June 2013 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

25 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

June 2013

5 Steps to Finding the Best Camp Among the Giants at Cathedral Grove

Yo! Papa tips, advice & ramblings Playground Safety

Summer Programs Travel Fun for Little Ones A Green Birthday Party The Summer To-Dos: What’s on your Bucket List?

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER OUTDOOR PROGRAMS AND CAMPS

REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

June is Community Support Month!

June 1 – 15, 10% of Your Purchase will be donated to Success by 6 Victoria www.successby6victoria.ca

children’s boutique Shoes • Clothing • Toys Newborn to 12 years

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

www.scallywags-island.ca

Skills, d r and thr ills ills for ages 2 t o 10 years!

ccer

Outdoor So

games, Sports & afts, arts & cr nd more stories a 3 to 10 for ages years!

Multi-Sport

Camps

VISIT SPORTBALL.CA OR CONTACT US FOR SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS

VAN.ISLAND@SPORTBALL.CA 250.590.4625 | 1.877.590.4625 |

|

WWW.SPORTBALL.CA

Registration now open for:

SUMMER CAMPS At City Centre Park for ages 5-15!

DATES AVAILABLE:

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE: SKATING/ROLLER BLADING | WATER PARK | FIELD SPORTS LAKE ACTIVITIES | POND FISHING | KAYAKING | CRAFTS NATURE HIKING | MINI PUTT | BALLADIUM | SPORTBALL SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS | MUSIC | DRAMA | ART | THEMES COOPERATIVE GAMES | PLAYZONE | GYMNASTICS

$165/ WEEK TWO OR MORE WEEKS:

$155/ WEEK

July 1-5 July 8-12 July 15-19 July 22-26 July 29-Aug 2 Aug 6-9 Aug 12-16 Aug 19-23 Aug 26-30

Regular Camp Hours: 9AM - 3PM Before & After Care at 7:30AM until 5PM

www.citycentrepark.ca | 250.391.1738

Keep Your Child’s Brain Active This Summer And Avoid Summer Learning Loss Make Sylvan a part of your summer schedule... and make Back to School time a big success!

Assess u Plan u Teach u Apply t TM

Only Sylvan Insight Our 4-step process is key to unlocking the potential of every child we teach.

u We uncover your child’s individual talents and needs.

Plan u We build a learning plan just for your child.

Teach u Our expert teachers put the plan into practice.

Apply t Your child puts their skills and confidence into action.

Assess

Sylvan Victoria & Sidney

Sylvan Westshore

Sylvan Duncan

1623 McKenzie Avenue

3145 Jacklin Road

80 Station Street

250-477-3212 DirectorVictoria@SylvanVI.ca

250-590-6211 DirectorWestshore@SylvanVI.ca

250-746-0222 DirectorDuncan@SylvanVI.ca

Get Started For $95

Call today to book your Sylvan Skills Assessment.

Sylvan Nanaimo 3260 Norwell Drive

250-758-1526 DirectorNanaimo@SylvanVI.ca

Offer expires 07/15/2013. Valid at participating centres only. May not be combined with other offers.

READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, MATH PREVIEW & REVIEW, UNIVERSITY PREP AND MORE!

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013 1

Contents: June 2013 Feature

A Call to Order...................................................................................................... 14

Articles

A Green Birthday Party.......................................................................................... 12 My Former Self...................................................................................................... 18 Yo! Papa................................................................................................................ 19 My Sticker Family.................................................................................................. 20 The Summer To-Dos.............................................................................................. 22 Gadgets & Common Sense..................................................................................... 24 Summer Programs.................................................................................................. 26 Travel Fun for Little Ones...................................................................................... 42 One Isn’t the Loneliest Number.............................................................................. 50 Playground Safety.................................................................................................. 52 Creative Parenting.................................................................................................. 53 Not Your Childhood Diary.................................................................................... 54 What Does It Mean to Be a Hands-On Dad?.......................................................... 56 Physical Literacy.................................................................................................... 58 Among the Giants at Cathedral Grove................................................................... 60 5 Steps to Finding the Best Camp Fit...................................................................... 62 Down to Earth Book Review.................................................................................. 64 Tips for Limiting Screen Time................................................................................ 55 The Games of Life.................................................................................................. 66

Columns

Editor’s Note............................................................................................................ 3 Dadspeak............................................................................................................... 68 Healthy Families; Happy Families.......................................................................... 70 Just Eat It!.............................................................................................................. 72 Is There an App for This?....................................................................................... 74 Book Nook............................................................................................................ 76 New Parent Pages................................................................................................... 80 Maternity & Beyond.............................................................................................. 84 Nature Notes......................................................................................................... 86 Cut It Out.............................................................................................................. 88

Departments

Letters...................................................................................................................... 4 IPM Notes................................................................................................................ 5 Party Directory................................................................................................. 40, 41 Family Calendar..................................................................................................... 44 Around the Island.................................................................................................. 48 Up-Island Business Directory.................................................................................. 69 Family Services Directory................................................................................. 78, 79 Preschool & Child Care Directory.................................................................... 82, 83 Business & Professional Directory.......................................................................... 85 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (HST included) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Toll Free: 1-888-372-0862 Websites: www.islandparent.ca, www.kidsinvictoria.com

On the Cover: Photo by Rebekah Gin of Abundant Life Photography: www.abundantlifephotography.blogspot.com

2 Island Parent Magazine

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Jump into June

Come Join the Fun

A One-a-Day List of Things to Do 1st. March along with the Oak Bay Tea Party parade, leaving Windsor Park at 10:30am and ending up at Willows Beach where you’ll find a weekend’s worth of fun.

2nd. Create your own fish fashion at SeaShirt Sunday from 1-3pm at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. BYOT-shirt.

Admission rates plus $2 for fabric paint.

3rd. Travel back in time to the South Pole and learn about Antarctic exploration at Royal BC Museum’s Race to the End of the Earth, running until October 14.

4th. Hunt for one of the 1,000 glass sand dollars that Smashin’ Glass & Anything Art Co. has hidden on Qualicum Beach, Parksville Beach, Rathtrevor Beach and others. Visit www.smashinglass.ca 5th. Take part in The Sketchbook Project, a global, crowd-sourced art project and interactive, traveling exhibition of handmade books. Visit www.sketchbookproject.com.

6th. Stay out of the way at the Soap Box Derby, going downhill fast at noon during the Cowichan Lake Festival (June 2-9).

7th. Make like a pirate at Buccaneer Days (June 7-9) in Esquimalt where you’ll find a midway, a dance, sky divers, a kids’ play zone, races, a parade, and a pancake breaky.

8th. Celebrate World Ocean Day from 11am-3pm at Beacon Park in Sidney with interactive displays, facepainting, a live performance, and ocean-themed booths.

9th. Enjoy an afternoon of fishy fun at the Maritime Museum of BC’s Salty Sunday: Celebrating Our Oceans from 1-5pm.

10th. Trick out your bike and host a neighbourhood bike parade.

11th. Make homemade ice cream in a bag. For a good recipe, visit spoonful.com/ recipes/homemade-ice-cream-bag.

12th. Stay up late for the Victoria Chinatown Night market (the second Wednesday of June, July, August and Sept) from 5-9pm.

13th. Watch the sunrise—if you’re awake at 5:11am.

14th. Visit Kenya: The Animal Kingdom at the IMAX, playing at noon, 3, and 6pm.

15th. Celebrate Hometown Tourist Weekend in Ladysmith, Cedar, South Nanaimo, and Chemainus with harbour boat tours, free guided mining history tours, and other activities. Visit take5.ca/hometowntourist.

16th. Enter the Safeway Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer at Royal www.IslandParent.ca

Roads University, starting at 10am. There’s a 3km walk or an 8km run. Visit www. theprostatecentre.org.

17th. Visit the library and sign up for the free Summer Reading program.

Editor’s Note Sue Fast 18th. Join the 29th Annual Chemainus Twilight Shuffle 5K, one of the Island’s only evening running events, this one at 7pm.

19th. Drop by the Oak Bay Village night market (the third Wednesday of June, July, August and Sept) from 4-8pm.

20th. Take a ride on the Rose Carousel—the only one on Vancouver Island—at Butchart Gardens. The wooden menagerie includes 30 animals ranging from bears, to horses, to ostriches, to zebras.

21st. Celebrate Aboriginal Day with artists, musicians, dancers and food in Pacific Rim National Park and the Tin Wis resort on Tofino’s MacKenzie Beach.

22nd. Join the fun at FernFest in Fernwood Square from 10am-10pm with musicians, performers, dancers, food, bikes, artists, magic, and more.

23rd. Pedal by the Family Bike Festival from 10am-4pm in front of the Fairmont Empress where you’ll find a bike rodeo, a bling-your-bike contest, bike polo, bike art and more. Visit www.vicf.ca.

24th. Build a fire in the French Beach picnic area fire pits and make S’mores.

25th. Make an “Excitement Pack” for a summer house guest. Visit giuliaduch. blogspot.ca/2013/04/excitement.html.

26th. Play flashlight tag.

27th. Buy dinner ingredients at the Sidney Night Market (Thursdays) from 5:308:30pm and then cook together.

28th. Go strawberry picking.

29th. Marvel at the beauty and mysteries of the heavens, with the help of the Plasket telescope, at Summer Saturday Nights from 3:30-11:15pm at Centre of the Universe on Observatory Hill in Saanich.

30th. Sleep in.

Happy Summer.

Summer Programs • Year round lessons for children and adults • Safe well schooled lesson horses with qualified instructors • Indoor and outdoor riding facility

250-652-1462

www.westsidestables.ca

Our summer camps are designed to enrich children, foster creativity and imagination, build self-esteem, and have fun!

Ocean Discovery July 8–12 Voyage into Space July 15–19 Forest Safari July 22–26 Ocean Discovery July 29–Aug 2 Voyage into Space Aug 12–16 Nature’s Found Art Aug 19–23 Open for Registration!

Ages 3–8 / 9am–12pm

For more information visit our website:

www.artsafari.ca

Contact us: info@artsafari.ca / 250-588-8662 June 2013 3

Letters

WEEKLY CAMPS

Monday-Friday JUNE 2 to AUG. 30

Kinder Camp 5 - 6 Years

JDF KIDS COTTAGE

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $135 a week*

Cool Capers Day Camp 6-8 Years

JDF CURLING RINK

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $135 a week*

Jr. Sports Action Camp 6-8 Years

JDF CURLING RINK – FOR SIGN IN

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $160 a week*

Sizzlers Day Camp 6-10 Years

JDF GALLEON ROOM

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM $37 a day

Fun Seekers Camp 6-10 Years

Hello. Just thought we would send you guys a copy of a photo we took of our daughter Sophia reading a copy of one of the past issues of Island Parent. My wife and I enjoy reading the articles in your magazine and have copies all over the house. Cary Bodnaruk

CENTENNIAL CENTRE YOUTH ROOM

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $26 a day

Active Afternoons 7-11 Years

JDF KIDS COVE

12:00 PM – 3:30 PM $85 a week*

Sports Action 8-11 Years

JDF CURLING RINK – FOR SIGN IN

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $160 a week*

Aspiring Artists

6-8 Years and 8-11 Years

Camp alternates age groups each week.

CENTENNIAL CENTRE CRAFT ROOM

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM $160 a week*

*Holidays weeks (4 days) are prorated.

Hello, Island Parent: The following is a poem written by my granddaughter, Leila Mills. She is eight years old and lives in London, UK. Kanti Joshi

The Extraordinary ‘Tuppleware’ Box

by Leila Mills I will put in my Tuppleware Box the blazing golden red sun pounding on the luscious green grass.

The first laugh of a baby.

I will put in my Tuppleware Box a crystal ball that can tell the future.

The deep shade of yellow on the trumpets of the daffodils.

I will put in my Tuppleware Box The dazzling golds of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The fragrance of the sweetest perfume in the world.

I will put in my Tuppleware Box The merriest sound so someone can dance.

The soft tweeting of the nightingale song.

250-478-8384

www.westshorerecreation.ca 4 Island Parent Magazine

I will put in my Tuppleware Box A succulent taste of a ripe passion fruit.

The fabulous flavour of sugar grain. www.kidsinvictoria.com

IPM Notes

S T A G E S Su m mer Pro g ra ms 2013

Race to the End of the Earth at the Royal BC Museum

33rd A n nual

Da nce I ntensive Aug ust 19 th - 30 th

Part-day program for dancers 10 years old & up in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop & Lyrical

Plus Week-long, part day

Youth Da nce Ca mps Throughout July & August for dancers 6-12 years old in Jazz, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre

A nd Week-long, morning

Preschool Dance Camps Throughout July & August for 3-5 years olds in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre & Tap plus

Little Dancers Classes are running through the summer for those 15 months to 3 years old

photos by D Haggart

From now until October 14, the Royal BC Museum presents Race to the End of the Earth, one of the most stirring tales of exploration—the dramatic contest to reach the South Pole in 1911. Two Antarcticbound explorers, the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott and the Norwegian Roald Amundsen, led teams through harrowing conditions against a ticking clock. Who would reach the pole first? And when they got there, could either make it back home?

Organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, this exhibition brings history to life with photographs, paintings, and original artifacts, including life-sized re-creations of Scott’s hut at Cape Evans and Amundsen’s underground workrooms.

These journeys paved the way for modern day polar research at the pole, ranging from geology to oceanography to astrophysics.

Visitors can interact with computer kiosks and a stunning video projection to discover what scientists are learning today about Antarctica’s surprising sub-ice landscape, ocean currents and weather.

The Royal BC Museum helped develop this exhibition, and items from its own collection are included. Cecil H. Meares, a dog procurer and handler for the Scott team, moved to Oak Bay in the late 1920s and introduced the Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis baileyi) to the area. Upon his death in 1937, his sledge pennant, correspondence, medals, and other personal items from his estate were donated to the Royal BC Museum. For more information visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Come Da nce With Us

For more information call (250) 384-3267 email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca or visit us at www.stagesdance.com

Parking Fees at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Pay parking is now in effect at Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Regional Park until September 30. The cost of parking is $2.25 per day, or $20 for a season’s pass.

Revenue collected from parking fees helps to offset the costs of park services for visitors.

A seasonal parking pass is valid at both parks and can be purchased from the main ticket dispenser at Thetis Lake or the Parking Lot #2 dispenser at Sooke Potholes.

CRD Regional Parks reminds visitors that Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake regional parks are open sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/parks. www.IslandParent.ca

Danielle’s Paint-your-own Pottery and Glass Fusing Studio * Pro-D Fun Days * March Break Specials * * Classes and Workshops * * Birthday Parties * Corporate Events * Diva Nights * * Summer Camps * Drop-ins always welcome… no experience necessary!

129-735 Goldstream Ave Langford, BC V9B 2X4 250-590-7949

www.daniellestudios.ca www.facebook.com/danielle.pyop info@daniellestudios.ca

June 2013 5

IPM Notes Scallywags & Success by 6 Scallywags Children’s Boutique in partnership with Success by 6 is hosting its second annual fundraiser on June 1 to help raise funds to support families and young children in Greater Victoria.

Success By 6 South Vancouver Island was established in 2004 to support communities working together to enhance early childhood development. Over the last several years, Success By 6 has developed strong connections to the communities it serves and has funded over 60 programs, supporting a multitude of valuable Early Childhood Development programs.

Having been part of the Victoria community for nearly two decades, Scallywags understands that community is an important part of any healthy business. Scallywags works with several Greater Victoria organizations to support arts, education, sport and just plain fun for kids. Scallywags is proud to partner with Success by 6 to help support some of their programs. As part of the Community Support Initiative, Scallywags will be donating 10 per cent of all

sales proceeds from June 1-15 to Success by 6. In 2012 this initiative raised over $1,700.

This year’s goal: at least $2,000.

As part of this two-week fundraiser, Scallywags will be giving away daily door prizes and a grand raffle prize on June 15. For more information, visit www.scallywags-island. ca or www.SuccessBy6Victoria.ca.

Variety Annual Boat for Hope The 9th annual Variety Boat for Hope provides children who have special needs with a fun-filled day on the water. On Saturday, June 1 in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, kids can live out their best pirate fantasy.

Kids of all ages hunt for treasure, fill their loot bags, and experience life as it’s meant to be…fun and exciting. The day is capped off with a land party that features a hearty barbecue, children’s activities and live entertainment. Due to lifejacket sizing, only children between the ages of 4-18 years can go on the boat trip and must be accompanied by one or two adults. Siblings of participants under the age of 4 must provide their own CSA-approved lifejacket.

Local skippers volunteer their time and their boats, and they collect pledges from the community to raise funds for Variety

while also providing a one-of-a kind experience for children and their families. You can help by visiting your local Pharmasave until June 24 and adding $2 at the till or by donating online.

The event is from 9am-2pm with sailings at 10am, 11am and noon. For information and registration, visit www.variety.bc.ca/ boatforhope.htm or email louise.duffy@ variety.bc.ca.

Camping Kick-Off Get ready for summer at the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve’s Family Camping Season Kick-off on Sunday, June 2.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve will take over McDonald Campground in Sidney (10740 McDonald Park Rd) from 11am– 2pm. Drop in during those hours and roam from site to site for mini camping workshops taught by Parks Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Girl Guides of Canada and the Alpine Club of Canada.

There will be something for both new and experienced campers of all ages: roast bannock and pineapple kabobs; taste demo meals cooked in Dutch ovens in the fire or on high tech cook stoves; practice tying the perfect knot for a rain tarp. Play camping

At SMS, our most curious adventurers have one thing in common: they’re all girls.

Our natural campus is sure to pique your daughter’s interest. Register now for Summer Camps and for Fall 2013.

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL

DAY GRADES: PRESCHOOL-12 | BOARDING GRADES: 7-12

Find out why girls thrive here: www.stmarg.ca 6 Island Parent Magazine

1080 Lucas Drive, Victoria BC | 250-479-7171 www.kidsinvictoria.com

games with the kids; try a no-fail way to start a campfire; ask experts about the best tent for you, or the best way to set up the tent you have.

Your Local Consignment Stores Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store • Stylish infant, kids & teen clothing • Toys & equipment • Maternity & women’s wear • New baby shoes, carriers and accessories 424 Craigflower Rd, Victoria 250-382-5225 www.sailorjack.ca

Kinderbeez Children’s Consignment Store

Plan your summer camping trip in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve with advice from park staff. Add a cultural element to your summer and find out about the new Otentik program at Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites. Decide to go off the beaten path and get back-country camping advice. Whatever camping adventure you choose, kick off the summer right at Parks Canada’s fun celebration.

The event will happen, rain or shine. Park at Blue Heron Park and follow the signs to the campground. For more information, visit parkscanada.gc.ca/gulfislands or call 250-654-4000 or toll-free 1-866-944-1744.

Wild About Whales Derby Cheer your whale down the Gorge for a chance to win incredible prizes at a free family event on Saturday, June 15. Funds raised at the Wild About Whales Derby support Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs in Greater Victoria. Bring the whole family to enjoy the race and the other activities, including a BBQ, free facepainting, water-themed children’s activities, and more.

You can “adopt” a whale for a chance to win one of six prizes. Tickets are on sale now from Boys & Girls Clubs. Single whales cost $5, a Pod Pack costs $20 (for 5 whales) and a Leviathan Pack is $100 for 25 whales.

There are great prizes for the top six

www.IslandParent.ca

• New and gently used name brand children’s and maternity items • Toys, books, shoes, clothing, furniture, strollers and more • BOB, Britax, Sophie, Melissa and Doug and more 110-2763 Beverly Street, Duncan 250-748-2345 kinderbeez@shaw.ca

Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana

Abra-Kid-Abra is having our 30 year anniversary. Watch out for our special one day sale to celebrate the event. We will take 30% off every new item in the store.

Come in and see the Sunday Afternoon hats, UB2 Urban Bonnets, UV wear and toys for the beach—all your summer needs.

In 30 years we have listened to our customers and learned the needs of young families and grandparents. Those with visiting family can depend on us for quality, well priced rentals.

To our wonderful customers a big THANK YOU for 30 great years. We look forward to welcoming you into our store.

The place to spice up your wardrobe!

• Victoria’s Largest and Most Fun Consignment Experience!

• Hundreds of new arrivals…DAILY! • Clothing for women 13-93, including PLUS sizes • Casual styles for men

Abra-Kid-Abra

• Open 7 days

New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture

• No appt. necessary *see web for details

• Playroom for children

• Baby equipment & furniture rentals • New products include dress up, ballet clothes, rainwear, sunwear, shoes, toys, carriers, cloth diapers, and much more

103 – 797 Goldstream Ave, Victoria 250-391-6033 www.bajarosis.com

2024 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC 250-595-1613 www.abra-kid-abra.com

• Track your sales online • Payouts on demand

June 2013 7

IPM Notes Performing Arts School since 1980

-S ch o o l e r P r e m S um l as se s C & s p m Da n c e C a onths and up for ages

15 m

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

whales in the race. The first prize is a 7-day Holland America Cruise for 2 (maximum value $3,300); 2nd prize is return Westjet flights for two for anywhere WestJet flies; 3rd prize is a BBQ and/or patio furniture; 4th prize is an Apple 64GB iPad 4 with Wi-Fi; 5th prize is $500 cash; 6th prize is a Go Pro Hero 3 HD waterproof camera, tripod mount and chest harness.

All proceeds from the raffle and the event support Boys & Girls Clubs’ out-of-school programs that provide safe, supportive places for children and youth in Greater Victoria when they need them most.

Anyone can join in at the park to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the thousands of rubber whales racing to the finish line.

This event runs from 11:30am-2:30pm, with the race starting promptly at 1pm. Find out more at www.bgcvic.org/wildaboutwhales, or on Twitter @VicWhaleDerby.

Heritage DanceFest

Come Ride With Us This Summer!

Come celebrate Victoria’s ethnic energy as 15 dance groups take to the stage with vibrant costumes, traditional music, and exquisite choreography on Saturday, June 15 at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. With such diverse cultures participating as Chinese, Norwegian, French, Ukrainian and Irish, this event promises to be a feast for the senses and a celebration of the multicultural communities within Victoria. The performing begins at noon and runs continuously until 5pm. Pack a lunch, a picnic blanket, a hat and a sweater, and come for the day. Heritage DanceFest is a free event for the whole family.

Thanks to all of the local sponsors, especially Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, Toes ’n’ Taps Dance Shoppe and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre for their continued support of this event. For more information, visit www. veselkadancers.com or call 250-475-1174.

Dirt Bike Birthday Parties

Summer at the Library

We supply everything: Bike • Gear • Riding Lesson for ages 6yrs to adults over 30 bikes to choose from

Westshore Motocross Park No experience necessary 2207 Millstream Rd, Langford

250 590 8088 westshoremx.com 2207 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 0J7 Tel: 250.590.8088 Cel: 250.893.9547

8 Island Parent Magazine

Summer Reading Club 2013: Up, Up and Away!

Soar through the summer with GVPL’s free Summer Reading Club from June 27-August 31, for kids 12 and under.

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’re 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 27, you are invited to drop by your local library to pick up a self-paced reading record. For more information about the club, or to register for programs, check our website at www.gvpl.ca.

Summer Reading Buddies Reading Buddies pairs children who need extra reading practice with teen volunteers for fun literacy-based activities. Little Buddies and Big Buddies meet for an hour daily for one week. The program runs weekly at different branch libraries throughout the summer. Weekly sessions are available between July 8 and August 16. For children in Grades 2-4. Space is limited. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call your local branch for more information. Registration begins June 15.

Teen Volunteers Be a GVPL Big Buddy! If you like working with children, enjoy reading, and want to help struggling 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 8 and August 16. For ages 13-18. For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca. Registration begins June 15 online at www.gvpl.ca or in person at all branches.

Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers Volunteer using your skills with computers and other new technologies, and connect with someone in your community.

Teens earn volunteer hours and help adults with their questions about computers and gadgets. For ages 13-18. Register online at www.gvplca or email teens@gvpl.ca for more information. Registration for August Tech Buddies programs begins June 15.

Teen Summer Writing Contest Enter your original short story, poem, or song based on this year’s theme: If Only They Had Known. If your entry is selected by the judging panel, you will win a gift certificate for the store of your choice, up to $100 for first prize! For details, contest rules, and online entry form, see www.gvpl.ca/audiences/teens/teen-writing-contest beginning June 15. Contest runs June 15-August 17.

For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca.

Little Spirits Garden—A Walk to Remember A Walk to Remember, the fundraiser to make Little Spirits Garden a reality, aims to bring the community together to acknowledge the tragedy of pregnancy loss www.kidsinvictoria.com

and infant loss. This type of loss is often suffered alone, in silence. But no more. Those who have suffered this loss are invited to create a “walk team” of family members, friends and co-workers who are committed to showing their support both financially and by walking in this event. Members of the community can fight the stigma by standing up and saying “I am the face of miscarriage,” “I am the face of stillbirth,” “I am the face of infant loss,” and “Join me in A Walk to Remember.”

Funds raised will go toward ensuring memorial options at Little Spirits Garden are provided to families at little to no cost.

All families need the opportunity to grieve, regardless of financial circumstance.

The walk is on Saturday, June 22, from 11am-4pm at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive. Registration starts at 11am, walk begins at 11:30am. Create your team, register and pledge online at www.awalktoremember.ca. For more information on Little Spirits Garden, visit www.facebook. com/littlespiritsgarden.

Touch-a-Truck & Help the Kids Join the Team 4 Hope’s 2nd annual Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday, June 23 for paediatric cancer research to help give hope to children battling neuroblastoma. Bring your family along to get behind the wheel and explore trucks of all kinds, including firetrucks, police cars, excavators, cement trucks and more. This fun-filled afternoon also includes a host of family activities, a performance by Victoria’s “King of Magic,” and a barbecue sponsored by Fairway Markets. Last year’s event was a success, raising over $4,300 for neuroblastoma research.

Neuroblastoma is an aggressive and deadly nervous system tumor that is usually diagnosed in children age six and younger.

It affects approximately 70 children in Canada per year. The chance for survival is grim, as neuroblastoma often comes back after treatment. After relapse, there is no standard treatment protocol and no cure.

Due to the limited amount of neuroblastoma research, the survival rate has not changed significantly in the past 20 years.

The Team 4 Hope is trying to initiate a positive change in neuroblastoma survival rates. Their team raised over $51,000 for neuroblastoma research in 2011 and $106,482 in 2012.

The event is on Sunday, June 23 from 11am-3pm at Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive in North Saanich.

www.IslandParent.ca

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

Notary Public Services Legal Services Made Easy… ➢ Notary Public Services ➢ Real Estate Transfers ➢ Mortgages/Credit Lines ➢ Signatures/Notarizations ➢ Wills/ Powers of Attorney ➢ Child Travel Letters

Tim Shipley

1551 Pandora Ave. 250-592-4342 www.shipleygroup.net Stadacona Centre

June 2013 9

IPM Notes Tickets: $15 per family (advance), $20 per family (at the door), or $5 for individual tickets. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.team4hope.com or contact Melissa at melissa.drolet@gmail.com or 250-6555009.

Ride Don’t Hide On Sunday, June 23, hundreds of Victoria cyclists will gather for one of 13 Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don’t Hide (RDH) events in communities throughout B.C. to battle mental illness stigma and to celebrate and strengthen the mental health of women and families.

The event is inspired by Ride Don’t Hide creator, Michael Schratter, a Vancouver school teacher living with bipolar disorder, who spent almost a year and a half cycling 40,000 km around the globe, raising $100,000 for Canadian Mental Health Association. All he had was a bike, a knapsack and a determination to help create awareness and empower the 1 in 5 people who experience mental illness.

Now that he has returned, Schratter is calling on others whose lives have been affected by mental illness to “Ride Don’t Hide” in community bike rides taking place across B.C. Funds raised will be used to enhance mental health for women and their families.

Mental illnesses of all kinds carry a stigma. Depression in particular is something we don’t often talk about. Some people see it as a kind of personal failing instead of a mental illness, and few seem willing to step in when they see another person struggling with depression.

The Victoria RDH Family Ride on June 23, starting at Ogden Point, will help raise awareness about the stigma against mental illness.

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels—family/beginner, intermediate and advanced— are invited show their support for mental health by participating in Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don’t Hide.

To learn more and to sign up for the ride in Victoria, visit www.ridedonthide.com.

Friendly Advice from Canadian Kids The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) invites kids from across Canada to participate in the Friendly Advice From Canadian Kids! art contest. Contest deadline is Friday, June 28.

10 Island Parent Magazine

The theme for this year’s art contest is the importance of friendships. The CPS is asking Canadian children and youth to consider what it means to be a good friend, and why friends are so important.

Young artists can enter the contest with a drawing or painting that illustrates how friends and friendships keep them happy and healthy.

