hot days and breezy evenings stretch on in a seemingly endless train, filled with trips and playtime at the park, the beach, the lake and in the backyard. Sticky fingers grasp ice-cream cones and popsicles while the smell of fresh-mown grass and sunscreen fills the air, and all things seem bright and full of promise. It’s the perfect time for expeditions and exploration, both indoors and out.

Naturally, as Islanders, one of our main summer destinations is always whichever of our dozens of gorgeous beaches happens to be nearest. While you’re planning your next nautical outing, why not dip into Helaine Becker’s excellent title for paddlers and beachcombers, The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea (Kids Can Press, 2012)? This informative and eco-friendly read offers a host of great ideas and activities for kids (and their adults) to educate and excite them about the marine environment that surrounds us and is so integral to every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s discovering why the sea is salty or examining the effects and cleanup efforts involved in oil spills, Becker offers practical, hands-on learning opportunities and up-to-date information that will intrigue young scientists and environmentalists alike. 9+ If you’re in the mood for something a little earthier, I would recommend digging into Garden Crafts for Children (Cico, 2012), by Dawn Isaac. Engaging and practical, this bright, cheerful read offers activities that are not only creative and entertaining, but actually achievable, with imaginative, inexpensive craft ideas accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions.

With everything from a veggie garden in a wheelbarrow, to an alley of sunflowers, to a stopmotion bean pot, Garden Crafts for Children is bursting with ideas that will nourish your child’s green fingers. Whether you’re working in an acreage or balancing a balcony garden, there’s sure to be something delightful in this book for you and your budding botanists. A wonderful read to share with anyone 3+ who occasionally eats a vegetable.

Another wonderful way to while away the soft, sweet summer hours (or the endless miles of a road trip) is found in Doris Kutschbach’s lush puzzle book, The Art Treasure Hunt: I Spy with My Little Eye (Prestel Publishing, 2012).

Not only does this richly illustrated title offer

18

Family Summer Guide

a host of gently brain-teasing I Spy challenges, it also provides a superb introduction to some of the greatest paintings in art history. Filled with masterpieces from around the world, Kutschbach encourages us to take a closer look at paintings both new and familiar, and in so doing, invites a deeper understanding of the complexity and power of art. Gentle text and helpful hints for each picture puzzle, coupled with marvellous reproductions of some of the finest artwork in existence, make this a wonderful read for the entire family. 3+ Further artistic fascination can be found in the utterly spectacular new title by D.B. Johnson, Magritte’s Marvelous Hat (Houghton Mifflin Books, 2012). Funny, charming, magical, and just a little bit surreal, Magritte’s Marvelous Hat tells the story of a painter named Magritte who, one day, meets a mysterious and marvelous hat (with a definite personality) which, when he puts it on, floats just above his head. Obviously enchanted, the hat has the incredible ability to inspire Magritte to create breathtaking and fantastic works of art at an amazing rate. But when the hat goes missing, it takes Magritte’s talent with it—and a flying hat is harder to find than you would think. Magritte’s quest will take him through a wealth of subtly surreal landscapes (that bear a strange resemblance to a certain artist’s paintings), brought to life by Johnson’s vivid, witty, whimsical illustrations. Brilliantly crafted transparencies draw the reader into the action, as scenes are transformed with the turn of a page. Perfect for art fans and neophytes alike, this transporting title is guaranteed to entertain and captivate. 4+ In a world that seems in perpetual danger of moving too fast for itself, books provide a wonderful opportunity to slow down and savour the moment. They connect us with other people and other cultures, both real and imagined; they offer us a new way of seeing our surroundings; and very often they inspire us to make the world a better and more beautiful place for all who have the privilege of living here. I wish you all an abundance of such opportunities, and a sun-soaked and spectacular summer!

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Calling All Muggles A

re you a muggle? If you don’t know what a muggle is beyond Harry Potter, you probably are one. A muggle is a term geocachers use to describe non geocachers. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve can help you change that.

Now you may ask, what is geocaching? It’s an outdoor treasure hunt gone 21st century.

You, the cacher, will follow a trail of hidden treasure by plugging GPS coordinates into your handy dandy, hand-held GPS device. An iPhone or a Blackberry will do as long as it has a built-in GPS.

“The Gulf IslandsTop 10” hits the park reserve’s top destinations and covers more challenging hiking terrain.

In celebration of 100 years of the National Park System, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve joined in the fun and created different geocache sites throughout the park. You can hunt on Saturna Island, Pender Island or Sidney Island. Cache boxes containing entertaining stories, maps, photos and activities are hidden in strategic locations throughout the park reserve. There are two different geocaching routes through the park: “The Gulf Islands Top 10” hits the park reserve’s top destinations and covers more challenging hiking terrain. “The Gulf Islands Survivor Challenge” is an easier, family-friendly route where kids can do fun activities and learn cool stuff about nature and history. Simply visit www.geocaching.com and download your passport. Once you have filled your passport by completing one entire route, bring it to Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney and claim your prize: the beautiful and collectible Parks Canada geo-coin.

If you don’t have a GPS or you would just like a guide to show you how to work one, join a park interpreter on Pender Island weekly starting Sunday June 23 for Geocache 101.

Enjoy this great family adventure. Just remember to stay on the trail, leave nothing behind, and above all, enjoy all that our beautiful places have to offer!

For more information, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/gulf or phone 250-654-4000; toll-free: 1-866-944-1744. If you want to trade tales about your geocaching experiences with other geocachers, log onto www.geocaching. com to post your comments. www.IslandParent.ca

Got your Victoria Festival Guide for 2012?

Available in hard copy and iPhone app, the Victoria 150 CITYVibe is your free guide to 150th anniversary celebrations, City-sponsored festivals and outdoor events in 2012.

Pick up a copy at your local library, recreation or community centre, or download the app at the iTunes App Store. Under Search, type in: Cityvibe

Join us for Victoria 150 celebrations!

victoria.ca/cityvibe

Summer 2012

19

Kid-Friendly Island Campgrounds School’s out. What to do with the kids that won’t bankrupt the family? Luckily, the glories of British Columbia’s diverse and beautiful landscapes and temperate summer weather offer a host of affordable camping adventures that can be tailored to almost any budget.

C

amping is an easy, safe way to get kids outdoors where they can learn something of the world around them and have an opportunity for the kind of free play that stimulates imaginations. Child psychologists have long advocated the value of unstructured play where kids can take risks without the requirement that they achieve some goal set by adults or the rules of organized sport.

What better place than a beach, for example, where (under the watchful eyes of parents, of course) children can collect shells, dig holes, build sand castles, splash in shallow pools or construct forts from driftwood?

Getting outdoors is more than an inexpensive relief valve for parents; it contributes to kids’ tool kits for understanding the world around them, creating their own context within it, finding leadership roles for themselves, reducing stress and spontaneously learning to solve problems cooperatively. Research shows that kids who feel confident outdoors are most likely to become competent adults with both healthy lifestyles and the ability to empathize with others.

So here’s a small sampling of the many easily accessible kid-friendly Island campgrounds.

There are day use facilities at these campgrounds, too, so daytrips are equally feasible.

The following list includes provincial parks only, although there are plenty of private facilities that are equally kid-friendly. You can survey the private facilities on offer at www. travel-british-columbia.com and if you want to adventure farther afield than Vancouver Island, you can look up parks and make reservations at www.gocampingbc.com for every region of the province.

French Beach The beach here is almost two kilometres long. Views are spectacular across Juan de Fuca Strait to the Olympic Mountains and seals, sea lions and whales visit the waters. If a sea is running, you can take a quick trip to Jordan

20 Family Summer Guide

River or walk in to Sombrio Beach and watch the surfers. There’s hiking on Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Tide pools at Botanical Beach offer endless exploring—just be prepared for rain.

Goldstream Trees that were already old when Christopher Columbus was born tower along this little river where it tumbles through a deep canyon to an estuary that’s still in its natural state and home to eagles, osprey, ravens and other birds.

There’s a nature centre in the park which features talks by everyone from guest astronomers to bug experts, fun and games nights for kids in the amphitheatre, a spectacular waterfall that cascades almost 50 metres down a cliff face and the chance to spot rare amphibians like the red-legged frog.

Gordon Bay

early. Sidetrips include Petroglyph Park and its ancient stone carvings, an old coal mine at Morden Colliery Historic Site, the cemetery where kids can learn about Nanaimo’s mine disasters from the old tombstones, the Bastion fur trade fort and the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame which is not far from the ferry landing.

Rathtrevor Beach This is a mid-Island paradise for kids of almost any age. At low tide, almost a kilometre of sandy beach is exposed, leaving shallow pools in which flatfish dart, crabs scuttle, clams squirt and sand dollars are scattered everywhere. The tide rolls back in over sand flats that have been baking in the sun all day and the water warms up to temperatures that are ideal for paddling.

Miracle Beach Midway between Courtenay and Campbell River, this is another sandy paradise for kids that features a playground, hot showers and a big family picnic area by the shore. A bit farther north is the Oyster River with estuary trails that lead to another beach, this one wild and undomesticated, with sea grass, wild roses and bleached tangles of driftwood that sweep north behind what was once a UBC experimental dairy farm. At Courtenay, the museum features a prehistoric plesiosaur.

At Campbell River there’s another kind of dinosaur—a steam-powered donkey engine at the district museum.

On Cowichan Lake, northwest of Duncan, this campground is ideal for kids. The sandy beach is great for lounging on a sunny afternoon and the water is almost always warm enough— the valley has the highest average temperature in Canada—for family swimming. There are walking and hiking trails through old growth forest and lots of birds to watch, including the raucous blue Stellar’s jay and plenty of waterfowl. For teens, there’s windsurfing, kayaking and waterskiing. Fishing is good in the fall. And a short drive away in Duncan is the kid-friendly B.C. Forest Discovery Centre.

Englishman River Falls

Newcastle Island

World-famous Cathedral Grove, renowned for stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar that date from the time of William Shakespeare, is nearby, along with a sandy swimming beach on Cameron Lake. Well-groomed trails permit safe viewing of an impressive waterfall and there’s pleasant hiking in the cool woods around the campground. A short drive west is the Alberni Valley where the last and only steam-powered sawmill is still in operation and there’s a pleasant quay with souvenir shops and inexpensive eateries.•

Miners once brought their families here for an outing away from the industrial grime when Nanaimo was a coal mining centre. Today you can catch a ferry for the 10-minute trip across the harbour. It’s an easy walk around the island with its sandstone beaches and sandy coves where kids can play. Lawns roll away amidst rustling shade trees and you can find an ice cream cone at the 1930s dance pavilion.

Campsites are limited here, though, so reserve

The river in this park thunders through deep canyons and over two spectacular waterfalls. A perpetual mist waters fern gardens that nestle in the rock walls in primeval splendor. Downstream, the torrent suddenly spills into a clear, tranquil pool that invites a refreshing plunge on a hot summer day. Just up the road is Coombs with its knick-knack and souvenir shops and the world-famous sod roof with grazing goats.

A little farther north, kids can visit the Horne Lake Caves for a guided spelunking adventure.

Little Qualicum Falls

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Safety Outdoors Make your camping or day trip a learning moment that kids can A hand-held GPS is great but not so great if the batteries run down carry with them into adulthood. This is the time to teach them the or you drop it in a creek. practical outdoor safety basics and make them into a routine.

3. Carry adequate clothing for sudden and surprising changes in the weather. Your outer shell should be rain proof. Avoid cotton For Kids: garments—wool or synthetics will keep you warm even when wet.

1. Get the kids to check the weather before you leave and to report 4. Carry enough emergency rations for everyone in the group in and discuss what to expect. the event of the unforeseen.

2. Help the kids put together a personal checklist and to assemble 5. Carry a first aid kit. their own small backpack with minimal survival gear. Include one 6. On a hike, adults always take point and tail-end Charlie—kids day’s water, some energy bars, a warm outer garment (preferably in between. Never let them out of sight and on the trail keep distances waterproof ), a compact space blanket, a small LED flashlight and between hikers to a maximum of 10-15 steps. a whistle. A fully charged cell phone is good if there’s service. Insist 7. At the beach, kids never go near the water without a parent that they always carry their own pack. close by, too. Familiarize yourself with the threat of rogue waves— 3. Impress upon the kids that nobody ever hikes alone. nobody goes on the rocks anywhere near the surf. Familiarize yourself 4. Have a plan and have the kids review what they must do if they with currents and tidal conditions before any playing, even at the should get lost or separated—stop; stay put; stay dry; signal with water’s edge. their whistle every five minutes until located.

8. The chance of a dangerous encounter with wildlife is very small 5. Make them responsible for sunscreen and bug juice. (But carry but bears, cougars, wolves and coyotes do share B.C., so be aware. You a spare supply!) can review safety guidelines at the BC Parks wildlife safety website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/wild_gen.html For Parents: 9. While hiking, a light tarp and parachute cord is a good idea for 1. Make a plan and stick to it. Always check the weather before quick shelter in an emergency. leaving. Don’t arrive at your campsite after dark.

10. Make sure somebody knows where you’re going and when 2. Carry a map and a compass. Even wilderness experts get lost. you expect to be back. Be realistic about your schedule—kids will want time to explore. •

outdoor environment has

Our

always piqued the curiosity of our students.

This fall, it becomes part of our Kindergarten program.

Come visit us for a sneak peek.

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7171 www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 21

Get UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with BIRDS OF PREY in Duncan B.C.

Must-See Attractions Maybe you want to play tourist in your own town or show your visiting relatives the sights. Maybe you want to learn something new or keep the kids occupied on a rainy day. There are lots of reasons to check out the following attractions on the Island.

Victoria

Open 7 days a week 11:00 am - 4:30 pm until October 31, 2012 hawk walks/owl prowls/kids camp and more!

daily �i�ht demos 1:30 & 3:30

ph: 250.746.0372

pnwraptors.com

Performing Arts School since 1980

re -S ch o o l P r e m m u S C l a s spe s & s p m a Da n c e Cs 15 months and u for age

Even the littlest angel can dance For more information call 250-384-3267 or email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca or visit us at www.stagesdance.com

22 Family Summer Guide

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is engaging, challenging and inspiring. Along with the regular exhibitions and the gift shop, don’t miss the annual TD Art Gallery Paint-In (Saturday, July 21) for Victoria’s favourite outdoor studio along Moss Street from the gallery to the ocean. Over 100 invited painters, printmakers, sculptors, potters and other artists from the region will demonstrate their artistic process.

11am-4:30pm. Gallery open 10am-6pm. Food & Beverage Garden 11am-9pm. Dancing to Kumbia 5-9pm. aggv.bc.ca or 250-384-4171.

Craigdarroch Castle. Use your floor map to take a tour and learn about the Dunsmuir family’s history. Climb the 87 stairs through the 4 1⁄2 stories as you discover the castle’s 39 rooms lavishly furnished in the style of the 1890s to 1900s period. Get to the tower to see panoramic views of Victoria, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Step back in time and experience the life and times of the very rich and famous. Open daily June 15-Sept 6, 9am-7pm. www.craigdarrochcastle. com or 250-592-5323.

The Gorge Waterway Nature House is a not-for-profit nature facility in EsquimaltGorge (Kinsmen) Park. An interactive touchtank with local marine plants and animals allows the public to experience the intertidal zone up-close. Various activities and displays (including a watershed model of the Gorge Waterway), as well as birdwatching, bug-catching and water sampling supplies that can be used to explore the park outside of the Centre. Open every Wednesday and Sunday from 11am-4pm until the end of August. Specialized education programs available. 250-380-7585.

IMAX Theatre in the Royal BC Museum offers an awe-inspiring 2-D experience with a projected area of more than six stories high and 70' wide. You’ll feel like you’re part of the show. This summer, enjoy Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia, Rocky Mountain Express, Tornado Alley, and To the Arctic, and look for exciting full length feature events. Open daily from 10am until the last show at 8pm. www.imaxvictoria. com or 250-953-IMAX (4629).

Maritime Museum in Bastion Square. The colourful story of B.C.’s marine history is told through exhibits that highlight Victoria’s harbour, early exploration, shipwrecks, piracy and more. Climb the ratlines to the crow’s nest or

fire off the swivel cannon on the large mock-up of a ship’s deck. See the restored courtroom where Sir Matthew Bailey Begbie (the Hanging Judge) presided. 10am-5pm daily. www. mmbc.bc.ca or 250-385-4222.

Miniature World is located within the Empress Hotel, on Humboldt Street. It has been called The Greatest Little Show On Earth, with over 80 fascinating and awe-inspiring exhibits of miniature scenes depicting historic events, the future frontiers of outer space, Fantasy Land, Victorian Dollhouses, Circus World, Great Castles of Europe, World of Dickens and more. Open 9am-9pm daily until Sept 3. www.miniatureworld.com or 250-385-9731.

The Royal BC Museum in downtown Victoria. Visit the museum’s three permanent galleries that showcase the human and natural history of B.C. You can sign up for a backstage pass and take a tour of the museum’s entomology or invertebrate labs, or the history, botany or vertebrate collections. Tours take place at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer. Open 10am5pm daily. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca or 250-356-7226.

Saanich Peninsula/Sidney The Centre of the Universe is the public interpretative centre at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory at 5071 West Saanich Road. Treat yourself to spectacular views of Victoria and the cosmos. Interactive exhibits and talented staff will introduce you to the amazing world of astronomy. Tour the awesome 1.8-metre Plaskett Telescope. Travel the constellations in the Starlab Planetarium.

Open July 24-Sept 1, Tuesday-Saturday, 3:30-11:15pm (summer astronomy camps are offered on-site July 1-23). 250-363-8262.