Participants can win one of four Chapters gift cards, and 12 pieces will be chosen to appear in the 2014 CPS member calendar.

The contest is open to all children and youth under the age of 18 who live in Canada. Download the contest entry form at www.caringforkids.cps.ca for full contest details, or contact 613-526-9397, ext. 234 or lindsayc@cps.ca for more information.

Celebrate Summer with SportStart According to statistics from the Public Health Agency of Canada, childhood obesity continues to rise. In B.C. our children tend to be more active, which leads to a more active and healthy adult population.

But, according to the federal government’s 2007 statistics, over 10 per cent of B.C. youth were reportedly obese.

Technology certainly plays a part in childhood inactivity. Our kids seem to be more interested in playing video games than in exploring the great outdoors. That’s why it’s crucial for us to introduce our kids to sports.

Of course there are other barriers to physical activity. That’s why the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) and its partner, Island Savings, offer the SportStart grant. Through the SportStart program, registration fees to sport programming are not a barrier.

This summer PISE will offer over 20 sport camps and sport-specific programs for youth on the island. To learn more about SportStart, visit www.piseworld.com/pisesportstart-grant.

Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!

The MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...

Do it!) 10-week healthy lifestyle program is available to families in Saanich with children aged 7-13 who are above a healthy weight.

Sessions aim to improve children’s physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.

With one in four children above a healthy weight, this new program run by Saanich Parks & Recreation aims to improve the health of local kids. During the program, families learn about nutrition and how to make healthy choices while children take

part in fun games and activities. MEND is not a weight loss program—it is about empowering children and their families, using a practical interactive learning approach to teach children and parents skills for healthy living.

MEND was developed in the United Kingdom and tested by leading experts in child nutrition, child behaviour and exercise.

In 2011, MEND was adapted to align with Canadian dietary and policy guidelines.

Independent research demonstrated that children who attended the MEND program experienced long-term health benefits, including weight loss and improvements in fitness and self-esteem.

MEND is one component of the Childhood Healthy Weights Intervention Initiative, a new initiative launched in April 2013 by the Childhood Obesity Foundation in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health. The Childhood Obesity Foundation has partnered with the YMCA and BC Recreation and Parks Association to bring MEND to communities throughout B.C. The MEND program will be delivered by the YMCA and BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) member Parks & Recreation Departments, with support from the Childhood Obesity Foundation. For information on the next session and program details, visit www.saanich.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Give Back Together, we can help children reach their full potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is all about people, working with community volunteers who mentor local children, and supporting families in neighbourhoods from Sooke to Salt Spring Island. BBBS supports children in building confidence, resiliency and self-esteem, engaging in positive risk-taking, and learning to succeed in school, at home, and in our community.

Why Give?

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children reach their full potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with proven results: • More children doing better in school • More of our communities’ children making positive life choices • Fewer children being victimized or bullied by peers • More children who get along better with their family and friends

www.kidsinvictoria.com

• Fewer children resorting to violence as a way to solve their problems.

How to Participate Build a team of family members, colleagues, or friends, set a goal and raise money and/or awareness in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Fundraising can take a few minutes, a few hours, or longer—you choose the activity, the time, and your donation amount.

Get creative with your ideas. Place a donation jar on your reception desk at work or collect spare change in a jar at home.

Participate in a sponsored walk or run.

Host a party, barbecue, or games night and sell snacks. Have a garage sale at home or at the office. Shave your hair or beard for pledges. Find art and other items to host a silent auction. Invite 10 friends to make a donation.

BBBS staff will support teams and provide fundraising ideas, information, pledge sheets, brochures, challenge updates and mentoring stories to share with team members and supporters. Visit www.bbbsvictoria.com or call 250-475-1117.

WIN’s 100 Women Campaign Victoria Women in Need (WIN) supports women to live passionate, goal-oriented, self-sufficient lives. Every woman’s journey between crisis and wellness is unique. Over the past 20 years, WIN has helped more than 18,000 women in Victoria.

In partnership with organizations in Victoria, WIN provides gift certificates so women can purchase the items they need for themselves and their children. Under the New Start Program, WIN provides women leaving transition houses with furniture and household items to set up their new homes.

WIN’s Self Sufficiency Program provides women with access to one-on-one support, training, community connections and money to assist them in achieving their career goals.

WIN’s newest program, Transformations, supports women to develop a deeper understanding of their personal power, connect with one another and explore opportunities to make new choices in their lives.

Thanks to the generosity of the Victoria community, WIN is able to fund all of its programs through the proceeds from its

three Resale Shops and financial donations from the community. WIN’s annual fundraising initiative, The 100 Women Campaign, has a goal of raising $100,000.

WIN’s Transformations and Self Sufficiency programs will be offered to 100 women with the funding efforts of the campaign.

Join WIN to empower women to reconnect with their dreams and accomplish their goals as vibrant, self-sustaining women in our community. For more information, visit www.100women.ca.•

Test Your Limits for Primal Fun & Games!

In Victoria and Nanaimo, WildPlay Element Parks offer four different adventure recreation experiences: Ride the 140’ Primal Swing for a playground pastime with heartpumping height and speed. Take a Bungy Jump from the 150’ bridge for a memorable thrill. Soar swift and carefree across the Nanaimo River Canyon on the DragonFLY Zip Lines. Unleash your inner-monkey on the exclusive Monkido Aerial Adventure, where tree-top games reach new heights! www.WildPlay.com

Summer learning camps… find the clues...learn where those words and numbers hide.... create your own kit-bag of games and strategies!

Math and language arts options available the weeks of August 12–16 and August 19–23 Sidney, Victoria and the Westshore Call 250-388-7225 for information about camp schedules and our remedial services

www.readsociety.bc.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013 11

Rachel Dunstan Muller

A Green Birthday Party I

ON NOW This exhibition recounts the dramatic contest between the Norwegian Roald Amundsen and the Englishman Robert Falcon Scott to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1912.

Get your tickets today.

SUMMER CAMP:

BASE CAMP Enrol you child in in these week long summer camps at the Royal BC Museum.

Ages 8-10 July 8-12 & 22-26 August 12-16 & 19-23 9am – 4pm Secure your spot at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 12 Island Parent Magazine

’ll be honest: I wasn’t especially eager to organize a birthday party for my six-year-old last fall. Life had thrown me a few challenges, and I was secretly hoping she’d be content with the immediate and extended family celebrations we’d previously had to mark the occasion. But my daughter had other ideas.

Having gone to all of her friends’ parties, she just assumed that she’d be having one, too.

To get the ball rolling, she went ahead and hand-printed invitations for all the girls in her class. I only learned about them when she came to ask me the time and date of her party, which she recognized were essential invitation details. There was really only one response to this kind of initiative—I found space on the calendar.

Birthday parties are never stress-free events. There are time issues, budget issues—not to mention the pressure to meet a birthday child’s expectations. But I felt an additional (admittedly self-imposed) pressure last fall. I’d been writing about environmental issues in this magazine for several years, and many of the moms I know read these articles. So if I was going to host a party, it had to be a green party!

I found plenty of inspiration on the web and from other planet-conscious moms. In case you’re planning a birthday celebration soon, here are some earth-friendly ideas: Decorations: You don’t need disposable commercial decorations to make your venue festive. A reclaimed sheet or tablecloth can be transformed into a lovely reusable birthday banner with a sewing machine or paints.

Excess children’s artwork can be cut into strips and made into paper chains (with your child’s permission and help, of course). If you don’t have artwork to spare, enlist your child to paint newspaper with tempera and cut it into strips instead. Provide materials for your guests to make and/or decorate their own party hats. (I pre-made sturdy crowns for my daughter’s guests with cardboard inserts from liquor store boxes, decorated with wallpaper samples and buttons.) As a substitute for balloons, consider making colorful tissue paper pompoms with paper

from your “re-use” stash (you can Google the instructions). If you’ve got the storage space, you can even save the pompoms for future celebrations.

Gifts: I’m a big fan of toonie parties— where guests are invited to bring a toonie instead of a gift. The birthday loot is then split between the birthday child and a charitable cause of their choice. It’s a particularly good idea when the guest list is long and you don’t want your child to be

buried in presents. Some additional green suggestions: have a book-themed party, and suggest guests bring a book as their gift. Make a homemade piñata, and invite guests to contribute their favorite bag of candy in lieu of a present. Go really green, and invite guests to bring a pre-loved toy for a birthday toy swap.

Food: Making what you can from scratch takes more time, but gives you control over ingredients and helps limit waste packaging. A few green ideas: make popcorn from bulk-purchased kernels. Make cupcakes, and have guests decorate them with homemade icing and colored coconut. Skip the juice boxes, and serve punch from a jug.

Give yourself bonus points if you can source some of your refreshments locally!

Dishes and Tableware: They’re convenient, but disposable paper and plastic products are a big source of waste at most children’s parties. You can reduce your event’s footwww.kidsinvictoria.com

print significantly by using real plates, cutlery, napkins, etc. Don’t have enough for your guests? Stock up at a garage sale or thrift store, and you’ll never have to buy disposables again. You can even use real dishes at an away-from-home party.

Just bring a few sturdy boxes or totes to transport the dirty dishes home.

Activities: My children have loved every activity-based party they’ve attended, whether the activity was swimming, skating,

Birthday parties are never stress-free events. There are time issues, budget issues— not to mention the pressure to meet a birthday child’s expectations. gymnastics or bowling. They’ve also loved the home-based parties that featured crafts or scavenger hunts. But kids don’t need tons of programming to have fun. Get them together, give them something to do and/or space to play, and they’ll have a good time.

Party favours: I liked my friend’s recent goody bag solution. She had her young daughters paint paper lunch bags with simple pictures, and then the guests filled them with a modest amount of candy from a homemade piñata. For additional creative and sustainable party favour ideas, you can’t beat Pinterest. A quick search will turn up instructions for cloth bags, homemade playdough, paper pinwheels, origami animals, seeds in child-painted clay pots…and many more nifty things.

Keep it simple! My daughter’s “green” party was a success, but in retrospect I probably went overboard in my preparations. I spent many hours making birthday crowns and party decorations from materials in my stash. I whipped up DIY party favours and baked the birthday cake from scratch.

I carefully planned a string of activities to keep the guests entertained from start to finish. And the result? The guests enjoyed themselves—but I suspect they would have had just as much fun with half the effort on my part. All that really mattered in the end was that everyone was included, and that the birthday girl felt special. Everything else was icing.

Stay in Richmond

Play for FREE* in Metro Vancouver!

Get a FREE Vancouver Attraction Access Pass* and see the best of Vancouver by staying 25-minutes away in Richmond. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Science World at Telus World of Science, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Lookout and much more. With a value of over $800 for a family of four, it might just be the best summer getaway yet!

Visit richmondplayforfree.com/Island or call 1-877-247-0777 for details. *Valid on new bookings for stays between June 15 and September 15, 2013 of three consecutive nights or more. No cash value. One Attraction Access Pass per person.

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

June 2013 13

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

A Call to Order T

he urge started a month before the birth of my first child. It was an obsessive call to orderliness—there were cupboards to be organized, closets to be arranged and, most imperative, little baby wash towels that needed to be individually folded like spring rolls with delicately tucked edges. “Oh yeah, definitely a nesting instinct,” I overheard my husband on the phone one night.

But it never faded. Eight years later, what began as a nesting instinct has transformed into a “homing” instinct, a compulsion to “mother” my house. I embrace it as an extension of my sense of responsibility and service towards my home and my family. It is a welcome change from life on my own, which just didn’t have the same feeling of purposefulness. However, with a large nest and four little chicks fluttering about, putting the twigs back into their proper place and maintaining a sense of order can often seem overwhelming.

It’s not just me. Not a single conversation with my girlfriends goes by without some selfconscious, guilt-ridden discussion about either how messy our homes are or how we need to become more organized.

14 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Here’s a window into my home. Look at all familiar?

• Drop zones with bills to be paid, recipes that will never be tried and an innumerable collection of children’s artwork • Little wicker baskets and bowls brimming with homeless trinkets from loot bags and kinder surprise eggs, biding their time till they can safely be thrown away without fear of reproach • Dried out blobs of toothpaste stuck to the bathroom sink, the proud efforts of little hands with awkward dexterity • A kitchen floor that looks like it hasn’t been swept in forever, though in reality the bent and splayed bristles of the broom tell a woeful tale of exhaustion and overuse • A vacuum that frantically whips around the house in those final few hours/minutes before the arrival of friends, smashing into corners and furniture and causing even more damage.

“Let your house be,” counsels my mother.

It’s a piece of advice I’ve heard echoed before and one that I have never quite understood.

I acknowledge that I need to practice more tolerance, flexibility and understanding when it comes to my home. “You have four children; what do you expect?” questions my husband. It is true that for some of us, maintaining our homes can become an obsession. Sometimes it is at the expense of spending time with our children, nurturing their sense of mastery and independence, which often goes hand in hand with spills, and allowing them to be “creatively messy.”

However, as Tao Te Ching writes, “Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts.” For me, the reality is that the more I delay the inevitable, the more it piles up to a seemingly insurmountable state. And the more it piles up, the more motivation I lack.

Left unchecked, it would become a vicious cycle. Where then is the balance between acceptance and excellence when it comes to the state of our homes? How do you know when to just let it go and when to dig down and get at it?

Strike a Chord

www.IslandParent.ca

Wilderness Skills

Oak and Orca Summer Program

Multi-age Experiential Learning Twice-weekly Cycling Field Trips

(250) 383-6609 oakandorca.ca

A bioregional program encouraging children to connect with the natural spaces and cultural heritage of our home place.

July 2nd to Aug. 30th Located in Victoria at 2738 Higgins St. Oak and Orca School offers three certified options for children: Kindergarten to Grade 10 School Hands-On Home-Learning (K-9) Pre-primary School (ages 3-5)

oakandorca.ca (250) 383-6609 1-888-383-6619

When I was in school, my father would always say, “A cluttered desk, a cluttered mind.” To this day, this adage describes how I feel when my house reaches a certain threshold of discord. Negotiating LEGO® and itty-bitty Playmobil pieces on the floor, mountains of laundry on top of the dryer, shoes piled in the entrance way of the house and muddle on my counters, makes me feel

Bioregional Themes

June 2013 15

Emmanuel Baptist Church Summer Programs 2013 Please register according to your child’s grade this Fall.

*Children must be 4 yrs old by Dec 31, 2013 to attend these camps.

Camp

Dates Times Ages Fees

Friends & Leadership July 2–5 9am–3pm

Camp out on Thurs Nt.

Gr. 6–12

$90

Wet & Wild

July 8–12

9am–3pm

Gr. 2–5

$90

Fun with Colours

July 15–19

9am–Noon

Age 4 – Gr. 1*

$50

VBS: “SKY” July 22–26 9am–Noon Age 4 – Gr. 5* Everything is possible with God

$25/$20/$15

Science & Soccer

$90

1st/2nd/3rd in

same family

July 29 – Aug 2

9am–3pm

Gr. 2–5

VBS: “Power Lab” Aug 12–16 9am–Noon Age 4 – Gr. 5* Discovering Jesus’ Power

$25/$20/$15

1st/2nd/3rd in

same family

Register: 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road at the Cedar Hill Cross Road & Henderson entrance to UVic Ph 250-592-2418 Fax 250-592-4646 office @emmanuelvictoria.ca emmanuelvictoria.ca

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

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com

Play & Create

Forge Camps Ages Fun & Affordable!

7-12

Art Camps Sport Camps Create Camps Registration and Information camps@theforgechurch.com 16 Island Parent Magazine

250.884.1734

restless, edgy and drained. I crank at my husband, I crank at my children. I can’t think.

Any sense of accomplishment, productivity or forward momentum becomes stalled. My life feels noisy and off-key.

Orderliness can be music to our children’s ears, too. At one point, my eldest daughter’s room got to such a state that I gave up nagging, rolled up my sleeves and, like a human excavator, shoveled till I reached bare floor. “Oh thank you, thank you, Mama!” she exclaimed when she returned home from school, hugging and kissing me. Her typical grumpy mood changed as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. I could tell that she felt a sense of relief and I realized that it was not that she was indifferent to the mess, but more that she felt overwhelmed and paralyzed, not knowing where to begin. And with a clean room, she felt a greater capacity for creativity, joyfully rearranging the furniture in her room into different configurations.

Virtues Project founder Linda KavelinPopov writes, “Orderliness is living in a way that creates harmony around us and within us.” When achieved, it facilitates a sense of peacefulness, creativity and mindfulness that can dramatically alter the pace of our lives and the nature of our interactions with our families. For our children, orderliness can allow them to feel secure and gain a sense of control and predictability, regardless of how overwhelming, confusing and chaotic the big world outside may feel.

What that harmony looks like depends on each person’s or family’s individual rhythm.

Whatever the order we have created or are striving to create, it should allow us to spend our time and energy effectively and sustainably, providing a sense of freedom that allows us to focus on the important.

So if the state of your home is getting in the way of harmony in your family life, perhaps some orderliness is in order.

Practice Beauty Orderliness is about creating a space of beauty. When we are in the presence of beauty, we feel inspired and engaged. My son’s new object of beauty is his baseball glove. He treasures and caresses it, almost reverently, making a special place for it, keeping it safe from the destructive forces of younger siblings and sometimes even cleaning it to keep it bright and shiny. Everything about his new baseball glove is “in order” and it evokes within him a sense of responsibility, respect and caring. Giving it

TheForgeChurch.com/camps www.kidsinvictoria.com

our best effort to keep our homes looking fresh, orderly and beautiful can engage and connect our children in a similar manner. It is this thinking that is the basis for inner city beautification projects aimed at reducing vandalism and graffiti.

We can practice beauty and establish order regardless of where we live or what we own.

Someone once asked my mother-in-law, “Do you feel embarrassed when friends come to this place to visit you?” At the time, she, my father-in-law and their two young children were living in a low-rental housing plan in Chatham, Ontario. The complex was new and initially the neighbourhood seemed fine, but bit by bit things began to deteriorate. Junk and garbage began to pile up in the yards, doors were broken, clotheslines were snapped. In answer to the question, my mother-in-law replied, “When I step through our door I am home and I am full of gratitude for that. I love looking after my home and the people I love no matter where that might be.” Orderliness can help us feel beautiful, aware of our dignity and knowing that we are worthy and have nothing to feel ashamed of.

Have an Open House In the early weeks following the birth of my fourth child, our community health nurse would come over for regular checkups. She was incredibly supportive, tending not only to needs of my newborn but to my family’s collective needs; reading to my other children while I nursed or helping take a batch of muffins out of the oven. But the day she offered to take out my overflowing garbage, I felt mortified and embarrassed. I became overwhelmed by a sense of self-consciousness. Had she triggered my feelings of not-enoughness? Perhaps I feared what other imperfections she might discover? Why did I interpret her actions as a judgment instead of a most welcome act of helpfulness?

Often times, we close the door to community and connection because we feel too embarrassed over the state of our homes.

When I was growing up, I remember my parents shushing us when someone rang the doorbell—we pretended we were not at home, hoping that they would go away for fear that our messy house would be discovered, even though in hindsight, it was never really that messy. “I’ll have you over once my house is organized,” I’ve heard so many girlfriends say. Sometimes I wish we could all just admit to each other that mess

www.IslandParent.ca

in a household with children is inevitable and that none of our houses remain clean and spotless at all times. At least it would remove the additional unwarranted pressure of, “What will they think?”

Our choice then is to either keep immaculate show homes, which is virtually impossible with children, or to accept that our homes are works in progress. It has taken me a long time to allow friends to wipe the crumbs and goo off my table without feeling that sense of judgment. What does it matter if I am loading the dishwasher while someone stands on the other side of the counter and chats? One of the best visits I ever had with my sister-in-law was when we both sat down on the couch with a glass of wine and folded my laundry together. It was a fun way to visit and connect while getting the job done.

A Tall Order?

I flip through my beautiful colour-coded, meticulously organized daytimer and suddenly bold scribbles in brown and red leap out at me. My planner has been highjacked by my two youngest children! I admit to feeling irritated and grouchy. But I step back and ask myself these important questions.

Does my planner still do what it is intended to do? Does it free my mind and provide me with a sense of peacefulness and confidence? Does it still organize my thoughts and allow me to plan with purpose? Does it provide my life with a feeling of flow and forward momentum? If I can answer yes to these questions, the next question then is, can I tolerate the scribbles, accept them and perhaps even smile and appreciate them as an extension of my children’s simplicity and joyfulness? Answering these same questions when it comes to our homes can provide us with perceptive wisdom on how to achieve a balanced approach to orderliness.

Orderliness can be a tall order, but with humility and perseverance it can be achieved no matter where or how you live. The light at the end of the tunnel is homes that reflect on the outside what we personally all strive to achieve on the inside—not perfect, just human with virtuous potential. That alone is worth the commitment.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator, trained Virtues Project facilitator, and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” on Salt Spring Island airwaves at CFSI 107.9 FM.

June 2013 17

Ashley Marston

My Former Self Where Oh Where did I go…?

Lately, I have realized, I am “not myself.”

The old me was 15 pounds lighter—and fit! She never missed wax appointments. She always shaved her legs, painted her toenails and applied mascara before going anywhere.

Her daily wardrobe was more than stretchy pants, flowing tops and baggy sweaters.

This was my former self. Now she is lost.

In the last two days I have been peed on, pooped on and puked on more times than I can count. And yes, I know it comes with the territory, but what worries me is my lack of accompanying concern. Most people would run and change after spit up ran down their shoulder. But I don’t. I wipe it off and just keep on going. Then I head into town and wonder “Who smells like baby vomit?”

Oh wait…it’s me.

Yesterday it was poop on my shirt. Today it’s pee on my lululemons. Tomorrow… who knows?

I’m trying to make it back. One step at a time, literally. But at the end of the day if

it’s a choice between shaving my legs and getting into bed early, I’m going to pick the delightfulness of my flannel sheets.

The truth is I don’t have time to care, let alone time to get this stuff done.

The days are like marathons. Even the days that run smoothly with happy babies and coinciding naps. Those are still half marathons.

And I am surprised at it all.

I’ve heard of this happening. I just never thought it would happen to me.

At the end of the day, I just want to be still.

I’m lucky: I am blessed with sleeping children. So generally I don’t hear a peep from any one of them until 7 a.m.

And maybe that’s how I manage—if managing is me tired, blotchy, stinky and frizzy.

I’ll make it back. I see glimmers of my old self once in a while. Maybe tomorrow I’ll put some jeans on. Maybe a bra. Maybe I’ll start changing diapers in stilettos and arrive at parent-teacher interviews wearing false eyelashes and a party dress.

Maybe not.

I have to laugh. I have to remember that I won’t smell like puke forever. One day I may even come to miss it. And the day when both of my babies are using the potty all on their own, I will long for those few moments of “us” time we had while changing their little bums.

So I’m here to embrace it! And no, that doesn’t mean I’m still going to wear my stinky shirts. For the sake of the townspeople of Ladysmith, I will be more diligent about wearing fresh clothes.

It just means that I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. I’m 15 pounds heavier because I had two babies…IN ONE YEAR! I was peed on because I spent an extra minute or two singing “The Bear Necessities” on the floor with a diaperless Tate.

And the puke on my shirt happened while holding Sofie upright so I could smell the nape of her neck.

These are the moments I care about much more than the size of my waist or the bags under my eyes. Much more.

As a busy mom of three, Ashley Marston finds comfort in the humour, lessons and love of chronicling the days of her “Irish Twins” (born 11 months apart) through her blog at www.luckycharmsblog.com.

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

Over 18 Years Experience (Music Therapy Available) Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals M.Ed. Developmental Psychology (UVic) | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com Also Playing

FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES SHACKLETON’S ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE THE LAST REEF & MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES end June 13

Opens June 14

OBLIVION (Tom Cruise)

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com 18 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Yo! Papa

Wisdom, Tips, Advice & Ramblings “The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.”

– Abbé Prévost

Sarah Booth Photography, www.sarahboothphotography.com

Top 10 Dad Blogs according to Babble.com

1. Black Hockey Jesus (Babble Best), Author Unknown (thebhj.com) 2. How to be a Dad (The Funniest), Charlie Capen & Andy Herald (www.howtobeadad.com) 3. Sweet Juniper (2nd Best Design), Jim D. Griffioen (www.sweet-juniper.com) 4. Dadcentric (Best Group Blog), Jason Avant et al (www.dadcentric.com) 5. Lesbian Dad (Most Groundbreaking), Polly Pagenhart (www.lesbiandad.net) 6. Dad Wagon (5th Funniest), Nathan Thornburgh et al (www.dadwagon.com) 7. Out-Numbered (3rd Most Confessional), Jason Mayo (www.outnumberedonline.com) 8. Wired’s Geek Dad (Most Useful), Various Authors (www.wired.com/geekdad) 9. Metro Dad (9th Best Written), Pierre Kim (www.metrodad.com) 10. Dad Labs (5th Most Useful), Various Authors (www.dadlabs.com)

The Male Experience of Pregnancy: Symptoms of Couvade: Gastritis • Food Cravings • Nausea & Vomitting • Increased/Decreased Appetite • Diarrhea • Weight Gain • Constipation • Headache • Toothache • Nosebleed • Itch • Muscle Tremors • Rashes • Sties or Cysts • Abdominal Pain • Bloating • Indigestion • Three Things You Should Do Before Buying a Stroller

Skillet Chicken with Spicy Pepperoni-Tomato Sauce cooking spray 20 slices pepperoni (can use turkey pepperoni), coarsely chopped 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes 2 tsp olive oil 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves of garlic, minced 11⁄2 cups tomato pasta sauce 1⁄4 tsp dried oregano 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 11⁄2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat broiler to high.

Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add garlic and pepperoni; cook 2 minutes or until garlic begins to brown, stirring frequently.

Add oregano; cook 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil. Sprinkle chicken with pepper. Add chicken to skillet; cook 5–6 minutes or until lightly browned, turning after 3 minutes and cook until chicken juices run clear. Spoon sauce over chicken; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

(From Ambitious Kitchen, www.ambitiouskitchen.com.)

www.IslandParent.ca

1. Test Drive. Assess maneuverability and performance in tight corners. Can you steer it effectively with one hand? Are the handles high enough so that you aren’t hunched over?

Turn an aisle of the store into a slalom course where you can test its limits.

2. Inspect Moving Parts. Collapse and expand the unit. Can you do it with one hand (assuming the baby will be in the other)? Test the locking mechanism, reclining mechanism, and brakes. Are they well made? Userfriendly? Is there a five-point safety harness?

Shake the stroller to determine sturdiness.

3. Lift and Carry. Would you be ble to carry it up a flight of stairs? Would your partner be able to hoist it into the trunk? Remember that you’re also going to be hauling diapers, wipes, toys, bottles, and up to 12 kilograms of baby.

Some misguided parents think it’s a good idea to “let the baby choose,” by putting her in various strollers to see how she reacts. This is a very bad idea, mostly because babies cry for many different reasons, and what you think is a stroller rejection may be a hunger pang.

From Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads by Gary Greenberg & Jeannie Hayden. Simon & Schuster, 2004.

June 2013 19

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Do you have a little girl who likes to dance, jump and juggle?

Register her for a class at Island Rhythmics!

Jeanne Petit-Humphries

My Sticker Family

I

have six of them. The muscular hammer wielding daddy, the book-loving mommy, the three dancing girls and the cat. Yes, even our much-loved cat that spends most of his days looking for the softest spot to sleep in the house is stuck to my car.

I know what you’re thinking. I have become one of “them.” One of those annoying people who have stickers on their car that tell everyone in the world, or at least those driving behind them, about who they are.

Shocked? Appalled? Dismayed? Critical?

Well, I was too.

“Daddy.” I joined in, unable to resist their excitement. I hate to admit it, but it was fun. We laughed and perhaps made a bit too much noise as we attempted to make up our family out of these stereotypical and often quite sexist representations of our Western society.

Somehow, a few giggles later, I found myself at the till spending more money than I care to divulge on what I still fundamentally consider to be plastic monstrosities.

Then, I actually stuck them to my car for the world to see.

In a world where privacy is the most valued human right, where forms must be signed to take a picture of your child’s hands, it seems odd that so many of us are OK about telling the world about the size, shape, and interests of our families—on the back of our cars.

At first I wasn’t sure how to feel about these stickers. My natural tendency was to judge and to tell anyone willing to listen that this was just another commercial ploy to make us spend a lot of money on plastic.