Saanich Historical Artifacts Society at 7321 Lochside Drive. Kids (and parents) can climb all over the farming equipment, see the mini railroad, a sawmill, planer mill and other artifacts at this 12-hectare site with a small lake, forest trails and pond. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on-site. Open daily 9:30am-4pm. Ride the train (by donation) on July 10, August 7 & 21, from 12-3pm. See the Heavy Truck Show on Aug 4 & 5, 10am-3:30pm. From Victoria, head north on the Pat Bay Highway, turn right at Island View Road, then first left onto Lochside Drive. www.shas.ca or 250-652-5522. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Butchart Gardens. 55 acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. Explore the gardens in a new way by taking part in the new Family Discovery Walk.

The Saturday evening fireworks during July and August are popular with visitors of all ages (times vary slightly as the summer progresses and it gets dark earlier, from 10:15pm in early summer to 8:45pm on Sept 1). There is musical entertainment most evenings as well as the night illuminations. The Rose Carousel in the Children’s Pavilion includes 30 animals carved from basswood. Carousel rides are $2 over the cost of admission. www.butchartgardens.com or 250-652-5256.

Mineral World in Sidney. A family geological experience, Mineral World’s Scratch Patch sees thousands of visitors annually who come to hunt for gemstones, pan for gold and dig for fossils. Visit the free interpretive centre with its range of hands-on displays which encourage you to look, interact and learn. It’s all about the Earth Sciences—geology, archaeology, paleontology—and much more. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. 9808 Seaport Place. www. scratchpatch.com or 250-655-4367.

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney is a state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education centre focused on the amazing ecosystem of the Salish Sea. Visit the touch pools to shake hands with a sea urchin, see the huge aquaria teeming with marine life, learn about essential life forms such as algae, plankton and amazing jellies. The centre, located on the waterfront off Beacon Avenue, is open daily from 10am-5pm. www.oceandiscovery.ca or 250-665-7511.

“My kid could paint that.”

Great, bring them down.

We have awesome kids’ programs on now.

Fall Studio Classes registration begins August 11, 10 am aggv.ca | Love your art gallery.

AG421_R1_MyKid_IslandParentAd.indd 1

06-08-12 9:41 AM

Have an Ice Day. Iced Mocha, Italian sodas, Smoothies and more...

Westshore/Metchosin to Sooke Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site.

Explore gun batteries and underground magazines built a century ago to defend Victoria and the Esquimalt Naval Base. Step inside the first lighthouse built on the West Coast and check out exhibits about ships wrecked and lives saved. Picnic on the grass or at one of the picnic tables and watch the ships and wildlife while you eat. 10am-5:30pm daily. www.fortroddhill.com or 250-478-5849.

Wildplay West Shore Victoria. This aerial obstacle course suspended in the trees features a combination of Tarzan swings, ziplines, scramble nets, swinging logs and other elements 6' to 53' above the ground. The park is located behind the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, with parking next to the velodrome.

For ages 7 and up, open daily 9am-5pm, reservations and walk-ins available 10am-4pm. www.wildplay.com or 250-590-7529.

www.IslandParent.ca

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any of one our 25 Serious Coffee® locations.

Summer 2012 23

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings this Fall 2012–2013 Classes!

Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool. Bright attractive setting with competent and caring staff. Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers with each teacher bringing their own strengths to the team.

Opportunities for this fall: 2 spaces in our Mon/Wed/Fri morning class 6 spaces in our Tues/Thurs morning class This year we are also offering a Wednesday afternoon class (which can be combined with the Tues/Thurs class to make it 3 times a week), or you can have your child come only on Wed afternoon to try preschool in a small way. We have several spots in this class.

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

This Summer: Seasonal Wear, Toys, Strollers, High Chairs, Exersaucers & More.

Call 250-382-5225 for a drop off time.

No appointment necessary.

Happily Serving Victoria Families for Nine Years and Counting

424 Craigflower Road Victoria, BC V9A 2V8 www.sailorjack.ca

Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5:00, Saturday 10 – 5, Sunday Closed

The City Centre Park in Langford is an exciting family playland. Experience a unique mini-golf course—18 holes of buried treasure and Aztec ruins. There’s also a play zone for kids, with three stories of mining-themed play equipment, where children can climb, slide, swing, crawl and have fun. The splash park has water cannons, spray bars, sprinklers, slides and more in a pirate theme. Parents can relax with a coffee or snack in the parents’ section while children are burning off energy under the supervision of trained staff. www. eagleridgecentre.com or 250-391-1738.

For something different and exhilarating, try soaring at up to 60 km/hr over the forest on a zipline. Adrena LINE Zipline Adventure Tours in Sooke offers a multistage zipline course, consisting of eight distinct but linked rides and two suspension bridges. Trained guides emphasize safety and comfort, ensuring a ride full of thrills, awesome beauty and fond memories. You’ll also learn about the local ecology and wildlife while zipping through the 100 acres of coastal temperate forest. www. adrenalinezip.com or 250-642-1933.

Cowichan Valley The Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre in Duncan is a great place to learn about Cowichan First Nations cultural traditions and legends.

Enjoy interpretive tours in which you’ll learn about the legends, teachings and stories of the Cowichan Tribes, traditional artwork, carving and knitting. There are also opportunities to see Native dancing and sample Native cuisine. www.quwutsun.ca or 1-877-746-8119.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre just north of Duncan. Visit this tribute to the forest that includes 100 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits and a bird sanctuary. Ride on the narrow gauge steam train, and tour an old logging camp. Bring a picnic lunch, watch a demonstration, or come for a special event (Canada Day July 1, B.C. Day Aug 6, Trains, Trucks & Tractors Aug 11 & 12, Family Picnic and Members’ Day Sept 3). www.bcforestmuseum.com or 250-715-1113.

Nanaimo WildPlay Element Park, south of Nanaimo, offers four outdoor adventures for the whole family. Experience what it feels like to fly on the Canyon Zip or test your balance and agility on Monkido®, an aerial obstacle course with suspended bridges, ziplines and other elements. For extra adrenalin, there’s bungee jumping from a 140' bridge over the Nanaimo River and the high-speed King Swing. Age, weight and/or height requirements for activities. Reservations recommended.

24 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

The park has a café, picnic tables, a fire pit and sand volleyball court, so come for the day. Follow the signs (just north of Cassidy if you’re driving from Victoria). www.wildplay. com or 1-888-716-7374.

Nanaimo District Museum showcases Nanaimo’s early history as a coal mining town and port, explores the impact of forestry on the region, depicts daily life in a traditional First Nations longhouse, celebrates the town’s athletes and musicians, and includes more exhibits. Located in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Open 10am-5pm daily. www.nanaimomuseum.ca or 250-753-1821.

Romper Room, Nanaimo’s indoor rock climbing centre, is a favourite with kids. Try a Family Climb ($60 for 4 family members) or Rockin’ Saturday Kids’ Club for children 6-12 years from noon-2pm. Summer rock climbing day camps and birthday party sessions also offered. www.climbromperroom.com or 250-751-ROCK.

Oceanside Paradise Adventure Mini-Golf in Parksville offers two courses, bumper boats (with water cannons), an amusement centre, games pavilion and an ice-cream parlour. Paradise has something for everyone—including an oceanfront RV park and gift shop. It’s also wheelchair accessible. Open 9:30am-10pm.

375 West Island Highway, www.paradisefunpark.net, 250-248-6612.

Riptide Adventure Mini-Golf in Parksville is an easy walk from Rathtrevor Beach and nearby resorts. Try your hand at the Mountain or Lagoon course, or enjoy the Pump & Bump bumper cars. 1000 Resort Drive, adjacent to Rathtrevor Park. www.riptidelagoon.com, 250-248-8290.

The Coombs Country Market is on Highway 4, on the way to Port Alberni from Parksville or Nanaimo, less than 5 minutes away from Butterfly World. Enjoy a huge selection of home-cooked treats and meals, as well as international foods. Wander the market, unique shops, galleries and studios for produce, snacks and trinkets. There’s lots to see. Be sure to look up when you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod roof live there throughout the summer. www.oldcountrymarket.com.

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park offers a variety of caving tours, from gentle explorations to adrenalin-pumping adventures down a 7-storey waterfall. Cave tours vary in length, and you can choose from guided or self-guided—make sure you bring warm clothing that can be layered as it’s chillier in the caves than you might expect. You can also enjoy rock climbing, canoe or kayak rentals, www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 25

hiking, teepee camping and more. Allow 45 minutes from Parksville, north on Highway 19 or 19A. www.hornelake.com, 250-248-7829.

Port Alberni

To Build in Love

St. Andrew’s Offers: • Pre School to Grade 7 education.

• Small class size in large, newly renovated classrooms, well lit with natural light.

• Specialist teachers in French, music, and physical education.

• Convenient downtown location • Reasonable tuition fees • Year-round, out-of-school care program.

• Commendable FSA scores.

Now accepting registrations for the 2012-13 school year!

Be part of our present as we move into our future.

1002 Pandora Avenue | 250-382-3815 | www.standrewselem.ca

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings this Fall 2012–2013 Classes!

Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool. Bright attractive setting with competent and caring staff. Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers with each teacher bringing their own strengths to the team.

Opportunities for this fall: 2 spaces in our Mon/Wed/Fri morning class 6 spaces in our Tues/Thurs morning class This year we are also offering a Wednesday afternoon class (which can be combined with the Tues/Thurs class to make it 3 times a week), or you can have your child come only on Wed afternoon to try preschool in a small way. We have several spots in this class.

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

Horseback Riding Lessons Therapy Programs Camps & Events Nature & Equestrian Jr. Kindergarten (Opening September, 2012) All welcome and no experience required to participate

2 5 0 - 5 8 8 - 2 5 8 3 w w w . f o r w a r d e q u e s t r i a n . c a 6476 Oldfield Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1X8 26 Family Summer Guide

The McLean Mill National Historic Site operates the only remaining commercial steamoperated sawmill in Canada. From a viewing platform, watch raw logs being trimmed and cut into lumber for sale. The Tin Pants Theatre Troupe, costumed and in character, will entertain you with their twice daily stage show at the Nikkei Theatre and will guide you around the site on a Greenhorn Tour. There are children’s activities, a restaurant and a gift shop. Open Thursday-Sunday, 10:30am-5:15pm. Also check out the Maritime Discovery Centre and the Alberni Valley Museum while in the area. www.alberniheritage.com.

Comox Valley Courtenay Museum. Hands-on discovery as you search for prehistoric fossils on the Puntledge River with experienced guides.

Fossil tours by appointment, 2 tours daily in July and August, 9am-noon or 1-4pm. Stop by and check out the Courtenay and District Museum and Paleontology Centre with its massive Elasmosaur exhibit. www.courtenaymuseum.ca or 250-334-0686.

Comox Air Force Museum. Learn about the history and heritage of the Canadian Airforce on the West Coast. Located at the entrance to CFB Comox. Museum and gift shop open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Admission by donation. www.comoxairforcemuseum.ca or 250-339-8162.

Campbell River Campbell River Museum. See the First Nations history and art, European exploration, pioneer history, and a native plant garden, and learn about floathouse living and the salmon industry. This is a family attraction, fun for children. Bring your lunch to enjoy in the picnic area. Open daily during the summer, 10am5pm. www.crmuseum.ca or 250-287-3103.

Pacific Rim The Wickaninnish Interpretive Center near Tofino acts as a museum, exhibition and information center for Pacific Rim National Park. Among the exhibits are First Nations canoes, tools, various works of art, and interactive displays. There is also a small gift shop and a restaurant facing the beach front with panoramic views over the ocean. Trails lead out from the Center to South Beach and through the temperate rain forest to Florencia Bay. www.pc.gc.ca/pacificrim.• www.kidsinvictoria.com

presents

FAMILY FEST at the FRINGE!

>

4 family-friendly plays, weekday matinees, and special ticket prices!

Part of the 26th annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival, August 23 - September 2

The Secret Life of Walter Manny TRENT ARTERBERRY

Will imaginative 8-year old Walter become a real live hero?

The Night that the

Knight Learned Wrong from Right !

DECADES THEATRE

A foolish but valiant knight travels the globe in search of the perfect bedtime story for the King.

The Great

Beanstalk Conspiracy THE STORY THEATRE COMPANY

Where has all the water gone?

Marvelous Moo and the Green Grabber climb into the clouds to find out.

Aladdin’s Secret Voyage THE STORY THEATRE COMPANY

Aladdin’s father has disappeared and Aladdin faces danger to find him!

Introducing the new Family Fest Fringe Venue at Langham Court Theatre (805 Langham Court, off Rockland Ave).

Visit victoriafringe.com for schedule and info. Tickets at ticketrocket.org or 250-590-6291.

(Group rates available – FamilyFest 5-ticket munchcards $35)

...and don’t miss the 20th annual

FRINGEKIDS FEST

in Market Square (lower Johnson Street)

* Saturday, August 25, 11am- 4pm

This fun end-of-summer event features live performances, crafts, inflatables, DIY facepainting, music, puppets, and the famous cardboard castle that young artists can enter and paint.

Totally free! (Donations of new school supplies for the Single Parent Resource Centre welcome.)

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 27

Kathy Humphrey

Wild at Heart S

ummer brings us closer to our inner wilderness. It is like a gentle exfoliant, scrubbing away layers of clothes, routines, schedules, and stress that won’t be needed again for a couple of months. Hair doesn’t get cut as regularly, we put dentist appointments on hold till fall, we shake ourselves out of our grim, humdrum bricks-and-mortar world and step back into the natural world. We lie on the grass and idly flick ants from our legs, we walk barefoot to check the mail and chat with people walking by, we bask like lizards in the gentle haze of the watery coastal sun (always well protected with hats and sunscreen, of course). Set meal times dissolve into a golden mishmash of neighbourhood potlucks, picnics at the beach, and cold collations put together from the fridge.

And we go camping, leaving behind our shops and computers, our washing machines, lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners. We venture

28 Family Summer Guide

out into the wilds where the only light at night twinkles down, across years and miles, from the stars and moon, and where the sound of waves lapping the shore while otters crack shells, or that of crickets scraping in the long grasses lulls us to sleep. We build fires and use them to cook, heat water, and dry shoes and towels. We huddle around the fire after sunset and sing or play word games. Summer feels good on us—we need to let our inner taskmaster go unheard for awhile, to let the stopwatch run down, and to sit and read, and watch, while our children play first on a huge beach, and then, as the day wears on, finally on a tiny beach, tickled by the rising tide. For a short time, we have our chance to roar our terrible roars, and maybe even to gnash our terrible teeth once or twice, until life tames us by telling us that it’s time to be still again.

Camping Stew 500 grams lean ground beef 5 baby potatoes 3 medium carrots 1 small onion 3 cloves garlic 2 or 3 Tbsp butter salt and pepper, to taste Scrub potatoes and carrots. Cut into bitesized pieces. Finely chop onion. Mince garlic.

Lay sheet of tinfoil on prep area, doubling it to help prevent leakage. Break up meat with hands, lay in centre of foil package. Layer potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic over. Dab butter around and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold long edges together, then roll end pieces up, and firmly smooth whole package.

Place over low heat, on grill over barbeque or open fire, and cook, watching and turning regularly, until it is sizzling, and smells done.

Watch for steam when opening!

Veggie Stew 1 yam 4 new potatoes 2 medium carrots 1 small onion 2 cups cauliflower florets 4 cloves garlic

www.kidsinvictoria.com

3 Tbsp olive oil 1 small tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed salt and pepper, to taste 2 Tbsp curry powder 1 tsp cumin sprinkle cayenne pepper, if desired water, or vegetable stock (can substitute coconut milk) to desired consistency Peel yam and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Scrub potatoes, then quarter. Scrub and chop carrots, dice onion and garlic, and separate cauliflower into individual pieces. Spread long piece of tinfoil onto work area, with another piece doubled over to provide protection.

Combine vegetables in medium sized bowl, then add chickpeas. Sprinkle spices, and oil over. Stir stock in. Tip onto foil. Wrap well, adding another layer of foil if necessary. Place over low flame, and cook for about 45 minutes, until steaming and fragrant. (Substitute different spices as taste dictates, such as oregano, basil, and sundried tomatoes, or chili powder and cumin.)

Campfire Bannock 4 cups flour 8 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar approximately 3 cups cold water Mix dry ingredients together. Make a hole in the centre. Pour in enough water to make a batter that is smooth enough to set level in the bowl. Stir only until combined. Pour into large, well-greased skillet, and place over fire.

Turn when golden brown on bottom, and cook until a twig poked into centre comes out clean.

Alternative cooking method: Wrap dough around stick, and cook over fire (similar to hot dogs, or marshmallows).

Fire Pies (also known as Bush Pies) To make these, you’ll need metal pie tins or sandwich makers.

2 pieces of soft white bread (of course, you can use any type you like) tinned pie filling, apple, cherry, or blueberry (you can also use sliced fresh fruit or jam) sweets, to taste (for example, caramels with apple, chocolate with cherry) Butter the outside of the bread. Spread filling on the inside, with enough room around the edges to create a seal-able bit. Close the bush pie maker up, and place into the flames.

Cook, until sizzling and fragrant (watch carefully for burning).

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet. www.IslandParent.ca

Play Registration now open!

2012 Summer Camps

Register online at

VikesCamps.com or call 250.472.4000 for more information

Basketball Dance Girl Power Hockey Mini Vikes

(full and half day)

Multi Sport Racquet Sports Run Jump Throw Soccer Speed & Agility Swimming Swim & Sport Tennis Track & Field Vikes Adventurers Vikes Summer Fun Volleyball Youth Leadership Development Before and after care is available.

250.472.4000 · VikesCamps.com

K-9 Distributed Learning Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - comparable expense budget - unique hands-on learning activities - guidance from a certified teacher - constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

Fully certified

250 383 6619

(1 888 383 6609 6619) http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 Summer 2012 29

Goody

Christina Symons & John Gillespie

Gumboots 1

2

3

These easy painted boots are a perfect activity for kids and also make great gifts.