Then, one rainy Saturday morning, strolling through the mall with my three kids, I found myself in front of one of those stores that sells everything for nothing. There was a display of these ridiculous stick figure stickers that I had almost managed to walk by when one of my children said “Oh look, there’s Mommy!” She did not see the crass commercialism or the disposability of these objects, she just saw something amusing. Soon, all three girls were looking for

Who can blame me? I was with kids who saw the fun and giggle-inducing aspects of this exercise. Children who did not have the jaded perspective that I seem to have nowadays about just about everything. For my kids, these stickers were our family and nothing more.

Three months later, I am still driving down the streets of Victoria, half cringing in shame about being a part of this latest fad, half proud of having made my kids really happy.

I realize now that when I look around at other cars, I actually enjoy seeing who else is out there. Knowing that the balding man in the mini van ahead of me has two boys and, gasp, three dogs makes me somewhat more tolerant about the fact that he is driving 23 kilometers an hour in a 50km zone.

Seeing these stickers helps me remember that there is a human in the car ahead of me. It helps humanize the world and makes me realize we aren’t anonymous robots driving around, but people with families, pets and,

Classes for girls 3 and up Contact us to register for our fall session

www.islandrhythmics.com 250-514-6761

20 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

I am discovering, quite interesting pastimes and careers. This is refreshing. I enjoy getting to know about the people around me, something we don’t get to do as much nowadays because of privacy issues.

Privacy, or our perceived need for privacy, is a relatively new phenomenon, spurred on, ironically, by a lessening divide between our public and private selves. Before, and I know I am glamorizing the past as I increasingly tend to do these days, everyone knew everyone, it seemed. At least everyone in your community did. You didn’t need stickers to tell you that it was the mother from down the street with her four kids in the car ahead of you. You just knew her.

Now we have changed the scale of our intimacy. We feel more comfortable sharing our every thought with virtual friends, people who do not know us, but have become increasingly private when it comes to divulging our real identity. Who can blame us when we are constantly being reminded to keep firm holds on our privacy? We must never let anyone know our birth date, our maiden name (oh, such an antiquated notion), or what we are thinking—unless this is done in strict anonymity.

For this reason, we are comfortable telling our virtual community about what we ate for dinner, and that the little one just lost his second baby tooth, but we hesitate to say this to the people around us, those who are in the parking lots, the streets and in our neighbourhoods—the people who are actually closer to you than your eighth grade boyfriend who virtually befriended you only to see how you look 20 years later.

So, I am eating crow. I am ready to admit that these sticker families are kind of fun.

They have forced me to open up to the world and believe that fun and innocence can still exist, even in this apparently scary, identity-theft world that I live in. My family stickers have made me question if we have perhaps gone too far in protecting our privacy in the real world, in the world that we actually live in.

Maybe these stick figures are a good reminder that there is no harm in being aware of the people around you. At the very least, my sticker family makes it a whole heck of a lot easier to find my car in a parking lot because these days, there seem to be quite a few grey Honda Odysseys out there. Now, though, I know that there are none quite like mine.

Jeanne Petit-Humphries is the proud owner of six of these stickers. www.IslandParent.ca

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY family centered practice extended hours evenings and weekends the latest equipment and caring staff request an appointment online

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com June 2013

21

Sue Urie

Best of Broadway Junior Camp, 4 to 6 years July 8 – 12 & Aug 19 – 23

Price: $195 + GST | Sibling Price: $150 + GST

Broadway and Beyond Mainstage Camp, 7 to 14 years July 8 – 12 & Aug 19 – 23

Price: $300 + GST | Sibling Price: $200 + GST

Nurturing and developing young peoples potential through dance, drama and singing

Email: langford@stagecoachschools.ca

Call: 250 743 0858 (Mill Bay)

22 Island Parent Magazine

The Summer To-Dos What’s On Your Bucket List?

I

t was the first Beach Days of the season with my wee kids and the effects on me and mine were wonderful.

With all three of us at the tail end of a sniffly, sneezy bug, the salt air and sea breeze were just what we needed. My five-year-old was pumped following his morning soccer game and, although my original plan was to get him home to take it easy for the rest of the day, I knew as the car reached the waterfront on the road home that I was going to cave.

My two-year-old pointed out the window, her chubby arm stretching out from her car seat strap, yelling excitedly.

“Mama!” she shrieked. “Ocean!…Dat de ocean!”

The parking lots were packed, the beach café and ice cream stand were already buzzing with customers, and on the sand and shoreline people stretched out on towels, blankets, and camp chairs. The tide pools filled up with kids, buckets and shovels at the ready for crab and sand dollar collecting, and one look in the rearview mirror at the two little faces behind me sealed the deal.

“We’re going to the beach,” I announced as I turned into a parking space directly in front of the steps leading from the boardwalk down to the shore.

That first day when shoes and socks come off and the hats and flip flops go on had been a long time coming. We deserved an unscheduled, just-because-it’ssunny kind of moment.

So off we went toward the sand with no buckets, blankets, swimsuits or picnic lunch. Only hats, bare feet, my camera and a need to just spend some time away from the scheduled existence we find ourselves enslaved in by this time every year.

Watching my two kids enthralled with slimy seaweed, scurrying crabs, quickas-a-wink tiny fish, and hundreds of shells, rocks and sea life inspired me to get cracking on that end-of-school-year “To-Do” list.

This year I’m determined to be somewhat organized so by the time that final school bell rings in late June, me and mine will hopefully have loads of time to do the simple things we all enjoy.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

So far, my summer To-Do list goes something like this:

1

Sort and pack away all cold weather clothes, boots, toques, gloves and heavy coats. Rain gear and puddle boots have to hang around—living on the Wet Coast and all, as well as for mucking out our goat pen—but everything else can be donated, passed down or thrown out. Bye bye work socks and Sorels. Hello water socks and flip flops.

Purge my first aid kit. Throw out any outdated medications or long-since-used first aid staples, and re-stock. When little legs go from being covered up in denim to out in the open under shorts and skirts, the bumps and scrapes that come along afterwards call for a fresh supply of bandages and a new tube of Polysporin cream. Mosquito, wasp, and bee stings are a part of summer, especially out here in the country. Refreshing the After Bite and/or herbal alternative supply is imperative.

Wasps are an issue on our property and when they bite, the sooner some type of relief is applied the better.

2

3

Buy sunscreen. After being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma just over 15 years ago, I don’t mess around with anything lower than SPF 30, both for myself and my kids. I’ve heard and read both sides of the sunscreen debate—that ingredients in some sunscreens are worse than any sunburn—but my memory is crystal clear of the chunk of flesh removed from the middle of my back. Sunscreen and hats are non-negotiable for me and mine.

Pull down the family calendar and see what’s pencilled in for July and August. I already know I have a few things scheduled but other than those dates, I am determined to keep those calendar squares under some kind of manageable control this year.

Have the ingredients for bubbles on hand. Blue Dawn liquid dish soap, white corn syrup and water in an ice cream bucket with the lid. Bubbles are on my Top 5 list of Best Boredom Busters EVER. Right up there with Knock-Knock Jokes, Lite Brite and Crazy 8s.

5

Need more Dough?

Glorious spontaneous days at the beach are a great start to my list. Between work and family responsibilities, I plan on taking time to enjoy more than a few unplanned days at the beach, lake or park with my kids.

After that first beach day, when we arrived back home we were covered in sand as my husband’s truck rumbled down our long driveway right behind us. The kids couldn’t get out of the car fast enough, running to tell Daddy about crabs and sand castles.

So one last thing for my gettin’ ready for summer list?

Bring out the buckets, shovels and mini-fishing nets and make sure they’re in the car, along with sunscreen, so we’re always ready to pull over, get barefoot and make some memories.

Happy summer planning.

4 6 Sue Urie is a writer, photographer and managing editor at Our Big Earth Media Corp. Her work has appeared in magazines, anthologies and newspapers. She lives in Qualicum Beach with her husband, 3 kids, 2 cats, 1 dog, and 5 goats. Visit her blog at fromthehipmama@blogspot.com.

St Michael and All Angels Church Environment Themed Day Camp for Children 6-11

Health • Will you outlive your money or will your money outlive you?

• Paying too much tax? Saving enough money?

Safety

Crafts, Stories, Singing, Games, Fieldtrips, Food

• Having your health, you have everything you need.

Are you adequately protected?

Results • You already research for the best products/service/price, does it make sense for you to do the same for a financial plan?

• RESPs are fine for education, but have you discovered PAR? • Anyone over 40 would say ‘yes’: “Would you have started earlier?”

May I have the privilege to lead you through a proven, strategic process where results will be felt now and long into the future?

Michael A. Hemmings, Consultant 250-388-4234 – Ext. 507 250-818-1119 – Cell michael.hemmings@investorsgroup.com Insurance products and services distributed through I.G Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company.

www.IslandParent.ca

JULY 8-12

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 pm Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks Included An exciting day camp Cost: - $100

GO GREEN BIBLE CAMP

designed to enhance children’s knowledge and appreciation of our environment as God’s creation.

Mornings will include various activities based on Jesus’ Parable of the Sower.

Afternoons will be field trips to local places to enjoy our environment and learn more about how to take care of it.

Information?

Call the number below or send email.

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH 4733 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC V8Z 3G9

250-479-0540 Email: smaaac@telus.net www.stmikevictoria.ca

June 2013 23

Tim Collins

Gadgets & Common Sense W

CRAFTS, GAMES & FUN IN THE SUN! June 28 to Sept. 2, 2013

For kids 5 -12 years of age two time slots daily, morning and afternoon

Call 1.888.760.2008 or visit BeachClubBC.com

24 Island Parent Magazine

hich apps and “electronic learning toys” are considered best for preschool children?

That question, posed in an email I received recently, got me thinking.

Thousands of electronic learning and entertainment devices are now available for preschool children—and that doesn’t even take into consideration the thousands of apps for smart phones and tablets, videos, computer games and…well, you get the idea.

Parents are encouraged to take full advantage of these devices. One website, Preschool Learning Toys Review, states: “Face it. For better or worse, we live in a world chock-full of electronics. It’s…not a bad idea to introduce them [preschoolers] to the types of tools that will likely be a part of their entire life.”

Really?

A 2011 report by Common Sense Media showed that children under two years old currently spend twice as much time watching TV and videos as they do being read to or just looking at books. Children two to five years of age spend more than three and a half hours a day staring at some sort of screen, despite the advice of the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) that children under two should have no screen time and that children over two should be limited to a maximum of two hours a day.

But all of this is common sense, at least to my generation—now helping raise grandchildren. Experience taught us that what young children need is to explore the world around them, use their imagination, and develop their creativity and personality through interaction with their peers and with living, breathing caregivers. It’s just better for them.

And if you don’t believe the wisdom of experience, let’s go back to the CPS who has linked too much screen time to obesity, irregular sleep patterns, behaviour problems, impaired academic achievement, violence and a lack of normal play.

I’m not saying that all electronic learning

is a bad thing. Used as tools in the company of a parent or other caregiver they may even be beneficial. It’s when the electronics are substituted for personal attention that I take issue.

For example, my granddaughter Randi has a little CD player that I bought for her because she loves music and dance. She

puts on one of her “spinny dresses” and twirls around to the music for as long as anyone is there to watch and applaud her performances.

But the CD player also inspired the purchase of books with accompanying CDs. The intent was that Randi would play the CD and look at the pictures in the accompanying book as the story is read by the disembodied voice. Good plan, except Randi won’t use www.kidsinvictoria.com

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 • Summer Sailing • Ropes Course • Windsurfing • Hiking • Faith Camps For: Exploration • Archery • Crafts • Out-trips • Games & Skits••Leadership Campfire • Nature Children • Youth • Families Study • Cycling • George Pringle Memorial Camp Shawnigan Lake, BC United Church of Canada BCCA & UCC Accredited

• 20 Camps to Choose From • For Kids 6 to 15 • 10 New Camps • New Certification Programs www.camppringle.com 250-472-6877 • registrar@camppringle.com

GI R E ST

ER

TOD AY NL E !

IN

O

them, saying that she “likes it when Papa reads her stories!”

I can see why. As pleasant as the nice lady on the CD might be, she doesn’t make funny faces during the dialogue or try to mimic character voices and bad accents. And she can’t hand Randi a cookie or juice as the story is being read or enter into discussions about how silly Gus the mouse is to do what he just did.

It’s not just reading the words that matters, it’s about inspiring imagination. And that’s important.

Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician and researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle, agrees. He’s written that the choice of toys—and how children are left to play with them—has an impact on how their young brains develop. He maintains that playing with simple blocks can teach more than electronic devices that claim to turn babies into little Einsteins.

That knowledge comes during long summer afternoons spent playing with sticks and mud and repurposed toys of every description. During my day, we had no electronic gadgets, but we did have our imaginations and that opened up a world that was broader than the internet.

Huffington Post reported in a recent article that an Ohio preschool teacher, Pete Kaser, removed all the toys and learning tools from his classroom and replaced them with cardboard boxes, egg cartons, cardboard tubes and other raw materials.

The result, he reported, was a renaissance of imagination.

“They’ve built a pirate ship, igloos, a rocket ship and a house with a makeshift kitchen,” he reported to the Post. “Prior to this, I wasn’t getting the imagination from the children that I wanted. Now I am.”

So in answer to the question “Which apps and “electronic learning toys” are considered best for preschool children?” I’d say: try time. Try attention and interacting with that amazing little person you’re raising. I know there are always a thousand things to do and precious little time—and I know that it isn’t easy. But take it from a grandpa who’s been through it and made some of the same mistakes…you’ll look back and wish that you’d made more time to play, read and pretend with your child. Forget about the apps. Your children will, too soon, find them—and figure them out—on their own when they’re older.

RESP GIVEAWAY $5000 in RESPs to be won.

Visit kumoncanada.ca to enter!

Tim Collins is a writer and freelance journalist living and working in Victoria. www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013 25

Summer Programs Here it is! Victoria’s most comprehensive listing of summer programs for families. Included you’ll find information on everything from Art to Science & Nature and more.

Check out the advertising in this issue for more details.

ART The Children’s Art Studio—Summer Session (July-August) at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Open your child’s eyes to the world of art through innovative week-long classes in the Children’s Art Studio. Drawing inspiration from the lives and work of famous artists, our dedicated teachers lead a range of hands-on sessions for ages 2-12 designed to build confidence, develop skills, and encourage creativity. 1040 Moss Street.

Register at 250-384-4171 ext. 0. For more information email tmuir@aggv.ca.

Art Safari offers art classes and summer camps inspired by themes in nature, giving

children an opportunity to create outdoors.

Discover the ocean or let your imagination fly into space with our Voyage into Space summer camp. Our varied themed camps run for July and August for children ages 3-8. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.artsafari.ca or contact us at 250-588-8462. Get your child’s imagination flowing!

Summer at Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art. One- or two-hour sessions, one, two or three times per week. Age 5 and up. Drawing, painting, sculpture, catooning and portfolio preparation. Emphasis is placed on technique and everyone works at their own level. To register now, call Joan at 250-383-0566. www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com.

Creativity is the word of the day every day at Danielle’s Studios. Alternating between ceramics, clay (build your own) and glass, our summer camp features a different project

every day. Kids aged 7-12 will love exploring various techniques while letting their imagination go wild. Spaces are available at our Langford location on a weekly, daily and half-day basis. Visit our website for a description of each featured project: www. daniellestudios.ca or www.facebook.com/ danielle.pyop.

Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children offers amazing art and music programs for children 21⁄2-10 years old. Through discovery, experience and understanding, children are given the opportunity to see, hear and feel the creative process. Lessons include activities designed to engage, delight and challenge the whole child. New this summer: My Nature Sketchbook and Morning Music Makers. One mom says: “I often describe walking into Fiddlesticks as walking into a fairytale—where the kids are inspired to dream, discover, imagine possibilities and become exactly who they are. The sparkle in my son’s eyes at pick-up time says it all!”

250-858-7034, fiddlesticks.studio@shaw.ca or www.fiddlestickschild.ca.

Funny Monsters, Creepy Crawlers, Animals or Out at Sea! Share adventure with us in our full week summer camps at Fired Up!

Play Paves the Way at Carrot Seed Preschool!

Open House: June 8, 9am–12noon

Discover a place where children can

Wonder • Discover Imagine • Construct and Learn…through Play! www.carrotseedpreschool.com

813 Claremont Ave, Victoria 250 658 2331

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt! – Margaret Atwood Allow your child to Grow and Learn in our exclusive “NATURE DAYCARE” programs!

We support a Nature based philosophy following the practises of Reggio Emilia, and spending most of our day OUTDOORS! Boasting a 10 acre park in our own backyard! F/T and P/T spots.

250-590-3603 26 Island Parent Magazine

Summer and September registration is on now!

Visit our classroom on Facebook!

Please call Lexie: 250-658-6573 www.kidsinvictoria.com

Paint your own ceramics studio in Victoria. Full week camps include more than six multimedia projects, featuring pottery, clay and glass fusion. Also offering one day, single project mini-camps throughout the summer holidays. Ages 6 and up. See website for details www.firedupceramics.ca or call (250)818-4543

CHURCH CAMPS Emmanuel Baptist Church is offering camps all summer long. We have two Vacation Bible School programs, two preschool to Grade 1 camps, and two Grade 1-5 camps. These camps are action packed, with lots of volunteers, so the camper to adult ratio is very low. We have two full-time workers. The preschool camps are limited to 20 children so the participants are not overwhelmed.

Contact Ingrid White or Genevieve Lisik if you have questions. 250-592-2418.

The fun begins with Forge Camps this summer with day camps in the Westshore for ages 7-12. Camps run from 9am-3pm and cost $60. This year’s camps are: Art Camp (July 8-12 & August 6-9); Sport Camp (July 15-19 & July 29-August 1); and Create Camp (July 22-26 & August 12-16). For more information, call 250-884-1734, email camps@theforgechurch.com, go online at www.theforgechurch.com/camps, or check out Forge Camps on Facebook or Twitter.

St. Michael and All Angels Church Go Green Bible Camp is for children 6-11 years old.

Morning activities will include crafts, songs, and games centered around the Bible Parable of the Sower. During this Go Green week there will be daily afternoon outings which combine lots of fun-filled activities with environmental learning opportunities. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. For more information and to register, please email smaaac@telus.net or call 250-479-0540.

COMPUTERS Byte Camp offers creative tech camps for kids. Kids in our Claymation Movie Production camps create their own clay characters, sets and props, and shoot and edit their own quirky animated movies. Our Flash Video Game Design camps teach kids how to animate characters and stories, and program Actionscript to make fun, interactive video games. And our 3D Animation camp will introduce the next generation www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013  27

of PIXAR artists to the amazing world of 3D character modelling and animation. $240/wk, 9-14 yrs. For more info, www. bytecamp.ca, 1-888-808-BYTE.

DANCE/MUSIC/PERFORMANCE Canadian College of Performing Arts. Calling teen actors aged 13-17! Join us for dynamic classes in voice, accents, movement, acting, and a whole lot of fun this summer at SOAR—a summer acting experience for teens. Develop your skills, build confidence, and see what it’s like to get peak training. On the final day, perform a professionally staged play in CCPA’s Performance Hall. July 2-12 at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. $495. Call 250-595-9970.

Dance On It Studio places high value on a student’s technical and spiritual growth and offers two affordable summer programs for young dancers. Our Summer Dance Camp for ages 5-10 is July 15-19 and offers an introduction to ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and Highland dance along with water games, ice cream and more! August 12-16 is a Summer Dance Intensive for more serious students to learn and improve their technique. For more info, www.victoriadanceonit.com.

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio offers young people with a dramatic interest or passion a series of exciting summer camps to creatively explore and develop their skills.

Kate and her studio are highly regarded for running quality theatre programming for children, teens and adults. This summer, experienced actors/teachers will be teaching specialized full- or half-week theatre camps for youth ages 5-17 years. There is something offered for all levels and each camp will have an opportunity to perform their work for an audience at the end. Groups are small for quality instruction. For more information, call 250-386-8593 or email katerubin@ telus.net. www.katerubintheatre.com.

Whether you are a musical theatre fan, dreaming of having your own band and writing hits, or you want to play Jazz all day long, Larsen School of Music has the right summer camp for you. Musical Theatre July 8-12, IndieBand Bootcamp July 15-19, Jazz-Jazz Time Machine July 22-26. All camps run 9am-4pm, for Grades 7-12. $330. The best place for you to spend your 2013 summer!

Register today: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201 or online at www.LarsenMusic.ca.

28 Island Parent Magazine

Leap Forward Dance School. Dance classes for young children are taught by a certified Royal Conservatory of Music and Royal Academy of Dance teacher. Discounts offered to families registered at Leap Forward Childcare. Boys welcome. Scholarships available. 2758 Peatt Road. www.leapforwardlangford.com. info@leapforwardlangford.com. 778-265-5955 or 250-818-9225.

Lighthouse Academy of Dance promotes excellence and pure clean dancing in a family atmosphere. Fully qualified, experienced instructors teach ballet (R.A.D and “open” classes), ISTD modern & tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and more. Boys and girls. Age 2-adult. Summer DanceArts Camps: August 26-30. Boys Only Dance Day August 24. Other summer syllabus and leisure classes. Come and experience our positive, fun, challenging atmosphere.

New Western Communities venue for the fall to be announced. 250-595-8705, www. lighthouseacademyofdance.com.

In addition to our regular super fun-filled four-day summer camps, this year the Screen Actor’s Studio is offering an additional camp on Fridays only. Green Screen Fridays is a one day only adventure in which each the young actor will prepare a short 3-minute script, for which they will be coached, then taped and set to a Green Screen background.

The scene will be lit with a cameraman and assistant on hand, and a copy of each young actor’s adventure will be edited, uploaded and then emailed to the parents and young actor. Space limited (10 max.), visit www. screenactors.ca or call 250-595-1339.

StageCoach Theatre Arts presents Summer Weekly Workshops for children aged 4-16.

Join our team of experienced teachers in a fun-filled week where we visit the Best of Broadway! and Broadway and Beyond! Our young performers will be rehearsing and performing songs, dances and scenes from popular Broadway musicals while learning the value of teamwork, the importance of self-discipline and having a lot of fun. Visit www.stagecoachschools.ca/langford or call 250-743-0858.

Stages Performing Arts Schools is offering a number of different summer programs throughout July and August. Since 1980, Stages has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels of experience. We believe that all students should

have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive environment which fosters self-expression, a healthy body, confidence, and encourages discipline, creativity and pride in their accomplishments. For more information, please call Stages at 250-3843267 or visit www. stagesdance.com.

The Summer Holiday programs at St. Michaels University School offer a wide range of full- and half-day camps for all children and youth in Greater Victoria aged 5-17.

For 13-17 year olds, check out the Summer Music Academies—residential or day camps that build skills through hands-on learning with expert instructors and professional musicians in three areas of focus: voice, summer band, and musical theatre. For full details, please visit our website at www.smus.ca/ summer or call 250-370-6120.

Tom Lee Music Learning Centre’s flexible summer lesson programs offer an ideal solution to get you started on or simply test the waters of a musical journey. Our famous School of Rock program and low-commitment, flexible private lessons are a perfect fit for busy summer holiday schedules. Call Elaine at 250-383-5222, or drop by the store for more information.

Music Discovery Camp at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Join us in a fun musical adventure July 15-19 and 22-26. The perfect way to explore music, with the guidance of outstanding professionals. We offer half-day programs for children as young as 5, and full-day programs for 7-13 year olds where they can learn new instruments or take their skills to the next level. Musical theatre to group instrumental lessons, pots and pans to Garage Band, come for one or two weeks to sing and play. Call 250-386-5311 or visit vcm.bc.ca/music-discovery.

Victoria Academy of Ballet, downtown and now in Colwood, is widely recognized as a leading Canadian dance school. The faculty of internationally qualified and award-winning teachers are dedicated to giving children dance experiences designed to develop imagination, musicality, kinaesthetic awareness and self-confidence. This summer in July, a wide range of exciting programs are offered. Check out the innovative Performance Athletes class for skaters, synchronized swimmers and soccer players.

Like us on Facebook. www.victoriaacademyofballet.ca.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Let your kids act out this summer! Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts summer camps: August 5-9 (ages 9-12); August 12-16 (ages 13-15); August 19-23 (ages 6-8). Join us for an exciting five-day acting camp. Students will learn the process of developing a character for performance with scripts from established playwrights—all within a fun and supportive environment. The final class will include a presentation. Each camp $218.40 (includes PST). To register, 250-580-2588, info@vadarts.com, www. vadarts.com.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music offers Families Making Music, a fun music program for the whole family. 6 weeks: July 4, 11, August 1, 8, 15, 22. This summer, sing, dance, try new instruments and play fun musical games. Bring the whole brood, from babies to 5-year-olds, for a music program at a great family rate. We can never tell who is having more fun, the parents or the kids! To register and watch video clips from previous classes, visit: vcm.bc.ca/families-makingmusic, or call 250-386-5311.

Westcoast Academy of Performing Arts for ages 2 to pre-professional. With ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz and tap with preprofessional evening and full-day programs as well as a general graded program, we offer something for everyone. Our summer camps for ages 3-5 are happening through Oak Bay Rec Centre, and for ages 7 up to pre-professional at Westcoast. Check out the dates on our website at the Summer tab.

Located in Gordon Head; 250-415-1477, www.wapa.ca.

Summer Camps!

Young Actor’s

845 Fisgard Street

(A) 8–12 (B) 12–15

Mon to Thurs, 10am–3:30pm

A four day fun-filled camp working with scenes, commercials and improvisation, exploring what it means to be on a set. Recording and playback are used throughout the camp helping the young actor understand their progress.

Our famous pizza lunch is provided on the Thursday, after which parents and friends are invited to watch playback. An additional One Day Only Camp GREEN SCREEN FRIDAYS, is also available for those interested.

Details available at www.screenactors.ca or call 250-595-1339.

Camp 1: July 8–11 Camp 2: July 22–25 Camp 3: July 29–Aug 1 Camp 4: Aug 12–15

Green Screen Friday Camps July 12, 26 & August 2, 16

www.screenactors.ca 250-595-1339

One week camps designed to introduce 5-8 year olds to the sport of diving using dryland training, including gymnastics, trampoline & dryboard and games in addition to time in the water.

One week introductory diving camp for 8-12 year olds who want to learn basic and advanced diving skills in a fun and safe environment. Trampoline & dryland training included

Or call 479-0330 Turning Victoria’s Youth Into International Champions

EDUCATION Oxford Learning Centre Victoria. Students lose their learning momentum over the summer. It’s a common phenomenon known as “brain drain,” but luckily it can be prevented. A summer program at Oxford that keeps thinking, reading, writing, math and study skills sharp is the best way to ensure that children of all ages will keep the learning momentum going all year long. Make major academic gains this summer with Oxford Learning. A few hours a week is all it takes. 250-477-5550.

Join a READ Society Summer Learning Camp and discover new ways of learning mathematics, writing, and reading. One of Greater Victoria’s best ways to avoid summer learning loss and to have fun! You’ll www.IslandParent.ca

Farm, Arts & Culinary Camp for Kids Five-day farm camp for children ages 7-12 offers environmental literacy experiences on an organic working farm on Salt Spring Island.

Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9, 2013; 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily Cost: $295 + $20 materials fee + applicable taxes (lunches included)

Learn more & register now www.foxglovefarmbc.ca | 250-931-5336 June 2013 29

come away having created a kit-bag of games and strategies to share with your family and friends. Camps for different ages are offered in August, at locations in Sidney, Victoria and the Westshore. See our ad on page 11; call 250-388-7225 for details.

Summer camp for girls at St. Margaret’s School. All are welcome to come and enjoy our camp jam-packed with fun activities and experiences. SMS So Much Summer Camp is offered from 8am-5:30pm, Monday through Friday at our central Victoria campus. Kids will love our weekly themes from pirates to princesses, food to flora & fauna. For girls from kindergarten to Grade 6. Runs July 3 to August 17 (seven weeks) or register week-by-week for more flexibility. www.stmarg.ca or 250-479-8976.

Sylvan offers summer programs to minimize summer learning loss and to help with the transition from one grade to another.

Sylvan’s individualized programs prevent children from forgetting what they learned last year and help them to preview what they will be studying in the coming year.

To get your child set up for summer and for success, give us a call at one of our 5 Vancouver Island locations: in Victoria and Sidney 250-477-3212; in the Westshore 250-590-6211; in Duncan 250-746-0222; in Nanaimo 250-758-1526.

GYMNASTICS Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in gymnastics, is offering 2013 Summer Sault Gymnastics camps. Starting July 8 to August 30, Falcon promises your child will have a great time. Whether on the vault, bars, beam, playing in our foam pit or bouncing on the trampoline, your child is in good hands with nationally certified coaches who know how to make it fun and safe!

Falcon Gymnastics—where fun & fitness are number 1. Phone 250-479-6424. www. falcongymnastics.com.