MATERIALS A selection of used rubber boots Acrylic craft paint and leftover latex household paint in assorted colours Brushes, rags and water

1 2

Gather your boots. Select outgrown boots to paint and pot up as gifts. Secondhand stores are a great so

Paint your boots! Use your imagination—rainbows, flowers, polka dots, paw prints, stripes and hearts are just a few ideas.

Let the boots dry thoroughly before potting them up or wearing them in the garden. urce of rubber boots in various sizes. Black boots may be painted as is or given a base coat of a uniform colour before you begin.

3

Plant up a few boots with some cheery blooms to give as gifts. They’ll look great on the deck or beside an entryway during the holidays.

Note: expect your boots to show some wear and tear over time. The paint will not last forever—but don’t worry, that’s part of the charm.

Excerpted and reprinted with permission from Everyday Eden: 100+ Fun, Green Garden Projects for the Whole Family to Enjoy by Christina Symons and John Gillespie (Harbour Publishing Co. Ltd., 2011). Their second book, Sow Simple: 100+ Green and Easy Projects to Make Your Garden Awesome is out this summer.

30 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

City of Victoria Recreation Services

Hang Out With Us This Summer!

at Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre For schedule information call the Crystal Pool at 250.361.0732

Proclaiming Jesus Christ as Life!

THETIS ISLAND - BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA

Training for Full Time Christian Service Regardless of Occupation!

Leadership Through Servanthood by Christ’s Indwelling, Resurrection Life.

Practical Bible Teaching Genesis to Revelation: Christ Revealed in the Written Word.

Capernwray URL

CapernwrayIslandParentMagJan2012.indd 1

www.IslandParent.ca

12-01-10 10:19 AM

Summer 2012 31

Generously Sponsored by

and

Summer Calendar of Events FRI JUNE 29 – MoN AUG 6 Summer Festival in Duncan kicks off in City Square on SUN 29. Canada Day celebrations, Beach Volleython Tournament, performers and artists.

Free family fun. www.cowichanfestival.com.

SAT JUNE 30 – SUN JULY 1 Victoria Celebrates Canada Day 2012. Familyfriendly events, music performances featuring Norman Foote, fireworks and A Flavour of Canada international food village. www.Victoria CanadaDay.ca.

JULY SUN 1 CANADA DAY CELEBRATIoNS Gorge Canada Day Picnic at Gorge Waterway Park and Kosapsom Park. Pancake breakfast, family parade, stage entertainment, classic cars, kids’ activities, canoe rides, buskers’ corner, street hockey, Strawberry Tea, market and more. 8:30am-4pm.

Free. www.gorgetillicum.ca/picnic.php.

Canada Day Lawn Party at Ross Bay Villa. Celebrate Canada Day with a visit to the 147-year-old historic house museum. Tour the Villa and see

32

Family Summer Guide

the restored period rooms, view exhibits depicting the restoration project as well as the families who called Ross Bay Villa home. Visit the garden, plant sale and outdoor heritage exhibits free of charge. $12/cream tea and guided tour; $7/tea or tour only. 1490 Fairfield Rd. 250-386-1606. www.conservancy.bc.ca.

Raven Baroque Concert at Mt. Tolmie Park.

Musicians in period costumes play the hits from the 1650s. Two 1-hour concerts at 1:30pm and 3pm. 250-514-8916. www.ravenbaroque.org.

Canada Day at BC Forest Discovery Museum, Duncan. Live music, flag ceremony, bouncy castle, concession and more. $2/person; children under 4 free. No pets at this event. 2892 Drinkwater Rd. 250-715-1113. www.bcforestmuseum.ca.

Canada Day in Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo.

Food fair, live music, entertainment, family events, and more. 11am-3:30pm.

Canada Day in Waterwheel Park, Chemainus.

Petting zoo, pony rides, children’s entertainer Rick Scott, cake, craft tent, scavenger hunt and more.

11:30am-3:30pm. www.VisitChemainus.com.

Canada Day Celebrations in Courtenay. Parade starts at 10:30am and goes down 5th St to Lewis

and Simms Parks. Full day of food, entertainment and games. Free.

Canada Day Celebrations in Parksville. Pancake breakfast, parade, a day of family activities including live entertainment. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

TUES 3 What Have You Seine Today? at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and use a seine net to discover what lives deeper in the ocean: fish with horns, shrimp that change sexes, flat fish and lots more. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Meet at the bottom of the stairs at the end of Witty Beach Rd. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Music in the Park at Goward House. Face painting and crafts for the kids. Food available for purchase. Bring your own blanket and picnic dinner. 6-8pm. Free. 250-475-5408.

Gorge Historical Walking Tour at Gorge Waterway Park. Join author Dennis Minaker celebrating the waterway’s glory days of a century ago—a time of regattas, swimming galas, high diving towers, tea gardens, mansions and more. 7-9pm. Free. Meet in the parking lot next to the VCKC clubhouse, 355 Gorge Rd West.

WED 4 What’s That? Ask a Nat! at Island View Beach Regional Park. Come with your curiosity and explore the beach at low tide. Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm to borrow some dip nets and get help from CRD Regional Parks naturalists to identify your discoveries. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Look for the signs on the beach by the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

World Parrot Refuge at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Wendy Huntbatch is coming all the way down from Coombs to talk about

www.kidsinvictoria.com

the work of the World Parrot Refuge. She will have some live birds with her. All ages. 1-2pm.

250-656-0944.

Evening Swim at Bowen Park Kin Outdoor Pool.

A new evening swim in the outdoor heated pool.

5:30-7pm. 250-753-8176.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2. Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 6 – SUN 8

THUR 5 Marine Day at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists for a celebration of our precious marine environment. See creatures brought up from the deep by scuba divers, live displays, view harbour seals, make sand creature creations and more. Drop by any time between 10am and 2pm. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Park in main parking lot off Metchosin Rd and follow the 20-minute forest trail to beach. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Insectmania at Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re cool. Explore the fascinating world of insects and spiders. Hands-on exploration, live bugs, crafts, songs, games. Crafts $3. Noon-3pm, drop-in. Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca.

Sunfest on Ice at Pearkes Recreation Centre. A cool setting on ice for everyone to enjoy. Skate rentals are free. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Saanich Neighbourhood Place food cupboard. 3:15-4:35pm. $3. 250-475-5400.

FRI 6 Beach Snoop at Low Tide at Island View Beach Regional Park. When the tide goes out, an exciting world comes into view. A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help you discover the creatures that make Island View Beach their special home. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd at 1pm. All ages. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

10th Annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park. Main Stage entertainment, fabulous food, and shopping. Even more events and festivities this year. Free. www.nanaimodragonboat.com.

Vancouver Island MusicFest at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Six stages, over 75 concerts, workshops, on-site riverside camping, kids’ activities, art projects, roving performers and more.

Kids under 12 free. 1-866-898-8499.

SAT 7 Learn to Fish at Colliery Dam Park, Nanaimo.

Catch the fun and learn about fish identification, handling, tackle and rod rigging. All equipment provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult. 11am-1pm. Free. 250-756-5200.

Hawaiian Summer Swim at Naden Pool. Aloha Summer. Games, activities and prizes. Free.

Noon-1:30pm. 250-363-1009.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Between a rock and a hard place is one of the few places left for creatures to hide when the tide leaves them behind. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to peek under rocks and search in the waves. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at Tower Point parking lot off Olympic View Dr at 12:30pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 8 Saanich Strawberry Festival at Beaver Lake Park.

Face painting, interactive games and sports, pony rides, model boats, children’s relay races, arts & crafts stations, bouncy castle, live music and more.

11am-3pm. Free. 250-475-5558.

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TUES 10 You Don’t Scare Me at Oak Bay Branch Library.

Do you love stories about Wild Things, Gruffalos and other real and imaginary creatures? If you do, then come to this monstrous program and enjoy stories, stomps and fun crafts. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Ooey, Gooey Science at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Do you want to learn how to make some slippery, slimy, weird and fun stuff? Join us for an informative and super gooey program based on Janice VanCleave’s “gloppy, gooey” science books. Learn stinky facts, strive for the golden clothespin award in a What’s that Smell game, and make a non-toxic smelly sample to take home. For ages 6-9. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

Masked Bandit at Devonian Regional Park. A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will lead you on a raccoon trail for a day in the life of these little rascals. Meet at info kiosk in parking lot off William Head Rd at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Biggest, Fastest, First at Central Saanich Branch Library. On your mark, get set, go! Everyone will be a winner when we explore the Summer Olympics at the library. Have fun with silly action games based on Olympic events. You will even get to make your own Olympic flag. For ages

ENJOY BC Salmon

Savour this tasty, easy to prepare salmon. Serve it with pasta, or boiled mini potatoes, green beans and corn on the cob.

For this recipe and more visit thriftyfoods.com Customer Service: 1 800 667 8280

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 33

6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-652-2013 for more information.

Wacky Weather at Emily Carr Branch Library.

Have you heard the story about a place where it never rains rain and it never snows snow… a place that is sometimes cloudy with a chance of meatballs? Come to the library to enjoy this wacky weather story and more. You will play games, sing songs and make a simple craft, too. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. For ages 3-5. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-475-6100 for more information.

Science Venture: Extreme Science at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Take two parts curiosity, a spoonful of strange, and an ounce of truth. What do you get? Extreme science that will boggle your mind and knock your socks off. Let the “Big Kids” from UVic’s Science Venture crew surprise and amaze you with science experiments. For ages 7-12. 1-2:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

Music in the Park in Majestic Park. See TUES 3 for details. Everyone welcome. 6-8pm. Free.

4380 Majestic Dr. 250-475-5408.

WED 11 You Don’t Scare Me at Central Branch Library.

See TUES 10 for details. For ages 3-5. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-413-0365 for more information.

It’s in the Blood at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Just in time for the Summer Olympics.

Learn all about healthy blood and high performance athletes with UVic professor Dr. Ed Ishiguro. Ages 7+. 1-2pm. 250-656-0944.

Strange But True in Nature at Emily Carr Branch Library. They can see in the dark, sleep all winter long, and fly thousands of kilometers to find a new home. Join us at the library to find out more

SUMMER PROGRAMS Summer Camps & Outdoor Soccer now available online for registration.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

SPORTBALL KIDS - Junior (16-24mos) PARENT & CHILD/ME & MY DAD (2-4yrs) MULTI-SPORT (4-7yrs) SPORTBALL FITKIDS (6-12yrs) OUTDOOR SOCCER (2-12yrs) BIRTHDAY PARTIES (2-12yrs)

Soccer | Hockey | Football | Volleyball | Baseball | Basketball | Tennis | Golf

van.island@sportball.ca

www.sportball.ca

250.590.4625

Summer Learning Camps

Reduce summer learning loss while having fun!

Campers will create a summer memory box and fill it with games, hands on activities and stories linked to learning language arts or mathematics.

Locations: Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, Westshore Hours: Two hours per day, Monday through Friday Cost: $150.00 Register early as spaces are limited! See: times, locations and camp focus: www.readsociety.bc.ca/programs/children-summer-learning-camps.htm Call: 250-388-7225 for more information and to register

34 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

THUR 12 Amazing Race at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

CRD Regional Parks naturalists will start you off along this nature-based race through the forest.

Register at the meeting place, grab a race sheet, and test your wits and powers of observation as you tackle skill-testing questions throughout the park. Win prizes, too! Drop in any time between 11am and 2pm at the Nature Centre next to main Beaver Lake parking lot. 5+ years. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Marvellous Mount Wells at Mount Wells Regional Park. Hike to the summit of Mount Wells. The view is worth the effort. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for this summer day hike. We’ll take plenty of rest breaks. Bring water and snacks.

Meet at information kiosk in parking lot off Humpback Rd at 1pm. 8+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Professor Smartini’s Strange But True Magic Show at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Guaranteed to confound, confuse, amaze and amuse all children. Join the eccentric and delightful Professor Smartini for the zaniest magical oddities in the whole universe. He’s bringing the whole wacky gang, including Bruno, the World’s Strongest Flea, and Lucy, the Mind Reading Goose, for music and magic-filled fun. For ages 5-12. 6:307:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

Raven Baroque Concert at St. Ann’s Academy Chapel. Enjoy hits from 1600 to 1750 played by musicians in period costume. 7:30-9pm. 835 Humboldt St. www.ravenbaroque.org.

FRI 13 Professor Smartini’s Strange But True Magic Show at Saanich Centennial and Juan de Fuca Branch Libraries. See THURS 12 for details. For ages 5-12. Saanich Centennial 10:30-11:30am, 250-477-9030; Juan de Fuca Branch Library 2:30-3:30pm, 250-391-0653. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more information.

I’m Scared of Spaghetti at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Get ready for an afternoon of drawing scary creatures and the things they are scared of. You’ll learn techniques for inventing comic characters and bringing them to life on

www.IslandParent.ca

RIDE THE RAILS • WALK THE TRAILS

Beat the Heat Skate Kick-Off at Oceanside Arena, Parksville. Join us for a frosty treat. 6:45-8:15pm.

Everyone welcome. 250-248-3252. www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

SEE THE EXHIBITS IN A 100 ACRE LIVING MUSEUM A N A D V E N T U R E F O R T H E E N T I R E F A M I LY

about the very true, very strange, and incredibly amazing lives of animals from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary staff. For ages 5-8. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more information.

BC FOREST DISCOVERY CENTRE WWW.DISCOVERYFOREST.COM 2892 DRINKWATER ROAD, DUNCAN, BC. V9L-6C2 (ON THE TRANS CANADA HWY.)

INFORMATION – (250) 715-1113

Children/Teen Sewing Camps Children

Summer ¤‚⁄¤ Classes

(aged 7 yrs & up)

July 3-6

Aug 7-10

& Teens

July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 July 30-Aug 3

Aug 13-17 Aug 20-24 Aug 27-31

(4 days)

Emphasis is on sewing clothes they can wear!

Bay/Fernwood Area Fall classes also available

Andrea’s

Andrea Bailey

21 years experience

(4 days)

Your child/teen can SEW! It’s SEW EASY!

Call 250-592-7879 aseweasy@shaw.ca

Summer 2012 35

paper. Jenny Jaeckel is a comics artist and teacher, and the author/illustrator of two graphic novels.

For ages 7+. 1-2:30pm. 250-656-0944.

Guided Nature

Walk on the Wild Side at East Sooke Regional Park. There’s lots to explore along the seashore and through the forest trail of this wild West Coast regional park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an easy amble with your family to Iron Mine Bay and its sandy beach. Meet at kiosk in Pike Rd parking lot off East Sooke Rd at 1pm.

All ages. BC Transit #64. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Hikes, Walks, Canoeing, Drop-In Events

SAT 14

Most are free, all are fun!

Nature Outings & Events That Pique Your Natural Curiosity For Nature Lovers of All Ages, For Every Season

There is a whole world of natural and cultural history to explore at our nature centres at Witty’s Lagoon, Francis/King and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Parks.

See the calendar of activities at crd.bc.ca/parks Capital Regional District | Regional Parks crdparks@crd.bc.ca 250.478.3344

ed!

Prepare to be amazed!

Visit Vancouver Island’s largest speciality toy store

#102 - 2517 Bowen Road 250-585-1778 www.koolandchild.com 36 Family Summer Guide

Raven Baroque Summer Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral. See THURS 12 for details.

10-11:30am. 930 Burdett Ave. www.ravenbaroque.org.

Professor Smartini’s Strange But True Magic Show at Central Branch Library. See THURS 12 for details. For ages 5-12. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-413-0365 for more information.

Fancy Nancy Day at the Children’s Bookshop. You are invited to a soiree (the fancy French word for party) to celebrate everyone’s favourite fancy girl.

Come join us for fabulous fancy stuff. Feel free to dress fancy. Tiaras welcome. 11am-3pm drop-in.

Supplies limited on some giveaways. 2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney. 250-656-2345.

Teen Writing Workshop at Oak Bay Branch Library.

Inject fuel into your fiction, power your poetic prose and add flare to your creative nonfiction.

Join local author and Story Studio teen writing coach Julie Paul on a journey through the writing cycle. You will explore different crafting techniques to make your writing richer and reflective of your creative energy. Participants planning on entering the Teen Summer Writing Contest can use this workshop as prep for entry. For ages 13-18. Noon-2pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Tree-mendous Trees at Francis/King Regional Park.

They’re everywhere and they’re tremendous. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist at this informative walk to discover more about our local tree species.

Meet at the Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 14 – FRI 20 CeltFest Vancouver Island at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Performance festival with evening concerts. Public performances throughout Oak Bay during the week. www.celtfest.ca for a complete list of classes and schedule of events.

Paint-In the Square in Centennial Square. As part of the City of Victoria’s 150 Celebrations, the Art Gallery will storm the Downtown Core, with five days of festivities. Art making activities for www.kidsinvictoria.com

children and youth, and children’s art exhibition.

Free. 11am-4pm daily.

SAT 14 – SUN AUG 19 Quality Foods Canadian Open Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition at Parksville Community Park. Master Sand Sculptors from around the world participate in our remarkable competition. Exhibit open to the public July 14, 2pm.

Remaining on display daily from 9am-9pm until August 19. www.parksvillebeachfest.ca.

SUN 15 Fun in the Park at Playfair Park. A wonderful neighbourhood event filled with entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket and an umbrella if it rains.

Noon-3pm. Free admission. Refreshments and hot dogs by donation. 250-384-5190.

Silly Boat Regatta at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. Boat building throughout the park starting at 8am. Races begin at 1pm. Music, performers, free family activities and Children’s Mini Regatta in the Inner Lagoon. www.sillyboat.com.

TUES 17 You Don’t Scare Me at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Fancy Nancy Summer Party at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Ooo-la-la! Come celebrate summer in style with stupendous stories and activities. Dress up in your fancy best—the more accessories the better. For ages 3-5. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

Magical Mini Creatures at Oak Bay Branch Library. Are you intrigued by fairies, gnomes, trolls and the like? Come to the library to explore the mysterious worlds of these creatures through stories and games. You will get to create your own mini creature to take home, too! For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Biggest, Fastest, First at Emily Carr Branch Library.

See TUES 10 for details For ages 6-9. 2:303:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more information.

Music in the Park in Brydon Park (end of Viewmont Ave). See TUES 3 for details. Everyone welcome. 6-8pm. Free. 250-475-5408.

WED 18 Feeling Crabby at Island View Beach Regional Park. Red crabs, green crabs, smooth crabs, hairy crabs. Drop in between 10am and 1pm and meet the crabs of Island View Beach and their crusty

www.IslandParent.ca

cousins. We’ll explore under rocks, have a crab race, make a craft and more. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Meet at picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. All ages. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Magical Mini Creatures at Central Branch Library.

See TUES 17 for details For ages 6-9. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-250-413-0365 for more information.

Biggest, Fastest, First at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details For ages 6-9.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

It Came From Outer Space at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. The good folks from the Centre of the Universe are coming to teach us about meteors, comets and other visitors from space. Ages 6+. 1-2pm. 250-656-0944.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre. See WED 4 for details. Glow necklaces $2. Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

Wacky Wednesday at Ravensong, Qualicum Beach.

It’s back! Join the lifeguards for a splashin’ fun time. 6:30-8:30pm. Everyone welcome. 250752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

THUR 19 Gonzales, Past and Present at Gonzales Hill Regional Park. Jutting high above the “flat lands” of Oak Bay, Gonzales Hill commands one of the best views of Victoria. Discover the fascinating natural and cultural history of this landmark.

Meet in the parking lot off Denison Rd at 10am.

8+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Illustrator Jonathon Dalton: Drawing Comics for Tweens at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Do you love comics or manga? Here’s an opportunity to learn to draw them. Pick your style, create your own characters, and be guided through the techniques of writing, drawing, and inking the first page of your comic with Jonathon Dalton, an award winning BC comics creator. For ages 1113. 10:30am-noon. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

Beach Snoop at Low Tide at Coles Bay Regional Park. When the tide goes out, an exciting world comes into view. A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help you discover the special creatures that make Coles Bay their home. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Ardmore Dr at 10:30am. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

You Don’t Scare Me at Esquimalt Branch Library.

See TUES 10 for details. For ages 3-5. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

Reptile Day at Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Join our annual reptile bash as we celebrate all things scaly. Hold some snakes, play some games, sing some songs, get your face painted as we learn about the important role reptiles play in our environment. Crafts $3. Noon-3pm, drop-in. Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake. 250-479-0211. www. swanlake.bc.ca.

Illustrator Jonathon Dalton: Drawing Comics for Teens at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See above for more information. For ages 14-16. 2:30-4pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-5922489 for more information.

Knit Wits for Parents and Kids at Esquimalt Branch Library. Learn how to knit a simple neckwarmer and help others by donating your finished project to a local shelter. Join local teen and knitter extraordinaire Nicole Bottles for coaching and inspiration. We will supply the instructions, yarn and knitting needles. A great project for beginner knitters. For ages 10-12 and their parents or grandparents, etc. 6:30-8pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

THURS 19 – SUN 22 Nanaimo Marine Festival. Kiddies Pancake breakfast, musical entertainment, Kiddies Karnival, street fair, displays and more. SAT: 10:30am Sail Past on Wheels Fun Parade, 10pm Festival of Lights and Music fireworks display. SUN: 11am Bathtub Race in Nanaimo Harbor. 250753-RACE (7223) or www.bathtubbing.com.

FRI 20 Illustrator Jonathon Dalton: Drawing Comics for Kids at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See THURS 19 for details. For ages 8-10. 10:30amnoon. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

Great Big Beach Explore at Island View Beach Regional Park. When the tide is out, the table is set and the CRD Regional Parks naturalists are ready to help you discover the diversity of marine critters that can be found at this breathtaking beach. Dip nets, field guides and lots of fun.

Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd, at 12:30pm.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Silver Birch String Quartet at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Join one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative young musical groups. Listen to this Juno Award nominated quartet introduce and compare each member of the string family and their role within an orchestra. The presentation concludes with a musical reading of Marie-Louise Gay’s book Stella Fairy of the Forest. For ages 5-12.

Summer 2012 37

2-3pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 477-7111 for more information.

Magical Mini Creatures at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See TUES 17 for details For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-250-477-9030 for more information.

FRI 20 & SAT 21 Summer Splash Bathtub Weekend at the Nanaimo Museum. Join the child-friendly fun of boats, bubbles and more. Race model boats in the pool, or make your own to float on the water. Visit the Bubble Station to create big bubbles or a cloud of tiny ones or to design bubble wands. 10am4:30pm. www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

29th Annual Seafest in Alert Bay. Family Feud, baby contest, lip sync contests, fantasy sealand parade, craft tables, kids’ zone. www.alertbay.ca.

FRI 20 – SUN 22 The Kulth Music Festival in Parksville is a festival for all ages created to bring people together under a banner of mutual respect for one another and the environment we share. Mini film festival, music, dancing and Kids Zone. Fri 5-10pm; Sat 9:30am-11pm; Sun 9:30am-5pm. www. thekulth.ca.

28th Annual Islands Folk Festival at Providence Farm, Duncan features a variety of musical genres and talent, including The Kerplunks for the youngest members of your family. Nonstop toe-tapping fun. www.folkfest.bc.ca.

FRI 20 – SUN 29 Victoria International Busker’s Festival in Victoria.

Buskers from around the world will converge for 10 days of performances on event stages across downtown. www.victoriabuskers.com.

SAT 21 42nd Annual Market Day in Downtown Courtenay. Musicians, artisans, performers, face-painting, balloons and more. All-day street market. 9am-7pm. 5th St. www.downtowncourtenay.com.

Learn to Fish at Colliery Dam Park, Nanaimo.

See SAT 7 for details. 11am-1pm. Free. 250756-5200.

Canada Parks Day at Goldstream Nature House.

Fun activities, food and cake. 11am-2pm.

Pete the Cat Day at the Children’s Bookshop.

Drop in for a delightful day in celebration of one cool cat. Now there are three groovy books about Pete. We love the Pete books! You love the Pete books! Everybody loves the Pete books! 11am3pm. Supplies are limited on some giveaways.

2436 Beacon Ave. 250-656-2345.

38 Family Summer Guide

Teen Writing Workshop at Oak Bay Branch Library. See SAT 14 for details. For ages 13-18.

Noon-2pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

TD Art Gallery Paint-In on Moss Street. Over 100 invited professional and emerging artists.

Meet with the artists and learn about their work and techniques. Moss St between Fort St and Dallas Rd. Free. 11am-4:30pm. 1040 Moss St. 250-384-4171. www.aggv.bc.ca.

Evening Campfire at the Beach at Island View Beach Regional Park. Meet a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an evening beach walk followed by campfire stories at the Island View Beach campground. Learn more about the animals that call Island View Beach their home. Bring a beach chair. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. 6-8pm. All ages. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 21 & SUN 22 Lions International Kite Festival at Parksville Community Park. Bring your kites to fly and compete for prizes or just have fun. Great event for children and first time flyers. Free. 9am-5pm.

Art and Photography in the Garden at the Milner Gardens & Woodland, Qualicum Beach. Meet, mingle and be inspired by local artists at work as they paint, sketch, carve and photograph the beauty of the gardens. 10am-5pm. www.viu.ca/ MilnerGardens.

SUN 22 Seals! Seals! at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists any time between 10am and 1pm to see Tower Point’s most avid sun worshippers and swimming enthusiasts—the harbour seals! Binoculars and spotting scopes provided. Enter at the Tower Point parking lot off Olympic View Dr. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Mon 23 Teen Poetry Workshop with Janet Rogers at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Break through writer’s block and tell “your” stories in creative and inventive ways. Join Victoria’s Poet Laureate Janet Rogers for a two-part poetry writing workshop full of spontaneous writing, effective presentation styles and writing prompts. For ages 13-18. 2-4pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-3910653 for more information.

expression using a combination of drawing, painting and collage. Learn about, and be inspired by, the life and art of Canadian artist and illustrator William Kurelek. For ages 9-12. 2:30-3:30pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-4130365 for more information.

Music in the Park in Beckwith Park. See TUES 3 for details. Everyone welcome. 6-8pm. Free.

250-475-5408.

WED 25 Telling Tales, Walking Trails at Devonian Regional Park. Come along to hear some nature stories told by a CRD Regional Parks naturalist in this gem of a park in the heart of Metchosin. Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off William Head Rd at 10am. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Biggest, Fastest, First at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details For ages 6-9.

2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

Puppet Play—Smile Time Variety Show at Sidney/ North Saanich Branch Library. Find out why George the dog can’t bark, help us make the sound of an enormous train, and sing along with Emily and Tristan. All ages. 2-2:45pm. 250-656-0944.

Ooey, Gooey Science at Central Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-4130365 for more information.

Creatures of the Summer Night at Swan Lake/ Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Check out the nightlife of Swan Lake! Sharpen your senses as we go in search of owls, bats and other night time creatures. Using a grab bag of tricks we’ll discover how these animals are adapted for their nocturnal life. Suitable for families with children over 6 years. Pre-registration is required. $4 each for members; $6 each for non-members. 7:309:30pm. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca.

THUR 26 Ooey, Gooey Science at Oak Bay Branch Library.

See TUES 10 for details For ages 6-9. 10:3011:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

TUES 24

You Don’t Scare Me at Nellie McClung Branch Library. See TUES 10 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

Me, Myself & I: Identity and the Art of William Kurelek at Central Branch Library. Have fun creating a unique landscape that expresses your imagination and illustrates your own story. Find your own visual symbols to convey ideas for

I’m a Mammal and So Are You! at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists for a little mammal madness. Drop by with your mammalian family to the tent at the main Beaver Lake Beach any time between

www.kidsinvictoria.com

11am and 2pm. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #75.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

entertainment, KidZone, contests and more.

250-726-7772 ext. 236.

Magical Mini Creatures at Esquimalt Branch Library. See TUES 17 for details. For ages 6-9.

2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

SAT 28

Knit Wits for Parents and Kids at Esquimalt Branch Library. See THURS 19 for details. For ages 10-12 and their parents or grandparents, etc.

6:30-8pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

THURS 26 & FRI 27 Movie Making for Teens at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Make your own mini-blockbuster movie with our short-film workshop. This twoday event will introduce you to the exciting world of filmmaking through industry methods, and includes individual coaching. Learn how to write a script, do a storyboard, shoot scenes, and digitally edit and upload your short film to your favourite online “theatre.” All equipment provided, but you can bring your own equipment if you want to build on what you already know. For ages 13-18. 10am-6pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

FRI 27 – SUN 29 Ukee Days in Ucluelet. Festivities for the whole family including logger sports, live music and

40th Annual St. Mark’s Fair at Qualicum Beach.

The most spectacular, stupendous, giant outdoor flea market you have ever attended. The street is lined with something for everyone. Memorial at 1st Ave. 8:30am-3pm. www.stmarksqualicum. bc.ca.

Lavenderfest at Damali Lavender Farm, Cowichan. A fun-filled day at the farm in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Demos, farm tours, children’s crafts and scavenger hunt, guided labyrinth walks, artisans, live music and more. 10am-4pm. $5/adults; $3/seniors; $2/ children 12 and under. 3500 Telegraph Rd. www.damali.ca.

Navigating the Night Sky at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Blast off into space and meet the stars. Take a spin around the sun and move around the solar system in the guise of your favourite planet. View sun spots, solar prominences and more with the Royal Astronomical Society. For ages 6-9. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

Fun Day in the Park for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada at Gyro Park, Cadboro

Bay. Enjoy live entertainment, inflatables, silent auction, bake sale, face-painting, dunk tank, Noodle Box tent game and more. Bring your family and friends. 11am-4:30pm. Free. www. fundayinthepark.ca.

Bejewelled Dragons of the Pond at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Did you know dragonflies live a dual life? Find out more by joining guest CRD Regional Parks naturalist and biologist Gord Hutchings for an up-close and personal look at the amazing world of dragonflies as they zig and zag in search of their prey across the wetlands.

Nets and field guides will be available. Meet at the Retriever area off Beaver Lake Rd at 10am.

5+ years. BC Transit #70 or #75. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Pigeon Party Day at the Children’s Bookshop.

Come celebrate all the crazy Pigeon books by Mo Willems. Featuring fabulous fun activities and super silly stuff. 11am-3pm drop-in. 2436 Beacon Ave. 250-656-2345.

SUN 29 Fort Victoria Family Festival and Fort Building Competition in Centennial Square. Enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, music performances, historical stories, tours and activity stations for all ages. Noon-3pm.

How will your child spend this summer?

Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick. Oh, and perfecting his putting.

Bantam For girls and boys ages 5-9 Every week this summer! 9 am to 12 pm check our website for your preferred date $135 ($119 early registration*)

Juniors For girls and boys ages 9-14

Every week this summer! 1 pm to 5 pm check our website for your preferred date $185 ($169 early registration*) Includes 5 days of instruction, snack each day, club rentals if required, certificate of completion, HP cap *Early registration discount requires payment of course fees greater than 7 days in advance of the class start date

250.478.4653 450 Creed Road, Victoria (Colwood Exit) www.highlandpacificgolf.com www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 39

Summer is almost here and children are really excited about having fun without thinking about school.

This is particularly true for students who have difficulty with academics. It is very important to give them a break and let them play and learn things other than “school stuff.”

But the holidays can also be an important time to gain some ground. Without any practice these children tend to forget more of what they learned last year than “average” students. This may negatively impact their self-esteem. It means they are further behind in the fall than they were in the spring and they have even greater difficulty catching up.

One solution can be to build in some positive, effective tutoring during the break.

Struggling students can take a small amount of their time to work on areas of difficulty.

This is particularly true if the method is specifically designed for the child’s learning needs. Therapeutic tutoring works wonderfully for these children.

It has focused outcomes and the lessons are taught to ensure success.

Such an individualized approach can have a huge impact on how they feel about themselves in the fall when the focus is on reviewing last year’s work. If the tutoring has been effective, it can set them up so that the first months of school feel quite comfortable.

If you feel your child may benefit from some constructive help during the summer vacation, give Karen a call for a free, no obligation, assessment.

If your child is struggling at school, don’t wait.

Call Karen.

Royalty at Royal BC Museum. Have you ever wondered if you might be related to royalty?

Explore a royal family tree and make your own.

Even if you aren’t related to royalty, it doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared to meet them. Review the proper etiquette, make a hat and join a parade.

1-3pm. Free with admission or membership.

250-356-7226 or www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

MON 30 Gross Out Buffet at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Do you like yucky things? Explore the world of “ickiness” through fun, facts, demonstrations and experiments. Be prepared to be grossed out! Ages 6+. 2-3pm. 250-656-0944.

Teen Poetry Workshop with Janet Rogers at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See MON 23 for details. For ages 13-18. 2-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

TUES 31 Beach Snoop at Low Tide at Island View Beach Regional Park. See THURS 19 for details. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Artist Andrea Soos: Strange But True for Tweens at Esquimalt Branch Library. Dive into art and discover the fun and fantastical creatures of your imagination. Unleash the strange and wonderful by learning the basics of drawing and watercolour painting. For ages 10-12. 10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

Navigating the Night Sky at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See FRI 27 for details. For ages 6-9. 2:303:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

Magical Mini Creatures at Emily Carr Branch Library. See TUES 17 for details. For ages 6-9.

2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-250-475-6100 for more information.

Music in the Park at Rudd Park. See TUES 3 for details. 6-8pm. Free. 250-475-5408.

AUGUST WED 1 The Moon Walk at Coles Bay Regional Park.

When the moon is full and the tide is low, down to Coles Bay we’ll go. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to look for marine creatures like crabs, sea stars and the elusive moon snail. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Meet at the information kiosk in the parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Ardmore Dr, at 10am.

5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Ooey, Gooey Science at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. See TUES JULY 10 for details For ages

40 Family Summer Guide

6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-477-9030 for more information.

Artist Andrea Soos: Strange But True for Kids at Central Saanich Branch Library. See TUES JULY 31 for details. For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-652-2013 for more information.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

See WED July 4 for details. Glow necklaces $2.

Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

THUR 2 Feeling Crabby at Island View Beach Regional Park. See WED JULY 18 for details. All ages.

10am-1pm. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/ parks.

Ooey, Gooey Science at Esquimalt Branch Library.

See TUES JULY 10 for details For ages 6-9.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-414-7198 for more information.

You Don’t Scare Me at Juan de Fuca Branch Library.

See TUES JULY 10 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

Navigating the Night Sky at Oak Bay Branch Library. See FRI JULY 27 for details. For ages 6-9.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Birds of a Feather at Swan Lake/ Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. They live in so many different places and come in so many different shapes, sizes and colours. Join us as we try to figure out who’s who in the bird world. Hands-on exploration, bird watching, owl pellets, crafts, songs and games. Crafts $3. Noon-3pm drop-in. Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca.

150Forward Community Celebration in Centennial Square. Experience a journey through time, interact with creatively costumed performers, enjoy refreshments and cake. Main stage show with performances that chronicle Victoria’s history, showcase diverse cultures, and highlight current day and beyond. Contribute to the Victoria 150 time capsule and anniversary greetings, and take part in interactive fun.

Artist Andrea Soos: Strange But True for Kids at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See TUES JULY 31 for details. For ages 6-9. 1:30-2:30pm.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-7270104 for more information.