Do you have a little girl who likes to dance, jump and juggle? Then register her for a class at Island Rhythmics. The nationally certified coaches at Island Rhythmics will provide a fun, safe, and nurturing environment where she will learn the beautiful sport of rhythmic gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics is an elegant and exciting Olympic sport combining dance and gymnastics, and it is performed with small hand-held apparatus to music.

Visit us online at islandrhythmics.com.

30 Island Parent Magazine

Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its 31st year of providing quality gymnastics instruction to boys and girls ages 2 through adult, beginner through advanced. Over this time period, Victoria Gymnastics has gained its long standing reputation as the Island premier gymnastics club. Some of the key elements of our club’s success are our small class sizes (8:1), convenient class times (morning, afternoon and evening) and expert coaching in a well structured, fun and safe environment. 250-380-2442 or www.victoriagymnastics.com.

RECREATION Summer camps at Braefoot. We have many camps to choose from this summer for children 6-17 years old. EcoQuest Camp, Watersports Camp, Ocean River Kayaking Camp, Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp, Fun Days Camp, All Girls Camp, Road/Roller Hockey Camp, and Soccer Camp. Full program details available at www.braefoot.ca.

To register or for more information, please call 250-721-2244.

Burnside Gorge Community Centre offers day camps for children and youth. Children aged 5-12 will enjoy a variety of theme weeks that include crafts, swimming, field trips and a nutritious snack daily. Regular Care: $145/ week, 8:30am-4:30pm. Extended Care: $165/week, 7:30am-5:30pm. Daily and part-time rates available. For youth aged 11-15, Camp Survivor activities range from laser tag, rock climbing, motocross, paintball, swimming and more! $159/week. Daily rate available. City of Victoria LIFE credits welcome. Call 250-388-5251 to register.

Camp in the Community. Surf Camp: learn and develop surfing skills with Live to Surf, learn about environmental sustainability, and stay at the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino. Wilderness Camps: learn survival skills from the Strathcona Park Lodge, and camp out at Ralph River Campground, come ready to explore. Campers at all camps will not only have the benefit of being outdoors and working with our amazing mentor team, but they will also benefit from expert local knowledge. Find out more at antikipper.com.

Summer sailing lessons at Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt for kids and adults. Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) certified instructors. One and two week courses, all skill levels, ages 4 & up.

Mondays to Fridays 9am-4pm. Learn to sail in a safe fun environment. Schedule and prices at cfsa.wordpress.com/ (follow the link to Training and Sailing Lessons). 1001 Maple Bank Road, Victoria. 250-385-8873.

Email cfsatraining@gmail.com. Course registration through the Pacific Activity Centre at 250-363-1009.

Christ Church Cathedral School’s Summer Program provides a safe and exciting summer for your child. We have a high supervision ratio, experienced staff, excursions every day, plus all the facilities of Cathedral School. Many exciting activities allow your child to learn, grow and have fun with new friends. The program runs from June 24 to August 29. Full- and part-time spaces available. New this year, week-long Robotics Camps are also available for ages 8-13.

Call 250-383-5125 for details or email cathedralschool@cathedralschool.ca. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Summer camps for ages 5-15 at City Centre Park are packed full of fun acitivities this summer, including skating, roller blading, water park, field sports, lake activities, pond fishing, kayaking, crafts, nature hiking, mini putt, balladium, Sportball, science experiments, music, drama, art, themes, cooperative games, Playzone and gymnastics. Regular camp hours will be 9am-3pm Monday-Friday every week of summer with before and after care available 7:30am-5pm.

Ages 5-15. Visit www.citycentrepark.ca or call 250-391-1738 for more information.

At the Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre, we know there are lots of summer camp choices out there for your kids. We understand that parents need safe, fun options for their kids over the summer. When you sign up your child for a City of Victoria summer camp, you can rest assured that we have incorporated both our own expectations and yours when planning our camp program. We’ve got everyone covered from preschooler to teen, so register today at 250-361-0732 today. For a complete camp listing, visit www.victoria.ca/recservices.

Come spend the summer with Esquimalt Parks and Recreation. There are over 30 camps to choose from and something for everyone. We’ve got arts & crafts, sports, nature, science, wellness, and water-themed camps. Let your preschooler Get Messy while your 8-year-old experiences Nature Adventures and your 13-year-old enters www.kidsinvictoria.com

our World of Science! Call our front desk at 250-412-8500 for more information, or check out our Active Living Guide at www. esquimalt.ca/recreation.

Kids & Company, Canada’s leading corporate sponsored child care company, has developed a variety of theme-based camp programs for the summer holidays. The programs assist families looking to find engaging activities at a low cost for their children, while parents have peace of mind at work. Programs will be offered at specific Kids & Company child care centres across Canada including our Uptown location 7am-6pm for children ages birth to 12 years.

Contact our site director at victoriabc@ kidsandcompany.ca or 250-381-2212. Ask about our 2nd location in Langford opening Summer 2013.

The Maritime Museum of BC is pleased to offer our Adventures at Sea summer camps in July and August for kids aged 6-11.

Campers will learn about pirates, mythical beasties, and life under the sea through fun activities like scavenger hunts, experiments, and crafts. Kids will explore the Maritime Museum and visit the Royal BC Museum, Pirate Adventures and Beacon Hill Park. Join the adventure and sign up today! For more information, call 250-385-4222 ext 112 or email programs@mmbc.bc.ca.

Panorama Recreation is excited to offer over 50 exciting camps this summer. Interested in geocaching but also want to improve your golf skills? Are you an aspiring lifeguard but also want to try something new? Wait… there’s more! Panorama Recreation has created partnerships with local organizations to bring variety and excitement to our program selection. To learn more about our summer camps or to register, please visit our website at www.panoramarecreation.ca. Live well.

Have fun!

Recreation Oak Bay, where everyone comes to play. Explore, dream, and perform. Dance, dig and create. A variety of summer camps for all ages at fabulous locations. New for 2013 are nature camps, plus fun exciting theme, sports, arts and crafts, theatre, dance and golf camps. Available for water enthusiasts are Aqua Adventures, Sailing and Junior Lifeguard Club camps. Daily registration available in Skidaddle and Explorers (licensed) camps. Visit recreation. oakbay.ca or call 250-595-7946 to choose your summer adventure! www.IslandParent.ca

Recreation Oak Bay

2013 Youth Annual Pass Valid June 2013-June 2014 Good for twelve months of swimming, skating and fitness studio* drop-ins *Age restrictions apply. See Reception for details.

Special! only

$

125

Regular price: $169 Purchase June 1- 30, 2013 Ages 6 - 18 years

Check out the Spring Programs and Summer Camps Online registration at recreation.oakbay.ca

Oak Bay Recreation Centre 250-595-7946 Henderson Recreation Centre 250-370-7200

Join us at ICE Victoria for a week of summer hockey school!

• Our hockey camps are a great way for players to learn to love the game.

• We have the smallest group size and most hours of ice time than any other school!

• We’ve partnered with Sport Ball to provide a great experience for all our little players.

Call or see website:

250-590-7811

icevictoria.ca June 2013 31

Royal Victoria Yacht Club offers public sailing for ages 4 and up in all levels of sailing.

Awarded top sailing program of the year in 2011 by the Canadian Yachting Association, we use certified instructors and low student to instructor ratios. Sailors will work towards CANSail accreditation, and will enjoy on-water training, games and a beach day party. For more info, call 250-592-6113, email sailing@rvyc.bc.ca, or visit rvyc.bc.ca.

Come and join us on Cadboro Bay! Youth Leadership in Saanich. Saanich Youth Services is committed to being a leader in building developmental assets in young people. One significant way we achieve this is through our leadership continuum. This is an opportunity for a young person to learn valuable leadership skills, be mentored in a recreation environment, gain practical work experience and have the potential to gain employment in our department. Teens In Action: Level 1 – Intro to Leadership, 13-14 years; Teens In Action: Level 2, 1418 years; Youth Internship, 16-18 years.

For more information on these programs, contact Jason Jones at 250-475-5427 or jason.jones@saanich.ca.

Westshore Motocross Park offers dirt bike riding, rentals and lessons for the whole family, ages 4 & up. From 50cc auto with training wheels to 125/250cc full size bikes for Mom and Dad, dirt bike riding has never been so easy and fun. Birthday parties are popular here and with over 35 rental bikes and 50 sets of safety gear, large groups of any age are no problem. Summer camps in July and August. Open Tuesday through Friday 11am-8pm or dusk, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday and Monday by calling 250 590 8088. Located at 2207 Millstream Road in Langford. Contact www.westshoremx.com.

Get Messy, join the Amazing Race or Bust a Myth. Any way you look at it, we put the fun in summer fun! West Shore Parks & Recreation summer programs offer a variety of fun-filled daily and weekly camps for all ages. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a super sports star or somewhere in between, we have a camp for you. Visit www.westshorerecreation.ca or call 250-478-8384 for information. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westshorerecreation.

RIDING Alpine Stables offers a variety of equestrian opportunities. Unique summer riding camps are offered. Parents can choose from weeklong overnight riding camps, full-day and half-day camps. Camps involve the students in the responsibility of caring for a horse.

Camps also include riding lessons, trail rides, feeding, grooming, show & games day. Alpine Stables also offers Family Trail Riding through spectacular West Coast scenery. For camp dates and costs, call 250-743-6641.

Located in Cobble Hill 40 minutes from Victoria. www.alpinestable.com.

Westside Stables is located only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria. If you have a horse-crazy kid, we have a program for you.

Register now for our summer riding camps or one of our spring/summer riding lesson programs. We have many well-schooled, wonderful lesson horses and ponies to choose from. Our programs are all run with safety and fun in mind following the Horse Council of BC guidelines for advancement.

We have a large indoor and outdoor riding ring offering year-round riding lessons and riding camps. Come join the fun. Call 250652-1462 or visit www.westsidestables.ca.

Birds Up Close

Flying daily March – October www.the-raptors.com 1877 Herd Rd. Duncan BC 250-746-0372 32 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

SCIENCE, NATURE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION Boys & Girls Clubs offer more than a child care solution. Outdoor Adventure Camp is perfect for kids who are adventurous and outdoorsy ($200/week, runs 3 weeks in July & August) with canoeing, rock-climbing, archery and more at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. Urban Adventure Camp ($150/ week through July & August) is a licensed camp in Esquimalt where kids discover adventures outdoors and in the city. Youth Outdoor Leadership offers a tool-box of leadership skills including outdoor recreation certifications for future outdoor careers. www.bgcvic.org/clubs-camps.

250-384-9133 ext. 203.

The Centre for Arts, Ecology & Agriculture at Foxglove Farm on Saltspring Island presents August Farm, Arts & Culinary Camp for Kids. The five-day camp for children ages 7-12 offers environmental literacy experiences on a working organic farm. Activities include harvesting fruits and vegetables, making compost, baking, field-to-plate cooking and creating nature-based art.

August 5-9, 9am-3pm daily. $315 + taxes; includes lunches. Learn more or register today www.foxglovefarmbc.ca, 250-931-5336.

ALL FUN KARTS • CAGES • CLUBS • CAMPING at Western Speedway

s a g n i h t h c u s There’s no ! ! n u f h c u m too

FUN Camps is an award-winning environmental education and leadership summer camp for 6-16 year olds. Camp activities include swimming, bike workshops, gardening, building solar powered cars, eco-city building, baking brownies in solar ovens, outdoor games, sports, hiking and much more. Campers will also have the opportunity to plan and implement an environmental project in their own schools or communities. Cash awards and mentorship will be awarded to the best project ideas.

More information: www.funcamps.ca.

Mad Science sparks children’s interest in science, encourages their curiosity and builds their confidence and skills. Science Sleuths, Robots, Rockets or Secret Agent are the topics of this years’ half- or full-day camp where children participate in scientific exploration that is so much fun, they forget they are learning! All camps include indoor and outdoor activities. Our mixed classes focus on age-specific needs and abilities.

Details and registration available online at vancouverisland.madscience.org.

www.IslandParent.ca

GO KARTS BATTING CAGES MINI GOLF RV PARK Open from 12-5pm • Weekends and Holidays from April-June & Sept 7 days/week July & August from 11-6pm (weather permitting)

2207 Millstream Road, Victoria BC 250.474.1961 allfun.bc.ca June 2013 33

Families Making Music Babies to 5 years

A fun music program for the whole family!

Six classes this summer: July 4, 11, August 1, 8, 15, 22

REGISTER NOW! 900 Johnson Street • 250 386 5311 vcm.bc.ca/families-making-music 1040 MOSS ST

“My kid could paint that.”

Great, bring them down. There’s still room in our Summer classes in the Children’s Art Studio. Register now!

Since 1995, the Marine Adventure Program at Glenlyon Norfolk School has specialized in running 5- to 6-day sea kayak camps for teens and youth. Our day camps for 11-12 year olds feature instruction, games and activities specially geared towards the unique and specific needs and interests of this energetic age group. The two leaders are qualified kayak instructors and create an ideal, safe, fun learning environment for the children, and an opportunity to gain skills and boost their confidence. Contact the Marine Adventure Program at 250-3706852 or dtyrell@mygns.ca.

Oak and Orca School’s Bioregional Summer Program is educational and child-centred.

We offer field trips twice a week, wilderness skills, music, art and much more. Weekly themes include plants and animals, water, fire, ecosystems and local history. We cycle to natural destinations around Victoria and provide many fun and exciting opportunities to explore our home-place. Our program is open to all Victoria children ages 5-12. For more information, please call 250-383-6609 or see www.oakandorca.ca/summer/.

Located on an extraordinary 25 acres near Shawnigan Lake, O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE celebrates 15 years as a model sustainable village rooted in social, ecological, and economic well-being this summer. Children and families who visit will be immersed in permaculture, community governance, natural building, and more. Kids camps include painting, drawing, building, roleplaying, costume making, ceramics, medicine making, African drumming and dance, and others! Learn more and sign up for a tour or program at www.ourecovillage.org.

Royal BC Museum offers Base Camp, where budding adventurers will discover their inner explorer during week-long summer camps. In addition to learning about the famous expeditions in Race to the End of the Earth, campers will also learn about modern science taking place at the pole and spend lots of time outdoors. Secure your spot early, last year’s camps sold out. Ages 8-10 on July 8-12 & 22-26, August 12-16 & 19-23. 9am-4pm. $244 per person. 10% member discount. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

SPORTS Register in person or call 250.384.4171 ext. 0.

34 Island Parent Magazine

| aggv.ca

Five sports, one camp! Campers focus on golf instruction with a golf professional from Bear Mountain Resort, swimming, hikwww.kidsinvictoria.com

Henderson Par 3, fun for the whole family!

Henderson Park is a short but challenging course where play is faster and less expensive than most courses. Great for beginners, juniors, golfers with limited time or energy, or those who want to work on their short game. Sign up for group or private lessons (all ages), drop in for a daily special or register the kids for golf camps (5-12 years).

For details, visit recreation.oakbay.ca or call 250-370-7200.

All-levels Summer Hockey Camps at ICE Victoria. Sign your player up for 5 days of playing and training with professional coaches. ICE uses the philosophy of Hockey Canada and designs our camps around its foundations: sportsmanship, defence, offence, stickhandling, skating, nutrition, fitness and FUN. Your child will benefit from individual player development in a dynamic team environment. Partnership with Sportball for Initiation to Atom players. Visit our website for more details: www. icevictoria.ca.

Do your kids have the fundamental movement skills needed to develop physical literacy? Can they run, jump, throw, catch, kick, punch and strike?! The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) is committed to helping your kids learn these skills.

PISE SportStar camps will help improve your child’s agility, balance, coordination, stability and sport skill development while having fun! Camps are offered in July and August for kids from ages 5-18. www. piseworld.com.

The P

ing, beach volleyball and tennis taught by Fitness Professionals from Bear Mountain’s Mountainside Athletic Club (MAC). “The activities are fun, educational and offer something for kids of all ages and abilities,” says MAC Manager Robin Henderson. Bear Cub Sports Camps are open to both local residents and hotel guests and run weekly from July 8 to August 30. For more information or to register, call 250-391-3758.

Bearmountain.ca/camp.

ower of

Play

2013 Summer Camps Register online at

VikesCamps.com or call 250.472.4000 for more information

Basketball Cross Country Dance Field Hockey Girl Power Hockey Mini Vikes (full and half day)

Multi Sport Racquet Sports Rugby (Girls) Run Jump Throw Soccer Speed & Agility Swimming Tennis

Track & Field Vikes Adventurers Vikes Summer Fun Volleyball Water Polo Youth Leadership Development Before and after care is available.

Try Soccertron FUNdamentals this summer. Soccertron, a well organized totally fun soccer experience, is 34 years old! We have designed our summer programs for ages 3-13, and for beginners to experienced players. Each camp includes five days of terrific teaching, endless enthusiasm and great games. If you want your child to have a lot of fun while improving their soccer skills— www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013

35

Children love the outdoors! Children love to play!

Why not let them blow off some steam at one of our camps?

Our highly trained and experienced camp leaders want to make your child’s camp experience a memorable one.

All of our camps are eligible for a bursary and are priced with families in mind.

We have several camps located in various places throughout Victoria and on Vancouver Island.

We have camps for every age group from elementary, middle school and even high-school aged camps.

We have day camps that last all week long and overnight camps in the great outdoors. Camp is for a week but the impact lasts a lifetime.

Find out more specifically about our camps online at

antikipper.com

What does YOUR adventure look like?

Victoria Gymnastics

all ly F tion r a E a istr s Reg entive th Inc e1-30 Jun

Summer Programs

Week Long 1/2 Day Camps — OR —

Attend Once or Twice Weekly For a Month Long Session ♦ NCCP Certified Instructors ♦ Small Class Sizes (8:1) guaranteed ♦ Boys & Girls ages 2 and up — Beginner

Through Advanced

♦ Birthday Parties Your Child Will Flip Over ♦ Trial Classes Available Make ups for missed classes

380-2442 Or Register Online At www.victoriagymnastics.com 36 Island Parent Magazine

then it is easy. Your choice this summer is Soccertron. www.soccertron.com.

For over 20 years the Spartans Football Association has been offering minor-league community football programs during the summer and fall in Greater Victoria for youth aged 9-18. Community football provides the opportunity for youth attending schools without football programs (the vast majority in Victoria) to participate at a high-caliber level of play in a supportive coaching environment. New players always welcome. Practices starting July 7. To learn more visit www.spartansfootball.ca.

What a fantastic experience for a child! Fun for ages 3-10 years, Sportball Multi-Sport camps are available as half-day or fullday sessions. Coaches focus on eight core sports—hockey, soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf and football—as well as arts and crafts, snack time, stories and more. Camps are run indoors and outdoors, depending on the location and weather. Visit us online at www.sportball. ca for a list of locations and registration information.

Discover The Power of Play with the UVic Vikes summer camps. Vikes camps include basketball, hockey, Youth Leadership Development, Girl Power!, Mini Vikes (full- and half-day), racquet sports, soccer, multisport, swimming, tennis, track & field, field hockey, speed and agility, Run/Jump/ Throw, Vikes Adventurers, and volleyball.

Participants are provided with t-shirts and a camp certificate, and swimming is included in most full-day camps. Visit www.vikescamps.com to register.

SWIMMING/DIVING Boardworks. Join one of Canada’s most successful springboard and platform diving clubs this summer at Saanich Commonwealth Place, and learn how to dive in a fun and safe atmosphere. Boardworks OlympicGarten Camps (5-8 years) combine dryland training on the trampoline and dryboards, gymnastics, and time in the water for a fun introduction to basic diving skills.

FunDive Camps (9-12 years) teach beginner to advanced participants basic and advanced introductory diving skills using dryland training, gymnastics as well as time in the water. To register or for more information, visit www.boardworks.ca.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Island Swimming’s 2013 Summer Skills Programs are ideal for young swimmers looking for a new challenge. Camp locations are at Saanich Commonwealth Place, Seaparc Pool, and Juan de Fuca Rec Center, with many attendance choices. Island Swim Skills are open to all levels of ability and offer athletes the opportunity to maintain their fitness and enhance their skills. Discover how much fun competitive swimming can be! For more information, visit www. islandswimming.com.

OTHER Andrea’s Sew Easy. Can you imagine how excited your child would be to make their own clothes? Andrea Bailey has been teaching children from the age of 7, up to teens, for over 22 years. Small classes, maximum of 4, allow students to work at their own speed. One-week camps run during July and August from Monday to Friday, either morning or afternoon sessions. For more information, call Andrea’s Sew Easy at 250-592-7879, email aseweasy@shaw.ca or visit www.andreasseweasy.com. During the school year, classes are held after school and on Saturdays.

BCSPCA. Many kids love animals, whether being influenced by stories, the family pet, or an innate desire to help those who are most vulnerable. Learning ways to take this interest to the next level is what young people can experience at SPCA camps. What a great way for kids to spend a week this summer, sharing the experience with other animal lovers and fostering their passion to make the world a better place for animals.

For more information, visit spca.bc.ca/camp or call us at 604-709-4679.

The Cridge Sunfun day camps are packed full of exciting experiences. Our staff enthusiastically connects with kids of school age.

The schedule includes group games, crafts, singing, tours, Bible stories, and field trips to community events, beaches and parks on the Island. Many kids return year after year and look forward to some of our events such as The Cridge Olympics, swimming in Lake Cowichan and a camping trip for the older children. Contact 250-995-6407, or visit www.cridge.org to register.

Summer Camp is our ultimate event of the year, spanning a whole week. Packed with everything Lizzy Lee: makeovers, dancing, singing, surprises and take-homes. Sign up www.IslandParent.ca

Island Swimming

Committed to Excellence for 100 years!

Summer Skills Programs Now Available!

Join the fun this summer.

Help the kids sharpen their skills and enjoy a cool break in the pool.

Great lessons at even greater value!

Programs Available at

Saanich Commonwealth Place, Juan de Fuca & Seaparc Pools July 8 – August 15 For more information on our summer programs contact

www.islandswimming.com info@islandswimming.com 250-744-5536 June 2013 37

for a day or join us for the whole week. Cost: $69/day, sign up for multiple days and save $5 each day, sign up for the whole week and save $10 each day. Before and after care available. Check out our advertisement in this issue for more details. 250-590-5568. www.lizzyleeandme.com.

Mid-Island Programs 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 Monday-Friday, where we have 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 on Parksville Beach. The Recreation program is available for kids from 5-12 years old. Call 1-888760-2008 for more details.

GrandKids University at VIU in Nanaimo. Create lasting memories while doing something that’s a little out of the ordinary. This isn’t your regular summer camp—it’s a chance to make learning fun while spending time together on VIU’s beautiful Nanaimo campus.

Take part in GrandKids University on July 3 and 4. Kids ages 7-13 and their grandparents

can earn “degrees” while doing fun activities including art, baking, chemistry, fisheries & aquaculture and sports. Find out more at viu.ca/grandkids or call 1-866-734-6252.

fun never ends. An active, affordable alternative to daycare… deductible too—keep your receipts! For information, please call 250-245-6424 or visit www.ladysmith.ca.

Camping and adventure at Horne Lake. Treat yourself and your family to one of the most scenic outdoor destinations on Vancouver Island. Explore the crystal-filled caverns with tours ranging from mild to wild or try a rock rappelling session. Want to stay above-ground? Then check out Canada’s only Cave Theatre and Museum with a fossil collection. Or combine all the above with “All-Inclusive” Family Adventure Camps.

These weekend camps include all meals, activities and a teepee to camp in! Lakefront camping is available within walking distance. www.hornelake.com.

The Raptors offers a unique learning experience for all ages that will never be forgotten.

Our safe, exciting and educational summer camps keep kids’ minds and bodies busy all day. Activities include practical and safe, hands-on experiences and flying demonstrations with many different raptors such as hawks and owls. The children, working in small groups with our fun and experienced staff, learn about the birds’ unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. www.pnwraptors.com, 250-746-0372.

Ladysmith Adventure Zone Daycamp (6-12 years). Spend a sensational, action-packed, fun-filled summer at daycamp! Explore the world of crafts, games, outings, local attractions and special events while developing new friendships, learning valuable life skills, making new friends and discovering new interests. Daycamp provides children with a safe and nurturing environment where the

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville offers the most extensive resort recreation program on Vancouver Island.

This summer, we’ll be bringing back your favourites, such as Kids Club, Build your own Bear, Life Under Water, Dinner & A Movie and Mother & Daughter Mini Manis - all this along with a variety of new & exciting activities! Summer at Tigh-NaMara offers something for everyone. Call 1-800-663-7373 for details.

Recreation Oak Bay Summer Camps Where Everyone Comes to Play!

Camps of all Shapes & Sizes!

Join us for a Free ʻCelebrate Canadaʼ Event!

Friday June 28, Noon‑2pm Oak Bay Municipal Hall Lawn Sneak a peek at your Camp Leaders in action!

Games, Barbecue, Crafts and Fun for All! 38 Island Parent Magazine

Register for Summer Camps Online Today! recreation.oakbay.ca

250‑595‑7946 www.kidsinvictoria.com

SUMMER CAMPS PHYSICAL LITERACY

is just as important as the ability to read and write.

And it’s FUN! Physical literacy is developed by acquiring the fundamental movement skills and confidence that allow children to enjoy a variety of sports and activities throughout their life.

piseworld.com

250.220.2510 4371 Interurban Rd. www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013  39

Party Directory TM

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G Y M

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Y M N

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Pool, Skate, or Soccer parties at Oak Bay Recreation Centre!

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40 Island Parent Magazine

Supervised • 2–8 Yrs Book online today!

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Go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 Email: van.island@sportball.ca

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory

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June 2013 41

Send Us Your Stories!

Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting.

Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

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

42 Island Parent Magazine

Jerri Carson

Travel Fun for Little Ones S

ummertime means holiday road trips. If you and your family are hitting the road this summer, you’ll want to have lots of activities to keep little ones occupied while driving the long stretches of our highways.

Children often fall asleep in the car, but when they are awake it can be a challenge to keep them happy.

Be sure to stock up with lots of games, snacks and sing-a-long tunes. Not everyone has the luxury of in-car entertainment such as DVD players and iPads. And although handheld games may be fun for the first 100 kilometers or so, there comes a time during most road trips when plain old-fashioned songs and games become useful tools. There are many travel songs to choose from, but songs that include actions are often the most entertaining. Not only that, but they help to burn off pent up energy. Some favourite action songs for toddlers include “The Wheels on the Bus,” “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” “This Old Man,” “Where is Thumbkin” and “The Eency Weency Spider.” For babies, finger rhymes are excellent activities in the car and babies love to feel your touch. Chanting simple nursery rhymes such as “This Little Piggy Went to Market,” “Round and Round the Garden” or “Here is the Bee Hive” are fun activities that will help keep kids engaged during long road trips. It’s a good idea to have a nursery rhyme book for handy reference in the car while you are travelling.

Songs with easy, repetitive lyrics are also excellent to sing. Examples include “Down by the Station,” “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain,” and “Old MacDonald had a Farm.” Another favourite is “Down by the Bay” which is a silly song and kids can be creative and think up their own lyrics.

“Name that Tune” is another easy game to play. Hum a familiar kids’ tune such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “The Bear Went Over the Mountain” and everyone tries to guess the song. Young children can hum nursery rhymes such as “Baa Baa Black

Sheep” or “Hickory Dickory Dock.” A similar game is “What’s that Sound?” Someone begins the game by making a sound such as a rooster, motorcycle, duck, etc. Then everyone tries to guess what it could be.

There are many road trip games that help pass the time in the car. One classic game is “I Spy with My Little Eye” in which players look for an object on the road or in the car and describe it. “I spy with my little eye, something that is round” or “I spy with my little eye, something that is red.” Everybody takes a turn guessing until someone gets the answer.

If you and your family are hitting the road this summer, you’ll want to have lots of activities to keep little ones occupied while driving the long stretches of our highways.

Counting objects along the way is also an amusing activity. For example, count the telephone poles, birds, road signs, red trucks, tractors, etc. The list is limitless. Another favourite family game is “I’m Thinking of an Animal.” One player thinks of an animal and the others ask only Yes or No questions, then try to guess what the animal could be.

For example: Does it live in the forest? The mountains? The ocean? Does it eat plants?

Does it have four legs? Fins? Even long road trips will seem shorter when you play and sing with your child. You will also be creating happy memories of your family road trips for your child—and for your whole family.

Have a happy, musical trip!

Jerri Carson is a primary music teacher for SD #61. She is a member of the CRD Arts Advisory Council. Jerri plays the cello in the Victoria Conservatory Cello Orchestra.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Congratulations to all the 2013 nominees and award winners!

A big thank you to all of our sponsors and the many individuals that helped make this special event possible. The Success by 6 Early Years Awards celebrates the businesses and people in the community that make a difference in the lives of families with children.