Biggest, Fastest, First at Nellie McClung Branch Library. See TUES JULY 10 for details. For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

FRI 3 Between a Rock and a Hard Place at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. See SAT JULY 7 for details.

5+ years. 10-11:30am. BC Transit #54 or #55.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

FRI 3 – MON 6 BC DAY Long weekend 30th Annual Filberg Festival at Filberg Heritage Lodge and Gardens in Comox. Wander through the grounds surrounded by beautiful gardens to view the juried artisans. $15/adults; children under 12 free. Fri-Sun 10am-6pm; Mon 10am5pm. www.filbergfestival.com.

SAT 4 Learn to Fish at Colliery Dam Park, Nanaimo.

See SAT July 7 for details. 11am-1pm. Free.

250-756-5200.

Amelia Street Block Party on Amelia Street. Enjoy a celebration of local music, storytelling, visual arts and food taking place on Amelia St and drawing attention to the history of this special pocket of the North Park neighbourhood. Admission by donation. Noon-8pm. www.ameliastreetblockparty.com.

Victorian Garden Party at Craigdarroch Castle.

Features a free performance by Raven Baroque from 1-2:30pm. The party will continue until

Our Family Realtor ®

Nancy Vieira

250-514-4750 www.IslandParent.ca

4pm with games, refreshments and children’s entertainment. 1-4pm. 1050 Joan Cres. 250592-5323. www.thecastle.ca.

SUN 5 Victoria Symphony Splash in the Inner Harbour.

Musical entertainment, food, souvenirs ending with a live performance by the Victoria Symphony. Concert concludes with the grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannons and fireworks. www. symphonysplash.ca.

SAT 4 – MON 6 Comox Nautical Days at Marina Park, Comox.

Bullhead Derby, Build, Bail & Sail race, canoe jousting, dragon boat racing, main-stage entertainment. Captain Cracker’s Kids’ Festival with games, races, crafts, clowns, pet parade, face painting and more. 250-338-1120.

MON 6 Kids Day at the BC Forest Discovery Museum, Duncan. Unlimited train rides, bouncy castle, games, crafts, live music and a concession. Museum opens at 10am. Train runs every half-hour from 10:30am-4pm. Regular admission rates.

2892 Drinkwater Rd. 250-715-1113. www. bcforestmuseum.ca.

City United! Anniversary Celebration and Concert at St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site and Cameron Bandshell. Spend the afternoon on the grounds of St. Ann’s Academy and enjoy interactive, creative excitement for the entire family, including live music and entertainment, crafts, cooking and gardening demonstrations and physical fun that celebrates the cultures and values of our community. Noon-9pm.

Raven Baroque Concert on Mount Tolmie. Musicians in period costumes play the hits from the 1650s. Two 1-hour concerts at 1:30pm and 3pm.

250-514-8916. www.ravenbaroque.org.

TUES 7 Magical Mini Creatures at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. See TUES July 17 for details. For ages 6-9. 2:30-3:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-250-391-0653 for more information.

Music in the Park at Rutledge Park. Arts & crafts, face painting and children’s activities. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. 6-8pm. Admission by donation. Corner of Inverness and Cloverdale Ave. 250-477-3673.

WED 8 Act it Out! For Kids at Saanich Centennial and Nellie McClung Branch Libraries. Calling all Glee fans. Dance and sing with Jennifer Callioux,

Pro-active Eye-care, because health matters.

Cadboro Bay Optometry Clinic

Victoria & Vancouver Island 1-866-518-7287 Nanaimo 250-756-9794 Or online at: www.welcomewagon.ca

3830 Cadboro Bay Rd Victoria 250-360-2229

Summer 2012 41

Theatre B.A., in an Acting Out workshop. Explore theatre through drama, dance, music, improvising and scene work. Drama fun guaranteed. For ages 7-12. Saanich Centennial 10:30-11:30am, 250-477-9030; Nellie McClung 2:30-3:30pm, 250-477-7111. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more information.

THUR 9

The Story Box: Visual Storytelling and the Art of William Kurelek at the Oak Bay Branch Library.

Have fun creating your own multi-media landscapes and learn about the concepts of foreground, background and horizon line. Explore your creativity and create your own personal visual language through colour and shape. You will be inspired by the iconic landscape painting of Canadian artist William Kurelek. For ages 5-8.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

Snake Day at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

Snakes, snakes and more snakes. CRD Regional Parks has teamed up with Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and UVic for this slither event. Watch snake shows, hold a snake, play a snake game and more. Drop by the tents at the main Beaver Beach any time between 11am and 3pm. Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

You Don’t Scare Me at Central Saanich Branch Library. See TUES JULY 10 for details. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-652-2013 for more information.

Discover Bigfoot at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. B.C. Cryptozoologist Alex Solunac will share some of the latest Bigfoot research. He’ll bring photos, footprint casts, sound recordings… examine the evidence and decide for yourself if it is strange but true. All ages. 1-2pm. 250-656-0944.

Act it Out! For Kids at Emily Carr and Central Branch Libraries. See THURS 9 for details. For ages 7-12. Emily Carr 10:30-11:30am, 250-4756100; Central 2:30-3:30pm, 250-413-0365.

Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more information.

Raven Baroque at St. Ann’s Academy. See THURS July 12 for details. 7:30-9:30pm. Free. www. ravenbaroque.org.

FRI 10 Summer Magic! at Emily Carr Branch Library. Do you believe in magic? Enjoy imaginative stories, songs and rhymes that celebrate this magical season. You will also create and decorate your own enchanting craft. For families with young children; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am. Register online

at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-475-6100 for more information.

Act it Out! For Kids at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See THURS 9 for details. For ages 7-12.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-727-0104 for more information.

SAT 11 Raven Baroque Summer Celebration at Christ Church Cathedral. See THURS July 12 for details. 10-11:30am. Free. 930 Burdett Ave. www. ravenbaroque.org.

Sleuthing with Skulls and Scat at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Drop in between 1pm and 3pm and join in the sleuthing fun. Through displays and activities, use your finest detective skills to help uncover the clues that animals leave behind.

Meet at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre off the main parking lot. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Klutz Karnival at the Children’s Bookshop. Come on in and go Klutz Krazy. Hand art. Paper flowers. Velvet art. Crayon Rubbing. And other kool Klutz krafts for you to try. 11am-3pm drop-in.

2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney (beside Tanner’s Books).

250-656-2345.

Evening Campfire at the Beach at Island View Beach Regional Park. Meet a CRD Regional Parks

Also playing

Dinosaurs:

Giants of Patagonia

Rocky Mountain Express Tornado Alley

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com

Looking to Buy or Sell a Home?

Check out my Parent to Parent webpage at www.BriarHillGroup.com Let me find you the home that best suits your family!

As a mother with two small children, I understand your family housing needs

Give me a call at 250-744-0775

Jane Johnston, M.Ed. 42 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

naturalist for an evening beach walk, followed by campfire stories at the campground. Learn more about the animals that call Island View Beach their home. Bring a beach chair. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. All ages. 6-8pm. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SAT 11 & SUN 12 Coombs Fair at the Coombs Fairgrounds. Features animals, domestic science and horticulture displays. Enjoy the festivities, music and homemade pies. Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 8am-5pm. www. coombsfair.com.

Ladysmith Days in Ladysmith. Pancake breakfast, parade, street entertainment, kids’ games and activities, food fair, fireworks and more. www. ladysmithdays.com.

Trains, Trucks & Tractors at the BC Forest Discovery Museum. See history in action. Barbershop quartet, steam train rides and old-time demos.

Vintage trucks and steam cars show and parade.

10am-4pm. 2892 Drinkwater Rd. 250-7151113. www.bcforestmuseum.ca.

Arts & Music in the Gardens at The Gardens at HCP. Stroll the gardens looking at the work of painters, printmakers, photographers, potters, sculptors and more, accompanied by beautiful music. 11am-5pm. 505 Quayle Rd. 250-479-6162.

SUN 12 Cadboro Bay Festival at Gyro Park. Enjoy an afternoon with hands-on activities, bouncy castles, pirate school, information displays, arts & crafts stations, and food and fun for the entire family.

Free. 11am-3pm. 250-475-5558.

Raven Baroque Summer Celebration in Market Square. See THURS July 12 for details. 1-2pm.

Free. 560 Johnson St. www.ravenbaroque.org.

54th Annual Qualicum Beach Ocean Mile Swim at Qualicum Beach. Fun, family, community event.

You’ve done the training! Come and celebrate.

Includes a one-mile swim. Meet at the Beach Carousel Concession. Registration starts at 1pm and swim starts at 3pm. Free. 250-752-5014.

MoN 13 “Bear” Necessities at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

We can co-exist with these magnificent forest dwellers. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn about the natural history of the black bear.

Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre off Metchosin Rd at 1pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MoN 13 – FRI 17 Summer Day Camp at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Nanaimo. Games, crafts, Bible

www.IslandParent.ca

stories, singing and snacks. Free. For ages 5-12.

9am-noon. Registration forms at www.sapcnanaimobc.ca or call 250-758-2676.

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

TUES 14 Music in the Park at Rutledge Park. See TUES 7 for details. 6-8pm. Admission by donation.

250-477-3673.

WED 15 Tide Ticklers at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

This beach program is especially for the under 5 crowd. With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist as your guide, search tide pools for fish, crabs and other marine critters. Bring along your parents.

Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the kiosk at the end of Witty Beach Rd at 10am. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Beach Explorers at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for a beach exploration designed for the 6 and older bunch.

There will be dip nets, identification guides and “buckets” of fun. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the kiosk at the end of Witty Beach Rd at 10am. 6+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

See WED July 4 for details. Glow necklaces $2.

Regular admission. 6:30-8pm. 250-756-5200.

THUR 16 Life’s a Beach at Island View Beach Regional Park.

When the tide goes out, an exciting world comes into view. A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help you discover the creatures that make Island View Beach their special home. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd at 10am. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Magnificent Mammals at Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. I’m a mammal and so are you! Come and meet some of the other amazing mammals that make Swan Lake home. Join us for music, hands-on exploration, games and lots of furry fun. Crafts $3. Noon-3pm, drop-in.

Admission by donation. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca.

FRI 17 Beachcombers at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to look for marine critters and treasures the ocean has tossed up. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at grassy area adjacent to main beach at 10am. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

For all travellers 733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC tel 1 800 663 1424 ywcahotel.com Your stay supports YWCA community programs

Worth checking into.

Read Island Parent Online!

It’s as easy as clicking on the magazine image on our websites!

Visit kidsinvictoria.com or islandparent.ca to read the magazine, enter our contests and discover community events.

Summer 2012

43

Summer 2012 Theatre Camps Young Fun Drama Camp

Ages 5–8 • July 3–6, July 16–20 & July 30 – Aug 2

The Play’s the Thing

Ages 9–12 July 9–13 & Aug 7–11

Shakespeare in the Park

Ages 12–17 • July 16–21

Teen Acting Intensive

Ages 12–17 • July 30 – Aug 3

• Professional teaching staff • Fun, supportive environment • Small class size for quality instruction

Registering Now for Summer Programs

250-386-8593

845 Fisgard St.

katerubin@telus.net www.katerubintheatre.com

Island View Edibles at Island View Beach Regional Park. Enjoy the bounty of the sea and land with CRD Regional Parks guest naturalists and First Nations guides. Sample herbal teas and local seaweeds. Guided walks at 10:15am, 11:15am and 12:15pm. Meet at the white tent near the Island View campground, on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. Drop-in 10am-1pm. 5+ years.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Creatures of the Night at Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. See WED July 25 for details. Suitable for families with children over 6 years. Pre-registration is required. $4 each for members; $6 each for non-members. 7:30-9:30 pm. 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www. swanlake.bc.ca.

FRI 17 – SUN 19 Vancouver Island Exhibition at the Beban Park Fairgrounds, Nanaimo. An event to advance the education of agriculture and showcase local farmers and 4-H clubs. www.viex.ca.

Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Festival kicks off Friday at 1pm with Taoist priests who will “awaken the dragon” in the elaborate Eye Dotting Ceremony.

Dragon boat races begin early Saturday morning.

Live entertainment, fun crafts in the children’s tent, Forbidden City food court, and more. Free. www.victoriadragonboat.com.

SAT 18 Learn to Fish at Colliery Dam Park, Nanaimo.

See SAT July 7 for details. 11am-1pm. Free.

250-756-5200.

2207 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 0J7 Tel: 250.590.8088 Cel: 250.893.9547

Learn to Ride with Us!

Bike and geartorental brought you by included SG POWER

We offer a complete line of entry level dirt bikes, 50cc, 70cc, 90cc non clutch bikes and 80cc,110cc, 125cc 4 strokes with clutches. All safety gear is supplied, from boots to helmets and everything in between. This 1.5 hour Learn to Ride with Us course includes the basics of a motorcycle orientation including safety gear and safe riding habits, stop-n-go circle riding, escorted first laps on motocross track, and supervised solo riding sessions.

44 Family Summer Guide

Wild About Books Day at Children’s Bookshop.

Animal books, funny books, science books, dinosaur books and more. Join us for a wild rumpus with super activities, prizes and amazing fun.

11am-3pm drop-in. 2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney (beside Tanner’s Books). 250-656-2345.

It’s a Wrap Party at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Join Glenn Kachmar for an electrifying new science show. See wacky experiments, learn strange science facts, experience (safe) electrocution, make strange music and loads more thrills.

Summer Reading Club prize winners will be announced, and there will be cake for everyone.

All ages. 2-3:30pm. 250-656-0944.

SUN 19 KidFest at Parksville Community Park. Kids of all ages are welcome for a day of games and entertainment on the beautiful beachfront.

Clowns, storytellers, entertainers and much more.

Kids’ sandcastle competition is free to enter and everyone gets a goodie bag with a mystery prize.

Free. 10am-3pm. www.kidfest.ca.

Motorcar Gathering at Queen Alexandra Centre.

Over 200 cars. Face painting, magic shows, bouncy castle, imagination craft station, radio controlled car racing, pedal cars and more. Admission by donation. Fundraiser for children and youth in need. 2400 Arbutus Rd. 250-519-6935.

Woodpecker Whittlings at Francis/King Regional Park. What size hole does a woodpecker peck when a woodpecker pecks a hole? Learn how woodpeckers are ideally suited for tree tapping and get some pointers on how to identify them by sight and sound. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. 5+ years.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

TUES 21 Music in the Park at Rutledge Park. See TUES 7 for details. 6-8pm. Admission by donation.

250-477-3673.

WED 22 Mystery Creature at Coles Bay Regional Park. With the help of a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, solve riddles to find clues hidden along the trail. At the end, we’ll piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet at information kiosk in parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Ardmore Dr, at 10am. 5+ years. BC Transit #70 or #72.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

THUR 23 Blood and Guts at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

They’ve got pointy teeth and sharp claws, and they don’t eat tofu. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists to learn more about animals that make their living by eating meat. Cougars and owls and bears—oh my. See live raptor demonstrations.

Drop in at the tents at main Beaver Beach between 11am and 2pm. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Homeschooling: Is it Right for My Child? For Me? at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Are you exploring homeschooling as an educational alternative? Do you want to know how to go about it? What are the legalities? Marty Layne, author and pioneering homeschooling mom, will address these issues and answer some of your questions about home-based education in B.C. You’ll come away with a better understanding of what’s involved and learn ways to support your children’s learning. For adults. 7-8:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more information.

FRI 24 Family Forest Tea Party at Francis/King Regional park. Here’s an opportunity to bring the whole family along for a tea party in the woods. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an interpretive tea tasting featuring some of our local plants. www.kidsinvictoria.com

A short guided walk to see some of the plants growing in their native habitat will precede the tea-sampling. $7 + HST/person or $10 + HST/ family. Pre-registration required before August 23. Space is limited. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

FRI 24 – SUN 26 Comox Valley Exhibition at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Three days of family oriented entertainment. www.cvex.ca.

SAT 25 Where’s Waldo Day at Children’s Bookshop. Help us celebrate Waldo’s 25th anniversary with a wild Waldo wingding. Waldo watchers, we need you!

11am-3pm drop-in. 2436 Beacon Ave, Sidney (beside Tanner’s Books). 250-656-2345.

Last Splash of Summer at Naden Pool. Say goodbye to summer in style. Cool tunes, games and prizes.

Noon-1:30pm. Free. 250-363-1009.

Bountiful Berries at East Sooke Regional Park.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on a walk to explore for blackberries, Oregon grape berries, salal berries and more. There will also be an opportunity to taste jams made from some of these natural delights. Meet at the kiosk in the Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Rd at 1pm.

5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Ha-bat-itat at Francis/King Regional Park. This guided walk with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help dispel fear and misinformation about these fascinating flying mammals. Meet at the Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 26 Arts on The Avenue in Ladysmith. Artists from the local area with everything from carvings to photography. 10am-4pm. 250-245-0700.

Dinosaurs Part 2 at the Royal BC Museum. Explore the museum for clues. Interview a scientist.

Examine fossils. Develop a hypothesis. Dinosaurs’ ancient environments and fossils have left us clues about what might have happened to them—come and see what you can discover. 1-3pm. Free with admission or membership. 250-356-7226 or www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

WED 29 Going Squirrelly at Francis/King Regional Park.

What does it take to survive as a squirrel? With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, discover what keeps these furry creatures busy at this time of year. Meet at the Francis/King Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd. bc.ca/parks.

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 45

THURS 30 Bountiful Berries at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. See SAT 25 for details. 5+ years. 1-2:30pm.

BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

ONGOING BABIES, ToDDLERS & PRESCHooL Drop-in Family Storytimes at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Storytimes are free and drop-in. Please come early to find a space. For a complete list of drop-in programs, call your local library, or visit www.gvpl.ca.

kIDS

The Victoria School for Ideal Education • Daily meditation • Connecting children with nature • Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 6

2820 Belmont Ave vsie@shaw.ca

250-383-6654 vsie.ca W E A R E E XPAN D IN G – N E W S PA CES AVAILABLE!

Search for Dinosaurs: a Scavenger Hunt at Greater Victoria Public Library. Starting June 15, drop by your local library and hunt for hidden dinosaur images. Be sure to enter your completed scavenger hunt ballot into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 2 Royal BC Museum family day entrance passes (2 adults & 2 children) or a mini excavator’s kit.

Everyone welcome. No registration required. At all GVPL branches during opening hours. June 15-July 13.

Strange… But True? Summer Reading Club at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Read your way through the summer. Whether you’re reading at home or on holidays, you can keep track of your reading and enjoy some incentives along the way.

Staying in town? You are invited to join us for a selection of amazing library programs at branches throughout Greater Victoria. Online registration for special programs begins June 15. Beginning June 28, you are invited to drop by your local library to pick up a self-paced reading record.

For kids 12 and under. June 28-September 1. For more information, or to register for programs, check www.gvpl.ca.

Summer Reading Buddies at the Greater Victoria Public Library pairs children who need extra practice reading with teen volunteers for fun literacy-based activities. Little Buddies and Big Buddies meet for an hour daily for one week. The program runs at different libraries throughout the summer. Sessions available July 9 to August 17. For children grades 2 to 4. Space is limited Register online at www.gvpl.ca or in person at all branches. Free.

William Kurelek Exhibit Tours for Kids and Parents at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Exclusive to Greater Victoria Public Library members, kids and parents are invited to register for an interactive tour of the William Kurelek: The Messenger exhibit. These special free tours will be hosted by Gallery staff who will provide the inside scoop

46

Family Summer Guide

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on the life and work of this prolific Canadian artist. For ages 5-8 and 9-12 and parents. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call your local branch for more information. Thank you to the Gallery for hosting this event.

Summer Swims at Bowen Park Kin Outdoor Pool, Nanaimo. Come swim in the heated pool. 1-3pm every day July 2-Sept 1. $3. 250-753-8176.

Waterparks in Nanaimo. Open to the public 9am8pm June to Sept. Three locations—Departure Bay Kiwanis Water Park, Bay St; Deverill Water Park, Haliburton St; Harewood Mining Community Water Park, Howard Ave. All children should use parks under adult supervision. Hours subject to change. Free.

Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar

Reading Study Skills

Writing Homework

Math French

Learning doesn’t stop just because school is out Brains need stimulation all year long.

Over the summer, kids can lose academic ground.

Oxford Learning programs will stimulate brains all summer. The result is better grades in the fall. A summer at Oxford Learning is all it takes.

Playground Program in Nanaimo. Drop in to one of the neighbourhood playgrounds for free family fun. Games, arts & crafts, sports, and “Science in the Park.” Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, July 3-August 24. Parents must be on premises.

250-756-5200.

Summer at Westwood Lake. Games, races and crazy activities on the beach. Free family fun. Fridays July 6 to August 31.

Parent & Child Hockey at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children where their parents can play too.

Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 2:15-3pm. $5. 250-756-5200.

CALL TODAY at 250.477.5550 or visit oxfordlearning.com

CaMP In The CommunItY

Learn to Fish Program at Horne Lake Regional Park. Includes one-hour hands-on teaching about fish identification and anatomy, proper fish handling, rod rigging skills and tackle knowledge, casting practice, fish conservation ethics, followed by an hour of fishing in the lake. Free.

Includes all tackle and gear needed by kids and their families. For children 5-15. Fridays in July & August. 250-927-0053 for more information.

Program Cost Day Camps (ages 6-12) Saanichton Free Metchosin $125 Gulf Islands $125 Cadboro Bay $125 Alert Bay Free Cowichan Valley $125 Nanoose Bay $125 Wilderness Camp (ages 12-14) $250 Leadership Training (ages 14-18) $575 Choose a stream: Music, Theatre or Justice National Youth Event (ages 14-19) $550 Family Weekend $75/Fam. Family Camp Varies

Dates

Location

July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 August 7-10 August 13-17 August 20-24 August 27-31 July 30-Aug. 3 July 4-13

St. Stephen’s Saanichton St. Mary’s Metchosin All-Saints-by-the-Sea, Salt Spring St. George’s Cadboro Bay Christ Church Alert Bay St. Peter’s Duncan St. Mary’s Nanoose Bay Strathcona Park Pine Lodge Farm, Mill Bay

August 12-21 July 6-7 August 5-11

Coach bus trip to Saskatoon St. Stephen’s, Saanichton Sorrento Centre, Shuswap BC

Register at antikipper.com

YOUTH Teen Volunteers Needed at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Be a Big Buddy. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, we need you. Volunteer for one or two hours per afternoon for one or more weeks this summer. The program runs weekly at different branch libraries between July 9 and August 17.

For ages 13-18. For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or in person at all branches.

Timing Is Everything Teen Summer Writing Contest at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Time is of the essence: the teen writing contest is back. Enter your original short story or poem based on this year’s theme: Timing is Everything. If your entry

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 47

is selected by the judging panel, you will win a prize pack or $100 gift certificate for the store of your choice! Ages 13-18. For details, contest rules, entry form, see www.gvpl.ca/audiences/ teens/teen-writing-contest or email teens@gvpl. ca. Contest runs June 15-August 11.

Summer Sneak Preview eBooks for Teens at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Check out great novels for teens… before they are even published.

Access Advance Reading Copies in eBook format—just download these exclusive copies to your computer, tablet, eReader, smart phone or other device and start reading. For extra fun, you can submit comments about the books and the ebook experience and your name will be entered in our weekly prize draw. For ages 13-18. June

15-September 10. For more information, www. gvpl.ca/audiences/teens/summer-sneak-preview or contact teens@gvpl.ca.

Advance Reading Copy Club at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Be the first to get all the new books.

Get an exclusive copy of a book before it comes out in stores or hits the library shelves. Review it at www.gvpl.ca/teens/advance-reading-copyclub and you get to keep the free book. For ages 13-18. Info, contact teens@gvpl.ca.

Summer Sneak Preview Prize Draw at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Download, read, and win. Participate in the Summer Sneak Preview eBooks for Teens program and you could win a prize. After accessing an exclusive preview copy in eBook format, submit your comments at www.

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes!

Prizes include:

• Family Getaways • Gift Certificates • IMAX Passes • Books, CDs and More One entry per family per week.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com 48 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

gvpl.ca/audiences/teens/summer-sneak-preview and you could win a prize. For ages 13-18. For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca.

FAMILIES Geocaching Adventures with the Geocaching Families of Victoria. Check out www.meetup.com for upcoming meetups and to RSVP. There is a small annual membership fee to help cover costs.

Jerry’s Rangers at Goldstream Provincial Park Campground Amphitheatre. Brought to you by RLC Park Naturalists. Presentations at 3pm and 7pm throughout the summer. Donations help keep environmental education alive. 250-478-9414.

JULY 3 to 6

Unearth Government House History at Government House. Discover the fascinating history of Government House with the opening of the Cary Castle Tea Shop, Interpretive Centre and Costume Museum. Located in a former stable on the property, the museum features period pieces and ceremonial regalia. Interpretive Centre has multimedia exhibits detailing royal visits and time lines. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-3pm until late August. www.ltgov.bc.ca.

July 23 to 27

Moss St. Market at Sir James Douglas School. Local organic produce, delicious food, hand-crafted products and live music. Children’s activity tent.

Saturdays 10am-2pm until Oct. Ferry Ballet in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Five harbour ferries gather and conduct a 15 minute performance choreographed to Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz. Family-friendly and free. Every Sunday at 10:45am until September 2. www. victoriaharbourferry.com.

Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt.

Aquarium touch-tank, microscopes, interactive displays and friendly staff. Sundays 11am-4pm until the end of August. All ages welcome. Admission by donation. 250-380-7585 or education@ worldfish.org.

Concerts in the Park in the Ladysmith Amphitheatre. Open air concerts Sundays 6-8pm.

Summer Concert Series at Bowen Park Amphitheatre, Nanaimo.Wednesdays July 11-25, 6-7:30pm.

Summer Concert Series in Lions Pavilion, Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. Wednesdays August 1-29, 6-7:30pm.

Special Swim Rate Tuesdays at Ravensong Aquatic Centre, Parksville. All summer long. Tuesdays July 3-August 7. 1-5pm. 250-752-5014. www. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Beat the Heat Skate at Oceanside Arena, Parksville. Beat the heat and go for a refreshing skate.

Wednesdays, July 11-August 22. (No session August 15). Everyone welcome. 6:45-8:15pm.

250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.• www.IslandParent.ca

Crafty Campers* Sportball Camp* Claymation Movie*

3-5 YRS 3-9 YRS 9-12 YRS

*No camps Monday, July 2

Cooking Chaos Rhythmic Kindergym Uke Can Do It Pottery Camp EcoQuest Camp Rhythmic Gymnastics Action Adventure Camp Grand Slam Golf & Tennis Power Skating Plus

3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 7-11 YRS 9-12 YRS 7-12 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-10 YRS 6-14 YRS

LOOK FOR DEATILS ABOUT

summer fun

IN OUR ACTIVITY GUIDE

August 13 to 17 3-5 YRS Silly Science Camp Surfin’ Safari Princess Dance Camp Sportball Camp G.L.E.E. Camp Horseback Riding Sportball Camp Tennis Camp Half Day

3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-16 YRS 6-9 YRS 6-14 YRS

July 9 to 13

Silly Science Camp Musical Underwater Thrifty’s Soccer Camp Funky Fashion Camp Horseback Riding Thrifty’s Soccer Camp Eli Pasquale Basketball Tennis Camp Half Day Power Skating Plus

July 16 to 20 3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 4-6 YRS 9-12 YRS 6-16 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-14 YRS 6-14 YRS 6-14 YRS

July 30 to August 3 Princess Dance Camp Moving Masterpiece Dance Soccertron Soccer Tots Sportball Camp Acting Out Wild About Water Sportball Camp Eli Pasquale Basketball Power Skating Plus

August 20 to 24 Monster & Me Camp Cooking Chaos Funky Fashion Camp Pottery Camp Wild About Water EcoQuest Sciences Soccertron Half /Full Day Grand Slam Golf & Tennis PowerWest Skating Strikezone Softball Girls Passion Sports Basketball

3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 6-12 YRS 9-12 YRS 6-9 YRS 6-14 YRS 6-14 YRS

3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 9-12 YRS 9-12 YRS 9-12 YRS 7-12 YRS 6-13 YRS 6-10 YRS 6-16 YRS 8-12 YRS 10-14 YRS

250-478-8384 www.westshorerecreation.ca

3-5 YRS 3-9 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-8 YRS 9-12 YRS 6-13 YRS 6-14 YRS 6-14 YRS

Princess Dance Camp Sportball Camp G.L.E.E. Camp A World of Music Summer Green Scene Soccertron Half/Full Day Tennis Full/Half Day Power Skating Plus

August 7 to 10 Cooking Chaos* Nature Preschool* Rhythmic Kindergym* Hang Time* Rhythmic Gymnastics* Tennis Camp Full Day*

*No camps Monday, August 6

August 27 to 31 Thrifty’s Soccer Camp Acting Out Thrifty’s Soccer Camp Grand Slam Golf & Tennis PowerWest Skating Camps

3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 3-5 YRS 10-13 YRS 6-12 YRS 8-14 YRS

4-12 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-12 YRS 6-10 YRS 6-16 YRS

CAMPS Every Week

Kinder Kids Camp Jr. Sizzlers* Cool Capers Jr. Sports Action Funseekers* Aspiring Artists Sunraiders Summer Sizzlers* Sports Action Golf Camps

*Licensed Camps

5 YRS 6-8 YRS 6-8 YRS 6-8 YRS 6-10 YRS 6-12 YRS 8-12 YRS 8-12 YRS 9-12 YRS 5-14 YRS

Come visit

Rose Carousel Boat Tours Summer Saturday Fireworks Family Discovery Walk Birthday packages

butchartgardens.com 250.652.5256 Summer 2012 49

Heather Chatwin

Ode to the Shore Crab T

he school books have been stored away; the cubby holes have been emptied for the summer. No more paint-covered hands clasping school time drawings; no more backpacks stuffed with stories and assignments. Amidst the rush to the beaches, and the sandals and forts, it might seem that education has been put on hold. But stretching out before us, free and accessible to all, is one of the greatest classrooms on Vancouver Island.

For me, there is no better place to learn than at the beach, and no creature better to learn from than crabs. Crabs are easy to observe and abundant on our shores. They can form one of the seminal experiences a child has with nature.

Children are able to use real time observation with crabs. A day spent looking at these hard-shelled creatures involves peering under rocks, and watching crabs find food or hide from predators. As educational pioneer Joseph Cornell puts it, “Your child will gain a far better understanding of things in nature from directly experiencing them than from secondhand talk.”

As an environmental educator, I have found that the more I emphasize the exploration rules at the very start, the freer the learning can be. One way is to begin with the “Beach Explorer’s Pledge.” This is where parents and children put their hands on their hearts, and

promise to handle the creatures gently, to put the rocks back carefully, and to keep the creatures in cold salt water. I demonstrate to children my “crab cradle” with my hands together and palms open, so that the crabs are less likely to fall out.

Holding crabs in “cradles” for a full minute and observing how they act encourages the type of “happy calm attentiveness,” as Cornell describes, which is so helpful for learning from nature experiences. Children notice things they had not seen before, like how the crab is able to wiggle its tiny “eyes on stalks” in all direc-

tions. They might notice how the crab holds its two large pincers in the front to gather food and protect itself. They might even spot how the crab moves its mouth parts side-to-side.

Classifying crabs is another way to enhance the ability to “easily notice patterns in nature” that educational leader Howard Gardner dubs as “characteristic of ‘nature smart’ children.”

Children can decide which crabs are green shore crabs (the ones with hairy legs and a greenish body), and which ones are purple shore crabs (the ones with spots on the front pincers). They can see which crabs have rows of tiny black eggs stored along their bellies, and decide if some crabs have one pincer bigger than the other.

They may come home with questions that need answering. Your child’s remark that the shore crabs have different patterns on their bellies may prompt discovery into how male crabs and females crabs have different patterns on their undersides, with males having a narrow, lighthouse-like design, while females have a wider beehive pattern. Finding an empty crab shell might prompt an inquiry into how young crabs molt, or shed their hard shell every so often, just so they can grow bigger.

The marvel is that as parents and teachers, it doesn’t matter if we know all the answers.

We can enter the role, as educator Deborah Churchman puts it, “not to teach, but to simply tune children in to what an amazing world we live in.”

So strap on your sandals and explore the CRD beach programs this summer, such as Marine Day, What Have You Seine Today and Beach Snoop At Low Tide. These outings and more are listed on the calendar of activities at www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Heather Chatwin is a CRD Regional Parks Interpreter.

50 Family Summer Guide

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Summer 2012 51

Paisley Aiken

Summer Writing With Kids T

his summer, many kids will go to the beach, create art, even read a stack of books. But how many kids will decide to sit down and write stories? My bet is not too many.

Why not?

Most kids inherently enjoy the process of creating, but when they are encouraged to go write a story or write in a journal they are not usually quick to the uptake.

Most parents feel that by encouraging

V I C TO R I A’ S

U N D E RWAT E R

A Q U A R I U M

AN AUTHENTIC UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE !

reading they have done their part to promote literacy with their kids. And yet when children engage in creative writing their relationship with literacy and books becomes so much richer and more personal. The tools and lessons that they learn through literacy are experienced on an entirely different level when they realize ownership over a written product.

When they write creatively, children develop: • Confidence • Self-identity • Problem-solving skills • Communication skills • Imagination • Motivation to learn • Tools to navigate their own emotional development Creativity, like any other skill, must be developed. Children develop creative skills through everyday activities including art, music, Lego building, imaginative play, access to nature or storytelling. However, many kids learn to associate writing with work rather than a creative process, and therefore don’t often readily engage. But if you have ever seen a child get so excited over the ideas of a story swarming in her head that her ideas can’t keep up with her spoken words, you will understand that most kids love creating stories. They just need to believe that they can and they need to experience enough success from the effort for it to be something that they want to do.

So how can we parents and caregivers support and encourage our children to write and view the act of writing as a positive and enjoyable task?

No matter how old your child is, whether three or 16, there are similar stimulants that will help motivate and foster a love of creation.

The following are some suggestions that can be adapted to suit your children and family.

1. Take the “work” out of creative writing.

Live Dive Show every hour Aquatic-themed 490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA Gift Shop 250-382-5717 www.pacificunderseagardens.com

490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA 250-382-5717 • www.pacificunderseagardens.com 52

Family Summer Guide

Kids who don’t love the task of transcribing think they don’t enjoy writing. However, the transcription skills will eventually come.

Encourage your child to believe in his or her writing abilities by allowing an older child access to a laptop, sitting and transcribing for young or reluctant transcribers, or offering a recorder to tape the story and then volunteering to type it out.

When kids separate the task of transcription from the joy of creation, they may begin to envision themselves as capable storytellers and authors, thus embarking on a new relationship with literacy.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

2. Create an Audience.

When kids think their work won’t be shared, writing might seem like a futile exercise. There are so many ways to create an audience. Encourage your child to enter a writing contest (for example through the library), make a storybook and mail it as a gift, host a reading with goodies and a little stage where your child and their friends read their work, encourage your child and their friends to write a play and then enable them to act it out. Other fun ideas would be to create a blog, write a travel book on a family trip that you will either post or give to other people who are heading to the same area. Even simply reading your child’s story aloud, with great diction and enthusiasm and a positive response will encourage them to keep on writing.