2013 Your Support. Their Success.

2013 Winners and Runners up Favourite Park/Playground Beacon Hill Park (Winner) Beckwith Park Favourite Child/Family Friendly Free Family Activity Beacon Hill Children’s Farm (Winner)

Favourite Child/Family-Friendly Restaurant White Spot (Winner)

Favourite Child Care Program Our Children’s Centre Society (Winner)

Red Robin

Cridge Centre for the Family

Favourite Child/Family-Friendly Coffee or Tea Shop Crumsby’s Cupcake Café (Winner)

Favourite Preschool Program Belmont Preschool (Winner)

Favourite Aboriginal Child/FamilyFriendly Community Program Victoria Native Friendship Centre (Winner) Hulitan Family & Community Services Society

Our Children’s Centre Society

Favourite Family-Friendly Employer BC Public Service (Winner)

Favourite Child/Family-Friendly Recreation Centre Saanich Commonwealth Place (Winner)

Favourite Aboriginal Preschool Program Journeys of the Heart - Hulitan Family & Community Services Society (Winner)

Thrifty Foods

Favourite Child/Family-Friendly Retail Store Bolen Books (Winner)

Juan de Fuca/Westshore Parks & Recreation

Little Paws Preschool – Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Librarians

Thrifty Foods

Favourite Parenting Info Island Parent/Kids in Victoria (Winner)

Favourite Child/Family-Friendly Community Program StrongStart – School Districts 61, 62 & 63 (Winner)

u a nd o y k n Tharatulations! cong

Greater Victoria Public Libraries

Caffe Fantastico Favourite Family-Oriented Attraction in South Vancouver Island Royal BC Museum (Winner) Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

Vancouver Island Health Authority

1000 by 5

Individuals who make children feel most respected and welcome Teachers/Principals (Winner)

www.successby6victoria.ca EVENT SPONSORS

GRAND PRIZE DONATION

EVENT SUPPORTERS MEDIA SPONSORS

www.IslandParent.ca

IMAX / Island Parent Magazine Shaw Ocean Discovery UVIC Cinecenta Red Robin Restaurant Hulitan First Nations Esquimalt Rec Centre Tumblebums Play Centre

June 2013 43

June 2013

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com SAT 1 & SUN 2 Oak Bay Tea Party at Willows Beach. Parade, Tea Party, air show, midway, live entertainment, bathtub race and more. www.oakbayteaparty.com.

SUN 2 The Best Nest at Francis/King Regional Park.

Summer is here and birds are busy. Bring your little ones and join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to discover homes of hummingbirds, robins and more. Children will experience life as a small bird through story time, a forest ramble, and a nest craft to take home. Meet at the parking lot off Munn Rd at 1pm. 7 years and under. 250-478-3344. www.crd. bc.ca/parks.

THURS 6 ‘Up, Up and Away’ with Norden the Magician at Esquimalt, Bruce Hutchison and Emily Carr branch libraries. Can’t wait for Summer Reading Club? Neither can Norden the Magician. Get a jump start on the fun at Norden’s all-new magic show and experience hilarious antics and thrilling tricks. Norden is a seven-time winner of the Children’s Magician of the Year. For Grades K-5. Esquimalt 11-11:45am, 250-414-7198; Bruce Hutchison Branch 1:30-2:15pm, 250-727-0104; Emily Carr 6:30-7:15pm, 250-475-6100. Register online or call the hosting branch for more information.

Bach to the Beach at Willows Beach. SD #61 Strings students will wind up the year with an outdoor concert under the trees. Bring a blanket and enjoy beautiful music with a great view. In the event of heavy rain it will be cancelled. Students from SD #61 Secondary Schools (Festival Orchestra), Esquimalt, New Lambrick Park, New Spectrum, Oak Bay, Reynolds and Mt Doug. 4-5:30pm. For additional information, contact parent volunteer Natanis Christensen at natanissc@gmail.com or 250-475-0032.

FRI 7 ‘Up, Up and Away’ with Norden the Magician at Saanich Centennial Branch Library.

See THURS 6 for details. For Grades K-5.

10:30-11:15am. Register online or call 250477-9030 for more information.

FRI 7 – SUN 9 Bucanneer Days at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Pancake breakfast, parade, crafts, pirate’s den for the children, midway rides, and more. www.esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca.

SAT 8 Teen DIY: Pebble Jewelry at Oak Bay Branch Library. Those glass pebbles aren’t just for your fish tank. Learn how to make spectacular jewelry on a dime in this program. For ages 12-15. 2:30-4pm. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-592-2489 for more information.

SUN 9 The Beach Rocks at Island View Beach Regional Park. The tide is out. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist and get a glimpse of the creatures that live beneath the rocks. 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. 5+ years. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 10 Spring Fling at École John Stubbs Memorial School. Silent auction, raffle prizes, games, face painting, bouncy castle, BBQ and entertainment. Bring your picnic blanket, sit back and enjoy the festivities. Free. 2:30-6:30pm. johnstubbsspringfling@gmail.com.

WED 12 CEASE Therapy: Hope for Developmental Disorders at Dr. Zimmermann’s office. CEASE Therapy is an integrated treatment method which uses nutrition and homeopathy to gradually detoxify and strengthen children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory and auditory processing disorders and others. It can also be helpful for children with weak immune systems who suffer from frequent infections.

Free. 7-9pm. #304-2250 Oak Bay Ave. www. drzimmermann.org. drzimmermann@shaw. ca. 250-590-5828.

Made right, right here.

44 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

SAT 15 Diversity Health Fair at the First Metropolitan Church. Family oriented event to raise awareness in Victoria’s growing multi-ethnic communities of the wide range of health services and programs available. 10am-2pm. www. icavictoria.org.

Community Fair at Christ Church Cathedral.

Games, entertainment, bouncy castle, face painting, pony rides, music and dancing, baked goods, Cathedral tours and more. 10:30am2:30pm. 930 Burdett Ave. 250-383-2714, ext. 228.

Up, Up and Away: Puppet Shows for Reading Heroes at Saanich Centennial Branch Library.

Join resident Super Heroes Lucy and Todd for puppet plays that will power you up for Summer Reading Club. Lucy and Todd’s puppet adventures will inspire your imagination and get you excited about SRC. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. 11am-noon. 250-477-9030.

Wild About Whales at Esquimalt Gorge Park.

Watch thousands of rubber whales race down the Gorge. Adopt a whale by purchasing a raffle ticket. BBQ, family-friendly activities, free face painting and water-themed children’s activities. 11:30am-2:30pm. Race starts promptly at 1pm. www.bgvic.org.

SUN 16 Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Children and their families are invited to explore the art inspired by the current exhibition. Included with Gallery admission or free with membership. 2-4pm. 250-384-4171. www.aggv.ca.

1:30-2:30pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more information.

FRI 21 FernFest at the Fernwood Community Association. Pancake breakfast, kids’ activities, Kidical Mass bike parade, musicians, performers, dancers, food, bikes, artists, magic and so much more. 10am-10pm. 1923 Fernwood Rd. fernwoodnrg.ca. 250-381-1552.

SAT 22 What’s That? Ask a Nat! at Island View Beach Regional Park. Come with your curiosity to explore low tide and all the marine critters it reveals. Borrow the dip nets and ask CRD Regional Parks naturalists to identify your treasures. Meet at the picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. 10am-1pm drop-in.

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

Storyteller Captain Jeff at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Get a head start on your summer adventures with songs and stories by storyteller Captain Jeff. Take a nautical journey and encounter pirates, rough seas, deserted islands and other magical surprises along the way. For Grades K-4 and great for homeschoolers too.

SUN 23 Touch a Truck 2013 for Pediatric Cancer Research at Panorama Recreation Centre. Let your kids get behind the wheel and explore trucks of all kinds. Fire trucks, police cars, limousines, excavators, cement trucks and more. Family activities and BBQ. All proceeds benefit neuroblastoma research. 11am-3pm.

Advance tickets $15/family; at the door $20/ family. www.team4hope.ca.

Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. More info, call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

A Walk to Remember at Royal Oak Burial Park. Fundraising to make Little Spirits Garden a reality, the walk aims to bring the community together to acknowledge the tragedy that is pregnancy loss and infant loss. Registration starts at 11am, walk starts at 11:30am. 4673 Falaise Dr. www.awalktoremember.ca.

Going Batty at Swan Lake Nature House.

Come celebrate our best source of natural mosquito control—bats! Explore their weird and wonderful world and find out how to encourage bats to visit your neighbourhood.

Admission by donation. Noon-3pm. For more information, call 250-479-0211. www. swanlake.bc.ca.

Backyard BBQ-inspired Ribs Our original Thrifty Kitchens spice blends are hand-rubbed onto each rack and then glazed with our authentic sauces. These ribs are as saucy as they are delicious!

Pre-marinated, prep-free and grill-ready.

BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Here’s Looking at You Baby at Tillicum Centre.

Lisa Petterson, well known children’s photographer, will be at Tillicum Centre June 8-29, 9:30am-5:30pm. Please register in person to book your photography session and a chance to win a prize. Partial proceeds will be donated to Saanich Neighbourhood Place—Tillicum’s charity of choice. Saanich Neighbourhood Place is a family resource program located at Pearkes Recreation Centre. They provide all types of drop-in programs, parenting courses, clothing and toy exchanges and more.

SUN 30

MON 17

ONGOING

Memphis Dry Rub with Phillips Ale Glaze Featuring Phillips Brewing Company Ale

Louisiana Chili Rub with Buffalo Sweet & Spicy Glaze

Kindergym at Burnside Campus Gymnasium.

Ride-on toys, climbers, slides, balls, hoops and various sports equipment. The program includes free play, organized games and circle time. Best suited for ages 2-4 years, but all children under 5 years are welcome. Parent participation required. Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am.

Free. 3130 Jutland Rd. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Slowly cooked for a fall-off-the-bone eating experience.

Chinese 5 Spice Espresso Rub with Asian Sesame Glaze Featuring Level Ground Trading Espresso

1.800.667.8280 · www.thriftyfoods.com 8933 C01 Island Parent June.indd 1

www.IslandParent.ca

2013-05-17 9:41 AM

June 2013 45

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.

Ph: 250 590 5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com 46 Island Parent Magazine

Present this advertisement when you book your week of summer day camp and receive a certificate for a FREE Ice Cream Manicure! *Rules and conditions apply.

CALL TODAY at 250.477.5550 or visit oxfordlearning.com

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Preschoolers are invited to fun and interactive storytimes that will help foster early literacy development. We’ll share enriching stories, sing songs, learn rhymes and have fun playing with language. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate.

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

Toddler Art at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Explore your creative side. Smocks and soap provided, but please dress children in clothing that they can get messy and be creative in. Parent participation required. $2/drop-in.

Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www.burnsidegorge.ca.

Drop-in Play at Lakehill Preschool. Come join our awesome ECE for a free drop-in play every Wednesday 3-4:30pm. All children 0-4 welcome. 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. 250-4774141. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Drop-in Playgroup at Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare. For parents/guardians with children 0-4 years. Come see what Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare has to offer. Thursdays 3:15-4:30pm. 4205 Tyndall Ave. 250-477-8131. For more information, visit www.lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover.

For children ages 0-5. Fridays 9:30-11am, in the Maple Room at Carnarvon Centre, 3802 Henderson Rd. 250-370-5392. www. lansdownepreschool.com.

Mother Goose Drop-In at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Enjoy music, stories and fun with your little one. Mother Goose encourages child development through music, stories, movement and attachment parenting.

For birth to 5 years. This program is offered in partnership with Success by 6 South Vancouver Island. Saturdays 10-11am. Free.

Children Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm.

250-665-7511.

FAMILIES Ready to Rent BC offers a free course to help find and keep a rental home. Six-week courses run at different times, days and locations. We help renters identify and deal with any barriers

www.IslandParent.ca

they may have to housing. Includes bus tickets, child minding and a healthy snack. To sign up, call 250-388-7171. readytorentbc.net.

Oaklands Sunset Market at Oakland Community Centre Basketball Court. A great place to meet your neighbours, learn about food security, purchase delicious local goods from farmers, crafters, artisans, and bakers. Live music and hot food. 4:30-8:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month June-August.

Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca.

Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday noon-3pm.

Moss Street Market at Moss and Fairfield. Local, organic farmers, craft and food vendors, local musicians, great coffee, special event days and more. Saturdays until October 26, 10am-2pm.

Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

An original, one-room school house built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd. Wonder Sunday at the Royal BC Museum.

Bring your family on the last Sunday of each month for activities and explorations inspired by different parts of the museum. Make crafts, join special tours, and let your imagination wonder away with you. Suitable for children ages 3-12 years old and is included with admission or free with membership. www. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Gorge Waterway Nature House in Esquimalt/ Gorge Park. Aquarium touch-tank, microscopes, interactive displays and friendly staff.

Sundays 11am-4pm, May to August. All ages welcome. Admission by donation. 250-3807585 or education@worldfish.org.

The Family Self-Sufficiency Program at the Burnside Gorge Community Association has spots available. Take advantage of this unique program and receive support in budgeting and setting goals, learn about money management, and potentially receive savings. If you live in subsidized housing, live on a low income, and reside with at least one dependant child, this program might be for you. Call 250-388-5251 for more information.•

June 2013 47

Around the Island Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino SAT 1 Ladysmith Kids’ Pirate Day at Ladysmith Community Marina. Pirates, face painting, kids’ crafts, bullhead derby, food, interactive musicians, and family harbour tours. www. ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca.

WED 5 Parent & Tot Forest Exploration at Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (Native Plant Nursery).

Enjoy a guided walk through the woods followed by nature crafts, story time, refreshments and planting your own strawberry plant to take home. Bring a picnic to enjoy. 10-11:30am. $15/family of 4; $8/family of 2; $5/individual.

250-756-5200.

Try Girls Hockey at Oceanside Place Arena.

Gear and instruction provided, all you need is the enthusiasm. Free with pre-registration.

6:15-7:45pm. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2.

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

The Power of One at Parksville Community & Conference Centre. Inspirational presentation by Simon Jackson, founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition and board member of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. 7pm.

Suggested donation of $10/adult; $5/student.

FRI 7 Tots Movie Night Out at Bowen Complex, Nanaimo. Do you want to take your child out for a movie but worry about disrupting the audience? Bring your little one and get them used to sitting in an environment much like a movie theatre. Popcorn and drink included. $5/ child; parents free. 6-7:45pm. 250-756-5200.

SAT 8 Learn to Fish at Long Lake (Loudon Park), Nanaimo. Catch the fun and learn about fish identification, conservation, handling, tackle and rod rigging. All equipment provided. Parent participation required. 11am-1pm. Free.

250-756-5200.

SAT 15 Take a Hike for Families at Linley Valley. Discover trails you may not have traveled before.

Have fun learning about nature, plants, birds and wildlife by playing nature bingo. 1-3pm. $15/family of 4; $8/family of 2; $5/person.

250-756-5200.

SUN 16 Family Minute to Win it at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Family fun challenges for Father’s Day. Compete for prizes and bragging rights. A variety of silly games that give you a minute to show your stuff. Everyone welcome. 2-4pm.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

WED 19 Lifeguard Seminar: How do I get a Job at the Pool at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Working as a lifeguard/swim instructor is a great job for youth to earn a good wage, work in a great team environment, learn valuable leadership and life skills and, most of all, have fun working with kids. Come to the information session to find out everything you need to know about working in a pool. 4-5pm. Free with pre-registration. 250-752-5014. www. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2.

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

SAT 22 Learn to Fish at Long Lake (Loudon Park), Nanaimo. See SAT 11 for details. Parent participation required. 11am-1pm. Free.

250-756-5200.

FRI 28 School’s Out Rodeo Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Celebrate your first day of summer vacation rodeo style. The Ravensong team will keep you busy with an action packed afternoon full of games and fun. Everyone welcome. 1-3pm. Regular admission rates.

250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

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

48 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

ONGOING PRESCHOOL LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack table.

Indoor car and toy riding area. Monday to Friday 9:30am-noon, and Thursdays 12:151:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, www. familyandfriends.ca.

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

Adventures in Early Literacy at the Ladysmith Resource Centre. A parent-child, fun-filled program designed for children ages 3 to 5 years. Participants learn and have fun doing crafts, games and singing. A book is read, lunch and snacks are provided. 9:45-noon.

Space is limited, so call 250-245-3079 to get on the list. 630 2nd Ave.

CHILDREN Parent & Child Hockey at Cliff McNabb Arena. 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. Parent participation required. Sundays 2:15-3pm. $5. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH The Youth Zone in Ladysmith. A fun and safe place to hang out, meet new friends and enjoy games tables, sports in the gym, internet kiosk, TV, movies, board games, karaoke and more. Energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Tuesdays, 3-6pm in the Rec Room; Wednesdays, 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

The Zone Youth Hang-Out at Beban Park Complex, Nanaimo. Come and hang out with your friends and participate in a different activity each week. Movie nights, dodge ball, soccer, or electronic night. For 11- to 13-year-olds. $6/drop-in. Fridays, 7-9pm. 250-756-5200.

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

FAMILY Errington Farmers’ Market at Errington Community Park. Seasonal produce, baked goods, yarn, quality arts & crafts, and more.

Saturdays 10am-1pm until September 28. www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca.

Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun. Burn off some energy with soft toys (balls and nerf-type games), mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/family.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.•

www.IslandParent.ca

csf.bc.ca

June 2013

49

Melissa Flint

One Isn’t the Loneliest Number

I

was positive that I always wanted two children. Growing up in a family of three kids, my siblings and I often played two against one. So when my husband and I were ready to start having babies, I was adamant that we would have even numbers so that wouldn’t happen. I knew I definitely didn’t want four, so two it was.

We were overjoyed to welcome our son into the world in March, 2010. My husband was so enamoured with our little man that he immediately started talking about the next one. I was right there with him, guessing that we’d end up with two boys, while he thought our next might be a girl. No sooner had we brought our newborn home from the hospital than people were asking us when number two was planned.

When my son was seven months old and my maternity leave was nearing the end, I

decided to take on a daycare child in my home for extra income. I started watching a lovely 13-month-old girl five days a week.

It seemed like an easy solution to keep me home with our son as I’d always wanted while providing him with a playmate. Easier said than done, it turned out.

While she was a sweet, mild-tempered toddler, she would never nap. My son was still napping twice a day, along with nursing and learning to crawl. Meeting the needs of two small children under the age of 14 months with very different capabilities was quite a balancing act. I figured it must be easier when the second was your own.

After a series of events, I decided to call it quits with daycare.

Having more “free time,” my husband and I decided to try to get pregnant again. But it wasn’t as easy this time as it had been the

K-9 Distributed Learning

first. My husband’s job took him up north to work. With a schedule of six weeks away, two weeks home, I was more often than not a “single parent.”

My son was now nearing two and we had been trying unsuccessfully, on and off, to get pregnant since he was about nine months old.

The older my son got, the larger the gap between my kids was becoming. And most surprisingly, the less I seemed to want a second child. My son was still not sleeping through the night—and still isn’t—and the terrible two’s were in full swing. We started adding new activities to our schedule like swimming lessons twice a week and I had taken on a part-time job. Add to that the fact I was the one primarily responsible for all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, bill paying, as well as two cats, a dog, and a fish.

As my exhaustion mounted, I became less convinced that I could handle a second child.

But still I persisted, somehow compelled to produce more offspring. Most of my friends and family had two or more children and they were managing alright. As I considered the idea of only having one, I was wracked with enormous guilt at the thought of not providing my son with a sibling. I had such fond memories of childhood with my brother and sister—the games we invented,

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609 50 Island Parent Magazine

- unique hands-on learning activities - support from a certified teacher - constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

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the trouble we got into and the jokes we still talk about. Why would I want to rob my son of the joy of a sibling? But still I had doubts.

The thoughts continued to nag me so I brought up the subject with my husband. We both agreed we had truly been blessed with an amazing child. He was gorgeous, smart, funny and talented. We honestly thought, “What happens if we can’t do this again?”

As we discussed the matter further during our nightly long-distance phone calls, I confessed to my husband that I had changed my mind. As much as I loved and cherished our son, motherhood was a lot different than I had expected it to be. I was finding it very hard to cope with an active two-year-old and my daily responsibilities with my partner gone for extended periods of time.

Our decision soon became clear: our son was going to be an only child.

Suddenly, I felt like an enormous weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I settled into a newfound sense of peace.

And with it, a revelation: Why had I put so much pressure on myself in the first place?

Why had I convinced myself that “REAL” mothers have two or more children? Was it because my mother had three children in four years? Was it because every vacation sweepstakes prize was for a family of four?

Was it because most TV and movie families were perfect little groups of four? Maybe it was a combination of all those things.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is our life, our family—our choice. My husband and I felt we could and would be totally happy with one child. We weren’t going to be pressured into having more children.

The hardest part for me was breaking the news to my mother that she was only getting one grandchild from us. But soon after this life-altering decision, my sister found out she was pregnant and then welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. Seeing her deal with all the challenges of having a new baby has only reinforced my only-child decision. I honestly don’t feel I have it in me to do it all over again.

There are still passing moments when spending time with my sweet little niece that I think to myself “Yeah, I could do this again.” But then I think about how my family of three feels just right to me. One isn’t the loneliest number.

Melissa Flint is a 31-year-old, stay-at-home mom of a three-year-old boy. She is enjoying country life, raising her first batch of chickens at her home in Mill Bay.

www.IslandParent.ca

The Canadian Heritage Arts Society

Fun, full-day sessions for passionate young artists in a conservatory setting

www.ccpacanada.com June 2013 51

Lighthouse Academy of

Dance

Playground Safety Photo: Andrei Fedorov

Supervise your child closely and ensure they know how to use equipment safely

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Beginner–Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary • Creative Musical Theatre • RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses

Summer DanceArts Camp: August 26th–30th Boys Only Dance Camp: August 24th Summer Classes: RAD syllabus and free classes

250.595.8705

lighthouseballet@gmail.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com Locations: Western Communities, Vic West

FIDDLESTICKS {studio of fine arts for young children} Music, art and happy times in the life of a child

www.FiddlesticksChild.ca “I often describe walking into Fiddlesticks as walking into a fairytale... where the kids are inspired to dream, discover, imagine possibilities and become exactly who they a r e. ” - a mother

52 Island Parent Magazine

Keep your child off equipment that is higher than 1.5 metres (five feet).

For children under five years of age, stand right beside your child when she is climbing, riding in a swing or playing on equipment above the ground. You should be able to reach your child easily at all times. You can help prevent her from falling.

If your child is between five and nine years of age, watch what she is doing. Children this age like to take chances. Make sure your child uses equipment safely.

Look for a sign identifying the intended age group for the equipment and keep your child off equipment that is meant for older children. Playgrounds often have equipment for two different age groups: children younger than five years of age, and children from five to 12 years of age. If your child cannot reach a piece of equipment, then she should not use it. It is meant for older children.

Teach your child the playground safety rules • Wait your turn.

• Slide down feet first.

• Don’t go up the slide ladder until the other person has gone down the slide.

• Hold on to railings.

• Sit down on swings and slides.

• Keep away from moving swings and the bottom of slides.

• Before using the playground, remove helmets, scarves and drawstrings.

• Remove anything that could strangle your child. Take off any strings or drawstrings on your child’s clothing. In winter, use clips instead of strings to hold mittens to clothing.

Your child can wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf.

• Make sure your child puts aside skipping ropes and bike helmets before climbing on playground equipment.

Check the playground It should have a deep, soft surface as well as handrails and barriers to prevent falls.

Watch out for sharp objects or spaces where your child’s head could get stuck. Choose a playground with a deep, soft surface instead of one with a dirt or grass surface. Sand, pea gravel, wood chips, rubber crumb, or soft rubber mats are some good examples. These will help protect your child if he falls. If the surface in your playground is not deep and soft, keep your child on equipment that is close to the ground.

Dig the heel of your shoe into the surface to see how deep it is. It should be 15 to 30 cm (six to 12 inches) deep. If the surface has worn away at the bottom of a slide or under a swing, you can push more of it into place with your shoe.

Before you let your child use any equipment that he might fall from, make sure it has good handrails, barriers and railings to prevent falls.

Watch out for areas where your child’s head or neck could get stuck. Spaces might be big enough for your child’s body but might trap his head or neck. This could strangle your child. Safe spaces are smaller than nine cm (3.5 inches) and larger than 22.5 cm (nine inches). Places to check include the spaces between the steps on a slide and spaces between railings.

Look for broken glass, garbage, sharp edges, and bolts that stick out. Pick up any glass or garbage before your child plays. If your child is old enough, teach him to stay away from sharp edges or bolts. Watch a young child closely to prevent him from bumping into sharp edges.

From Parachute: Preventing Injuries, Saving Lives. Parachute is a national, charitable organization, formed in July 2012, which unites the former organizations of Safe Communities Canada, Safe Kids Canada, SMARTRISK and ThinkFirst Canada into one strong leader in injury prevention. For more information, visit www.parachutecanada.org. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Ann Douglas

Creative Parenting

E

very day is a new beginning when you’re a parent. Your child is changing and growing. And so are you. Each day you wake up with more wisdom and insights than you had the day before. (It may not feel like that some days, but it’s true. Being a parent offers ongoing opportunities for learning, on good days as well as bad.)

And the days when we feel the most frustrated with our parenting efforts are often the times when we are on the verge of a major parenting breakthrough—or at least that’s been my experience. I’ll be feeling frustrated because I don’t appear to be making any progress in figuring out how to handle a difficult parenting situation. And then, when I’m working away at a completely unrelated task, a creative solution will pop into my head.

I’ve also learned that it helps to have some strategies to turn to when I’m feeling more frustrated than creative—strategies that help me to shift my perspective.

Find your sense of humour. Not only do you need a sense of humour as a parent, but humour is a great trigger for creativity.

Try not to take everything quite so personally. Take a deep breath. Take a walk. Take a break. Do all three.

Remember what it was like to be your child’s age, dealing with a similar situation. Can you actually bear to mentally transport yourself to that place for more than a few seconds?

Sure you can—for the sake of the insights that such a journey will elicit.

Not every brilliant parenting idea that you come up with will be a good fit for your child and/or succeed spectacularly. If you are able to come up with a steady stream of ideas, you won’t have to worry about tossing aside your less-than-brilliant ideas. You simply move on to the next idea. Creativity and resilience are great traits to have when you’re a parent.

Ann Douglas is the author of 23 books, including (most recently) the second Canadian and American editions of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (Wiley Canada, 2011, Wiley US, 2012); and The Mother of All Baby Books (Wiley Canada, 2012).

www.IslandParent.ca

Children/Teen Sewing Camps Children (aged 7 yrs & up) & Teens

Summer ¤‚⁄‹ Classes

Bay/Fernwood Area Fall & Homeschool classes also available

Aug 6-9

July 8-12 July 15-19 July 22-26 July 29-Aug 2

Aug 12-16 Aug 19-23 Aug 26-30

(4 days)

Emphasis is on sewing clothes they can wear!

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

July 2-5

Andrea’s

Andrea Bailey

22 years experience

(4 days)

Call 250-592-7879 aseweasy@shaw.ca

www.andreasseweasy.com June 2013 53

Tina Kelly

Not Your Childhood Diary

54 Island Parent Magazine

I

t came with a set of keys for a lock my brother had no problem picking. As I recall, it was pink and emblazoned with flowers. Or maybe it was Care Bears? What I do remember clearly about my childhood diary was the simple language and the simple sentences that when re-read seemed to describe a simple life. “Today was fun.” “I went to the park.” “My brother is a jerk.”

I became so tired of my boring prose that I typically abandoned contributing all

University of Victoria are taught about the benefits of including art journaling in their classroom activities. It’s an easy way to encourage creativity in the written and visual arts along with highlighting the importance of observation skills and expressing feelings.

It’s easy and relatively inexpensive to get started. Buy a few items to get started and build on your supplies as you learn what you and your kids like to use. Some supplies you may already have in your craft kit.

together, resulting in less than 10 per cent of the pages scribbled on. Down the road, I’d start over, often with a new diary, enter “My brother is a jerk” and again quit with only a few pages completed.

Flash forward to today and I successfully put pen to paper. This time around I focus less on the written word and more on creativity by including photos, drawings and ephemera. And instead of calling it a diary, it’s an art journal. Though the name is different, the basic premise is the same—to document feelings and experiences.

And I’m far from alone. Not only do art schools offer art journaling classes and bookstores stock a large selection of books on the subject, teachers in training at the

Supply List • Journal or sketch pad: There are many different sizes and styles to choose from. I suggest journals with thick paper to withstand felt tip markers, paint or the weight of glue and ephemera. Coil bound journals sit flat so they are easy to work with, and I prefer unlined pages.