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

3. Find something to praise.

Most children will only want to write if they feel positively rewarded from doing so.

So, unless your child specifically asks you to edit or critique their writing, don’t evaluate it.

Instead, look for a couple of points you find strong or interesting in your child’s work and point them out. If they have written a particularly interesting sentence or used a great description, let them know. If your child is not yet writing and their story looks like scribble, comment on choice of colour, an effort at showing an emotion, or just appreciate how hard they worked.

Save the comments about punctuation, grammar, linking thoughts, rambling dialogue, even incoherency for those times when you are helping with homework, or if they specifically ask for it. Let them just embrace the act of being creative and being praised for it.

4. Create a Writing Space Kids need a space to create. This may be a quaint little reading nook in a window, a blanket under a tree in the summer, or a desk in the house. It should be somewhat private and away from siblings, distracting influences, or the general noise of a household. If possible, kids could have a bookmaking box, filled with writing tools, paper and drawing pens.

If children feel like they are in control of their writing, have a purpose to write, have an opportunity to share it with others, and receive positive feedback, you may just see that writing becomes a new favourite pastime.

Paisley Aiken is the mom of three young boys.

She has worked in the book industry, with atrisk youth and is currently the director of the Story Studio.

www.IslandParent.ca

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province.

Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

Nos écoles publiques daNs l’île de VaNcouVer Campbell River École Mer-et-montagne École secondaire Phoenix École secondaire Carihi

250-923-3359 1102 South Alder 250-923-3359 400, 7th Ave. 250-923-3359 350 Dogwood St.

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

École Océane 250-714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd. M - 7 École secondaire de Nanaimo 250-714-0761 355 Wakesiah Ave. 8 - 12

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

csf.bc.ca

Summer 2012

53

Party Directory FUNTIME INFLATABLES 250-474-0597

Largest selection of inflatable fun onVancouver Island ASK ABOUT OUR REFERRAL PROGRAM • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured Professional balloon decorating service now available

We‛ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

New soft serve ice cream truck available for events and ice cream socials

250 472 3546

visit our website at

Y M N A

www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

S T I C S

FALCON

G

Birthday Parties

M

GYMNASTICS Celebrate your birthday with us!

Newly Renovated Birthday Party Rooms

38thsary

r Annive 2011 1973–

for kids & families You provide the space and food…

www.funtimeinflatables.ca G

HASSLE FREE PARTIES

Our great instructors will treat you to an action packed two hours of fun and fitness in our great facility!

• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres) Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

Y

YOU‛LL FLIP OVER OUR BIRTHDAY PARTIES * Greater Victoria‛s newest, largest and cleanest facility with hassle free parking for you and your guests * * Large private party rooms * * Experienced Qualified Fun Coaches * * 3 Trampolines & 40ft Tumble Trac * * Awesome Foam Pit *

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

HORSE PLAY PARTIES

N

Organise wonderful parties conveniently delivered to your door!

A S T I C S

Our Cowgirl Slumber Parties Rock!

Pony Rides, Farm Animals, Facepainting, Games, Hay Rides

COWBOY CAMPOUTS COWGIRL SLUMBER PARTIES FAMILY FARM GETAWAYS A party you’ll never forget!

www.horseplayparties.ca Duncan, BC 250-701-9116

Party Supplies for all occasions, themes and ages

1·866·503·4397

ip@greatlittlecelebration.com www.greatlittlecelebration.com

,

musical

birthday parties Kids love to sing and dance, play instruments, and listen to stories.

Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-6... and let the fun begin!

Unforgettable theme parties, girl time packages or just some fun with your friends

3655 Shelbourne Street, Shelbourne Plaza

250-590-5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com

54

Family Summer Guide

Paint4Splatter4Parties4and

much,4much4more4at44Cats.com!

6

250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory ctoria Gymnastics Birthday Parties

Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

What’s included?

• We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons • Two Certified Instructors • Invitations • Trampoline • Foam Pit Fun • Gymnastics Games • Fun Music • NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline!

Saturday & Sunday Afternoons

380-2442

Corner of Store & Pembroke www.victoriagymnastics.com

Birthday Parties!

Let Us Do It For You… • Full service, themed birthday parties & company picnics • Fully insured • School fairs, festivals & events • Indoor facilities available • Join our Part-T-Club for your chance to win one of our many contests!

Call

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Par-T-Perfect Call

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com

Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates! at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Action-Packed Birthday Parties

Call 250-370-7200

Pool, Skate, or Soccer parties at Oak Bay Recreation Centre!

Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

It’s about skills, not scores.

Go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 Email: van.island@sportball.ca

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone • 30 family oriented redemption games • huge prize counter • 2 fully decorated party rooms • foot-long hot dogs • 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

10% P Off Booarty k if yo ing u in th bring is ad

Open Year Round

@ Western Speedway 2207 Millstream Road 250-590-4369 mrtubbs.com www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012 55

Captivating Critters Vancouver Island is loaded with options for introducing kids to our furry, woolly, feathered, potbellied or even six- or eight-legged friends. Visit any or all of the following places to connect with some of the creatures that share the Island with us.

Victoria

Saanich/Sidney

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is an inexpensive and fun way to spend an afternoon outdoors with the kids. The farm’s goats, sheep, bunnies, peacocks, potbellied pigs, miniature horses and other animals are perennial family favourites. Visit the goat petting area and take part in the renowned goat stampedes at 10:10am and 5:10pm. Open daily 10am-5pm, weather permitting. Admission by donation.

Enter Beacon Hill Park from Douglas Street (turn left across from Simcoe Street). 250381-2532.

Pacific Undersea Gardens, in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, across from the Parliament Buildings. Have you ever looked a Pacific octopus in the eye? Descend five metres and you will. You’ll also see marine plants and animals in their natural habitat through viewing windows and be able to gently handle sea creatures in the specially designed tidal pond.

Watch a diver swim with rockfish, salmon, wolf eels and Armstrong the octopus. Dive shows run throughout the day, with special effects, action and surprises. Open daily 9am-8pm. www.pacificunderseagardens.com or 250-382-5717.

Victoria Bug Zoo offers visitors an excellent opportunity to view and experience multilegged creatures from around the world in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Get up close and personal with live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few.

Discover over 40 fascinating species including Canada’s largest ant farm. No matter whether you just look or are adventurous enough to hold some of the residents, you can’t help but be fascinated by this array of arachnids and friends. 631 Courtney Street, one block north of the Empress Hotel. www.bugzoo.bc.ca or 250-384-BUGS(2847).

Dan’s Farm and Country Market at 2030 Bear Hill Road in Saanich is not just a source for local produce, baked goods, and poultry raised using organic principles, but also boasts a petting farm for the kids. Stop by to stock up on berries, figs and tomatoes and visit the ducks, chickens, goats, pigs, rabbits and more.

Bring along a picnic lunch and for dessert, treat yourself to an ice-cream cone or a freshly baked cinnamon bun. Open daily 9am-5pm. www.dansfarm.ca. 250-652-9100.

Galey Farms Corn Maze, Market and Railway in the Blenkinsop Valley is fun for all ages. Work your way through the maze and find the hidden Old West Town, take a train ride around the farm, learn about the history of farming, visit the petting farm filled with fuzzy friends, climb in the playground and visit the market. 4150 Blenkinsop Road. Open daily 10am-6pm mid-July until September. www. galeyfarms.net or 250-477-5713.

Although the Saanich Fair is not a farm, if your kids like to visit and pet farm animals, you’ll want to mark this event on your calendar.

There are all kinds of 4H displays and demos, and animals to ponder and pet such as horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, pigs, cattle, rabbits and more. There’s also food, entertainment, a midway, exhibits such as quilts, needle arts, flowers, vegetables, photography, and more.

September 1-3 at the fairgrounds at 1528 Stellys Cross Road. Gates open 8am-9pm Sat and Sun, 8am-6pm Mon. www.saanichfair.ca.

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney is a state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education centre focused on the amazing ecosystem of the Salish Sea. Colourful aquarium habitats teem with marine life for you to observe. Hundreds of fish, invertebrates and marine plants recreate the ocean and give you an underwater view that most people never see. At the touch tanks, use the one finger rule

56 Family Summer Guide

to shake hands with an urchin and be tickled by a sea star. With views of the Gulf Islands, the Salish Sea and Mt. Baker as the backdrop, you can spend some time with the Oceaneers as they introduce you to hands on/hands wet learning. Open daily 10am-5pm. www. oceandiscovery.ca or 250-665-7511.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Enjoy the beauty of hundreds of exotic butterflies flying free in their own tropical rainforest environment. Wander through the orchid exhibit or carnivorous plant section. You’ll also see brightly coloured fish and tropical birds. The on-site naturalists are full of fascinating facts and will answer your questions. To enhance your visit, take a guided tour, available daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. 1461 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay. Open daily 9:30am-7pm. www.butterflygardens.com or 250-652-3822.

Duncan The Raptors, 10 minutes north of Duncan, invites you to meet some of the coolest birds in the world during one of the daily flying demonstrations (at 1:30pm and 3:30pm). You can see a variety of raptors—eagles, falcons, owls, vultures and hawks—showcase their incredible flight and hunting skills free and out in the open. Many other up-close learning experiences are available. Open daily 11am4:30pm. 1877 Herd Road, www.pnwraptors. com or 250-746-0372.

Parksville Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is just north of Parksville. Wander LQC’s Morningstar Farm, meet the small herd of Holstein, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, and Canadienne dairy cows and see how yummy, artisanal local cheeses are made. Visit the calf pens, the pigsty, the store, milking parlour, picnic area and more.

Guided tours can be arranged for groups of 8 or more, or you can take your own self-guided tour around the 68 acres of beautiful working farm. Open daily 9am-5pm. 403 Lowry’s Road. www.cheeseworks.ca or 250-954-3931.

Errington Tiger Lily Farm is located in Errington between Parksville and Coombs. At the Barn Yard you can visit lovable, huggable rabbits, portly pigs, daffy ducks, and even shy sheep.

At feeding time you can help hold the bottle for the calf. Or learn how to milk a goat.

Admission prices include a pony ride for the kids. Open daily 10am-4pm. If you’re heading north from Nanaimo, turn left onto Errington Road and follow the signs. www.tigerlilyfarm. ca or 250-248-2408.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Coombs The World Parrot Refuge is the largest free-flight parrot refuge in the world and is home to over 800 parrots. The refuge is an educational facility that provides a “home for life” to previously owned parrots. Bring your camera and video camera as these are extremely colourful and talkative creatures. Located 2 minutes from the Coombs Country Market.

Open daily 10am-4pm. www.worldparrotrefuge.org or 250-248-5194.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA), off Highway 4A near Coombs, is a rehabilitation facility, especially for raptors and black bears. The goal is to care for these animals and eventually reintroduce them into their natural environment. Magnificent eagles can be viewed through one way glass in the largest flight cage of its kind in Canada. You can also view bears, owls, falcons, hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRA offers lots of great activities and educational programs for the whole family to enjoy. Open daily 9am-5pm. www. niwra.org or 250-248-8534.

Butterfly World & Gardens, just past Coombs on Highway 4A. Stroll among hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies, tropical birds and hummingbirds in the indoor tropical jungle. You’ll also see hundreds of exotic living orchids landscaped in a beautiful indoor water garden, a turtle pond, the Big Bug Jungle and gift shop. Open daily 10am-5pm. www.butterflyworld.info or 250-248-7026.

Comox/Courtenay The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park on nine acres of waterfront in Comox has gardens, a tearoom, and the Hands On Farm which is open daily to the public, 10am-4pm, from June 18 to August 17. Come talk, walk and squawk with the animals, including Tennessee fainting goats, chickens, ducks, sheep, rabbits and more. Admission of $2/person ($1 for kids 6 and under) helps to offset the cost of housing the animals. The farm is closed due to the Filberg Festival August 3-6, and for clean up August 7-9. www.filberg.com, 250-339-2715.

Seaview Game Farm in Black Creek (north of Courtenay) runs hour-long tours daily June 23-Sept 3, at 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm. You will be taken by tractor cart to visit the animals on an interactive tour of the mini farm. Feed and pet the chickens, llamas, peacocks, pigs, alpaca, Highland cattle, goats and sheep. Walk through the greenhouses and gardens and see what’s sprouting. Visit the onsite market and coffee shop. A picnic and play area provide even more fun. Public beach access nearby completes your outing. www. seaviewgamefarm.com or 250-337-5182.• www.IslandParent.ca

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVIT

Pick up your Kids’ Guide to Victoria & Vancouver Island for more great places to go this summer.

IES & FAMILY FUN!

Parks & Playgrounds Museums • Pools & Recreation

nment tes • Entertai Historical Si h More & Muc

20 12 /2 01 3

SUNFUN 2012 K–7 Summer Day Camp Program

Registration Forms available at www.cridge.org or call 250•995•6407 for more information 1309 HIL L SID E AV E NU E, V I C TO R I A , B C V8T 2B3 Summer 2012

57

Eileen Bennewith

Growing Healthy Kids G

Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

250-544-2400 250-519-5100 250-538-4880 250-642-5464 250-388-2200 250-519-3490

rowth monitoring” describes a number of activities that health care providers use to see if a child is growing well. One of the tools used in growth monitoring is a growth chart. At each visit to the public health nurse, a child will be measured for height, weight and possibly for head circumference. Repeated measurements over time show how the child is growing.

Children grow at different rates. Health care providers check growth charts for consistent growth where weight is proportional to length or height. Growth is consistent when a child’s weight tracks along a particular curve on the growth chart. Some children may be at the 3rd percentile, some at the 50th percentile and others will be closer to the 85th percentile.

As long as the child continues to stay within that percentile line, it indicates that growth is going well.

the child. There are many ways to determine if a child is growing in a way that is right for them. Plotting weight and height on a growth chart is just one of the factors. How the child is meeting developmental milestones and how food and activity are provided are other ways to assess and monitor growth.

How do parents help children to grow in a way that is right for them?

Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight. In Canada we use the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts which reflect growth patterns of breastfed babies. Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding along with solid foods until baby is two years or more.

Whether breastfed or formula fed, babies should be offered food on cue. Feeding cues are behaviours that will tell you that a baby

If the growth pattern shows a drift away from the usual percentile either upward or downward, or if weight is above the 85th percentile or below the 3rd percentile, the health care provider will discuss this with parents. Since the growth pattern is only one sign of general health, these variations may be perfectly normal for this child. A single shift in the pattern would not be cause for concern since all children grow at their own rate. Further monitoring of height and weight will show if this trend is continuing.

When a child’s rate of growth is very high or very low for their height it is important to look further into the health and nutrition of

wants to eat. If the baby puts their hands to their mouth and moves their head to look for the nipple, this is an early sign of hunger.

Mouth opening, lip licking or sucking, clenching fingers over tummy and bending arms and legs are further signs of hunger. Fussing and crying are late cues, so try to respond as soon as baby appears hungry.

Responding appropriately to their cues helps your child learn to trust you. The other part of this relationship is that you must learn to trust your child. This trust is the foundation for a healthy relationship with food.

From the first feeding, right through life, your child’s job is to decide whether to eat and

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

North Island Health Units Campbell River Courtenay Kyuquot Health Ctr ‘Namgis Health Ctr Port Hardy

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-902-6071

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

58 Family Summer Guide

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Summer

Fun

for

Everyone!

Holiday Programs for all kids in Greater victoria, ages 5–18 including: • Passion Sports Basketball & Volleyball • Byte Camp • A Musical in a Week

• Tacky Tourists • Detective Kids CSI …And Many More!

For more information on our programs and to register online, visit www.smus.bc.ca/summer or call 250 370 6120

Programs Summer Holiday Challenge Programmes

Summer programmes for all kids in Greater Victoria ages 5 to 18, including:

For a complete list of programmes and to register, visit our website at www.smus.bc.ca/campus/extension/chlg_summer.html or call our Education Extension office at 370-6120

THE TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH

• Claymation movie production • Kayak building • Musical theatre • Summer chefs

SMUS Admissions bw ad Island Parent May 2007 4.75” x 3”

reber creative Victoria BC Canada (250) 383-5255

how much to eat of the food that is offered. This rule applies whether it is breastmilk, formula, or solid foods. When you trust your child to follow internal hunger and fullness cues, they will grow in a way that is right for them.

Your baby will tell you when they have had enough to eat. Falling asleep contented, turning the head away, or refusing to take the food are all cues of fullness. Do not force a baby to eat. This can lead to overeating and losing the ability to recognize fullness cues. A baby that eats to appetite will grow in a way that is right for them.

Babies are not developmentally ready to eat solid foods until they are around six months old. Offering solid foods too early can lead to obesity, allergies, choking or constipation in babies. Six-month-old babies are ready to eat mashed table foods and do not need pureed foods. Offer a variety of healthy foods from Canada’s Food Guide.

Eating meals as a family on most days will teach children to eat family foods. They will get a variety of textures and flavours by eating the same food as the rest of the family. Family meals teach many things to toddlers and help them to learn that they belong in the family.

A parent’s job is to decide when to serve meals and snacks and also to decide what foods will be offered. Offer foods every two to three hours. This allows time for the toddler to get hungry and helps to deal with picky eating.

From six months onward toddlers should be encouraged to feed themselves. Spoon fed toddlers may ignore hunger cues and eat to please the parent. This can lead to overeating or picky eating.

Use attention or hugs to reward children. If food is withheld for punishment or given as a reward, children learn to eat for reasons other than hunger. Pushing children to eat more than they want can lead to a poor relationship with food. Restricting food can lead to overeating.

To grow well, all children need exercise.

When they are awake, put babies on their tummies several times each day to strengthen muscles and help them to learn to roll and crawl. Older babies and toddlers need to be active all day. Babies under two years old should not watch screens on televisions, computers or video games. Screen time reduces the amount of activity a baby or toddler will get.