• A variety of pens: Pens come in all shapes, sizes and colours—wide tip, fine tip, brush tip, calligraphy, felt, ball point, glitter, metallic, blue, black, red and every other colour imaginable. Experiment with pens you already own and figure out what you prefer—for young children, Crayola will probably do. My favourite art store pens are Staedtler pigment liners and Sakura www.kidsinvictoria.com

Pigma Micron; both brands come in multiple thicknesses and colours. Sharpie also makes good-quality pens in many colours and sizes.

• Pencils: regular HB pencils will work just fine, but if you find sketches starting to form a big part of your kids’ journals, try pencils specifically for sketching, or graphite pencils.

• Scissors: a small pair of craft or household scissors will do.

• Adhesives: another one to play with and determine what you like. Glue sticks are great and less messy than white glue but I also like double-sided adhesive squares, especially when travelling or not journaling at home.

• Envelopes: small to medium envelopes that can be adhered to journal pages. These make great pockets for treasures or extra bits and pieces that won’t fit on the page.

• Watercolours: watercolours can be intimidating—not to mention expensive— so start with a small ready-to-go pallet of about eight colours or even watercolour pencils. Watercolour pencils resemble regular coloured pencils, but if a wet brush is applied over your drawing, the effect goes from pencil to watercolour paint.

• Paint brushes: you’ll need these if you choose to use watercolours. They can also

be used to brush on white glue.

• Rubber stamps: rubber stamp letters are perfect for art journaling, but other stamps can be used as well. Don’t forget an ink pad; black is a great starting choice.

Tips and Tricks 1. Anything goes. Focus more on being creative than the perfect sentence structure.

If your child is a natural writer, there may be more words on the page than images. If an artist is brewing, the opposite might ring true. The joy of an art journal is they get to explore and create whatever they want.

2. Encourage the use of ephemera. Ephemera is defined as anything that is meant to exist for a short period of time—tickets, receipts, pamphlets, cookie fortunes, food labels, etc. Looking back, it is those “supposed-to-be” short-lived items that provide me with the best opportunity to reflect on my experiences.

3. Other bits and pieces that can be incorporated are postage stamps from mail received, maps, business cards and greeting cards. Most items are free.

4) In the digital world we rarely print photos. Encourage your kids to use photos to help them tell their story and express how they felt about an experience. If they

Car Seats & Strollers Carriers & Slings Nursing Products Diapers & Diaper Bags Swaddles & Sleep Sacks Toys & Crafts Shoes & Boots Now in

are creating a journal while travelling, have them leave some random pages blank so they may add their photos at a later date.

5) Change-up the style of hand-lettering.

Use a mixture of printing and writing. Try all lower case, all capitals, calligraphy or add curly-cues, dots or slants to the letters. Forget straight lines—make the words uneven or write in a circle.

6) If adding to the journal on a daily basis seems daunting, make it a weekend journal or a themed journal—movies, books, travel or nature.

7) Have fun!

Recommended Reading • The Decorated Journal, Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages.

Gwen Diehn • 1000 Artist Journal Pages. Dawn DeVries Sokol • Art journaling by Somerset Studio magazine • daisyyellow.squarespace.com.

Tina Kelly is the Visitor Experience Director at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. She loves the creative process and how art journaling allows her to reminisce about what she saw and how she felt while traveling.

May 15-June 30

Join Teacher-in-Residence Heather Cosidetto at Open Space for a closer look at our new exhibition, with

free hands-on activities that will get you and your family thinking about art and making some of your own. Wed 12–2:30 & Fri 2:30–5.

Groups phone ahead.

2945 Jacklin Road 250-478-1737 www.jamtots.com www.IslandParent.ca

Community Gaming Grants

June 2013 55

2013 SUMMER SOCCER EXCITEMENT Coming to…

Victoria Areas Nanaimo • Saltspring Comox • Campbell River Parksville • Qualicum Beach

JULY & AUGUST CAMPS Tots (3–4/4–5yrs) 1 hour AM programs Half Day (6–13yrs) 9am–noon Full Day (7–13yrs) 9am–4pm

Registration information at

Soccertron.com

Panorama Recreation is excited to offer over 50 exciting camps this summer! To accommodate the interests, needs and abilities of all of the youth in our community, we’ve carefully designed our program selection so that you can customize your very own summer camp experience. Camp choices include Geocaching, Wilderness, Spy Kids, Junior Lifeguard and so much more. The choice is yours and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! www.panoramarecreation.ca 250.656.7271

Summer Fun for Everyone!

A wide range of full and half-day programs including:

Shoot the Write Stuff

Learn the fine art of film-making from a pro.

Summer Chefs

Luscious fruits and veggies take centre stage in the kitchen.

Circus Circus

Stilt walking, aerials, juggling and more!

Visit our website for information on these and other programs: www.smus.ca/summer or call the Education Extension office at 250-370-6120.

FOR ALL KIDS IN VICTORIA AGES 5-15

56

Island Parent Magazine

What Does It Mean to Be a Hands-On Dad? T

Slide into Summer

2013 Camps

JD Roberto

smus.ca

he kindly lady at the register called me a “hands-on dad.” I was waiting to check-out with a box of diapers and a chattering 18-month-old when she smiled and said, “It’s good to see such a handson dad.” It was a compliment and I liked it…a lot. I was already swimming in a sea of smiles, nods and “ohhhhhs” from just about every woman I passed. Not much will make a guy feel like Superman more than a slow stroll around Target with his baby daughter in his arms. Honestly, right after she was born, I volunteered to take Pebbles everywhere I went. On a regular day at the grocery store I’m just some idiot who ran out of milk. But strap an infant to my chest and I’m that sweet young dad with his precious little daughter. The unshaven, ball cap, sweatshirt look suddenly tells the story of a loving father who has put parenthood before personal grooming, rather than the story of a slacker who really needs to hit the gym. I’m a “hands-on dad,” I get a free pass.

I’d already had a taste of this with my son who’s a couple of years older. We’d be in the middle of a ferocious round of “chase Daddy, catch Daddy, knock Daddy over” at the park when I would start sensing the approving eyes of moms and nannies lighting on us as we tumbled across the grass. The truth is, given my insecurities, I reveled in all the unsolicited attention and the feeling that people thought I was a good dad.

There’s nothing quite as intoxicating as the approval of strangers.

I’m not entirely sure when I first noticed that my wife wasn’t on the receiving end of the same admiration that I was getting, but it was pretty clear that a trip to Target didn’t include people telling her how great www.kidsinvictoria.com

it was to see a mother spending time with her child. Likewise the grocery store, where cruising the aisles with two young children has never involved deferential smiles and I have certainly never in my life heard the phrase “hands-on mom.”

It occurred to me that the reason behind the disparity is both obvious and disappointing. As much as we’d like to believe that we’ve evolved past gender stereotypes, when it comes to parenting, most people still fall back on millennia old ideas of what Mommies and Daddies are expected to do. Sure, we all understand the concept of stay-at-home dads and these days the word “Mannie” refers to more than a diminutive Latino cartoon character. But for most folks, these are novel concepts that barely rise about the level of quaint anecdote. “Oh, look at Tim! He quit his job to raise his kids, how progressive!”

That these trends are noteworthy at all tells us that there still needs to be a genuine shift in mindset; a reimaging of parenting as a true, equal partnership. The fact is, we shouldn’t see anything unique or charming about a capable, dedicated, involved father.

Men are not genetically predisposed to indifference or absence and we’re certainly not interested in being cast as “well meaning helper.” The concept of the nine-to-five Provider/Father, absorbed in his work while the wife labours with raising his children, is equal parts obsolete and insulting. And though we pay lip service to being well past this mid-20th century vision of the nuclear family, every special pat on the back I get for simply showing up and being a parent tells us otherwise.

I aspire to be a great father, but I’m not interested in being graded on a sliding scale or getting credit for mundane parenting tasks simply because I’m a guy. I don’t need a parade every time I execute a flawless, onehanded diaper change (which I do regularly) and I don’t need to hear about how great it is that I can do pigtails for my little girl (my piggies rock, by the way). I know these accolades are meant in the best possible way, but when you compliment a father for doing something a mother does without notice or praise, you diminish both of us.

JD Roberto is a writer and the host of The Better Show, a nationally syndicated TV talk show. His work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Parents Magazine and on The Huffington Post. Visit his blog at www.thehandsondad.com and follow him on twitter @jdroberto. www.IslandParent.ca



Summer Baseball fun returns to Victoria!

What is this?  A non-competitive co-ed baseball league @ Hampton Park.  Two divisions: ages 8 to 10 and ages 11 to 13 before May 1st.  Open to all players from BC Minor Baseball, Little League, and novices.  Every team will include players from different areas of Victoria.  No practises or scorekeeping for parents.  There are no standings or trophies.  Games are scheduled Mon-Thur so no interference with weekends.  Player substitution between teams will be encouraged: so don’t feel bad if your player might miss a few games because of camping etc.

Enrol him or her anyways!

Goals?  To provide a safe environment for kids where they can enjoy a fun baseball experience with no pressure.  To build friendships between players from ballparks across Victoria.

When?  League will run approximately from July 22 to August 29. (12 games).

Cost?  $50 for registration (includes a ball shirt to keep).

Who do I Contact?

Online registration @ http://www.hamptonlittleleague.org/ Great opportunity for parents with no experience to get involved along with your player in the great game of baseball.



Make Create Fabricate Summer Camps

Eco-Fashion Camp, By the Sea, Music & Dance, Sewing Boot Camp, It’s a Doll’s Life & Up in the Sky 8331/2 Fort Street, Victoria, BC

Crafting Parties • Youth Stitch Sewing & Art Workshops

www.themakehouse.ca

Kids LOVE The Makehouse

778-432-2294

June 2013 57

Lee Richardson

Physical Literacy

P

hysical literacy. Putting the terms “physical” and “literacy” together has a funny ring. Many of us connect literacy to language skills, such as reading and writing, a contradiction to what comes to mind at the word “physical.”

The phrase “physical literacy” is derived from the original context of the term “literacy,” which is defined as a person’s knowledge of a subject or field.

Physically literate people are knowledgeable and interested in different types of movement. They move confidently in diverse ways and do physical activities that benefit the development of the person as a whole.

Physically literate people are more likely to have happy, healthy lifestyles, the kind of lives parents want for their children.

In order for parents to support their children in being physically literate, there are three keys to success: 1. Children should start as early as possible.

2. Children should be taught to respect themselves and others.

3. Parents should foster a love for physical activities.

The first key seems obvious. However, if routines are not established in the first three years of life, it is more difficult to teach physical literacy to your child. When the routines are established, engagement and passion for physical activity can lead to healthier lifestyles for children as they move through adolescence and early teen years.

There are programs your child can take at a young age that can get them off to the right start, some beginning as early as 16 months.

At that age, children absorb a lot, and as a result, the time put into developing physical literacy can be worth exponentially more in later years. Putting a child into a physically active environment sets the tone for the rest of their lives.

Exposing your children to a combination of structured and unstructured movement is ideal. From unstructured movement, toddlers will develop creativity, a sense of discovery and enjoyment for physical activ-

Henderson Park Golf Course Summer Fun for the Whole Family!

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Summer Camps (5‑12 years)

Golf & Games!

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58 Island Parent Magazine

Lessons for All Ages and Abilities too! www.recreation.oakbay.ca

ity. In structured physical activity at a young age, children begin to form vocabulary, selfesteem and the ability to take direction from a coach or mentor.

When children learn to move in a physical environment at an early age, they learn to respect their bodies, each other, and the environment around them. When activity comes with positive reinforcement, children quickly learn the value of moving confidently, as it makes them feel better about themselves and others. Kids learn how good it feels when they perform physical tasks with accuracy and agility.

This is the foundation that motivates children to want to make healthy choices.

They begin to desire that feeling of accomplishment and pride that happens when they master a new skill. This desire, combined with the reinforcement of other healthy choices such as diet and hygiene, ultimately leads to self-respect.

In learning the rules of a game or sport and respecting the coach and equipment, children begin to develop a respect for the environment and the people in it. The development of respect plays a role in the child becoming more physically proficient. When children understand what makes them feel good, they also start to understand what they can do to help others feel good.

A great example of this is when my two boys play soccer in our backyard. My older boy has been exposed to sports and positive reinforcement throughout his whole life.

This has resulted in him encouraging and assisting his younger brother when they are playing a game or practicing a sport. The ability for my son to do this respectfully comes from practice and mentoring in the programs where he has been taught how to communicate positively.

This does not always happen naturally.

It is easy for children to communicate with each other in a disrespectful way, pointing out what someone is doing wrong instead of showing them the desired behaviour. When respectful communication starts early in a sport environment, children seem to pick it up with ease.

The ability to respect others is fostered from this type of communication and when children start young, they understand the benefits of positive respectful communication in their lives. Positive feelings and communication in a physically active environment help children have respect for themselves and others.

As children become more proficient and comfortable with physical activity, they often

www.kidsinvictoria.com

enjoy it more. Eventually, through repetition, the feeling of success and enjoyment turns into a passion for physical activity. This passion can be nurtured simply by supporting your child’s development in activities.

Teaching your kids about commitment and perseverance will help to drive their passion. As they get older, the lessons become tougher, the commitment becomes more trying, and the parent’s role becomes larger in supporting them.

When it comes to winning and losing, being cut from a team, or not getting to play on a competitive team, these learning experiences will influence children throughout their lifetime. Even though my nine-yearold is sometimes distracted and not overly enthusiastic about going to his sports classes or events, I still take him. As he gets older, his reluctance has decreased. It sometimes is tough as a parent to make him stop enjoying another activity at home in order to go to his sports activity. The conversations we have are usually around commitment to his team and to the activities he has chosen to be part of.

In the case of swimming lessons, he has not chosen to go, but I have decided that it is important for him to know how to swim as our family enjoys water sports. For him to be comfortable and safe around the water, he needs to know how to swim. Even though it was a battle to get him to swim lessons in the beginning, he now enjoys them. And when he has an opportunity to choose a family activity, his first choice is swimming.

My intention was to make sure he had that life skill, but it has grown into a passion for him. The real parenting lesson here is that your children do not always know what is best for them and as a parent, it is your job to make decisions that will help your children develop and grow.

When young children start to build confidence and gain respect for themselves and others through activity, they also begin to build a passion for physical activity because they are comfortable and confident in that environment.

A parent’s role is to foster the passion, help create opportunities, and start their children in both structured and unstructured physical activity at an early age.

Ultimately, this will lead to the development of a physically literate child.

Lee Richardson is a father, a coach, an entrepreneur, a kayaker, owner of EcoQuest Camps and a Sportball Franchise owner.

Email leer@sportball.ca or visit his blog at www.activeleedadding.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

FALCON

GYMNASTICS CENTRE Where Fun & Fitness are #1

July 8 to August 30

Summer Sault Gymnastics Camp 2013 Call for more information:

250-479-6424

Parent & Tot Gym Bugs School Age Recreational 51⁄2 – 14 yrs 18 mos – 3 yrs 31⁄2 – 5 yrs Half Days morning or afternoon camps, Full Day camps. For more information log on to our website at www.falcongymnastics.com We also have: • The best gymnastics and most affordable classes.

• The best Birthday Parties in town.

208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6

250-479-6424

www.falcongymnastics.com

BC SPCA Summer Camps Victoria,* Comox, Cowichan, Nanaimo Ages: 8-11 *two weeks of camp are for 6 & 7 year-olds only

Join us for summer camps filled with animal-themed games, activities, crafts, guest speakers, and some hands-on time with animals.

For more information and to register: spca.bc.ca/camp

Parksville BC

An independent, non-denominational camp

Where adventure and imagination thrive!

• Forest Adventure • Outdoor Cooking • Narnian Dramas • Mask Making

• Archery • Swimming • Unique Programming • And so much more…

Summer registration on now!

Girls & Boys, Ages 6–15 • August 4–10, 11–17

www.campnarnia.com Join us this summer for an amazing experience!

June 2013 59

Kim Bannerman

Among the Giants at Cathedral Grove

CFSA Summer Sail Training Programme Learn to Sail at the Canadian Forces Sailing Association! Children, Youth and Adults, from beginner to advanced. Our instructors are nationally certified through Sail Canada, formerly the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA).

Registration is through the Pacific Activity Centre, phone 250-363-1009.

CFSA 2013 Dinghy Sailing Programme: Schedule & Prices Inquiries about the courses call CFSA Head Instructor Candy Daily at 250-857-2823.

J

Week of

Course

Age level

July 1-5

Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 CANSail 1-2* Adult Basic Sailing (Tues/Thurs Evenings) Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 CANSail 1-2* Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 or 2 CANSail 1-2* Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 or 2 CANSail 1-2* CANSail 3-4 (2 weeks) Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 or 2 CANSail 1-2* Adult Basic Sailing (Tues/Thurs Evenings) Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 or 2 CANSail 1-2 * Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1or 2 CANSail 1-2 * CANSail 3-4 (2 weeks) Opti Wetfeet Opti Level 1 or 2 CANSail 1-2* Regatta

4-7 7-12 12-18 Adult

Price DND Member/ Non Member 220 / 250 220 / 250 220/ 250 220/250

4-7 7-12 12-18 4-7 7-12 12-18 4-7 7-12 12-18 12-18 4-7 7-12 12-18 Adult

220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 400 / 450 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220/ 250

4-7 7-12 12-18 4-7 7-12 12-18 12-18 4-7 7-12

220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 220 / 250 400 / 450 220 / 250 220 / 250

All

$10 per person

July 2-25

Ju July 8-12

July 15-19

July 22-26

July 22- August 2 July 29 –August 2

July 29 –August 22 August 5 – 9

August 12 – 16

August 12 – 23 August 19 – 23

August 10

* Take it Twice and save! Register for two weeks of Basic CANSail

* instruction Take it Twicefor and save ! Register for(consecutive two weeks ofor Basic CANSail instruction the same student gapped) and save $50!for the same student (consecutive or gapped) and save 50 dollars!

1001 Maple Bank Rd, Victoria BC V9A 4M2 Phone 250 857 2823

Candy Daily – Head Instructor Email: cfsatraining@gmail.com Web: http://cfsa.wordpress.com/

60 Island Parent Magazine

T

wo hundred feet above our heads, a small group of bald eagles chortle at each other, marking the boundaries of their territory along the edge of Cameron Lake.

To those of us standing on the ground, the water is hidden from view by thick walls of green salal, lacy ferns, and the mossy trunks of gigantic Douglas fir trees. For the birds perched high above, in a canopy that seems to reach forever into an iron-grey sky, the view must be spectacular.

Cathedral Grove, which is situated in MacMillan Provincial Park and located on the route between Parksville and Port Alberni, is home to much more than this family of bald eagles. The ancient ecosystem also shelters owls, woodpeckers, black bears, elk, and deer. The old-growth trees include Red Cedar, hemlock and fir, and some of the oldest trees in the park are more than 800 years old.

Cathedral Grove has been a popular tourist spot since the 1920s. The name is reputed to have come from Governor General Viscount Willingdon’s description of the grove, when he referred to it in a letter to the provincial government in 1928.

During the 1930s, increased tourism in the area brought more people to Cathedral Grove, and a citizens’ organization began to petition for its conservation. It took 15 years, but HR MacMillan donated the 136 hectares to the province in 1944. In 1947, it was designated as a Class A Provincial Park.

With a network of well-groomed trails that wind amongst the giants, Cathedral Park provides a peaceful, accessible place for families to introduce young children to the grandeur of B.C.’s old-growth forests.

Some paths lead around mossy stumps, others pass huge root systems, while one leads to the shore of Cameron Lake. Small plaques along the trails provide information about flora and fauna, but our children barely noticed them—they were far more impressed at the sheer size of the trees, and stared wide-eyed at the huge trunks, gigantic fungi, and twisted roots.

Because of the grove’s natural state and the dangers of falling branches, it is not

recommended to visit the park on windy days. However, Cathedral Grove is open year round and can be just as enjoyable to experience during a spring shower as it is during a warm summer afternoon.

Trails on either side of the highway ensure that, no matter where you park, you are sure to enjoy a beautiful walk and breathtaking encounters with nature.

To reach MacMillan Park and Cathedral Grove, take Hwy #19 or Hwy #19A to Parksville and take the exit to head west on the Alberni Hwy (Hwy #4) towards Port Alberni. Drive 25 kilometers west. Hwy #4 leads directly through the park; no turnoffs are necessary. Parking is free and there is no admission. Be sure to park on the south side, though, if you wish to see the largest Douglas Fir, with a trunk that boasts a circumference of 9 meters!

Kim Bannerman’s work has appeared in publications including 100 Stories for Queensland (eMergent Press, 2010) and the Paraspheres Anthology (Omnidawn Press, 2006). Her most recent novel, Bucket of Blood (Fox&Bee, 2011), is a Vancouver Island-based murder mystery. Visit www. foxandbee.com or www.kbannerman.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

5

Sharon Aschaiek

Steps to Finding the Best Camp Fit

T

he first time kids go to summer camp is a big step—for parents and children.

Fortunately, with so many different summer camps to choose from, you have a better chance to find the best fit.

1. Is Your Child Ready? Are You? Consider your child’s ability to handle being away from the family, whether for just part of the day or overnight.

In reality, there’s no set age for when to start day or overnight camp. Readiness is more important than age. Some camps even offer a three-day, two-night introductory program for campers as young as three. Each child is different. Some kids will want to go at a young age, and some might never feel ready.

2. What Are Your Child’s Interests? Find out what matters most to your child about camp. Choose a camp that piques interests

or focuses on what your child enjoys or excels at while allowing her or him to try new things. Camp is a great opportunity for kids to engage in activities they normally wouldn’t do in the school year.

Today, there’s a camp to fit every interest, ability, need and budget. What’s best for your child? Day or overnight? Single sex or coed? Traditional or specialized?

3. Make a Checklist. Consider several factors about potential camps, as well as your wants, needs, goals and priorities.

• Location: How close should camp be to your home?

• Fees: What are the costs, and do they fit your budget?

• Transportation: Is busing available? If so, is there an extra cost?

• Day vs. Overnight Camp: Which op-

SUNFUN 2013 K–7 Summer Day Camp Program

Registration Forms available at www.cridge.org or call 250•995•6407 for more information 1 3 0 9 H illside A ve n ue , V ic t o ria , B C V 8 T 2 B 3 62 Island Parent Magazine

tion would best suit your child’s first time at camp?

• Types of Activities: What does your child enjoy doing?

• Programs: Are kids grouped by age?

Are the activities age-appropriate?

• Length of sessions: Are shorter sessions available to help your child ease into overnight camp?

4. Research Your Top Camps. Start your general search online. Browse www.camps. ca and the websites of the Canadian Camping Association and your provincial camp association to learn about camps in your area.

Research prospective camps early. Most camps have application deadlines, and popular camps can fill up quickly. Camp expos and open houses can help your family find the right fit. Consider starting a year in advance so you can visit them when they’re in session and see them in action.

Ask the camp director questions: • What is the camp’s vision and how is it put into practice?

• What is your background and experience in leading summer camps?

• What kind of training do staff receive?

• What is the ratio of counsellor to campers?

• What kinds of facilities are on site?

• What is a typical day’s schedule?

• What are your health and safety protocols?

Get other parents’ perspectives. Ask the director to refer you to other parents to get a more unfiltered perspective on the camp.

Include your child in the process from start to finish. Every child has likes and dislikes, and should have a say in this decision. Your child’s feedback on the final decision keeps the experience positive and ensures that she or he is happy with the camp.

5. After You Find the Right Camp… Get the fine details about the camp. Find out its application process and its policies on fees, payment options, deadlines, meal plans, transportation services, sick days, cancellations and refunds. When applying, be frank about your child’s needs so that they can be properly met.

Build excitement and ease anxieties by helping your child become more familiar with what to expect at camp. Browse the camp’s website, social media sites, information packages and, if available, DVD. Sharon Aschaiek is a contributor to Our Kids Media, Canada’s trusted source for private schools and camps. For more information visit www.ourkids.net. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Book Review

Down to Earth How Kids Help Feed the World

Accepting Enrollment for Sept. 2013 Book now for a tour!

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

Summer

at

2 options

for

•

preschool to grade 2

•

before and after school care

•

small class sizes

•

supportive and caring staff

•

excellent academic foundation

•

Kodaly music program

•

lovely rural location connecting children to nature

Everyone Welcome!

Christ Church Cathedral School

SU MM ER DAY C A M PS

ROBOTICS CAMP

Jun 24 – Aug 29 Monday - Friday 9:00 - 4:00 (extended care available) 7:30am – 6:00pm

Sports, crafts, field trips, scavenger hunts, theme days and much more—Every day is a new adventure!

Age 5 - 10

Age 8 & 9

An introduction to robotics using LEGO WeDo

Age 10 - 13

Learn to build and program your own robot using LEGO NXT Mindstorms

Part-time and full time spaces available.

$195/wee

k

*** Call or email to register for either summer program ***

C hr i s t C h ur c h C at he d r al S c ho o l

912 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 4L8 | (250) 383383-5125

cathedralschool@cathedralschool.ca | www.cathedralschool.ca 64

Island Parent Magazine

In her latest book, Down to Earth, local author Nikki Tate explores some of the many ways children throughout the world help collect seeds, weed gardens, milk goats, herd ducks and more as they grow, harvest, prepare and distribute food.

Maybe you already grow lettuce on your balcony or keep chickens in your backyard. Maybe you’d like to grow your own strawberries or harvest other home-grown produce just like other kids do. Down to Earth will show you how kids pitch in to bring the best and freshest products to their familes’ tables—and to you.

Why does genetic diversity matter? How heavy is the largest pumpkin on record? Do goats really eat tin cans? How many eggs per year does a good laying hen produce? What is the difference between lamb, hogget and mutton? You’ll learn the answers to these questions and more as Tate explores farming practices around the globe, including examples from her small working farm on the Saanich Peninsula, Dark Creek Farm.

Down to Earth is published by Orca Book Publishers, 2013.• www.kidsinvictoria.com

Tips for Limiting Screen Time Children and teens have access to more kinds of electronic media than ever before.

You can help your children develop healthy media habits by monitoring screen time and teaching them to use media safely and wisely.

“Media” is the term used to describe the many ways we communicate. Electronic media includes television, computers, cell phones, video games and movies. The amount of time we spend using them is sometimes called “screen time.”

How can I set limits on my children’s screen time?

Start encouraging good media habits when your children are young. Otherwise, it will get harder to enforce limits and influence their choices as they get older.

• Consider all electronic media when setting time limits for your family. Television, movies, the internet (including social media), video games and gaming devices (whether hand-held, or played through a computer or television) all add to your child’s total screen time.

• Children learn many of their values and ideas from their parents. Be aware of your own media habits and change them if necessary.

• The Canadian Paediatric Society discourages screen-based activities for children under two. Limit television watching to less than one to two hours per day for older children. Avoid making television watching part of your regular daily routine.

• Keep television, computers and gaming equipment out of your child’s bedroom.

Keep them in common areas, where you can watch your children while they use them. Turn off the television or computer when you aren’t using it.

• Balance screen time with sports, hobbies, creative and outdoor play, both on their own and together as a family.

• Late-night chatting online, surfing and texting with friends shouldn’t cut into important sleep time.

• Ask your child or teen to give you their cell phone at a certain time at the end of the day so they aren’t interrupted with phone calls or text messages during family time. Talk about the importance of shutting off cell phones and the value of being unconnected at night.

• Find out about online protection for your family. Programs that provide parental controls can block websites, enforce time limits, monitor the websites your child visits, and their online conversations.

• Ask your child or teen where else she uses computers. Talk to teachers and caregivers about where and when your children are using electronic media.

How can I help my child develop healthy electronic media habits?

• Get involved in your child’s media use—watch, play and listen with your child.

Talk to her about it, find out what she enjoys and why. Share your own beliefs and values. Preview television shows, music and video games to see if they are okay.

• Encourage your child to try different media experiences. Help them make good choices.

• Learn about the Canadian and American ratings systems for television, music, movies and video games. They can help you choose appropriate media with your child.

• Talk to your child about stereotypes and violent images in the media. Educate him about the strategies that advertisers use to sell products to children.

• Limit the violent content your child is exposed to. Notice whether there are any changes in how he behaves after watching scary or violent shows, or playing video games.

• Speak out. If media content strikes you as inappropriate or offensive, tell the media organization.

From the Canadian Paediatric Society. For more information, visit the CPS website, Caring for Kids, at www.caringforkids.cps.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013 65

The Games of Life

GrandKids University

Keeping kids amused doesn’t always take a lot of fancy equipment or adult intervention. Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones that foster the best memories. Teach your kids the following games and let them take it from there.

July 3 & 4, 2013

Pick Pocket Tag In this version of tag, everybody is It. Each player has a strip of cloth hanging out of their back pocket (or one out of each back pocket if you want the game to last a bit longer). The players try to grab each other’s strips without losing their own. The game ends when all the strips of cloth have been grabbed. The player with the most strips is the winner.

GrandKids (ages 7-13) & grandparents come together to learn in a dynamic atmosphere!

Spaces are limited.

Register Today!

1-866-734-6252

Sardines Sardines is the opposite of Hide & Seek.

Instead of one person searching for the rest of the players, the person who’s It gets to hide in this game.

All the players except It close their eyes and count to 100 while It finds a hiding spot. When they’ve finished counting, the other players yell, “Ready or not, here we come” and head off in different directions to search for It. When a player discovers It, he quietly hides with It while the other searchers continue

looking. As more people find the hiding spot, they squash in with the others like sardines in a can. The last person to find them is It in the next round.

Capture the Flag Capture the Flag is played by two teams of at least five people each in a large area that has a variety of hiding places. It’s best with some open area and some trees and vegetation. The area is divided into two territories, one for each team. A “jail” is marked off at the back of each territory, and each team decides where to plant its flag—this should be visible to the opposing team. The point of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to your own territory. If you enter enemy territory, you can be tagged by any enemy team member and taken to their jail. You are in enemy territory as soon as your foot crosses the line.

You can be freed by a team member if they run in and tag you. You may then both cross

Rediscover The Natural Choice…

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viu.ca/grandkids 66 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

quickly back into your own territory to resume the game. Only one prisoner at a time may be rescued.

Flags cannot be moved except by members of the opposite team. You can guard your flag from no closer than 15' unless an enemy is going closer, in which case you may go after that person.

If the flag is captured and the person is tagged before they reach the safety of their own territory, the flag is replanted at that spot and the person goes to jail. If nobody has won by a designated stopping time, the team with the most prisoners is the winner.

Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program Teen Marine Kayak Camps – Summer 2013 Ph 250-370-6852 Email dtyrrell@mygns.ca Day Camps: July 22–26, Aug 12–16

These popular camps (9:00–4:30) for children ages 11 to 12 cover all the basics in sea kayaking, with plenty of fun for the younger paddler. Cost: $255.00

Teen Barkley Sound: June 30–July 5 Teen Johnstone Strait: Aug 18–23 Two exciting sea kayak camping expeditions for teens ages 15–17.

Cost: $625.00 + tax

Discovery Camps: July 8–12, Aug 5–9

For ages 13 to 14, sea kayaking basics, rescues, games, and a three-day camping experience on Discovery Island.

Cost: $285.00 + tax

Elbow Tag Elbow Tag is best with at least eight players.

One player is chosen to be It and another is the first to be chased. The remaining players pair off, linking elbows (if there’s a leftover player, make one group of three). The pairs spread out evenly over the playing area and the game begins with It chasing the runner.

If the runner gets tagged, he becomes It and It becomes the runner. The runner can opt for safety by joining one of the linked pairs.

The person on the other end now breaks off and becomes the runner. The game ends when everyone is too pooped to play anymore.

Tomato Try this game if you’re tuckered out from running around but still want to play. Everyone sits in a circle with one person who is It sitting in the centre. Going around the circle, each person gets to ask It a question, but the only answer It can give is “Tomato” (or “A tomato” if that makes more sense). For example: What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A tomato.” “What do you brush your hair with?

“A tomato.” “What does your nose look like?”

And so on. If you make It laugh then you get to be It. You can change the answer word to add variety and giggle power.

Offering marine adventure since 1995!

A Workshop for Couples:

Invest in your Relationship

This is a great opportunity to learn the research-based tools that really make marriages work based on the best selling book The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman.

Through facilitator-led education, and supported activities with your partner, you will learn to: • Improve friendship, fondness and admiration • Enhance romance and intimacy • Manage conflict constructively • Gain skills to address perpetual and solvable problems • Create shared meaning • Maintain gains throughout a lifetime This workshop does not require couples to share with other participants.

For young couples preparing to move in together, new parents, or those celebrating their 40th anniversary, this class is for you. Class size is limited.

Led by: Gottman Educators, Jody Watson, RCC & Hannah Caradonna, RCSW For questions or to register: Hannah: 250-588-9500 hannahfrcaradonna@gmail.com www.victoriapsychotherapy.com Jody: 250-418-0550 info@jodywatson.ca www.jodywatson.ca

Toy Toss in the Pool Along with a swimming pool, you’ll need access to one pool toy per person: balls, pool noodles or water bombs. Use a rope or a net to divide the pool in half. Players should be evenly distributed on each side of the pool (make sure stronger swimmers are on the deep-end side).

Toss out the toys to each side. When the whistle blows all the players throw the items to the other side of the pool and try to keep their side free of toys. There’s a lot of splashing and action during this game. Play for five or 10 minutes, then blow the whistle for the game to stop. Whichever team has the least number of toys is the winner. • www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013 67

Costa Rica & Kids

I

’m writing this column from Costa Rica where my family and I are on vacation.

We’ve been staying with friends on a farm on the Pacific coast, a few miles from the beach. It’s a modest farm at the end of a long dirt road that winds through an African Palm plantation. Their house is surrounded by the homes of other family members—several generations within a stone’s throw of each other. There’s not much traffic in this quiet spot and so I thought it would be a good opportunity to give my eldest daughter a few driving lessons. Evelyn’s 12 but responsible and mature, and I thought she’d enjoy it, and so one afternoon I asked if she wanted to try driving. Evelyn was non committal, but our eight-year-old daughter Tessa called out and said she’d give it a shot.

I moved the driver’s seat back, let Tessa sit in front of me, pulled my legs in and started with basic stuff—steering, gas pedal, brake, park, drive. We began with a sharp lurch forward and on the first turn I had to intervene to keep us in the middle of the road, but after that we were rolling. By the

second lesson Tessa was really getting the hang of it. These back roads are the perfect place to learn, and I wasn’t too worried about having an eight-year-old driver, even when we passed pedestrians and farmers, or when we returned to our friend’s farmhouse to explain what we’d been doing. I’ve spent a lot of time in Latin America and for most of the years I’ve been here, I haven’t noticed many traffic rules—or at least, few observed rules. Seat belts weren’t required, nor were car seats, and you never used to see motorcycle helmets. Now, however, this seems to be changing. It turns out that Costa Rica’s new laws required Tessa to use a booster seat, and this year for the first time, I noticed that our friends were reluctant to pile eight people in a five-seat car. Apparently it’s also not so easy to bribe the policemen any more. If Tessa and I had been stopped on those back roads there would have been trouble—not just for the fact that Tessa was driving, I suppose, but also for driving without a booster seat.

There’s lots here, however, that hasn’t

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changed. That day after we started driving lessons, a toddler wobbled past us while we were watching Spanish language cartoons in the living room. She fell and started screaming, but the parents didn’t come running.

Dadspeak Daniel Griffin In fact, no one did. Our three daughters were more concerned than anyone else in the room. After a few minutes the toddler stopped crying, shook herself off and went about her business. We all watched her go and then Evelyn whispered, “Parents don’t worry as much here.” She kept her voice down as though worried someone might find that offensive.

Guilt-free parenting is probably a good way to describe Costa Rican child rearing.

Or maybe benign neglect. If a kid is crying, the parents (or grandparents, aunts or uncles) put her in front of the TV, give her a Coke or a bag of chips, swat her with a sandal or send her to play with her cousins (who most often live next door).

I’ve never believed in the helicopterparenting so many North Americans favour.

For the most part, I like the way kids here are left to help each other and to take care of themselves. The results prove it works: you can hardly imagine children more polite or better adjusted. Most are helpful, friendly and seem happy.

One thing though still shocks me here: the diet. All three of our kids, even our seven-year-old, are offered coffee every morning. Our friends’ fridge has a special easy-access door for two- and three-litre soft drink bottles. Pop is served at just about every meal. I think the amount of Coke kids drink in Costa Rica has contributed to the increasing waistlines, because last week our girls went to a friend’s school for a day and every one of them commented on how chubby the other kids were.

With all that said, the man who has been teaching his eight-year-old to drive isn’t really in a position to lecture anyone on health and safety.

Daniel Griffin, father of three children, is the author of Stopping for Strangers (Vehicule Press, 2012), a collection of short stories about parents, children, brothers and sisters.

68 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Up-Island Business Directory Find out why Arbutus Music is the central Island’s largest Music Education Centre.

Check out our... · Recording, game design and animation in our MAC lab. · Private lessons or coached jams. · Fun summer camps for kids of all ages from toddlers to teens.

Come on in and give a try!

Your first workshop or private lesson is always on us!

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Nanaimo’s Biggest Indoor Playground & Cafe Safe Toddlers Play Area Giant Play Structure with slides Cafe for Parents Snacks for Kids

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in Nanaimo With Licensed Educator Jenna Pye Trusted. Proven. Educational. And, fun! Kindermusik is the world’s leading provider of music and movement programs for young children, enjoyed by over 1.5 million families in 70+ countries.

Classes for 0 mos and up. Free tuition for babies under 6 mos. For class times, locations and to enroll visit www.kindermusik.com In Your Home Music Studio also offers private lessons in Voice, Piano and Guitar. Visit www.inyourhomemusicstudio.com for more information.

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Kidz-R-Brite

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We are accepting Registrations for Sept. 2013 Preschool, Daycare & Pre-K French Immersion Program

Serving 2 locations in Ladysmith Contact: Miss Cindy 250-245-8276 Miss Jaclyn 1-250-510-6100

For further details: www.kidzrbrite.com

36–1925 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

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Quality new and used clothing, gear, toys, and more.

Certified car seat installations available by appointment.

Exclusive Nanaimo retailer of guzzie+Guss strollers and baby equipment, Super Undies toilet training and bedwetting pants, and OAKI children’s rain suits.

Visit Vancouver Island’s largest specialty toy store!

Locally owned, proudly serving the mid-Island Community for over 18 years!

Two Locations to Serve You! Comox offers new and consignment clothing NB to preteen, great selection of toys, books and all the latest baby gear.

5th St offers great toys and hobby kits, serving all ages.

Check our new online shopping cart

www.koolandchild.com

102–2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

250-585-1778 www.IslandParent.ca

www.facebook.com/PlanetKidsToys June 2013 69

Right from the Start Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands 250-539-3099 (toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

I

n June 2011, the BC Ministry of Health launched the BC Healthy Start Initiative, to ensure all “at-risk” first-time families get the healthiest start in life for mom and baby. In April 2012 the BC Ministry of Health published an outline of the provincial public health services to be routinely offered prenatally and until the child turns two years of age. The purpose of this outline is to ensure that public health services offered across the province are consistent and to allow for flexibility in service delivery, recognizing the unique needs of individuals, families and the communities they live in.

In response to the BC Healthy Start Initiative, the Vancouver Island Health Authority launched the Right From the Start program in October 2012, beginning with universal Prenatal Registration. The Right From the Start program is designed to improve public health services for pregnant women, new mothers and their families. Pregnant women living in the Vancouver Island Health region are encouraged to complete a voluntary prenatal registration form early in their pregnancy.

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 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

70 Island Parent Magazine

Prenatal Registration is easy. It can be done: • Online at the VIHA website www.viha. ca or at rightfromthestart.viha.ca • By fax to 1-855-544-2403 after completing a paper registration available at your local Public Health Unit, physician or midwife office • In person by dropping off a completed paper registration at your local Public Health Unit.

Once received, all information on the completed prenatal registration form will be kept confidential. The prenatal registration form will be reviewed by a public health nurse at the expectant mother’s local health unit. The public health nurse may mail in-

formation to the expectant mother including how to get the “Baby’s Best Chance” parent handbook. If the nurse has any questions about the information on the registration form, or wants to offer additional support, phone contact will be made. All follow-up is

Healthy Families; Happy Families C hild Y outh & Family C ommunity Health

Maureen Newman & Irene Rathbone

voluntary and based on the woman’s needs and the services she wants to receive.

Public health nurses are an important health resource for women. Early identification of pregnant women through prenatal registration will ensure that nurses are able to assist with the social challenges and needs that may affect pregnant women, new mothers and their babies. Public health nurses are available to support women during their pregnancy and after their babies are born by helping them: • Get the physical and emotional support they need during and after their pregnancy • Link with resources so that they can learn about feeding and caring for themselves, their new babies and children • Learn about choices that will help improve the health of both mother and her developing baby • Prepare for childbirth and early parenting, including breastfeeding support and monitoring the early growth and development of the new baby • Access community supports that are right for them and help make connections with other parents and services they may need to address their individual concerns or challenges.

Vancouver Island Health’s Right From the Start program will continue to be developed over the next year. You can expect to see enhancements made to the services provided for women after birth and to the breastfeeding and family visiting services offered to childbearing women and their families. Families will be able to access the public health services that are appropriate

www.kidsinvictoria.com

to their individual needs by phone, in clinics and at home visits. Public health nurses work closely with hospital nurses, doctors and midwives to provide the best possible care for new mothers and their babies and families.

The Right From the Start program is designed to meet the unique needs of women, babies and their families that live on Vancouver Island. Public health nurses will continue to help families connect with community agencies and will work in partnership with women and their families so that they get off to a healthy start, Right From the Start.

For more information about the Right From the Start program and prenatal registration, contact your local Public Health Unit. www.viha.ca/finding_care/facilities/ health_units.htm Maureen Newman, RN, BScN, is a Clinical Coordinator with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, Child, Youth and Family Community Health program. Irene Rathbone was the Acting Leader, Perinatal Program Development, Child, Youth and Family Health for the Vancouver Island Health Authority.

www.IslandParent.ca

Registration Now Open Practices Start July 7th

Youth from 9 to 18: PeeWee to Midget New Players Always Welcome!

www.SpartansFootball.ca Help us learn more about

Autism Spectrum Disorder Researchers at the University of Victoria are looking for children with ASD to participate in a

Drawing Research Study!

To participate, or for more information: Contact Kayla Ten Eycke at

teneycke@uvic.ca or 250-472-5156

Who can participate? Children, 4–14 years of age, with Autism Spectrum Disorder

June 2013  71

Our Long, Winding & Sometimes Bumpy Roads

L

ife’s twisted pathway is liberally scattered with milestones. We all, even the rolling stones among us, accumulate experiences: the moss of memory. First step, first word, inaugural bike ride, sleepover party, lost tooth, book read…the list goes on and on, until we stop keeping track, perhaps because our adoring audience has diminished, perhaps because we lose our enthusiasm for adventure. My daughter celebrated her 20th birthday on April 11 at the top of Machu Picchu: a new decade, a Wonder of the World, a passel of adventurous milestones, any way you slice it. I am inspired by the choices she made around her birthday celebration, and the way that she will always be able to remember the beginning of her twenties. More than a memory, it was a great, fully lived moment. Every year, every day, that we live can be an adventure, a great moment, and I don’t mean that to be as exhausting as it sounds. Things happen that we can’t control—the hills along the pathway of our lives may feel too steep

to struggle up, and some parts of the road may be lined with sharp stones. In short, adventures are not always fun. Bad or good, these things that happen are ours, and help to shape us. We are superstitiously reluctant to fully revel in our good fortune in case doing so tempts fate and bad luck befalls us. By shying away from sharp or painful events, we are not allowing ourselves access to the full experience offered to us by life. Sometimes it is neither easy nor fun to be walking where we have to walk, but if we are not present for the journey we miss the milestones marking our lives. Carpe all of your diems!

Beef & Bean Burritos 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1⁄2 lb ground beef 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped (can add grated carrot, grated zucchini, finely chopped red or green pepper) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tin tomato paste water

salt and pepper, to taste tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp ground cumin 1 Tbsp chili powder grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 1⁄2

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey 10 soft flour tortillas (I use the whole wheat ones) sour cream, salsa and diced avocado to serve Heat large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add vegetable oil, then onion, garlic, and whatever other vegetables you are using.

Sprinkle with some salt, and stir until soft.

Add beef and cook until browned, stirring often. Sprinkle seasonings over, and stir in, so that all of the beef is exposed to the flavours. Add the beans, and tomato paste, and swish water into the tins to clear them out, pouring the water into the skillet as well. Stir thoroughly, and simmer for 30 minutes or so, adding more water as neces-

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Let your kids ACT OUT this Summer!

Aug 5–9 (Ages 9–12) Aug 12–16 (Ages 13–15) Aug 19–23 (Ages 6–8) Join VADARTS for an exciting five-day acting camp. Students will learn the process of developing a character for performance with scripts from established playwrights—all within a fun and supportive environment.

The final class will include a presentation.

www.vadarts.com

info@vadarts.com 250.580.2588

We offer Classes, Audition Workshops,

72 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

sary for a saucy enough consistency. Allow mixture to cool slightly, then divide among tortilla shells, putting a line of meat and bean mixture in the centre of each. Sprinkle cheese over, then fold the ends over, and roll them up. The burritos can be heated and served immediately with sour cream, salsa, and avocado as desired, or wrapped well in plastic wrap and kept in the fridge or freezer until needed.

at Braefoot Kayaking Camp

• Learn how to kayak • Develop your skills • Campers will get the chance to kayak at 3–5 different locations • Transportation included

Braefoot Fun Days Camp

• Bouncy Castle • Sports • Crafts • WildPlay and more!

Braefoot All Girls Camp

Turkey Enchilada Casserole lb ground turkey 3 green onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can black beans 1 can diced tomatoes 1⁄2 red pepper 1 stalk celery, chopped water salt and pepper, to taste 1 tsp onion powder 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin sprinkle cayenne, if desired package corn tortillas 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat (if not using non-stick, add 2 Tbsp vegetable oil). Cook onions, garlic and celery until softening. Add turkey and cook thoroughly, until no hint of pink remains.

Drain and rinse beans, stir into mixture with red pepper and tomatoes. Sprinkle seasonings over all. Stir well. Cook at a low simmer for about half an hour, until vegetables have softened and melded. Add a splash of water as necessary, to maintain consistency. Place a layer of tortillas (one third of original supply) over bottom of 9" x 13" pan, spread one-third of sauce over, and cover with more tortillas. Spread half of remaining sauce over, and sprinkle with half cheddar. Top with remaining tortillas, remaining sauce, and last of the cheese. If this is to be served the same day as cooking, bake in preheated 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes covered with foil, and then about 10 with foil removed. If desired, this dish can be frozen, to use at a later date. (If cooking from the freezer, either allow to thaw and cook as above, or place into the oven directly from frozen and adjust the cooking time upwards to 45 minutes to an hour covered).

• Bouncy Castle • Crafts • Drama • Dance and more!

Braefoot Road/Roller Hockey Camp

1⁄2

• Bouncy Castle • Road/Roller Hockey and more!

Braefoot Soccer Camp

• Bouncy Castle • Soccer (with Highlanders clinic) and more!

EcoQuest Camp

• Science Experiments • Kayaking • Crafts • WildPlay and more!

To register, please call the

Braefoot Community Association

at 250.721.2244 1359 McKenzie Avenue, Victoria, BC V8P 2M1

Pedalheads

• Instructional 10 level bike safety • Training wheels to trails • Ages 2–12 More details on all of our camps at

www.braefoot.ca/programs.php

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings for 2013–2014 Classes!

Children learn through play in our all inclusive, non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play!

Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to help with special needs children.

A competent and caring teaching team!

Opportunities:

Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Tues / Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

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

June 2013 73

Culinary Surrender Let them eat Kraft Dinner

W

hat’s for dinner?” is the milliondollar question around here. I’m not alone, apparently. It is also the title of many a book, blog post and article. It is a customary greeting from children bursting in the door after school. It is frequently uttered under my breath—sometimes with a peppering of profanity, if you’ll pardon the culinary pun—as I aimlessly push a cart of grumpy children around Thrifty’s, or come home from work only to stare blankly into a fridge containing little more than a slightly wilted head of lettuce, kimchi, and blue cheese.

Here’s the sad thing. Before I had kids, I loved to cook. I worked in the hospitality industry for almost a decade, and considered myself a bona fide foodie. I would never dream of buying pre-made pizza crusts or not making my own curry paste. Weekends often revolved around shopping for and preparing at least one elaborate meal that

was shared with appreciative friends or family. Hours were spent stirring risottos into the perfect creamy consistency, and supervising the simmering of a consommé, lest it become cloudy. (I am not offended by those of you rolling your eyes at this moment as you read this whilst recalling last night’s grilled cheese sandwich preparation/WWE tournament occurring simultaneously in your kitchen.)

Cooking was my hobby. It is currently my nemesis.

I had high expectations before kids came along. I was adamant that I would not fall into the trap of preparing separate meals or dumbing down their food—for example, pasta puttanesca for me, plain noodles with cheese for the kids. For the record, I still think these are great principles to stick by.

It’s just that my kids will have none of it.

There are only so many times that one can present one’s young children with a nutri-

Morning Glory School Pre-School to Class 8

A balanced approach to school life; academics, music, art, handcrafts and outdoor activities.

Please register now for September 2013 Call for a school tour or for more information

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www.morninggloryschool.ca 74 Island Parent Magazine

tionally balanced, lovingly prepared meal, only to have them shriek “NO!” and hurl the food on the floor before one surrenders and opens a box of Kraft Dinner.

The other day I told a friend that if I could have someone else plan my family’s meals, shop for the meals, prepare the meals, serve the meals, wipe down the walls and

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND shop-vac the dining room after meals, and do the dishes, I would most certainly have 14 more children. Since I lack this sort of domestic support, my kids receive nourishment via smoothies, peanut butter toast, pancakes, and KD. And we’re stopping at two. After the kids go to bed I might dig into that kimchi or eat a giant bowl of popcorn with blue cheese (a surprisingly good combo, by the way) if the chunks of pre-chewed pancakes I cleaned up/ate off the floor didn’t quite fill me up.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Before you write me with your tips, be warned: I’ve heard and tried it all. We meal plan and shop weekly. I use my slow cooker.

I’m in a recipe club with my friends. I bought that Jessica Seinfeld cookbook where you learn to spend 17 hours making a chocolate cake so that your child will consume the teaspoon of beets hidden inside. (As IF Jessica.

As. If.) I have a few little tricks up my sleeve.

I manage to sneak a fair bit of spinach into blueberry smoothies. I mix butternut squash soup into their KD. I throw a little cottage cheese and flax seed into their pancakes. If we have a really unhealthy day, a Flintstone vitamin for dessert it is. I’m trying to let go of the guilt over their diets and hope that someday, they will realize that what they’re eating kind of sucks, and what I’m eating is awesome, and they’ll ask to try it.

But until then, my only foodie moments happen on a rare dinner date. These days, I’ll let someone else do the fancy cooking.

Carly Sutherland’s culinary spirit remains unbroken. However when her husband asked her what was for lunch today, it came dangerously close. Wisely, he fixed himself a peanut butter sandwich.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

WOW! Family-Friendly Family Adventures Cowichan/Mid-Island & Summer Camps!

Weekend camps include all meals, activities and a teepee!

Summer

RIDING CAMPS

• Women Only – June 21 • Single Parents – June 29 • Canoe & Caves – August 9 • Girls Explore – August 16 Cave Tours from Mild to Wild Canada’s Only Cave Theatre

WEEKLONG OVERNIGHT CAMPS A unique opportunity for students to participate in the responsibility and care of horses (it’s like having their own horse for a week).

• Feeding • Grooming • Riding Lessons • Trail Rides • Stable Management • Show & Games Day • Hiking • Campfires • All Meals Included full day and half day camps available ~ for details and costs

Phone

250 743-6641 Cobble Hill www.alpinestable.com

Online Reservations & Info

www.hornelake.com 250-248-7829

Presents the 17th Annual

Pride of Scotland

Sunday, June 9th, 2013 • 2:30pm at the Port Theatre Over 100 Brigadoon Dancers perform with Special Guests: Pipers – Tamara Cameron, Bill Poppy & Christopher McBride; Drummer – Ryan Wiley; Dancer – Cameron Collins.

Tickets: Child 5 & under $10, Students/Seniors $15, Adult $18 Contact Port Theatre for Tickets at 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2013

75

Best of Graphics

S

ummer is fast approaching, leaving many parents wondering how they are ever going to keep their kids reading through the summer months. The answer for many families just may be…graphic novels!

I have to admit that graphic novels have never been my book of choice. However, as a mom of three boys, I have found myself being coerced into reading them time and time again and I have found, much to my surprise, that sometimes I actually like them.

I was recently in a local bookstore when I heard a parent in the graphic novel section telling her daughter that she could not buy a “comic,” and they ended up leaving with a Geronimo Stilton book. Despite this popular notion that graphic novels aren’t “real books” there are actually many highquality graphic books available.

Graphic novels have been shown to use vocabulary twice as complex as language found in standard children’s chapter books, according to Stephen Krashe in Power of Reading. The quality of the literature and story found in many of these graphic novels is, in fact, much higher than in most series books. And, best of all, because graphic novels engage a spectrum of senses, they motivate kids to read.

Graphic novels have long been thought of as a great format for reluctant readers or for kids who find reading challenging. The pictures, the easy format, and the use of speech bubbles make reading much easier. This is certainly a positive, as kids without strong phonetics can decode complex stories that are age appropriate and interesting to them.

Three great options for younger kids, or the young at heart, are the following:

In Bird & Squirrel On the Run, by James Burks (Scholastic, 2012), a carefree, adventurous bird finds an unlikely friend in a timid and tentative squirrel. Together they must escape the clutches of a big hungry cat.

The quirky characters, accessible language, bright illustrations and even a fun little theme song will get your kids requesting to read it again and again. We look forward to the next adventure of “Bird and Squirrel, Bird and Squirrel, two best friends named Bird and Squirrel.”

Into the Woods (Big Foot Boy), by J. Torres and F.E. Hicks (Kids Can Press, 2012). When a young boy is sent to spend a weekend with his grandmother, he is less than thrilled. However, what he thinks will be a painfully boring visit is soon filled with adventure. In this gentle exploration of different Canadian themes—Bigfoot, First Nations culture and Canadian wildlife— kids are given just enough suspense to stay engaged but not enough to be frightened.

In the Binky books, by Ashley Spires (Kids Can Press, 2009-2012), Binky thinks that he is a space cat, that his house is a space station, and that the outdoors is actually outer space. Flies are aliens coming to attack and he must protect his base! Binky definitely has kid appeal, with sound effects, quirky humour, and expressive characters.

Illustrated in neutral tones with fun and engaging plots, kids will giggle through each scenario this little feline gets himself into.

There are four different Binky books.

While they will keep new and young readers engaged, many older and more advanced readers will also love them. The mix of illustration, dialogue, and expression capture

the imagination and interest of kids on every level of the reading scale.

Curl up with the first book of Amulet,

by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic, 2008), and you will find that you are looking for the

Celebrating 21 years of dance!

Book Nook Paisley Aiken sequel, eager to find out how the brave young heroine, Emily, is ever going to save her mother. Fantasy and suspense fill the dark but beautifully illustrated pages.

Doug TenNapel’s most recent book, Cardboard (Scholastic, 2012), is rich in imagination, action and illustrations that pop. Cam’s father, in financial and emotional desperation, gives his son a cardboard box for his birthday. But everything goes wrong when the figures they make from the cardboard come to life and try to take over the city. Cam and his father must overcome all obstacles and save their town, and themselves in the process.

The Stickman Odyssey books by Christopher Ford (Philomel Books, 2011 and 2012) may not be the best introduction to Homer’s odyssey. They are, however, almost guaranteed to procure out-loud laughs and snickers of amusement. The stories of Stickman may not be the most beautifully illustrated books, but they are great fun and will keep readers chuckling.

The Canadian Council of Learning has found that “Comic books and graphic novels allow children to develop many of the same skills as reading text-based books, such as connecting narratives to children’s own experiences, predicting what will happen next and inferring what happens between individual panels.” They also indicate that, among other positive affects, reading comic-styled books can expand a child’s vocabulary.

But your kids don’t have to know that graphic novels are good for them, or that they are working on their literacy skills when they read them. They can just immerse themselves in the pages and have fun reading all summer long!

Paisley Aiken reads extensively to her three energetic young boys. She is founder of The Story Studio Writing Society, a charity that grows kids’ relationship with literacy. www.IslandParent.ca

Ages 2 and up

250-361-3267 www.danceunlimited.ca

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June 2013 77

Family Services Directory This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families.