A trusting relationship between parents and children with plenty of healthy family food and daily exercise is the best way to help children to grow in a way that is right for them.

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Eileen Bennewith is a registered dietitian with Child, Youth and Family Community Health, Vancouver Island Health Authority Nanaimo. www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012

59

Advertisers Directory All Fun Recreation................ 14 Andrea’s Sew Easy................. 35 Arbutus Music.......................... 4 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria................. 23 BC Forest Discovery Centre.. 35 Beach Acres Resort............... 13 Beach Club Resort................ 15 Blue Vista Resort..................... 5 Butchart Gardens.................. 49 Cadboro Bay Optometry....... 41 Camp Columbia..................... 47 Camp Narnia......................... 10 Camp Pringle......................... 62 Capernwray............................ 31 Chemainus Theatre................ 11 Children’s Education Fund.... 64 Children’s Bookshop................ 2 City of Victoria...................... 19 Conseil Scolaire...................... 53 CRD Parks.............................. 36 Cridge Centre......................... 57 Shannon Cyre........................ 12 Duncan Business Improvement Assoc.....16, 17 Emmanuel Baptist...........24, 26 Esquimalt Recreation............ 10 Forward Equestrian............... 26 Fringe Festival....................... 27 Fun Kins Ltd.......................... 51 Harrison School of Horsemanship.................... 10 Highland Pacific Golf............ 39 Hip Baby................................IFC Horne Lake Caves................. 62 IMAX Theatre......................... 42 Island Farms.......................... 32 Island Montessori.................. 61 JamTots.................................. 45 Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama........................... 44 KIV.......................................... 28 Kool & Child.......................... 36 Kye Bay................................. 61 Mad Science........................... 12 Matraea Mercantile................ 17 Matticks Farm.......................... 9 Mothering Touch.................... 25 Karen Murdoch...................... 40 Oak & Orca School............... 29 The OCEAN 98.5..................... 1 Olympic View Golf................. 61 Oxford Learning.................... 47

Pacific Undersea Gardens..... 52 Park Sands........................... IBC Parksville Beach Festival....... 63 Pemberton Holmes..........41, 42 Pirate Adventures.................. 50 Pizzeria Prima Strada........... 45 Positive Path Early Learning............................IFC The Raptors........................... 22 READ Society......................... 34 Red Balloon........................... 17 Restart Computers................. 19 Royal BC Museum................ IBC Royal Victoria Yacht Club...... 24 Saanich Dental........................ 9 Saanich Recreation................ BC Sailor Jack ........................... 24 Saltwater Youth Education...... 5 Savvy Squirrel.......................... 7 Scallywags............................. IBC School for Ideal Education... 46 Serious Coffee........................ 23 Sportball................................ 34 St. Andrew’s Elementary........ 26 St. Margaret’s School............. 21 St. Michaels University School................................ 59 Stages.................................7, 22 Sunrise Waldorf...................... 48 Terry Fox Run....................... 59 Thrifty Foods......................... 33 Tigh-Na-Mara......................... 63 TJ’s the Kiddies Store............ 11 Tom Lee Music...................... 46 UVic Vikes............................... 29 Vancouver Island Baby Fair.......................... 51 Victoria Bug Zoo...................IFC Victoria Group Perspectives....................... 59 Victoria Kids Consignment.... 25 Victoria Midwives..................... 6 Victoria Recreation................ 31 VIHA....................................... 58 Vitamin Shop......................... 34 Volume One Books................ 17 Welcome Wagon.................... 41 Wendy’s Restaurants............... 3 Westshore Motocross............. 44 Westshore Parks.................... 49 Wild Play............................... 46 YWCA Hotel........................... 43

60 Family Summer Guide

Kathryn Scheurwater

Mathematics in Summer M

athematics in the summertime?

Isn’t math a school subject to be put away while the sun shines and the children relax by the paddling pool? If we think back to our childhoods, we may remember activities such as setting up a lemonade stand, driving long distances in cars (without DVD players), playing hide ’n go seek till the sun set, or creating a back yard fort. Without realizing it, we were using many math skills in each of these activities. The lemonade stand taught us how to count and give change, how to determine proportion and measurement and, most importantly, how we were going to spend our hard-earned money. Long car rides involved playing cards, reading books, and playing games with our siblings. Card games such as cribbage ingrained in me the many combinations to get to 15. Yahtzee reinforced my multiplication skills, Monopoly helped me with financial skills used for paying bills, learning about real estate and being ever ready for life changing moments. Hide n’ go seek was the first activity where I learned about counting and to speed things up, about “skip” counting. Do you remember when the person who was It began to count to 100 and everyone thought they had lots of time to hide, but then It counted, 10, 20, 30, 40…and before you could find that perfect hiding place, you were caught?

Grandma’s back yard was the perfect place to create a fort. It was a treasure trove of interesting items. I remember using these treasures to create the ultimate summer shack. Mathematics unknowingly helped determine which shapes were the strongest and how the pieces fit together.

What types of activities will your children engage in this summer? They may very well recreate the pastimes of our childhoods. However, the emphasis of the 21st

century classrooms has shifted from the classroom many of us grew up in where the focus was on the “one and only” right answer, speed and use of memorized algorithms. Today’s classroom emphasizes process, personal strategies, and perseverance in conjunction with communication, metacognition and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

In today’s digital world, our children are exposed to more visuals, more media, and more graphics. This fundamentally changes how their minds make sense of and process concepts. During the school year, students are asked to answer mathematical questions in different ways than simply applying an algorithm. Students are being taught in a constructivist manner with the aid of manipulatives. They are engaged in multi-step problem solving situations using hands-on exploration.

They have discourse with other students; they are asked to think about how they are thinking; and they are encouraged to make realworld connections. Summer activities lend themselves to this type of learning.

Technology can and should be integrated into summer activities: • You can assist your child in taking digital pictures and, once uploaded, search for angles and shapes used in man-made and nature-made designs. Which shapes appear more often? Sort and classify the angles.

• Use the internet to search for bus schedules, map routes, distances, and determine costs for outings.

• Revive old time favourite games now found online, such as Yahtzee, Cribbage and Monopoly.

• Calculators can be used to reinforce place value. Teach your child to play Wipe-Out. You need one calculator.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Here’s how: Player #1 punches in a number on the calculator, then hands the calculator to player #2 and asks him/her to WIPE-OUT one of the numbers.

Player #2 must use an operation to leave a zero where the number was. Continue until the calculator reads 0.

• For older children who desire a cell phone, have them research different rate plans and let them decide which the better plan is and have them explain why.

Asking questions will help you to understand and support your child’s budding mathematical skills. Some suggestions are: • How strong is the line? How much can the fish weigh? How many worms will we need?

How much will the life jacket support? How deep is the lake?

• How much air pressure? How can you tell? How many kilometers do tires last? How much do tires cost? What is that thing you are using to measure tire pressure?

• How old is the tree? How many trees do you see? How tall do you think that tree is?

How might you find out? Estimate the number of leaves on the tree. How much do you think it might grow in a year? What shapes do you see? How much space does it take up?

Parents, during the summer months, you can help your child understand that mathematics is used every day. Purposeful activities and discussions will help to strengthen their mathematical foundation for the next school year.

Suggested readings: Pigs will be Pigs by Amy Axelrod; Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst; Among the Odds and Evens by Priscilla Turner; The $1.00 Word Riddle Book by Marilyn Burns, My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman; The Right Number of Elephants by Jeff Sheppard; Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong. Many more titles may be found at your local library. Most books can be turned into mathematical books by asking questions which will build mathematical development.

Kathryn Scheurwater is a parent, educator and mathematics specialist. She is passionate about creating a numerate population that enjoys and uses math with confidence. She can be contacted at scheurwater.kathryn@gmail.com.

Accepting Enrollment for September Book now for a tour!

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

•

preschool to grade 2

•

before and after school care

•

small class sizes

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supportive and caring staff

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excellent academic foundation

•

Kodaly music program

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lovely rural location connecting children to nature

Catch the Kye Bay Spirit • • • •

miles of safe sandy beaches warm and safe swimming may–oct. explore the reef and tidepools comfy seaside cottages

For an experience you’ll never forget!

KYE BAY GUEST LODGE & COTTAGES Comox, BC, Vancouver Island www.kyebay.com 1-866-658-6131

www.IslandParent.ca

Summer 2012

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Family Getaways Feel like packing up and getting away from it all? Here are some ideas to help you with your family holiday. Enjoy seeing new sites or visiting old favourites as you leave the household chores behind.

Beach Acres Resort is the perfect spot for a little rest, a lot of fun and the escape you really deserve. Enjoy beachfront, ocean view or forest cottages and townhouses with full kitchens and fireplaces. Plan a quiet autumn weekend getaway for two, a spring family reunion, or a week at the beach in the summer with the kids, and enjoy the way life was meant to be! 1-800-663-7309. www. beachacresfamilyfun.com.

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The Beach Club Resort is excited to offer the Kids at the Club Recreation program from July 1 to September 2.

Kids Club is available MondayFriday where we’ve planned some amazing indoor and outdoor activities such as a tidal pool walk where kids experience hands-on learning about the sea creatures and habitats

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Visit Horne Lake!

Family Summer Fun • Lakefront Camping • Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Stand-up Boards • Wild Cave Exploring • Rock Rappelling • Teepee Camping

on Parksville Beach. The Recreation program is available for kids from 5 to 12 years old. Call 1-888-760-2008 for more details.

Start a new family tradition.

Bring your family to Blue Vista Resort. Located steps from Bennett Bay and the Gulf Islands National Reserve with its beaches and shoreline walks on Mayne Island, this Tourism BC Approved Accommodation has been catering to families for over three decades. With nine individualized housekeeping cottages to choose from and a quiet lawn with barbeques, picnic tables and a children’s play area, this small family-run resort invites you to join a tradition many families have been enjoying for years. Cabins starting at under $100/night. See our website for all rates and details at www. bluevistaresort.com.

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Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre is a stunning island setting for retreats and conferences. In May and June, school groups enjoy the challenge of the Oudoor Education Packages. Artistry guilds, reunions and churches receive quality service to make their retreat memorable. Ladies’ and Men’s Conferences provide a weekend to be refreshed and refocused. Summer Bible Weeks provide families with solid Bible teaching amidst a holiday setting. Space is available in our summer programs. See www.capernwray.ca or call 1-888-224-5681 for more information.

Get outside! Unique adventures abound at Horne Lake Caves and Campground.

We’re just 45 minutes north of Qualicum Beach. Explore the caves, walk the lakeshore or enjoy a summer camping trip. Rent a canoe and head out for a spectacular paddle—fishing gear is available, too. Look under Vancouver Island to see cave formations like ancient fossils and beautiful crystal. Book now for all-inclusive Family Camps. Check out www.hornelake. com or call 250-248-7829.

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Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Study • Cycling • Swimming • Canoeing • Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits • Campfire • Nature Children • Youth • Families • Leadership Study • Cycling • George Pringle Memorial Camp Experience an amazing week for as Shawnigan Lake, BC little as $350 inclusive of all meals!

United Church of Canada BCCA & UCC Accredited We have camps for kids and youth ages 8 to

Summer Camps For:

15, youth leadership training for ages 15 and up, and great family camps. Starting in early July and running through August, Camp Pringle is the place to be! Check our website for all the program details, including info on our new Tier Pricing program.

www.camppringle.com

250 703 6051

62 Family Summer Guide

GI R E ST

TOD AY! NL E IN

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www.hornelake.com

T/F: 250-743-2189 registrar@camppringle.com director@camppringle.com

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Family Adventure Camps • Single Parent Camp Mother & Daughter Camp • Father & Son Camp

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Kye Bay Guest Lodge & Cottages, Comox. A popular family-oriented beach vacation spot since 1932, this location offers miles of sandy beaches with warm safe swimming.

The tidal pools are filled with small fish and fascinating sea life. The lawn offers places to curl up to read, sunbathe or play lawn games.

The accommodations provide a comfy home base. Join us on the seaside terrace for Sunday pancake breakfast and Friday High Tea. For a week you’ll never forget…toll free 1-866-6586131. www.kyebay.com.

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Park Sands Beach Resort is a family-oriented RV park and campground located downtown on the sandy shores of Parkville Bay beside the community park with its fabulous playground, water-spray park and BMX/ skateboard park. Families have been coming here for generations to enjoy the wide expanse of sandy beach, the surrounding natural beauty, numerous recreation opportunities like hiking, biking and golf, and our central location which makes for easy day trips to other Island destinations. For more information, visit www. parksands.com.

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The natural choice for family getaways, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is an all-season destination offering accommodations, a full service spa and three restaurants.

Centrally located in beautiful Parksville, TighNa-Mara is easily accessible to the entire Island.

Tigh-Na-Mara features 192 log-style accommodation units set above 3kms of sandy beach and the warmest ocean swimming in Canada.

We offer families the most extensive resort summer recreation program on Vancouver Island with exciting activities for every age group. Call 1-800-663-7373 for details about our family getaways.

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YWCA Hotel Vancouver offers a warm welcome to all travellers, and is a comfortable, safe and affordable place to stay at the heart of downtown’s arts and entertainment scene. All rooms are private, and there is a choice to suit your needs and budget—from single rooms to quints. The 155-room facility has guest area kitchens, TV lounge rooms, wireless Internet access, and so much more. 733 Beatty Street off Robson.

1-800-663-1424. www.ywcahotel.com.• www.IslandParent.ca

Parksville’s Premiere Event on the Beach!

July 14th to August 19 th 2012

Sculpting: July 14 & 15 • Gates Open: July 14 at 2pm Exhibition: July 16 to August 19 - Open 9 am until 9 pm Artisans at the Beach July 28 & 29 • 80’s Beach Party Aug. 11

Check our website for more info: www.parksvillebeachfest.ca Summer 2012 63

Details, Details T

o find out more about travelling on Vancouver Island, visit the following websites, or contact or visit the organizations.

Tourist Information Tourism Vancouver Island www.vancouverisland.travel Request free Travel Guides or view them online, or sign up for the email newsletter. You’ll find maps and a distance chart, information about accommodations, camping, tours, attractions, festivals, events, entertainment, parks and outdoor activities in various communities.

Tourism Vancouver Island is on Facebook.

Log in to stay updated.

Tourism Victoria Visitor Info Centre 812 Wharf Street, Victoria 250-953-2033 toll free: 1-800-663-3883 www.tourismvictoria.com.

Find maps, a Calendar of Events, a Vacation Guide, Things To Do and See, accommodation info and more.

Visitor Info Centres You’ll find visitor info centres in most communities. They are usually located along main routes. During July and August, most centres are open 9am-5pm. Also, most have websites with great information and links. To do some pre-trip planning, look online to find the location of specific centres. Or just wait to pick up brochures and ideas when you’re on the road.

BC Parks Discover Camping Reservation Service www.discovercamping.ca toll free: 1-800-689-9025 You can use the Discover Camping website to view campsite availability, reserve a site and manage your bookings. Most campsite reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance and no later than 2 days prior to your arrival date. You can also find out about service fees in the various parks and download a brochure for easy reference.

Capital Regional District Parks www.crd.bc.ca/parks or 250-478-3344 Find out about 33 regional parks and trails on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands: maps, activities, rules regarding pets, feature hikes, nature programs.

Island Weather The Weather Network www.weather.ca For weather forecasts, select “British Columbia” and click on a specific town or city.

Marine Weather weatheroffice.gc.ca/marine Click on the appropriate region for marine conditions and forecasts.

Road Conditions Drive BC www.drivebc.ca for highway cams, incidents and conditions. toll free: 1-800-550-4997

Ferry Information BC Ferries Information www.bcferries.com toll free:1-888-BC-FERRY For routes, rates or schedules, to make a reservation or check traffic conditions.

Kids Grow Fast.

So Do Tuition Costs.

Before your child grows another inch, start saving with Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI). CEFI has the greatest selection of Registered Education Savings Plan offerings. It’s easy and very affordable. You can get started for under $10.00 per month! Keep saving - you’ll be surprised at how much you can accumulate. Add to your savings all the Government Grants, the “cash back” from your CEFI no fee MasterCard and the AIR MILES® reward miles.

At CEFI, we are education funding specialists!

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION FUNDS INC. A VERY DIFFERENT GROUP OF RESPs!

Helping hospitals help kids

Spend your way to college

Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by ®Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc. and Children’s Education Funds Inc. TM

64 Family Summer Guide

VISIT WWW.CEFI.CA or call 1 (800) 246-1203

“Parent Tested, Parent Approved” www.kidsinvictoria.com

• Shoes • Clothing • Toys Newborn to 12 years

DOWNTOWN

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777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

THE COOLEST STUFF FOR SUMMER! www.scallywags-island.ca

If you have kids… and you like camping… try Park Sands Beach Resort this summer!

The exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amh.org), in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; California Academy of Science, San Francisco; The Field Museum, Chicago; and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. © American Museum of Natural History. Image Courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

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Special thanks to

Spot the Raptor Contest Brave enough to hunt down a velociraptor? Visit facebook.com/RoyalBCMuseum for details.

Got Family?

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A quiet, family place – on the beach – in Parksville.

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Outdoor Adventure is waiting for you!

FOR CHILDREN 5∞ - 11yrs

July 3 - Aug 30

Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

PARK LOCATIONS: Copley Park - Horner Park - Lochside Park Marigold Park - Meadow Park Reynolds Park - Rudd Park

$83/5 day week or $25/day drop-in

www.saanich.ca Parks 250.475.5522 | Cedar Hill 250.475.7121 | Gordon Head 250.475.7100 | GR Pearkes 250.475.5400 | Commonwealth Place 250.475.7600 | Join us on Facebook