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations. Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services is a community-based non-profit agency providing social, employment, and health services to Saanich Peninsula, Greater Victoria, and Southern Gulf Islands residents. Beacon offers: child, youth, and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth, and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable assisted living for seniors; referrals, information, and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407; for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134, or visit www.beaconcs.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring programs for children and youth between the ages of 7 - 17. Adult volunteers (“Bigs”) are matched with children (“Littles”) based on shared interests, respect and trust. No special skills or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to be a friend and commit to being a

78 Island Parent Magazine

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consistent, positive adult role model. Make a BIG difference in the life of a child in as little as 1 hr./ week. Contact us at 250-475-1117 or visit www. bbbsvictoria.com or ‘LIKE’ our page at facebook. com/bbbsvictoria.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 4 locations.

We also offer support to parents (Parents Together) and programs at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin.

For more information on all programs and services visit www.bgcvic.org or call 250.384.9133.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com.

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Fund-

ing and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services. Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250-385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees. Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions.

Services include a public lending library, individual/ group support for parents and children, professional/educational workshops for parents and professionals. Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1562 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250.370.9513.

Fax. 250.370.9421. www.ldasvi.bc.ca. www. knowyourrights.ca

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/ Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsibilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 250-3632640 (1-800-353-3329) for information. www. esquimaltmfrc.com.

Parent Support Services Society (www. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available.

Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-3848042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

1Up: Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are on a sliding scale). Child care assistance is available based on financial need.

The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday.

Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-385-1114 or info@1-up.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses. For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential.

We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250-475-6677. www.IslandParent.ca

& The place online where parents and grandparents get information about their community for their family: Read current and past issues of Island Parent Magazine.

Visit our Marketplace to find businesses, programs and services that cater to the little person in your life.

Looking for that special something you had when you were a kid? Check out our classified ads.

Want to see what’s up today or this weekend?

View our calendar of events.

Whether it’s dance lessons, parenting workshops, fun days and festivals, what’s happening at your local rec centre or community events—Kids In Victoria has it all!

Maybe you are looking for something to engage your mind or perhaps need a little bit of advice. Well we have that too on our community forum.

Receive Island Parent & Kids In Victoria e-newsletter for updates and exclusive contests.

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

June 2013 79

Step Aside, Mama I

t was not until I birthed my third and then fourth child that I really started to lean on my partner for help with this parenting gig.

My hands were clearly outnumbered and I had no choice but to rely on help much more than I ever had before. Although this occurred out of complete necessity and basic household survival, I confess that it was a process to give up some of my ideas on the way I thought things should be run. I know that I am not alone when I admit I have an inclination to “just do it myself” because I think it would be faster, easier, better. After my fourth baby arrived, I found this tendency was something that I had to squash in a hurry or I would be forever trying to claw my way out of perpetual burnout.

If this sounds familiar to you, I want to reassure you that it is possible to overcome those supermom urges. We have to first step aside and let our spouses and partners be the fantastic dads that they are!

Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Look away.

So he’s changing that diaper or burping

the baby in a different way than you would.

Or you cringe at the outfit he has chosen to put on the baby. I kept reminding myself in those early days that these things truly do not matter. And just because he is doing things differently doesn’t mean he is doing them the wrong way. The only way any of us can figure out how to parent is to be given some space to figure it out. I understand that initially it might drive you crazy to see things done differently, so do yourself a favour and avert your eyes!

2. Point out the good.

Everybody wants to feel and hear that they are doing things right. Being a parent often comes without feedback as we navigate by trial and error, so I really appreciate it when my partner tells me I am a great mom or that I handled a situation well. Criticism will shut Dad down, make him reluctant to try new things, and shake his confidence. It can be a dangerous slippery slope—if you are critical of the help you receive, you may be stuck doing things on your own in the future. A compliment or encouraging word makes a

huge difference in the way my partner and I relate to one another.

3. Pick your battles.

There will be times that you just will not agree with each other on a parenting issue.

New Parent Pages DIANA HURSCHLER, BScN It is important to determine if this issue is minor (like how he changes diapers) to more important matters (like parenting styles). Is this issue worth a fight? Try to find a middle ground. Is there a way that you can both win?

4. Work through struggles together.

When you share that you don’t know what to do about your infant and sleeping/teething/feeding/or any other issues, it gives Dad a chance to brainstorm and become part of the solution. This then lets him know that you don’t think you have all the answers and shows him his ideas are valuable. Once you become a team player and Dad is part

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of a solution, he is much more likely to become involved.

5. Let him do what he is better at.

Great news! When you are parenting together, the pressure is off of you to be good at everything. Dads bring something very special to the parenting table. Whether it is getting the baby down for a nap, or feeding your little one solid food for the first time, Dad has strengths that you may not share.

My partner is so much more relaxed than I am in general with the kids, and he doesn’t think twice about packing them all into the car to go to Costco on a Saturday afternoon.

Nerves of steel.

6. Leave Dad in charge.

For an hour, for an afternoon, for a weekend…one of the best things you can do is to leave Dad in charge of the baby.

With Mom out of the picture, Dad is free to figure out his own way of doing things and will find out he really can handle this business of being Dad. Plus, it will give him an inside peek at just how much work goes into keeping a household running. The result is a huge jump in confidence for Dad, and more day-to-day involvement with the kids, plus regular breaks for Mom. It’s a win-win situation.

7. Get over your control issues.

At some point, I had to admit that the anxiety I felt over leaving my kids or letting my partner help with the baby was largely due to my own control issues. After I started leaving the kids with Dad, I found out that the kids survived my absence. Better yet, they thrived with Dad’s sense of fun and spontaneity. I quickly came to realize that my family did not collapse during my time away.

Understanding this has been both humbling and liberating. I have finally grasped that I don’t have to be there every step of the parenting journey without a break.

I encourage you to leave room for Dad to do his thing. I have found that stepping aside to let my partner be more involved has allowed me to be a better parent as I am not so exhausted. It has allowed him to bond with the kids in a very special way, and it has brought our family even closer together. Everyone in the family benefits from sharing the load. Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, certified breastfeeding counselor has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud mama of four little ones. She can be reached at diana@hurschler.com. www.IslandParent.ca

Come See Why Learning in Nature Rocks!

Opening Spring 2013 for Ages 3–5 "Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand" Chinese Proverb Reggio Influenced Philosophy Child Led Learning Registrations Now Being Taken for Limited Spaces

mosnjk@hotmail.com www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com

2758 Peatt Road 778-265-5955 or 250-818-9225

www.leapforwardlangford.com info@leapforwardlangford.com

T.G.I.Fringe!

Family Fun at the Victoria Fringe Festival: Fringe Family Picnic – Aug 20 in Centennial Square Fringekids Fest – Aug 24 in Market Square Young Fringers Fest – 4 plays just for kids, Aug 22–Sept 1

Fired UP! Paint your own ceramics

Now Offering Full-week and one day camps!

Ages 6 and up.

See website for details! www.firedupceramics.ca June 2013 81

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Chrysalis Child Care..........................250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play. www.chrysalischildcare.ca.

Colwood/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool...250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 10 months to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Caring Touch Daycare.......................250-478-4886 A warm, loving, fun family daycare in a safe, nurturing environment. Infant/toddler care for ages 1–5 years.

Jenn’s Little Bears.............................250-478-8999 A safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. Our Infant and Toddler Program enriches each child’s development while our 3-5 Program prepares children for kindergarten. Two separate buildings allow each age group space to grow!

Leap Forward Childcare ............................... 778-265-5955 or 250-818-9225 Infant Toddler Program and Three to Five Program offering childcare for children six months to five years old. 2758 Peatt RD. www.leapforwardlangford.com. info@leapforwardlangford.com Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care..........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre.....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music while following a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Group care for children 2 to 6 and infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. www.musicmakerschildcare.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cordova Bay Preschool....................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

ESQUIMALT CIARA Early Childhood Centre.........250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12 month-5yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt.......250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool..........................250-479-0292 French immersion program. 30 months to school age.

Licensed Christian centre. www.prematernelleappletree.com.

Simply Fun Childcare Centre............250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely

82 Island Parent Magazine

qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience.

Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds, Come grow with us and learn through play. www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

Highlands

Full o’ Beans Preschool........................ 250.360.1148 Opening September 2013. We offer ‘learn through play’ programming designed to foster your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Flexible scheduling, 2.5 and 4 hour programs, qualified staff. Registration is ongoing!www.saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 Our Outdoor Nature program provides your child with an experience un-like no other in the elements! Our program boasts our OWN 2 acre forest for your child to explore and learn while our ECEs provide a strong Reggio Emilia Influence. Like us on Facebook. www. lexieslittlebears.com. Space available. Waitlist for September being taken now!

METCHOSIN A Growing Place................................250-391-1133 Half day program (AM or PM) for 2.5-5 yrs. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool.............250-478-9241 Come and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

Exceptional ECE Staff provide an enriching experience for 2.5 - 5 year olds. Come grow with us! Est.1960.

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am. www.metchosinpreschool. wordpress.com.

North SAANICH In The Garden Childcare Centre.......250-654-0306 A GREAT PLACE TO GROW. Offering preschool, full day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

OAK BAY Emmanuel Preschool........................250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations in our learning-throughplay environments and large natural playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Over 50 years serving Victoria’s families. Nuturing and highly qualified ECE and ECE Assistant. Parent participation level options available and allergy-aware. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House........250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom.

The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Oak Bay Co-op Preschool..................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

Recreation Oak Bay..........................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE Daycare and Preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

St. Christopher’s Montessori School............................250-595-3213 A beautiful, warm environment, steps from beach and park in Oak Bay. We offer an enriched Montessori program – half days for 3 and 4 year olds and half or full day Kindergarten. www.stcmsoakbaybc.com.

Island Montessori House..................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting. Extended day available. www.islandmontessori.com.

Lakehill Co-op Preschool.................250-477-4141 Where children’s development is nurtured through a child centered inclusive, play based program.

Come visit our out natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare............................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre. Flexible options, play-based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40+ years. www.lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Little Readers Academy....................250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 yearold! Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. www.oxfordlearning.com.

Montessori Educare..........................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available. Special needs are welcome. www.montessorieducare.com.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering an early literacy program 4 mornings/wk. (TF) for 4 year olds in an attractive, culturally-sensitive learning environment in Lake Hill School.

Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/wk. Tillicum.

Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www.playtimepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Introduce your children to Nature with our outdoor nature-lovers program. Our centre backs up to 15 acres of our “secret-garden” parkland where we can learn and explore! Strong environmental awareness with a “Naturalplay-based” philosophy. ECE staff, and a strong Reggio Emilia Influence! Celebrating and supporting your child’s world and successes! Like us on Facebook!

Rainbows & Dreams Preschool........250-479-1966 Small classes for 3-5 yr olds in a safe nurturing environment. Children learn through play and fun–developing a sense of confidence, independence and creativity.

Highly qualified ECE teacher.

Ready Set Grow Preschool...............250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

SAANICH

Rogers Child Care Centre.................250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Programs since 1991. Early Learning and Out of School Care. www.rogerschildcare.com.

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre.....250-477-3731 Innovative and dynamic preschool programming.

Children’s learning is nurtured and guided through exploration, discovery, play and creative expression. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool..............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

• A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten..........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool...............250-479-4213 Children learn through play at our parent participation preschool. Programs for 3 and 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare.......250-477-1312

Fully licensed Christian preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Subsidized fees welcome. www.wiseways. lambrick.com.

SIDNEY Positive Path Early Learning............250-655-7244

Year-round quality child care where preschoolers explore and learn in a culture of Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy........................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Babies to Big Kids Childcare............... 250-590-5540 949 Fullerton Ave. Daycare owner, 250-818-9225 Licenced group childcare for children 6 months to 12 years old. Three programs offered: Infant toddler program, Three to Five Program and Before and After School Care Program. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.babiestobigkids. com, info@babiestobigkids.com.

Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

Cedar Daycare...................................250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years. www.cedardaycare.com.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare.. 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Downtown Y Child Care Centre.......250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. www.victoriay.com.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool...........250-370-5392 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten...................250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre.....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare................250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting.

Visit our website at www.rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

Ross Bay Preschool..........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com The Sir James Douglas Playschool.250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

Victoria Montessori...........................250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1. www.victoriamontessori.com.

VIEW ROYAL A Secret Garden Preschool..............250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@shaw.ca.

Island Kids Academy View Royal.....250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment.

Character development using the Virtues Project.

Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare Center........250-479-8423 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool.

Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS)...........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.com.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill Starchild Centre..................................250-929-3240 Unique infant/toddler daycare, combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9 acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting trees, picking fruit, feeding animals, and other outside adventures. www.starchildcentre.ca.

DUNCAN Angel Care Christian Preschool.........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children.

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare...............250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net..

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery......250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Parent & Child programs also available!

Chemainus Cherry Tree Child Care Centre.........250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

St. Joseph’s Preschool.....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

Qualicum Beach Children’s Discovery Centre.............250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre@ hotmail.com.

Little Star Children’s Centre.............250-752-4554 Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature.

Kinder-Prep classes. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. www.littlestardaycare.ca. littlestar@shaw.ca.

Port Alberni John Paul II Catholic School............250-723-0637 “Where children grow and learn through play.” We provide a program that will inspire development physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, creatively and spiritually.

View Royal Preschool........................250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@ uniserve.com.

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources.

Child Care

Resource & Referral Your community’s best source of child care information and resources. www.IslandParent.ca

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 Westshore: 250-391-4324 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca June 2013 83

Summer Happy, Happy, Art Happy Father’s Day Classes F • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation

Ages 5 & Up Day & Evening Classes Emphasis on Technique – Fabulous Results

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Registering Now, Call Joan at

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84 Island Parent Magazine

or Father’s Day it seems appropriate to write about Mike. After all, as my grandmother told me frequently in the beginning, Mike does much more for Angus than any dad did in her day. This was not the most sympathetic response to a diatribe about a baby who only stopped crying when he was asleep, and wouldn’t sleep more than an hour in a row, but it was likely accurate.

I’m lucky. Angus is, too.

While the beginning was hard, at least I had Mike, and he made it manageable. Only Mike could swaddle Angus tight enough that he couldn’t wriggle free. Only Mike could hold Angus on his forearm, Angus’s face cupped in his palm and jiggle him until he fell asleep, the radio blasting, tuned to static.

In those early days Angus seemed to sense my anxiety. He screamed harder when I held him. I passed him off as soon as I could. I remember well Mike’s first full day back at work. As he biked past the living room window, I held up Angus’s tiny fist and waved it back and forth. I was thinking: How can I possibly do this? How can I be alone with this wild creature for eight whole hours?

How will either of us survive?

And yet we did.

The more time Angus and I spent alone together the more we figured things out. And soon there came a point when Angus cried harder when Mike picked him up. What he wanted was his mum. More precisely, what he wanted was his milk supply.

Now that too is behind us. While I spend a lot more time with Angus during the week, he runs to the door as soon as Mike’s bike is visible on the sidewalk. When Mike’s at work, Angus holds the computer mouse to his ear like a telephone: “Daddy? Daddy?”

It’s Mike who has the most patience for a book on constant repeat. And only Mike “gets the Led out” with Angus on Friday evenings, while I worry what our neighbours think about the two lunatics rocking out to Zeppelin in front of the living room windows.

Angus is devoted to his daddy. And the feeling is certainly mutual.

So why has he become such a Mama’s Boy? It wasn’t exactly all of a sudden. When

Angus and I are alone, he has always preferred I be accessible. He can wander away if he feels like it, but this is not a privilege extended to me. If I go to the bathroom, he stands at the foot of the stairs and howls.

Sometimes when I step over the baby gate into the kitchen—when I’m inches away and in full view—he throws himself on the floor and wails.

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY But, just in time for Father’s Day, it’s gotten worse. Though it has always been Mike who gets Angus up in the morning and brings him into our bed, he recently declared he’s taking a break from the task.

Mike’s last few attempts were greeted with screams of “Mama, Mama, Mama,” and the loose and flailing limbs of a toddler not willing to be picked up. When I’m the one who opens Angus’s bedroom door, he jumps up and shouts “Happy, happy, happy!”

This happiness continues until my shower.

If I go upstairs while he’s cuddled up reading with Mike, he doesn’t notice. And he definitely doesn’t miss me. But if he observes my exit, there are waterworks until I’m back where I belong. Two days last week Angus and Mike sat on the bathroom floor while I showered, neither Mike nor I able to endure the screaming. And even then, as soon as I pulled the shower curtain closed the whimpering began.

We don’t yet have plans for June 16.

Maybe a hike? Maybe a pancake breakfast?

We generally forgo presents, but I’m sure the greatest gift for Mike would be a boy who greets him in the morning with his little arms open and his lips puckered. A happy, happy, happy day.

Laura Trunkey is a writer, editor and mother of the amazing Angus. She can be reached at laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

South Island Business Directory Move to the head of the class.

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Celebrating our “Original” Outdoor Learning Program!

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Monarch House offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating individuals from infancy to adulthood with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

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oxfordlearning.com June 2013 85

To Bee or Not to Bee

S

ummer is a time for gathering with friends at the lake, barbecuing on the patio and…ouch…stinging insects!

The two most common culprits are bees and wasps—unless you’ve spent some time standing on an ant hill like me—but which is which? What is the difference between a wasp and a bee?

First let’s clarify what I mean by “wasp” and “bee.” Wasp is the general term for what is usually a Hornet or Yellow jacket; and bee, well, let’s focus on the social bees in Victoria that are most likely to sting: European honeybees. Those cute and fuzzy bumblebees, usually quite docile, can give you a nasty sting.

If you are able to catch a glimpse of the felonious insect, notice the hair style: wasps are embarrassingly bald and bees are shaggy.

Wasps also have more elongated legs and bodies with a somewhat pinched waist; bees are stout.

However, if you are simply left with the swollen, painful sting and no one taking responsibility for it, then have a close

look at the injection sight. Is there still a stinger—and bee bum—attached? If so, rest easy that there is a dead bee nearby. Wasps, on the other hand, can sting multiple times and then carry on to re-offend in the future.

A good rule of thumb is to always scrape the site so that the stinger is removed as soon as possible to stop the flow of venom.

Then a cold compress and medicine of your choice (I prefer a baking soda paste) to neutralize the acid is recommended. Another way that wasps are different from bees is their life cycle. A queen wasp emerges from hibernation during early summer, fills herself on flower nectar and insects, and then begins her search for a suitable nesting site.

She then constructs a small wood fiber nest by chewing up plant fibers and weathered wood to make a grey papery pulp. The queen initially raises the first several sets of wasp eggs until enough female workers exist to maintain the offspring without her assistance. As the colony grows, the workers will construct a more elaborate nest in a new location.

In late summer the wasp queen stops laying eggs after producing a few fertile females and males that develop in special cells. When they emerge, the male drones then fly away and find a mate while the

Nature Notes CORAL FORBES young queens mate in the vicinity of the nest. The fertilized queens then crawl away into a hiding place under bark, in an old stump or under litter to spend the winter.

The lives of the previous queen, workers and drones are now over and the nest will not be used again.

A queen bee, however, lives a couple of years in her wax hive which is maintained by her hardworking daughters, which are constantly hatching and live approximately 28 days. Because bees stock their hive with honey, they are able to survive the winter, huddled together enjoying the sweet syrup they worked all summer to produce. That

Ad Directory Alpine Stables...............75 Andrea’s Sew Easy........53 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.........34 Art Safari........................3 Artistic Statement.........84 BC SPCA......................59 Beach Club...................24 Bear Mtn Resort............53 Boardworks..................29 Boys & Girls Club..........27 Braefoot.......................73 Brigadoon Dance..........75 Burnside Gorge.............17 Byte Camp...................65 Camp in the Community...............36 Camp Narnia................59 Camp Pringle................25 Camp Qwanoes........... BC Canadian College of Performing Arts.........51 Canadian Forces Sailing......................60 Capernwray..................88 Carrot Seed Preschool...26 Cathedral School...........64

Chemainus Theatre.......77 City Centre Park...........IFC Conseil Scolaire............49 The Cridge...................62 Dance on it Studio.........68 Dance Unlimited...........77 Danielle’s Studio.............5 Emmanuel Baptist Church..........16 Emmanuel Preschool....73 Esquimalt Recreation....68 Falcon Gymnastics........59 Fiddlesticks..................52 Fired Up!......................81 Maxine Fisher...............18 Footholds Therapy.........61 Forge Church................16 Foxglove Farms.............29 FUN Camps..................22 Galey Farms.................78 GNS Marine Adventure..67 Hampton Little League..57 Hip Baby.....................IBC Horne Lake Caves.........75 ICE Victoria...................31 IMAX............................18 Intrepid Theatre............81

86 Island Parent Magazine

Investors Group.............23 Island Farms.................44 Island Montessori..........64 Island Rhythmic Gymnastics...............20 Island Swimming..........37 JamTots.......................55 Kate Rubin Drama & Theatre.......84 Kids & Company...........77 Kye Bay Resort...............9 Kumon.........................25 Ladysmith Parks...........75 Larsen Music................15 Leap Forward Dance.....81 Lifestyle Markets...........50 Lighthouse Academy of Dance...................52 Little Spirits Garden...9, 67 Lizzy Lee & Me.............46 Luxton Station Market...17 Mad Science................20 The Makehouse............57 Maple Leaf School of Ballet....................80 Maritime Museum...........2 Miles of Smiles.............81

Morning Glory School....74 Mothering Touch...........21 Oak & Orca.............15, 50 The OCEAN 98.5..........63 Open Space..................55 Our Ecovillage...............87 Oxford Learning............46 Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence........39 Panorama Recreation....56 Park Sands..................IBC Pemberton Holmes.......72 Puddles & Paints...........26 The Raptors..................32 READ Society................11 Recreation Oak Bay........31, 38, 58 Restart Computers........35 Richmond Tourism........13 Royal BC Museum........12 Royal Victoria Yacht Club................37 Saanich Dental.............21 Saanich Fair.................87 Scallywags..................IFC Screen Actors...............29

Serious Coffee..............48 The Shipley Group...........9 Sleep Sense.................13 SMUS Extension............56 Soccertron....................56 Spartans......................71 Spina Bifida Assoc........46 Sportball......................IFC St. Margaret’s.................6 St. Michael’s & All Angels Church......23 StageCoach Theatre......22 Stages.......................5, 8 Success by 6................43 Sylvan Learning..............1 Thrifty Foods.................45 Tigh Na Mara................66 Tillicum Centre.............IFC TJs The Kiddies Store....80 Tom Lee Music.............64 UVic Vikes....................35 UVic Autism..................71 Vancouver Island Baby Fair..................71 Vancouver Island University..................66

Vancouver Island Coop Preschool Assoc........54 Victoria Academy of Ballet....................87 Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts........72 Victoria Children’s Choir........................73 Victoria Conservatory of Music...................34 Victoria Gymnastics.......36 Victoria Recreation.......IBC VIHA.......................47, 70 Vitamin Shop................11 Jody Watson.................67 Welcome Wagon...........42 West Shore Centre for Learning..............51 Westcoast Academy of Ballet....................37 Western Speedway.......33 Westshore Motocross......8 Westshore Parks.............4 Westside Stables............3 Wild Play......................27

www.kidsinvictoria.com

is except the male drones. After fertilizing new queens from other colonies in the spring and lazing about all summer, the drone’s life of leisure comes to an abrupt end when his sisters throw him out of the hive as the cold weather approaches and nectar and pollen become scarce. Why waste precious honey on a bee that doesn’t do winter hive work?

If the hive becomes overpopulated (usually in mid-summer when egg laying is at its peak), then the queen will alert the workers to her imminent departure which triggers them to feed a female larva royal jelly, thereby transforming a worker into a new queen. Once hatched, the young queen

HEE HAW, It’s Fair Time!

SAANICH FAIR August 31 and September 1 & 2, 2013

DID YOU KNOW? You can enter!

Catalogues are now available online and at the Fair office. CHECK OUT Department 19 – page 49 for those ages 3 to 16.

Saanich Fairground 1528 Stellys X Rd. Saanichton BC

250-652-3314 • www.saanichfair.ca

O.U.R. Ecovillage kids camps Wildarts Kids/ Permaculture Family Camp

Coral Forbes is a naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. She invites you to the Nature House for a peek at all of the activity in the honeybee hive. www.IslandParent.ca

Earth Dance Kids Camp Includes African Dance, Marimba, and afternoons full of eco-activities that you can even jump in on with your child—but be prepared to get down and dirty!

Customized family packages available with programming for all ages, camping or indoor accomodation, and onsite meals. Please contact us for details.

Did you know? O.U.R. Sustainers receive 10–20% off all courses and internships, for themselves and their families.

Learn more and sign up by visiting us online.

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE www.ourecovillage.org

O.U.R. Ecovillage Ⅰ www.ourecovillage.org Ⅰ info@ourecovillage.org

2013 DANCE CAMPS:

will reign over about half the population while her mother flies off with the rest of the colony in search of a new home. This is commonly called a bee swarm.

So, we all know how important bees are for pollinating plants, but what about wasps? Why should we put up with their bad attitude and nasty sting?

Wasps do serve an important ecological function. Unlike bees (who would never stoop to carnivorism), they prey on many pest insects which eat our food crops. Many wasps are also parasitic; an adult will lay its egg on a living host (like an aphid) and after it has developed into an adult it eventually kills the host.

On the other end of the food chain, wasps serve as food for many species, including bats, bears, birds and many larger insects.

You may also be surprised to know that although they do not specifically collect pollen as bees do, they do inadvertently pollinate many plants in their search for nectar.

Now that you know some of the differences between bees and wasps, you can confidently curse the correct insect as needed, but here’s hopin’ that your summer is sting free!

Painting, drawing, building, bouncing, dancing, role playing, costume making, ceramics, medicine making, and much more!

Upcoming School/ University Programs K–12 options available year-round, or university and college Directed Studies for credit all in O.U.R. immersed learning community environment.

O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE

COLWOOD LOCATION Little Stars Creative Dance Jul 22-26 & Aug 19-23 | Ages 4-6 Dance Camp -Ballet Stories with Coppelia Jul 22-26 | Ages 7-9 Dance Camp: Ballet Stories with Sleeping Beauty Aug 19-23 | Ages 10-13 DOWNTOWN LOCATION Performance Athletes Class Jul 15-26 | Ages 9-16 Little Stars Creative Dance Jul 15-19 | Ages 4-6 Dance Camp -Ballet Stories with Sleeping Beauty Jul 8-12 | Ages 7-12

Artistic Director: Bleiddyn Bellis, Fellow CSC-CICB, Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma Location: 643 Broughton Street, Victoria BC | Tel: 250.590.6752 admin@VictoriaAcademyOfBallet.ca | VictoriaAcademyOfBallet.ca

June 2013

87

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Away from the Heat

T

here are many issues that come up in the heat of the moment: sibling rivalry, struggles getting out of the house, chores getting done, and so on.

It’s important to notice conflicts that pop up often so you can tackle each one. If you find yourself reacting rather than responding, Cut it Out! Ask yourself: • What negative interactions between family members happen frequently?

• Is there a particular time of the day when things go sideways?

• Is there an expectation that creates arguments?

• Discussing things at a neutral time is a proactive way to deal with ongoing issues. Get the kids involved if it concerns

them and make sure that everybody has a turn to speak and be heard.

• It’s easy to tell kids how things should be but the truth is, they need to have a voice as well. Keep the playing field level and don’t overrule by force.

• Be willing to see things differently and encourage your kids to come up with ideas.

Find that middle ground and even if you think you have the best idea, be willing to try something different.

Ask questions like: • What is really important to you?

• What could this look like?

• What does each person need to do?

• What else?

• What’s next?

Most issues need a consistent focus for a two- to three-week period. If the negative behaviour is decreasing, then the plan is working. Stick to it!

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See www. lifeseminars.com.

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Capernwray URL

If you have kids… and you like camping… try Park Sands Beach Resort this summer!

RV Park & Campground

A quiet, family place – on the beach – in Parksville.

www.parksands.com 1.877.873.1600

Summer Camps at Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre

Choose from a wide selection of camps for all ages: Preschool Beacon Hill Explorers Sail-Opti Wet Feet SportBall Multi Sport

Youth Jet’in (9–12 yrs) Summerscope (6–9 yrs) Girls Only (9–12 yrs)

Outdoor Horseback Riding (7–13 yrs) French Immersion Ecology (9–13 yrs) Junior/Youth Kayak (11–15 yrs) Camouflage (10–14 yrs) Jet-in Camping (11–14 yrs)

Hang out with us this summer For information or to register, call 250.361.0732 www.victoria.ca

Give them a summer that lasts

forever!

summer camps JUNIORS, JUNIOR HIGH, YOUTH, LEADERSHIP

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day. Experience a world of discovery with an amazing staff.

family retreats open house ENJOY THE BEST OF A CANADIAN JUNE 8, 2013

WEST-COAST SUMMER!

For a summer brochure:

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266 • life@qwanoes.ca

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada