June 2015 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

27 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

June 2015

Yo! Papa Tips, advice & ramblings on Fatherhood Going It Alone an exercise in lowered expectations

Summer Programs

Towards Zero Waste Water Safety for Young Children

Experience the precision of customized vision

Did you recently find out that your child needs to wear glasses?

A great way to introduce kids to the idea of wearing glasses is through a story book.

See below for the BC Doctors of Optometry’s top four choices!

Newcomer Wraparound Support Program

The Princess Who Wore Glasses

by Laura Hertzfeld Katz

Aiding in newcomer settlement and integration in Greater Victoria.

Fancy Nancy: Spectacular Spectacles

by Jane O’Connor

Arlo Needs Glasses

(250) 361-9433

.

Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates Doctors of Optometry

vircs.bc.ca

Langford: #105–814 Goldstream Ave 250-474-4567 www.langfordoptometrists.com Sooke: #5–6726 West Coast Rd 250-642-4311 www.sookeoptometrists.com

New Patients Welcome

by Barney Saltzberg

My Travelin’ Eye

by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw It can take a while for a child to get used to wearing glasses.

Make sure that your child is aware that their glasses are like medicine for their eyes and it is important they wear their glasses so that their eyes can work together to stay healthy.

Reciting this fun rhyme: “When your glasses are not on your face, they’re in their case!” can aid in keeping your child’s glasses in good form.

mps a C y a D pm Half & 1pm-4 Educational Excellence to the Glory of God

PacificChristian.ca

m 9am-12p

Sports & Games

Stories

Arts & Crafts

Fun es for ag s 3-9 yr

250-479-4532

Take a break, and let your child explore friendship, independence and 8 high-energy sports in Sportball summer camps!

Greater Victoria | Shawnigan Lake | Duncan Cumberland | Campbell River van.island@sportball.ca |

/sportballvictoria

250.590.4625 | 1.877.590.4625 Come and See. Facebook.com/YourPCS

www.sportball.ca

Contents: June 2015 Abra-Kid-Abra

Car Seats, Cribs, Play-n-Pak, High Chairs available for short term rentals • A great selection of books • Dress-up for girls and boys • Shoes…Pedipeds, See Kai Run …and More • Rainwear and rainboots…TUFFO – MUDDYBUDDY, now up to size 5

Now Accepting Summer Consignment New & Used Toys, Clothing & Furniture 2024 Oak Bay Ave • 250 595 1613

Full Year French Education CHILDREN AGED 3-5YRS

Full Year French Education for preschoolers combines all our favourite activities, games, crafts, and songs with the addition of French language skills development.

Sept 2015 to June 2016 Tu 12:30–2:30pm $41/month Th 12:30–2:30pm $41/month Please contact Chris Filler at 250-475-7107 or Chris.Filler@saanich.ca for more information or to register.

2 Island Parent Magazine

Articles

Facebook Games...........................................................................................10 Yo! Papa.......................................................................................................13 Towards Zero Waste.....................................................................................14 Going It Alone..............................................................................................16 The Greeting Ritual.......................................................................................18 Goody-Bag Guilt...........................................................................................20 Big Rocks First..............................................................................................22 Summer Programs.........................................................................................24 Water Safety for Young Children...................................................................42 Children’s International Summer Villages......................................................44 Why We Say Goodbye...................................................................................46 Learning from the Muffin Man.....................................................................48

Columns

Editor’s Note...................................................................................................3 Dadspeak......................................................................................................52 New Parent Pages..........................................................................................54 Healthy Families; Happy Families.................................................................58 Is There an App for This?..............................................................................60 Book Nook...................................................................................................62 Just Eat It!.....................................................................................................64 Maternity & Beyond.....................................................................................68 Nature Notes................................................................................................70 Cut It Out.....................................................................................................72

Departments

IPM Notes.......................................................................................................4 Party Directory........................................................................................34, 35 Family Calendar............................................................................................36 Around the Island.........................................................................................40 Family Services Directory........................................................................56, 57 Preschool & Child Care Directory...........................................................66, 67 Family-Friendly Cowichan Valley & Mid-Island...........................................71 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 $32.00 (includes GST) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

830-A Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Websites: islandparent.ca, kidsinvictoria.com Publisher/Owner: Mark Warner Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant & Sales: Linda Frear Distribution: Ray Cutts, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Black Press, Victoria Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

On the Cover: Sophie M. (5) Cover Photo: Ryan MacDonald of Ryan MacDonald Photography, ryanmacdonaldphotography.com

Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter facebook.com/IslandParent twitter.com/IslandParent kidsinvictoria.com

Jump into June A one-a-day list of things to do June 1st. Draft a family summer bucket list, post it, and tackle each to-do.

2nd. Drop by Ladysmith’s Make it, Bake it, Grow it Market on Tuesdays at Transfer Beach from 1-5pm and gather ingredients for a picnic at the nearby seashore.

3rd. Hit the thrift shops and buy an armload of old comic books to read under a shady tree on a hot day.

4th. Go for the gold at Royal BC Museum’s Gold Rush! El Dorado, an exhibit that will bring you face-to-face with the real history of gold in BC and beyond. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

5th. Watch skydivers drop in at the Victoria HarbourCats game opener as they take on the Kelowna Rockets at Royal Athletic Park at 6:35pm.

6th. March along with the Oak Bay Tea Party parade, leaving Windsor Park at 10:30am and ending up at Willows Beach 45 minutes later where you’ll find a weekend’s worth of fun, including rides, midway games and summer treats—all by the seashore.

7th. Celebrate World Oceans Day at a free event in Sidney’s Beacon Park from 11am-3pm.

Enjoy live performances, ocean-themed games, face painting and more. Visit oceandiscovery.ca.

Or drop by Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria from 11am-5pm for kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, and Sammy the Seal. Visit downtownvictoria.ca.

8th. Go on a Ghostly Walk, a spine-tingling 90-minute tour of downtown Victoria’s haunted hangouts, leaving the Visitor Information Centre, 812 Wharf St, nightly at 7:30 and 9:30pm.

9th. Play flashlight tag.

10th. Download and listen to a free audiobook. Visit openculture.com.

11th. Stroll Sidney’s Street Market, Thursdays from 5-8:30pm along Beacon Ave where you’ll

IslandParent.ca

find over 150 vendors along with a myriad of musical performers.

12th. Make like a pirate at Buccaneer Days (June 12-14) in Esquimalt where you’ll find a midway, sky divers, a kids’ play zone, races, a parade, and a pancake breakfast.

13th. Celebrate Cowichan Lake Days (June 7-14) with kids’ activities, a fishing derby, a build-bail-and-sail contest, and the Grand Parade. Visit cowichanlakedays.com.

14th. Go skimboarding at Witty’s Lagoon.

Low tide is at 7:50am and 5:45pm.

15th. Stop and smell the flowers amidst the 10,000 varieties of plants at Victoria’s Horticultural Centre of the Pacific where admission is free on every 3rd Monday.

16th. Embark on a walking tour of Macs Oyster Beach at Ships Point in Union Bay, Comox during the B.C. Shellfish and Seafood Festival (June 12-21) where you’ll learn about growing shellfish and the various animals on the beach.

Times vary. Visit discovercomoxvalley.com.

17th. Take a glittering trip around the world at IMAX’s Gold Fever, a film focusing on the cultural, economic and historical significance of the “eternal element.” Three showings daily.

Visit imaxvictoria.com.

18th. Journey through time and wake-up centuries ago at Fort Rodd Hill’s Historical Timeline (June 18-21), featuring various groups who celebrate history by displaying their colourful clothing, uniforms, tools and creative masterpieces. Visit pc.gc.ca.

19th. Enjoy Garden Days (June 19-21) at Butchart Gardens where, from 9am-9pm kids can put their best Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew skills to work to solve the mystery of The Great Escape of the Garden Gnomes.

20th. Be a Hometown Tourist (June 20-21)

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

21st. Drop by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria between 2-4pm for Family Sunday, an

Editor’s Note Sue Fast afternoon of exploring art-making and ideas connected to current exhibitions.

22nd. Swim, skate or sweat at a Saanich recreation centre with a free drop-in pass— available at your library when checked out on an adult card. The family pass is for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

23rd. Join the 31st Annual Chemainus Twilight Shuffle 5K, one of the Island’s only evening running events, this one at 7pm.

24th. Go strawberry picking.

25th. Visit the library and sign up for the free Summer Reading program, starting today (registration starts June 15).

26th. Construct a marshmallow catapult.

To find out how, visit itsalwaysautumn.com.

27th. Paddle Elk/Beaver Lakes during CRD’s Morning Mist Canoe Adventure, a guided paddle for ages 5+, from 8-11am. Pre-register: $20+GST (15 yrs+); $10+GST (5-14 years).

250-478-3344.

28th. Twirl along at the Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet, a 10-minute show on Sundays at 10:45am throughout June, then on Saturdays, too, in July and August.

29th. Grab some grub at the Food Truck Festival, taking place daily from 11am-6pm (until Oct) outside Royal BC Museum.

30th. Sleep outside. Watch the sunrise—if you’re awake at 5:15am.

Happy Summer.

June 2015 3

Oak & Orca Summer Program Weekly bioregional themes & cycling trips

July 6- Aug. 28

Oak & Orca Bioregional School

Hands-On Home-Learning

High School At Home

Ungraded K-12 School

Pre-primary School

2738 Higgins Street (Cook & Hillside) 250-383-6609

OakandOrca.ca

4 Island Parent Magazine

IPM Notes Parking Fees at Sooke Potholes & 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.

The seasonal parking pass is valid at both parks and can be purchased from CRD Regional Parks’ headquarters (490 Atkins Ave, Langford), Robbins Parking (1102 Fort St, Victoria), the main ticket dispenser at Thetis Lake, or the Parking Lot #2 dispenser at Sooke Potholes. Visitors purchasing a pass from CRD Regional Parks’ headquarters or Robbins Parking are also asked for a $10 refundable decal deposit.

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

Summer Is for Playing, Not Sitting!

We all remember the joys of days spent playing outside all summer and we want our kids to have the same healthy, active experience. The high cost of living on the Island often means both parents are working most of the summer, leaving the kids at home in front of one screen or another, especially when money is too tight to afford summer camps.

The 2014 Report Card for Active Healthy Kids Canada indicates that even 3- to 5-yearolds are spending around half their hours in sedentary pursuits and an average of 2 hours per day in front of a screen. Children through the age of 11 are recommended to get less than an hour of screen time per day.

This report shared recent research revealing that excessive television viewing during early childhood may compromise muscular fitness and waist circumference as children approach puberty.

Providing our children with the opportunity to learn the fundamental movement skills that will give them the confidence and motivation to be active is the key. This summer PISE will offer over 20 camps and programs for children and youth on the island. To ensure children aren’t excluded because of financial reasons from summer camps at PISE, we offer the SportStart grant program in partnership with Island Savings.

kidsinvictoria.com

Please help spread the word that money doesn’t have to be a barrier for children who want to play. To learn more about SportStart, visit piseworld.com/sportstart-grant.

Dora the Explorer Live Koba Entertainment and Nickelodeon today announced its celebrated theatrical production “Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys” will return to Canada! The tour will visit Victoria on June 9 at the Royal Theatre. A global phenomenon seen by more than four million parents and children worldwide in 30 countries, Dora’s live musical adventure incorporates educational and interactive components that have made Nickelodeon’s 16-time Emmy nominated series Dora the Explorer a hit preschool program in Canada.

Tickets are on sale now and are available throughDoraLiveCanada.com.

“Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys” sends Dora on her most important mission yet: to find her lost teddy bear. With help from the live audience and her courageous amigos, Dora uses her mapreading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully navigate the number pyramid and the mixed-up jungle to reach The City of Lost Toys. During the 70-minute live show featuring colorful costumes and stunning sets, Dora and her cousin Diego, Boots, Map, Backpack, Tico, Isa, Benny—even that pesky fox Swiper—invite audiences to think, sing and play along while helping to find Dora’s teddy bear.

For more information, visit DoraLiveCanada.com.

River on June 19 from 6pm-midnight at Ecole Phoenix Middle School.

Relay participants make a commitment to raise a minimum of $100 for the Canadian Cancer Society, but the average participant in B.C. and Yukon raises $335. Challenge yourself and your team—the more money raised, the bigger the impact against cancer.

Funds raised help the Canadian Cancer Society save lives by investing in outstanding cancer research, offering caring cancer support services, and leading prevention initiatives.

For more information, or to register as a team captain, team member, survivor, or volunteer, visit relaybc.ca.

Become a Parks Canada Xplorer Does your family enjoy getting out into nature? Then you will love the new Parks Canada Xplorers program. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is launching a new activity booklet for children ages 6-11 years old. It’s the perfect adventure for curious and active kids. To get started, just speak to a park staff. The booklet has a number of challenges to keep your child exploring for the whole day and they will have fun learning cool facts about the park reserve.

Xplorer kids will be hiking, answering quizzes, playing nature games and even using a GPS to find mystery locations. To finish it off, if they have completed five activities, they will be rewarded with a certificate and a special collectable souvenir.

Relay for Life 2015 Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is Canada’s biggest cancer fundraiser, giving you and the community the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back for a future without cancer.

During this non-competitive fun-filled event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps around a track for six or 12 hours. Each team is asked to have at least one team member on the track at all times throughout the event.

Relay For Life 2015 is happening in various Island communities on different dates in June: University of Victoria, Centennial Stadium, on June 20 from 5-11pm; Nanaimo on June 12-13 from 7pm-7am at NDSS Rotary Bowl; Comox Valley on June 6-7 from 7pm-7am at Vanier Track; and Campbell IslandParent.ca

If the Gulf Islands are little far afield, then visit McDonald Campground in Sidney, only 30 minutes from Victoria. Not only can you pick up your copy of the Xplorers booklet from the friendly staff, but you can also stay for a campfire. Friday evenings (7-8 pm) in July and August, families can share the magic of a traditional Canadian campfire. Curl up and enjoy songs and stories with a park interpreter—there are even s’mores and hot cocoa. If your camping skills are little rusty, consider participating to a Learn-to-Camp event June 20-21. Mountain Equipment Co-op and park staff will be on site to show you how it’s done—from setting up a tent to starting a fire and cooking yummy meals.

June 2015 5

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!

Classes for girls 3 and up

www.islandrhythmics.com 250-514-6761

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Eco-adventure camps for 6-16 year olds Victoria, BC

rship leade car ar sol a build rock climbing grow your kay own food ar aking ta nd dr am a

IPM Notes Sidney Spit—you’ve always wanted to go, the time is now! The short boat ride from the town of Sidney is totally worth it. You will arrive at a tranquil island with kilometres of sandy beaches, a quiet lagoon and lush forested trails. This year, every Saturday you can drop-in with the family at the park booth (11am-2pm) and check out the cool things to do on the island. Do a nature craft, borrow nets and buckets for beach fun or try a self-guided adventure. Don’t forget to ask for your Xplorers booklet. You can also explore a trail using the Parks Canada Explora trail app or even learn how to geocache—there is something for everyone. Come for the day or reserve a campsite, you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about the Xplorers program and other park reserve programs and events, please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/ gulf.

Why stop here? Keep exploring Canada’s national treasures on Vancouver Island at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse (parkscanada.gc.ca/fortroddhill) or Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (parkscanada. gc.ca/pacificrim).

Summer Reading Club 2015: Build It! From June 25-August 31, kids 12 and under are invited to take part in GVPL’s Summer Reading Club. 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 a selection of amazing library programs at branches throughout Greater Victoria. Online registration for special programs begins June 15. Beginning June 25, 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, visit gvpl.ca/src or call 250-940-GVPL (4875).

Summer Reading Buddies Reading Buddies pairs children who need extra practice with reading with teen volunteers for fun literacy-based activities. Little Buddies and Big Buddies meet for an hour daily for one week. Week-long sessions are available between July 13 and August 21 at different branch libraries. For children in Grades 2 to 4. Space is limited. Register online at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Teen Volunteers Needed Be a GVPL Big Buddy! For ages 13-18.

If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, the library needs you! Volunteer for one or two hours per afternoon for one or more weeks this summer. Week-long sessions are available between July 13 and August 21 at different branch libraries throughout the summer.

Register online at gvpl.ca or call 250-940GVPL (4875) for more information.

Comox Valley Butterfly Ball Girls in gowns, dance lessons with dads, and a decadent dessert buffet—these are just a few of the surprises in store for those attending The Butterfly Ball, a new event coming to the Comox Valley, presented by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Held on June 20 at Crown Isle Resort, this enchanting evening includes a dinner, dance, and entertainment that celebrates and strengthens the special relationship between fathers and daughters.

The event also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to talk to their children about philanthropy—funds raised at The Butterfly Ball Comox Valley will support Jeneece Place, the home away from home for families travelling to Victoria for their child’s medical care. Jeneece Place is owned and operated by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, at a cost of $350,000 per year.

Since Jeneece Place opened in January 2012, over 730 families have stayed at the house, says Linda Hughes, president and CEO of Children’s Health Foundation.

“Around 94 per cent of those families have come from the Island and Gulf Islands, including 15 families from the North Island in 2014. The Butterfly Ball Comox Valley will be a wonderful opportunity to support families from the central and north island who must travel to Victoria for medical care.”

The Butterfly Ball Comox Valley will be modelled after the successful event of the same name in Victoria, which is now in its seventh year (and sold out!). Since 2009, Butterfly Ball Victoria has raised more than $140,000 in support of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s programs that support children with health challenges and disabilities. For more information, visit childrenshealthvi.org.

www.funcamps.ca 6 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

S T A G E S Su m mer Pro g ra ms 2015

Ride Don’t Hide

Heritage Dance Fest In the spring of 2007, the Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria cancelled FolkFest which had, for almost 40 years, been an opportunity for multi-cultural groups to showcase their food, their music and dance, their culture. For local dance groups in particular, this meant that their one opportunity to perform, recruit, and share their traditional dances with the public was gone.

Thanks to an idea from a parent, Lolly Peluso, the Veselka Board decided to step forward and coordinate a small performance IslandParent.ca

35th A n nual

Da nce I ntensive Aug ust 18 th - 29 th

Part-day program for dancers 10 years old & up

in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop & Acrobatics

Plus

Week-long, part day

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

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 18 months to 3 years old

photos by D Haggart

On Sunday, June 21, thousands of cyclists will gather for one of Shoppers Drug Mart’s 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 RDH Family Ride takes place in four Island locales—Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Victoria—on June 21 and will help raise awareness about the stigma against mental illness. The Victoria Ride will be starting and finishing at Ogden Point on Dallas Road. The three ride distances along the scenic coastline are offered from a family ride of 6.6km, 17km to a 29km ride. All routes are on the road.

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels—family, intermediate and advanced—are invited show their support for mental health by participating in Shoppers Drug Mart Ride Don’t Hide. To find out more and to sign up for the ride, visit ridedonthide.com.

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

• Reggio •

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Progr am

Limited Space Available R.I.A. Early Learning Centre Reggio International Academy

Summer Fun Program!

July & August will be filled with exciting outdoor activities incorporating creative projects, science, nature and games.

Designed for ages 3 to 5 Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 3:30pm or Monday to Friday 1/2 Day – 8:30am to 12:30pm Please check our website for Open House times and more information

3307 Wishart Rd, Victoria V9C 1R2 www.reggiopreschool.ca

Call us for a Tour!

250.590.0781

June 2015 7

IPM Notes

to end the year. Lolly’s vision included asking one or two other local groups to perform together, find a cheap venue with easy public access, and put on a free show that June.

Within a few short months, it had turned into a four-hour continuous performance with eight dance groups and over 150 dancers. The following year more groups wanted to be involved, so sponsorship was found, the program was lengthened, marketing took place, and now, on June 20, Veselka will host the 9th annual Heritage DanceFest.

This year groups are coming together to put on a five-hour show at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park on June 20, showcasing dances from Mexico, Hungary, China, Bulgaria, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, India, and more—all hosted by the Veselka Ukrainian Dancers.

Heritage DanceFest is, and always will be, a free event for all ages to enjoy. So pack your hat and sweater, some food and a picnic blanket if you like, and on June 20, take a trip around the world. Come celebrate Victoria’s cultural diversity and enjoy the colours, the music, and the energy of Heritage DanceFest! For information, visit veselkadancers.com.

Camp Enterprise Victoria—Where Kids’ Ideas Come Alive Challenging, creative, high-powered— there’s no other camp like it. Camp Enterprise Victoria is an exciting adventure into the world of being a successful entrepreneur. Working in teams and honoring each person’s gifts and abilities, this Junior Apprentice-style camp will give campers the opportunity to stage, create, market, advertise and share their own products—everything from cupcakes to music concerts—with the public sector. Working together with some of Victoria’s successful entrepreneurs, campers will have an experience with those who have cut their teeth on their own successful projects. Camps will be held at St. Philips Anglican Church, 2928 Eastdowne Rd, with product launches in visible high traffic Oak Bay locations. Camps run weekly through July and August from 10am-4pm each day, ending with an optional swim at Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Camps begin the week of July 6 and end the week of August 17.

Ages 6-11. Enroll early, camps fill fast. For more information email jill@campenterprisevictoria.com or phone 250-592-0147.•

SUMMER PROGRAMS LEADERSHIP | SUCCESS | RELATIONSHIPS

Youth are powerful!

The Global Leadership Academy is an intensive, immersive 2 week learning experience crafted by leaders and educators to uncover the passionate leader within all youth.

Global Leadership Academy (GLA)

June 28, July 19, and August 9

Scholarships available for local students

dwightcanada.org

ALSO OFFERING: High School Enrichment Tofino Camping Trip July 27 to August 28

https://dwightcanada.org/summer

8 Island Parent Magazine

August 2 to August

Dwight School Canada 2371 East Shawnigan Lake Rd.

kidsinvictoria.com

Be a Be a

BIG

sister brother

Teen Mentors  Community Mentors  In School Mentors

Every time a child is paired with a mentor, you start something incredible – a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust and empowerment Make a BIG difference by giving a LITTLE time Start volunteering in 2015

Contact our Enrolment Coordinator 250.475.1117, ext. 40 Lilaine.Galway@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca www.bbbsvictoria.com

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 9

Facebook Games T

Make this their best year ever with Tutor Doctor.

• Convenient, Comfortable One-to-One Tutoring at Home • Expert, Screened, Well-Matched Tutors • Tailor-Made Program for Every Student

CALL (250) 802-5256

vancouverislandtutors.com 10 Island Parent Magazine

he next time you berate yourself for wasting an evening playing Farmville on Facebook, stop. If you were playing with Mom, Dad or Aunt Carmen, you were actually helping to strengthen family bonds.

New research from Concordia University, published in Information, Communication and Society, shows that, beyond being a fun distraction, social network games (SNGs) can offer family members a meaningful way to interact and meet social obligations.

“Maintaining those connections is especially important as families find themselves dispersed across countries and continents,” says senior author Mia Consalvo, Canada research chair in Game Studies and Design at Concordia University. “SNGs give families a convenient and cheap way to transcend geographical boundaries.”

For the study, Consalvo and co-author Kelly Boudreau, a researcher at Concordia’s Technoculture Art and Games Centre, polled a group of social network gamers. Using a questionnaire and follow-up interviews, the researchers explored what it means to interact with family members via SNGs. They found that these online games offer families a common topic of conversation and enhance the quality of time spent together, despite the fact that most SNGs don’t necessarily involve any direct communication.

The games can also bring together family members who may be only distantly connected, with respondents citing experiences such as connecting with long-lost cousins or bolstering relationships with aging aunts.

“It’s not just siblings in their early 20s using SNGs to connect. Grandfathers are playing online games with granddaughters, mothers with sons. These multi-generational interactions prove social networks are tools that break down both communication and age barriers,” says Boudreau.

With online games increasingly replacing traditional board games, SNGs are quickly becoming another way to interact socially.

For more information, visit coms. concordia.ca.

kidsinvictoria.com

IslandParent.ca

June 2015  11

Canada’s first STEaM Middle School opening September 2015

Elizabeth Buckley Middle School NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Hands-on, discovery-based learning infused with Science, Technology, Engineering, rts & Math.

Watch your child fall in love with learning.

STEAMschool.ca

12 Island Parent Magazine

info@steamschool.ca

250.995.6425 kidsinvictoria.com

Yo! Papa

Wisdom, Tips, Advice & Ramblings “Listen to the mustn’ts, child.

Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

Erin Wallis Photography, erin@erinwallis.com, erinwallis.com

Shel Silverstein

A Sampling of Dad Blogs 1. The Daddy Files, “Because dads are parents, too,” Aaron Gouveia (daddyfiles.com) 2. Designer Daddy, “Getting creative with fatherhood,” Brent Almond (designerdaddy.com) 3. 8 Bit Dad, “News, reviews & opinions,” Bryan Ferguson & Zach Rosenberg (8bitdad.com) 4. Dad and Buried, “The anti-parenting parentingblog,” Mike Julianelle (dadandburied.com) 5. How to Be a Dad, “The entertainment site for parents,” Charlie & Andy (howtobeadad.com) 6. Cry It Out, “Memoirs of a stay-at-home dad,” Mike Adamick (mikeadamick.com) 7. Bobblehead Dad, “Parenting tips & life lessons,” Jim Higley (bobbleheaddad.com) 8. Dad Revolution, “Changing the world one diaper at a time,” Various Authors (dadrevolution.com) 9. Hands On Dad, “Straight forward talk on fatherhood,” J.D. Roberto (thehandsondad.com) 10. The Reluctant Father, (a photographic journey), Phillip Toledano (thereluctantfather.com)

The War of the Poses

Harpers Index for Parents

As photographic subjects go, the newborn’s commitment to holding a pose is not always ideal.

However, if you have an engaging concept, patience, and 46 memory cards, it is possible to inflame Baby’s innate passion for the art. The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi offers the following tongue-in-cheek advice:

An affectionate parody of the popular Harper’s Magazine Index by writer Andrew S. Delfino for goodmenproject.com

1.Begin your next photo session, the pros suggest by respectfuly asking Baby to leap in the air gripping a bunch of balloons.

2. If Baby yawns, indicating that she finds this idea clichéd, buy some time. Lay her on a solid-coloured blanket and shoot an extensive series of blinking and drooling studies.

3. Interrupt shooting if Baby gets fussy or beckons for a misting of Evian water. Use this time to doublecheck your child’s face for traces of food, flaky skin, smudges, or unmistakable signs of fury.

4. Abruptly break for lunch/breastfeeding.

5. After chins have been wiped and tempers have cooled, the experts suggest you urge Baby to strike an ungainly pose and hold her head at a glamorously awkward angle.

Average weight of a full-term American baby at birth: 7 pounds, 7.5 ounces Average weight of a full-term Canadian baby at birth: 3.5 kilograms, eh?

Average number of diaper changes per day for a newborn: 13 Days in the first two years of a baby’s life: 730 Approximate number of diaper changes in a baby’s first two years of life: (feels like) 4,298,764.

Number of Olympic-sized swimming pools that would be filled with toddler’s spilled drinks in a year: 2.3 Number of goldfish crackers eaten yearly by the average North American child: 456,208 Number of baby carrots eaten yearly by the average North American child: 81.625 Number of questions a toddler asks on an average day: 333 Number of those questions that are repeated questions her parents have already answered: 303 Percentage of “catastrophic embarrassment episodes to junior high students” involved parents singing Taylor Swift songs in public: 64 Days spent in school by the time of high school graduation: 2,340 Number of Hours spent doing homework before high school graduation: 7,232 Number of Hours spent getting kids to do homework by parents before high school graduation: 14,464 Number of kisses given to a child annually before the age of 13: 1,289

Beer Can Chicken 1 large whole chicken (approx. 1.5 kg) 1 can of beer For the rub: 1 heaped teaspoon fennel seeds 1 level teaspoon mild chilli powder 1 level teaspoon cumin seeds sea salt 1 level teaspoon smoked paprika freshly ground black pepper 1 heaped teaspoon brown sugar olive oil Preheat oven or barbecue to 400˚F degrees. To make the rub, bash up fennel and cumin seeds in a pestle and mortar, and mix with the paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir in about 3 tablespoons olive oil until you get a nice paste. Drizzle the rub all over the chicken, inside and out, using your hands to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Crack your beer open, have a couple of good swigs so your can is just about half full, then lower your chicken’s cavity on to the top of the can so it looks as though the chicken is sitting on the can. A bit undignified, I know, but trust me—it’s going to be delicious. If barbecuing, carefully sit the chicken on the bars of your barbecue. If you’re using the oven, sit the chicken in a tray on the very bottom of your oven. Cook for around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until it’s golden and delicious and the meat pulls away from the bone and the juices run clear. If this isn’t the case (all barbecues and ovens are slightly different) just cook for a bit longer. Once done, remove the can and loosely cover your chicken with foil and a tea towel while you get some grilled veg, salad or warm breads together – but trust me, it tastes so good you won’t need much else. (From Jamie Oliver at jamieoliver.com)

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 13

Rachel Dunstan Muller

Towards Zero Waste M

y son’s Grade 1 class toured our local recycling depot for Earth Day this year.

It was a surprisingly interesting trip. The Peerless Road Recycling Centre just south of Ladysmith reopened a year ago after undergoing a complete transformation.

From waste incinerator site in the 80s, to its current incarnation as a state-of-the-art dropoff facility, the new centre embodies some of the most progressive elements of green design. Disposing of 45,000 cubic meters of old incinerator ash off-site would have cost taxpayers $10 million. Instead the metals in the ash were recycled, and the ash itself was used as structural fill for the new raised area that provides access to 21 tipping bays. The old incinerator building was refurbished, and new energy-efficient structures were added. Two of these buildings feature green roofs with indigenous plants which provide insulation and reduce the rate of storm water run-off. The site is attractively landscaped with drought-tolerant vegetation, which is nourished by compost produced on-site.

But what captured my attention most was seeing first-hand how many materials the Centre is diverting from the landfill— which in our community’s case is 800 km away in Washington State. Only 2 of the 21 tipping bays are designated for garbage; the rest are used to collect recyclable materials.

Clean wood gets ground up into fuel for one of the local pulp mills. Glass is recycled into drainage or sandblasting material. Old paper becomes new paper. Household items with some life remaining find new owners via the site’s “Free Store.” And the list goes on. I counted over 50 different categories under “Materials Accepted” on the Centre’s website.

Touring the site with my son and his classmates was a wake-up call. As a family we’ve been pretty good about filling our wheelable blue recycling bin with waste paper and plastic, but we’ve been less virtuous when it comes to diverting other recyclables from our garbage bins. Now that I’ve seen what our recycling depot will take, I’m certain we can reduce our garbage dramatically – and send significantly less to the landfill in Washington as a result.

Landfills are problematic for many reasons. Not all regions have appropriate areas

14 Island Parent Magazine

for burying garbage, so much of what we toss ends up travelling long distances to reach a final resting place. In addition to the greenhouse gases that result from transporting garbage hundreds of kilometres, landfills are also significant producers of methane— another greenhouse gas. While landfills are ideally dry and sealed, any water that does filter down through a site becomes a highly toxic liquid called leachate. This chemicalladen liquid can cause all kinds of problems if it escapes into the soil or groundwater. And no matter how secure a landfill may be, it still represents a permanent loss of resources.

To help get my children on board with my new waste reduction plan, I turned to Victoria author Michelle Mulder’s engaging new book Trash Talk: Moving Towards a Zero-Waste World. My kids and I learned all kinds of fascinating garbage facts as we paged through it together. For instance, did you know that from 1908 to 1958 Victoria’s waste was loaded onto barges and then dumped directly into the ocean? We may dispose of our waste more responsibly these days, but we still have a long way to go. According to Mulder, the average North American throws out 600 times his or her weight in garbage over a lifetime. That translates into a whopping 90,000 pounds of trash for a 150 pound person. And it gets worse: “for every pound of trash that a household throws away, 40 pounds of trash were produced in making whatever was tossed.” Yikes!

But there is hope. Mulder’s book offers all kinds of creative ideas for reducing waste and reusing discarded materials.

kidsinvictoria.com

The Zero Waste Cowichan website (zerowastecowichan.ca) describes four steps that individuals and families can take to move closer to a zero-waste world: Refuse: Bring home less stuff. Repair or refurbish what you already have, and borrow or rent items you need temporarily. Purchase only what you need, focusing on quality and durability. Give yourself bonus points if you can source locally-made goods.

Reduce: Prevent trash from entering your home by avoiding excessively and/or individually packaged products, and disposable or single-use items. Keep an eye on the contents of your fridge and cupboards to avoid food waste. Package leftovers and school or work lunches in reusable containers. Make your own simple multi-purpose cleaning products to reduce the amount of chemicals coming into your home. Simplify your beauty routine to cut back on unnecessary containers. Remember your resuable bags when you go shopping.

Reuse: Pass along unwanted but still usable items to people who will appreciate them. Give them to a friend, advertise them on Craigslist or Facebook, or donate them to a local charity. Just keep them out of the landfill!

Recycle: According to the Zero Waste website, recycling saves habitat and biodiversity and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions.

It also saves water, trees, and other resources, and huge amounts of energy. To find out what materials are accepted for recycling in your area, Google recycling and the name of your municipality or regional district. Print out the comprehensive list for your community, and keep it somewhere accessible so you can refer to it easily. Get your children and/or partner to help design a convenient system for your home, so that diverting materials for recycling becomes just as easy as throwing things in the trash. But keep in mind that recycling is last on this list for a reason.

Many materials can only be recycled a few times, and the quality generally degrades with each generation. The best approach to waste management is to produce as little of it as possible in the first place.

To see how one family is taking on the zerowaste challenge, check out Bea Johnson’s very inspiring blog zerowastehome.com.

Johnson’s book Zero Waste Home can also be requested from both Island library systems.

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

IslandParent.ca

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June 2015

15

Tracey Robertson

Going it Alone

An exercise in lowered expectations

16 Island Parent Magazine

G

et the blueberry…or the one that I can’t remember the name of, but whatever you do, DON’T get the bubble gum.”

My 12-year-old son is giving me instructions over breakfast during the usual morning chaos. “No, wait! It’s not blueberry.

There is no blueberry. Darn. What is it?”

At 12, he notices far more quickly when I have tuned out. During this discussion, it was somewhere near the first mention of “blueberry.”

“Mom! Are you listening to me at all? I NEED you to get the right one!”

the go-to for kids whose parents are not together; the call to immediate action that rallies my weary soul.

“I knew that. For sure. I meant NOT blueberry.” He rolls his eyes, drops his head, and sighs in that ridiculously exaggerated way that I thought I owned.

“Never mind, just get the one that I can’t remember the name of, the one that Dad got for Gavin.”

Just over a year ago, my parenting partner, the father of my two boys, moved to Northern B.C. for a job that he couldn’t

I reach back a few minutes to the onset of this conversation, before the lack of cream for my coffee and the one missing soccer cleat. What am I supposed to get right?

Oh yes, mouth guard for rugby. I regroup.

“Yep, got it. Blueberry, but not bubble gum. Easy peasy. Not to worry.”

“No! There is NO blueberry! I knew you weren’t listening. Maybe I should call Dad to do it.”

Ouch. The single parent’s Achilles heel;

resist. Since then, I have become a reluctant expert on things I had previously paid no attention to—sports equipment, professional wrestlers, the NHL playoffs—and an authority on lowered expectations in almost every facet of life with my boys.

Meals, for example, have changed considerably: we often have eggs for dinner; I’ve been known to stop at McDonald’s on the way to school, and “Fairway Free-ForAll” (when we walk to Fairway Market to kidsinvictoria.com

pick whatever we want from the array of sushi, sandwiches, and Thai takeout) is an all-around favourite. But my once painfully high standards have slipped in other ways as well, saving valuable energy and resources for bigger things—like mouth guards.

Lately, a really good night’s sleep in my house has taken immediate priority over its location. My four-bedroom house is grossly underutilized and the last couch I bought—a

...I have become a reluctant expert on things I had previously paid no attention to—sports equipment, professional wrestlers, the NHL playoffs—and an authority on lowered expectations in almost every facet of life with my boys. sectional with an enormous ottoman—easily sleeps three. A far cry from the nursery I painstakingly created for my first-born but a reasonable accommodation for eight hours of peace and happiness.

And my sons, against the odds and to their credit, are healthy, happy, hilarious boys who understand that perfection isn’t what we’re aiming for right now, that getting to school (with moderately healthy lunches), showering at least once a week, and cuddling on the couch/bed each night is enough at the moment and maybe even for many moments to come.

Standing in front of the mouth guard section—yes, a whole section—at Kirby’s Source for Sports (having agreed, in a weakened state just two hours before, to buy the “right” one and bring it to school to boil and fit in the home economics room before this afternoon’s practice) my eyes glaze over, scanning the options, before I humbly reach for my phone. “Hi. I’m trying but I’m stumped. What mouth guard did you get for Gavin?”

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Tracey Robertson is a single and often frantic mother of two, struggling to find her way in this difficult and life-altering new role.

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 17

Allison Rees

The Greeting Ritual H

ow do we connect with our teens when we barely see them because they’re so busy with their teenage social lives? We stockpile all kinds of questions, concerns and reminders, and we blurt them out whenever we have the chance, as we see our kids in passing.

Gordon Neufeld and other psychologists and educators promote the idea of “connecting before directing,” suggesting that we can’t actually guide our children unless we have a relationship with them.

Dr. Yurgelun-Todd discovered a scientific reason for developing a connection with our kids. She monitored the brains of adult and teen volunteers asked to discern the emotion in a series of pictures of frightened faces.

While all the adults identified the emotion of fear correctly, most of the teenagers saw the faces as angry. When examining the brain scans, Todd found that the teenagers were using a different part of their brain from the adults when reading images. Adults

processed these images with the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain; teens processed them with the amygdala, the instinctual, emotional part of the brain that is linked to primal feelings such as fear and rage. These emotions can trigger a “fight, flight or freeze” reaction.

So imagine what goes on when there is tension in the parent/child relationship and the only windows of time together are when we pick up our kids in the car or wake them up in the morning. What is the teen’s experience? In our face, which might actually be expressing worry or fear, they see anger. They hear our concerns as complaints.

Now they’re in a defensive position; they don’t care what we think or say, they only want to protect themselves. This can be overwhelming for the teen, and really, they can’t help this response. It is an immaturity of the brain combined with hormones.

When parenting my teens, I felt the need

to put together this information about the brain with what I know about the need for connection. I devoted myself to something I called “The Greeting Ritual.” Whenever I made contact with one of my kids, either when they came home from work or school or when I picked them up in the car, I would refrain—for 10 minutes—from asking questions, complaining, or talking about anything that could be seen as negative.

I would be positive or neutral. I lovingly let go of my agenda to guide, direct and reform my kids.

The first time I tried this was when I picked up my very social 16-year-old daughter at a friend’s just a little later on a Friday night than I would have liked. I wasn’t sure whether I could stop myself from saying something that would be taken the wrong way because just about everything in our relationship was at that stage. I decided to stuff bubble gum in my mouth, actually two pieces of Hubba Bubba—the big stuff.

I then made sure that I had something interesting playing on my car stereo, a little Frank Zappa which seemed like a good distraction. I was armed and ready for the greeting ritual.

I will always remember that look my daughter had when she’d walk toward the

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kidsinvictoria.com

car—kind of sour, cold and ready to do battle. The first time was tough because Frank prompted her to stick her iPod earphones in both ears. But hey, we didn’t talk and I looked happy; that was a shift.

And it worked really well for her. After a few days I noticed that she looked different walking to the car. She didn’t have that look of dread and actually seemed more relaxed.

I soon noticed that if I just stayed neutral and pleasant, she would start to talk about her concerns regarding school. That gave me a chance to listen and support her without taking over. If I did have something to say, it seemed to be better received once we had that initial connection.

It helped when my husband bought into this idea as well. I remember him walking through the front door late at night with my daughter. I expected a wave of negative energy, but instead, they were laughing. She said good night and that was it. Peering over my bifocals from my book I asked him why they were so cheerful. “The Greeting Ritual” was his response. “I felt like lecturing her about not calling earlier, but I didn’t say anything. Before I knew it she told me about her night and how she and her friend stayed with another friend until she got safely on the bus. How could I get mad about that?”

I also focused on this when my son would come home from work. I was concerned about him and knew he was struggling, but my anxiety only interfered with his confidence. I avoided the questions about his day and gave him a chance to unwind and relax. This was really about me harnessing my own anxiety and becoming less intrusive both with my son and my daughter. It was a practical way to put relationship first and it seemed to build up some trust for both of the kids. That little bit of conscious connection helped them feel calm and helped me to practice some self-restraint. It gave all of us an opportunity to have a little calmness during times that felt strained. This was a small, manageable shift in behaviour that led to steady positive changes in our relationships.

So, the essence of The Greeting Ritual is greeting our teenage kids pleasantly rather than overwhelming them with questions and advice when we see them. Try it—it can make a huge difference in your relationship with your teens.

Dr. Allison Rees is a parent educator/counselor and a partner in LIFE (Living in Families Effectively) Seminars in Victoria. For more information, visit lifeseminars.com.

IslandParent.ca

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June 2015

19

Sarah Seitz

Goody-Bag Guilt

20 Island Parent Magazine

I

took my daughter Julia to a birthday party for one of her preschool friends recently.

It was like most of the other ones we have been to lately: a rented room in a recreation centre, a rented bouncy castle, 20 or more kids, followed by lunch and cupcakes. As we left, I stopped to thank the mom for inviting us. She put her hand to her chest in apology and whispered, “I hope it’s okay, but I didn’t do goody bags.” She told me how, at her daughter’s birthday party last year, she’d spent $150 on the goody bags, and much more on the facility rental and food. Then she realized that most of what’s inside goody bags ends up in the trash, so she decided not to do them again.

ate hot dogs and, if we were really lucky, devoured a money cake. I remember the excitement of finding the tinfoil-wrapped coin in my cake, and the delight in being allowed to eat chips and drink pop.

The new norm is to rent a space in a recreation centre, a gym or an art studio.

Parents invite friends, family and school or daycare friends, which can add up to a lot of people. On top of this, parents must also consider the food, the invitations and the gift requirement—is it a no-gift party, a toonie party, or is a gift required? Is it a drop-off party or do parents stay and, if so, are you providing them food and drinks, too?

These details are lost on the kids. Kids are simple. They need little to have fun at a party: play, food and friends. It’s parents that make it so complicated. We have set up a system in which parties have become expensive, impersonal and wasteful. Not every family can afford the costs of renting a party space and the myriad expenses that go along with it. Even if cost is not an issue, many parents don’t want to spend their time and energy planning such a party. But they will, because they don’t want the child to

I was grateful not to feel guilty about throwing out several tiny plastic toys that my daughter would play with for about five minutes. But the mother’s concern started me thinking about how these elaborate birthday parties have become the norm. Who are they really for? Have parents gone over the top?

Gone are the days when children’s birthday parties were held in people’s homes. I remember some of the birthday parties I went to as a child. They were always at home, and we played simple games like Pin The Tail On The Donkey and Twister. We

feel disappointed if their party doesn’t look like all the other parties.

I wonder if the real reason we feel obligated to stage elaborate parties for our kids is because we are afraid other parents will judge us. If we were honest with ourselves, do we really think all this time, energy and money is necessary? Or worth it? When my daughter turned four, I was feeling the pressure to succumb to the “big party.” After all, we had been to several big parties over the years and had yet to have one of our own.

I wondered if I should just accept the new kidsinvictoria.com

normal. I felt guilty for never reciprocating the invitations from my daughter’s fellow daycare and preschool friends. But it wasn’t about me, so I decided to let the birthday girl decide. When I asked my daughter what she wanted to do for her birthday, her answers astounded me. Without hesitation,

...the mother’s concern started me thinking about how these elaborate birthday parties have become the norm. Who are they really for? Have parents gone over the top? she named the friends that she wanted to have over to our house for her party. She knew right down to the snacks that she wanted to eat and the dessert (veggies, chips, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, and a purple cake.) She was explicit about not inviting parents, because “it’s a kid’s party.” I followed up with her many times over the next week, just to be sure this was what she truly wanted. I didn’t want my aversion to throwing a big party to be the reason that she didn’t get to celebrate her birthday her way.

Each time I asked, her answers were consistent. So on her fourth birthday, she got the exact party she wanted. Parents dropped their kids off for two hours and had some much-needed time to themselves.

We didn’t break the bank or spend the week rushing around to shop or prepare. As a result, I spent much of the party laughing along with the kids, instead of mingling with parents and topping up their drinks.

Most importantly, the birthday girl had a wonderful time at the party she wanted. The laughter in our house that day convinced me, without a doubt, that I had made the right decision. I did hand out goody bags, but only because I wanted to. I think parents should support each other to do whatever feels right to us, not what we perceive is expected of us. If that looks like a big party in a recreation centre, then do that. Birthday parties celebrate a person’s life, and no two individuals are alike. So why should how we celebrate them be any different?

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IslandParent.ca

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June 2015 21

Dayna E. Mazzuca

Big Rocks First

M

ulti-tasking.

One lesson I remember from a firstyear university chemistry course has given me a new perspective on multi-tasking.During that class, the professor had a large glass jar on a table in front of him. Without telling us what the day’s lesson was about, he placed three fist-sized rocks in the jar.

“Is the jar full?” he asked the class. Some students said yes, there wasn’t enough room for any more big rocks. Some kept quiet.

The professor poured pebbles into the jar. The pebbles filled the spaces around the bigger rocks.

“Is the jar full now?” he asked. Again, some students answered yes. Some kept quiet.

The professor picked up a container of sand and poured it in. The sand slowly filled the spaces between the pebbles and the rocks.

“Is the jar full now?”

Now almost everyone answered no.

He smiled and picked up a jug of water and poured it into the glass jar. Amazingly, the water still had plenty of places to go.

“Now the jar is full,” he said.

The jar is like your time, he explained. It may represent your day, your week, or your life. Either way, the jar will fill up to maximum capacity. “There will always be things to fill up your time. If you don’t put the big rocks in first, the jar will fill with pebbles, or sand, or water.

Likewise, if you don’t put your big priorities into your daytimer first, your week will fill up with busy work or meaningless activity.”

That day I realized that if I wanted to accomplish “big rock” things in my life, I needed to organize my week ahead of time, and put the most important pieces in first.

Stuff would come up during the week, but if the big rocks were in place, the smaller stuff would be like sand going around the bigger rocks. I realized I needed to intentionally fill my jar with what mattered most. It was one of those transformative moments.

After that, multitasking became easy. Now I simply put my “big rocks” on the calendar first, and work around them. Having priorities in place means that other opportunities

and needs fall into their own place. I never feel like anyone is robbing me of my time, or pulling me off in a direction I do not want to go in. I can relax. I know I have accounted for what needs to be taken care of, so I have time to give.

There are lots of buffer zones in a life where the big rocks are in place. I can shop for sandals when my daughter needs them, or spend an evening watching “Star Wars” with my son, or pick up my husband’s drycleaning without feeling put upon.

I have three big rocks that go on my kitchen calendar before anything else.

First, I put a big slash through every Friday.

Nothing is planned for this day. I stay home and read or putter. This is my Sabbath. It’s a day when I don’t touch my computer, or pick up the phone, or work on any project.

This Sabbath is my biggest rock in the jar.

It’s saved my sanity lots of times. Along the way, I’ve missed out on invites to dinner, weekend camping opportunities and some dance shows I wanted to see. But it’s been worth it. For me, one day a week to just rest and be and think is essential to the success of the other six days of the week. It is fuel in my tank and air to my soul.

The second big rock on my weekly calendar is a morning to write. Because I homeschool,

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kidsinvictoria.com

I don’t have a lot of time to spare. So, writing cannot happen whenever it happens, because then it would never happen. This is a big rock that needs to be pre-arranged in my week. Otherwise, I’d be taking my kids to the beach on every sunny day and would never write a word. I’d be happily sunbathed, but unhappy mentally.

The third big rock for me is one day a week to do errands. The rest of the week pretty much takes care of itself. And homeschooling has its own rhythms. My children only do so much bookwork and so many outings before they need their breaks, but errands seem to never end. So, my third big rock includes a visit to the library, the post office and the recycling station; I also pay bills and arrange doctor or car appointments. Errands gobble up huge chunks of time. So, instead of letting the countless little things that need to be done become like sand in the jar, pouring into every nook and cranny of my week, I make them one big rock.

For us, Monday afternoon is for errands.

This means I’m not spending three or four days a week driving around town with two cranky children in the backseat. The children know it’s for a limited time, and can handle that. So can I. This leaves the rest of the week for things to happen spontaneously. When someone calls and wants to get together for a play date, coffee time, or take a field trip to the Bug Zoo, I can “book them in” around my big rocks. I don’t sacrifice my big three: a Sabbath day, or a writing morning or an afternoon set aside for errands. Spontaneous invitations are not one of my big rocks. They are great, but not priorities. So they “fit in” around the rest of my week. This works well. When my children and I do get together with friends, or my hubby and I do plan a date, I know my big rock needs and responsibilities have already been met.

I can sit back and enjoy the feeling of sand between my toes, or water-like conversation pouring into the still-thirsty places of my heart.

After all, time is not something removed from where I live. How I spend my time is how I spend my life. Time management sounds so cold and complicated. Putting big rocks in first is kind of fun! It’s tactile. Simple.

Empowering. And in many ways a lifesaver.

Just don’t ask what else I might have learned in that first-year Chemistry class.

Dayna E. Mazzuca is a multi-tasking mother of two children who wake up a little taller each morning. She works part-time from home in Victoria as a freelancer, workshop leader and aspiring poet.

IslandParent.ca

Daily Lunch Buffet from 11am Dinner Buffet from 4:30pm 30 items includes Seafood, Dim Sum, Sushi Roll & Vegetarian Dishes

Salmon Sashimi available on every buffet (while supplies last)

Licensed Premises ~ Top Quality Food & Service in a Clean Upscale Environment!

778-406-2238 100 Aldersmith Pl. off Admirals Rd.

July 20th–24th

Cost: $50

250.884.1734

Summer Dance Intensive 2015 • August 24th to 28th Join us this summer for a course that includes classical ballet, contemporary dance, body conditioning and injury prevention classes. This is a great opportunity to try new choreography, improve technique and fitness, and enjoy new and old friendships in a supportive atmosphere.

Level 1/2 Ages 8 yrs.+

9:00 am – 11:30 am

Level 3/4 Ages 11yrs.+

10:15 am – 1:00 pm

Level 5/6 Ages 12 yrs.+

1:15 pm – 4:15 pm

Inter./Adv.1 Ages 14 yrs.+

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Registration deadline: July 15, 2015.

Save 10% on fees if registered by June 1st

For more information:

www.dancearabesque.ca 250·595·3107 June 2015 23

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 and Nature and much more. Check out the advertising in this issue for more details.

Does your child have difficulty reading?

• can’t read words just read earlier • letter reversal • symptoms of dyslexia • “sounds out” words but can not blend them correctly • confuses similar sounding words • avoids reading/poor speller I offer an effective program that works!

Call for more information or to arrange your individualized one-on-one tutoring solution.

Brenda Osadchy 778-440-0997

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com

Performing Arts School since 1980

ch o o l S e r P r e S umm C l a s spe s & s p m a C u ths and Da n c e for ages

18 mon

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 24 Island Parent Magazine

ART Join us for Summer Art Camps in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s (AGGV) Art Studio this July and August, and connect with cool new ideas, techniques and experiment with the creative process! Art camps are for a wide range of ages and inspired by current Gallery exhibitions. Register online at aggv.ca/ art-studio, by phone at 250-384-4171 (ext 0), or in person at 1040 Moss St. For more information, email jvandepol@aggv.ca.

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, cartooning and portfolio preparation. Emphasis is placed on technique and everyone works at their own level. Register now, call Joan at 250-383-0566. artisticstatement galleryandschool.com.

CHURCH CAMPS Emmanuel Baptist Church is offering camps all summer long. We have a Vacation Bible School and Day Camps for different age groups through the summer. These camps are action packed. We have competent staff as well as lots of volunteers, so the camper to adult ratio is very low. Preschool-Grade 1 camps are limited to 15 children so the participants are not overwhelmed. Contact Ingrid White if you have questions 250-592-2418. Registration forms available from emmanuelvictoria.ca or office@ emmanuelvictoria.ca.

First+Met Kids Summer Day Camps. Two summer camps in spacious facility, where participants can meet new friends, have fun with experienced youthful camp counsellors, learn new skills in a friendly, supported way, participate with drama…in other words just relax and enjoy! Aug. 4th to 7th 3yr-5 yr. 8:45-11:45am, $40; Aug. 10th-14th 5yr-11yr. 8:45am-3:00pm, $90

or until 4:30pm $110 (includes swimming).

Drama, Stories, Singing, crafts, Games.

Director: Hayley Henderson MEd with First+Met Youth. Contact 250-388-5188 ext. 221 firstmetkids@firstmetvictoria.com First+Met United Church (Quadra and Balmoral) Downtown.

We know how to have FUN at Forge Camp.

July 20-24 in the West Shore for ages 7-12.

Action packed and loaded with creativity 9am-3pm each day. A variety of activities will be offered. For more information, call 250-884-1734, email camps@ theforgechurch.com or check online at theforgechurch.com/camps or Forge Camps on Facebook.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church. Amazing Journey Summer Day Camp Morning program (9am–12noon) July 6th–10th for elementary and pre-school children with games, crafts, singing, dancing, and stories about Jesus growing up in Nazareth. Lutheran Church of the Cross and St. Luke’s Anglican Church invite children to this camp at Church of the Cross, 3783 Cedar Hill Road. Registration forms/info: amazing3738@gmail.com, stlukesvictoria.ca, facebook.com/amazin gjourneysummercamp?fref=ts. Early Bird Fees: $20 first child/$15 second/$10 third.

After June 5th: $10 more per child.

COMPUTERS Byte Camp—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 PIXAR artists to the amazing world of 3D character modelling and animation. bytecamp.ca, 1(888) 808-BYTE for more info. kidsinvictoria.com

DANCE/MUSIC/PERFORMANCE Arabesque Dance Studio Summer Dance Intensive 2015, August 24th to August 28th.

Join us this summer for a course that includes classical ballet, contemporary dance, body conditioning and injury prevention classes.

This is a great opportunity to try new choreography, improve technique and fitness, and enjoy new and old friendships in a supportive atmosphere. For more information: dancearabesque.ca or call 250-595-3107.

Dansko Studios summer camps are a great way to introduce your child to a variety of different dance styles. Come and try our full-day or half-day dance camps in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop for ages 3 and up in an energetic and friendly atmosphere. Please visit our website at danskostudios.com for our detailed summer dance schedule and our 2015/16 dance schedule. We are located at 4814 West Saanich Road. 250-475-6606.

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 programing 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. katerubintheatre.com.

JH Music Studio Imagination Mashup! Music, Stories and Crafting. Let your child’s imagination loose with summer music classes that are off the creativity charts! We will be illustrating stories with soundscapes, exploring various instruments, moving to music with a program called “Brain Gym,” and crafting our own instruments and props.

Each class consists of six one-hour sessions.

A choice of morning, evening or Saturday classes is available. Please call Jan at 250896-2898 or email jemh1231@gmail.com for info on class times and cost.

Lighthouse Academy of Dance provides pure, pleasing, positive summer camps and weekly classes for children age 4-16, and courses for adults during the summer period. Fun IslandParent.ca

sessions with qualified and experienced staff! Various dance styles and abilities.

Boys special, too. Wedding preparation and private lessons available. Register online at lighthouseacademyofdance.com for Summer or Fall 2015. Call or e-mail us to book now: 250-595-8705 or info@ lighthouseacademyofdance.com.

The Screen Actor’s Studio Summer Camps.

Explore acting for film and TV in our large downtown studios. Beginner actors enjoy a four day fun-filled camp creating scenes, commercials and improvising creative ideas.

Video recording and playback are used so that they discover what it means to work on camera. On the Thursday we do a final shoot and enjoy our famous ‘end of camp’ pizza lunch before presenting playback to the parents and guests. Some outside locations may be used. Camps are supervised at all times. screenactors.ca or call 250-595-1339.

Stages Performing Arts Schools is offering a number of different summer programs through 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 250384-3267 or visit 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 ages 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: SummerVoices, SummerBand, and Musical Theatre.

For full details, please visit our web site at: smus.ca/summer or call 250-370-6120.

Tom Lee Music Academy’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 Rosa at 250-383-5222, or drop by the store for more information.

Art Classes Drawing Painting • Sculpture Cartooning Portfolio Preparation • Day and Evening Classes • One or Two hour sessions • Technique Oriented • Ages 5 and Up

COMPLETE A PORTFOLIO COURSE – Ages 14 & Up, DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR YOU FOR ENTRANCE INTO: INTERIOR DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, BACHELOR OF FINE ART, FASHION & MORE

Register Now for Ongoing Programs Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan at 250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com

June 2015 25

Victoria Academy of Ballet’s Dance Camps July 6th-10th, 2015 (ages 3-6) July 6-17, 2015 (ages 7-11). Camps offer a stimulating environment focused on creativity, group interaction and the joy of self-expression.

Balance, coordination and spatial awareness are developed in a fun atmosphere.

Various dance genres such as ballet and jazz are introduced. Junior Summer Intensive July 20th-31st, 2015 (ages 12+). Ballet, jazz, character and pointe preparation for students with previous dance experience.

250-590-6752. victoriaacademyofballet.ca World Music Explorers at Victoria Conservatory of Music on July 13-17 and/or July 20-24. Ages 5-8. This summer send your child on a musical adventure as they explore World Music through creativity, composition, movement and innovative technology.

Discover the unique sounds of Brazil, Africa, Asia and beyond! We dance, sing, play instruments from around the world and use cutting-edge technology. Half-Day Camps 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm. Sign up online at vcm.bc.ca/world-music-explorers or call 250-386-5311.

EDUCATION

a current student. To register: asc@stmarg. ca. 250-479-7171. stmarg.ca.

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. This program runs from June 22 to September 3 and is suitable for ages 5-10. Technology camps are also running throughout the summer. Robotics, Minecraft and Programming themed camps for ages 9-12. Call 250-383-5125 for details or email office@cathedralschool.ca. See cathedralschool.ca.

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 4 Vancouver Island locations: in Victoria 250-477-3212; in the Westshore 250-590-6211; in Duncan 250-746-0222; in Nanaimo 250-758-1526.

This one’s just for girls! Summer camp at St. Margaret’s School provides fun activities in a supportive environment to build confidence and skills over the summer months. Your daughter will love our weekly themes: Culinary Arts, “Try-a-Tri”: Intro to Triathlon, Local History, Budding Biologists / Youth Naturalists, Ocean-inspired Arts, Science, Musical Theatre and more! June 22 to August 21 (8am-5:30pm, Monday to Friday, minus stat holidays), or register week-by-week for more flexibility. Options for girls K to Grade 7; does not have to be

GYMNASTICS Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in Gymnastics, is offering 2015 Summer Sault Gymnastics camps. Starting July 6 - August 28, 2015, Falcon promises your child will have a great time! Whether on the Vault, Bars, Beam, or 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 and

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults

Over 19 Years Experience (Music Therapy Also Available) Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals M.Ed. | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call Today for a Complimentary 10 minute phone consultation Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriafamilycounselling.com

K-10 Distributed Learning

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - Special Education program available

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609 26 Island Parent Magazine

- unique hands-on learning activities - support from a certified teacher - children learn at their natural pace - NEW interest-based highschool option

kidsinvictoria.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 is performed with small hand held apparatus to music. Visit us online at islandrhythmics.com.

Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its 33rd year of providing quality gymnastics instruction to boys and girls ages two through adult, beginner through advanced. Over this time period, Victoria Gymnastics had 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 victoriagymnastics.com.

RECREATION Bear Mountain Golf Academy along with Lion’s Pride Gymnastics offer a MondayFriday full day camp that will keep your children active and learning. PGA of Canada instructors will conduct golf lessons on the range, putting green and course in the morning and then the kids will be taken to Lion’s Pride where they will learn to tumble, jump and roll! All day fun and learning! Details at bearmountain.ca/golf.

Boys & Girls Clubs offer more than a childcare solution. Outdoor Adventure Camp is perfect for kids who are adventurous, outdoorsy kids ($200/week, runs 6 weeks in July and August) with canoeing, rock-climbing, archery and more at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. Urban Adventure Camp ($150/ week through July and August) is a licensed camp in Esquimalt where kids discover adventures outdoors and in the city. bgcvic. org/clubs-camps. 250-384-9133 ext. 203.

Burnside Gorge Community Centre offers day camps for children and youth. Fun n’ Sun camp for ages 5-12 offers fun weekly themes offering crafts, swimming, field

IslandParent.ca

O O FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER VISIT

OR CALL 250.479.0330

O O

Fitness are number 1! Phone 250-479-6424. falcongymnastics.com.

SUMMER CAMPS! Ages 8–15* *Camps are grouped within approx. 4yr age span.

Monday–Thursday 10:00am–3:30pm

Explore Acting for Film & T.V.!

A four day fun-filled camp exploring with scenes, commercials and creative ideas. Video recording and playback are used throughout the camp to provide understanding of how to work on camera for the young actors. On the Thursday and last day of camp we do a final shoot and enjoy our famous summer camp pizza lunch before presenting playback to the parents and guests on the closing afternoon. Outside locations are sometimes used. Camps are supervised at all times.

Camp One: July 6–9 • Camp Two: July 13–16 Camp Three: July 27–30 • Camp Four: Aug 10–13 Camp Five: Aug 17–20 Cost: 200 (+ 5% gst) = 210

The Screen Actor’s Studio

845 Fisgard Street, Victoria • 250 595 1339 Website: www.screenactors.ca • Email: screenact@shaw.ca

Est. 1980

Discover the Sailor in You at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club!

Our award winning sailing school will get you on the water where the horizon is the limit!

Sailing to WIN! Sailing for LIFE!

Just off Beach Drive!

3475 Ripon Rd ! (250) 592-6113 sailing@rvyc.ca ! www.rvyc.ca

Early bird Register pricing until April 30th Now!

June 2015 27

2015

VCM Summer Academy

World Music Explorers July 13 -17 and/or July 20-24 • Ages 5-8

SEND YOUR CHILD ON A MUSICAL ADVENTURE! Experiment with movement, dancing and singing, play world instruments, and compose music using cutting-edge technology.

Registrants must have completed one year of kindergarten.

9:00am -12:00pm OR 1:00 - 4:00pm $150 per week

vcm.bc.ca/world-music-explorers • 250.386.5311

Camp Footholds Summer 2015 Footholds Therapy Center is happy to offer a wide variety of summer programs for all ages. Footholds camps are structured around programming and geared towards children with special needs (Autism, FASD, etc) and other emotional and psychological challenges (Anxiety/ Depression). Our camps focus on empowering children and youth by building social skills and self-esteem all while meeting new friends and having fun!

Role Playing Social Camp (12–18 Years) Mon–Fri, August 17–28, 9am–12pm, $600 MineCraft Camp (6–11 & 12–17 Years) 6–11 Years: Mon–Fri, July 13–24, 9am–12pm (at our Ross Rd location), $600 12–18 Years: Mon–Fri, August 3–14, 9am–12pm (at our Ross Rd location), $600

Fun Frogs (3–7 Years) Mon–Fri, July 13–24, 9am–12pm, $600 Young Ecologists Camp (14–18 Years) Mon–Fri, July 6–10, 9am–2pm, $350 Musical Melodies (11–18 Years) Mon–Fri, July 13–24, 1pm–4pm (at our Ross Rd location), $680

Whimsical Wonders Camp (3–7 Years) Mon–Fri, July 6–10, 9am–12pm, $350 Wacky World of Science (6–10 Years) Mon–Fri, August 3–7, 9am–12pm, $400 Taste Testers (6–10 Years) Mon–Fri, July 13–17, 9am–12pm, $380 Sensory Seekers (4–10 Years) Mon–Fri, August 10–21, 9am–12pm, $620 Active All-Stars (6–11 Years) Mon–Fri, August 3–14, 9am–12pm,$600

250.585.4411 www.footholds.ca

trips and a nutritious daily snack. Regular Care: 8:30am-4:30pm, $150/wk. Extended Care: 7:30am-5:30pm, $170/week. Camp Survivor, action-packed adventure camp for ages 10-15. Activities include rock climbing, swimming, paintball, motocross, kayaking, and more. $170/wk. Daily rates $40, subject to availability. City of Victoria LIFE credits welcome. Call 250-388-5251 to register.

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 and up. Mondays to Fridays 8am-4pm. Learn to sail in a safe fun environment! Schedule and prices at cfsaesq.ca (follow the link to Training and Sailing Lessons). 1001 Maple Bank Rd, Victoria. 250-385-8873. Email: cfsatraining@gmail.com. Course Registration through the Pacific Activity Centre at 250-363-1009.

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 golf, 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 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! You can view our Active Living Guide and register online at victoria.ca/recreation or by phone at 250-361-0732.

Spend the summer with Esquimalt Parks and Recreation! With over 30 camps to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Let your preschooler “Get Messy” while your 8 year old takes on the fun and challenges of “Zombie Survival” or “Spy vs Spy” and your 13 year old shows they’re a “Tough

*Camps can be covered by MCFD Autism Funding. *See our website for detailed camp information

28 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

Teen” or makes an impact in “Lifesaving Camp.” With highly trained and engaging staff, extended hours and flexible payment plans, be sure to register early by calling 250-412-8500. Visit esquimalt.ca/camps for more information.

Reconnect... with nature, family, friends, colleagues, yourself

Camp Oaklands. Each themed week of camp features creative games, crafts, outdoor activities and out trips to Victoria’s local attractions, parks and beaches. Past camps have visited Pacific Northwest Raptors, Gayley farms, Cineplex, Glow Bowling, Playzone and the Commonwealth pool.

One day drop-ins are possible for $40 based on weekly registration numbers and will be approved a week in advance if space is available. Government subsidies welcome.

Please call Oaklands Community Centre at 250-370-9101 to register.

Join Panorama Recreation for a fantastic summer of fun in the sun with our actionpacked and adventure-filled summer camps!

Whether you enjoy soaking up the sun while exploring the outdoors, getting hands-on with creative crafts and crazy inventions, and/or have interest in experiencing something completely new, this summer’s dynamic camp line-up includes something for everyone. With 10 weeks of exciting programs to choose from, there is something for everyone! We’re also excited to bring back Play in the Park for the third summer!

Join us every week-day evening for family fun at local parks around the Peninsula. Live Well. Have Fun. panoramarecreation.ca.

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 craft, 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!

Saanich Recreation Youth Leadership in Saanich. Saanich Youth Services is committed to be 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

IslandParent.ca

Enjoy the most extensive resort Recreational Programs on Vancouver Island!

Family Fun Package | Kids Eat Free!

Call for details!

1155 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC

1-800-663-7373 or 250-248-2072

TIGH-NA-MARA.COM

Play here.

Centrally located off Esquimalt Road.

In your community or on your commute.

250.412.8500 • esquimalt.ca/camps

June 2015 29

Junior Summer CampS

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

We were Sailing Program of the Year both 2011 and 2012 awarded by Sail Canada. 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.ca, or visit rvyc.bc.ca. Come and join us on Cadboro Bay!

Summer Junior Camps (10–14)

Combine outdoor exercise with golf instruction and learn the basics of golf in a fun, exciting way! $169 includes five days of instruction, on course play, snacks, and prize package. For girls and boys aged 10–14.

Summer Bantam Camps (6–9) Girls and boys ages 6–9 can enroll in our bantam summer camps. $139, includes five days of instruction. Games and contests keep things fun!

Westshore Motocross Park offers dirt bike riding, rentals and lessons for the whole family, age 4yrs and 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 party’s are common 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 Tuesdays thru Friday 11am to 8pm or dusk, Saturdays 10 til 4, Sunday by calling 250 590 8088. Located at 2207 Millstream Road in Langford. Contact westshoremx.com.

250-478-4653

highlandpacificgolf.com 450 Creed Road, Victoria

Lighthouse Academy of

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

Dance

Pure, pleasing, positive.

Beginner–Professional • Boys & Girls • Age 2 – Adult Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Contemporary • Acro Jazz/Hip Hop • Creative • Musical Theatre • Zumba Highland Dance • Fitness Classes • Special Needs Class RAD & ISTD Exam & Leisure Courses

Summer Camps in July & August Summer Classes in Ballet for 3 levels Summer Preschool & K Dance Program for ages 3–5 & 5–7 Registration begins April 15, 2015! Fall schedule coming soon.

250.595.8705

934 Goldstream Ave, Langford

info@lighthouseacademyofdance.com www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com

30 Island Parent Magazine

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 yrs; Teens In Action: Level 2—Hands on Experience, 14-18 yrs., Internship, 16-18yrs. For more information on these programs contact Jason Jones at 250-475-5427 or jason.jones@saanich.ca.

Calling all Fun Seekers, Sun Catchers and Summer Sizzlers! West Shore Parks & Recreation offers exciting daily and weekly camps for ages 2-16. Cool Capers, Aspiring Artists and Sports Stars alike will make friends and have a blast with our awesome leaders.

We also offer free playground camps for school-aged children, and be sure to check out our brand new Neighbourhood Nights Park Program. Visit westshorerecreation. ca or call 250-478-8384 for information.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ westshorerecreation

SCIENCE, NATURE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION At FUN Camps, kids and teens become ecosuperheroes while having fun and making new friends. Each week different fun themes help your child learn about the amazing

world around them in a hands-on way. Our trained educators lead FUN Campers on outdoor adventure activities like kayaking or rock-climbing, inspire them to create their own projects and guide them through innovative games that teach through fun.

And that’s just the tip of the FUN iceberg.

Specialized peer leader program for your teen that wants to make a difference, gain experience and have fun! For more info and to register visit funcamps.ca, 250-891-1067.

Since 1995 the marine Adventure Program at Glenlyon Norfolk School has specialized in running 5-6 day sea kayak camps for teens and youth. Our day camps for 1112 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.

Mad Science spark children’s interest in science, encourage their curiosity and build their confidence and skills. Science Sleuths, Robots, Rockets or Secret Agent are just few of the topics of this years’ half or full day camps at variety of locations. Children in our mixed classes participate in scientific exploration that is so much fun, they forget they are learning! All camps include indoor and outdoor activities. Details and registration available online vancouverisland. madscience.org 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/.

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary offers a wide variety of nature activities for all ages. Take part in yearround programs for school aged children.

Visit with the animals in our Nature House, experience the spectacle of wildflowers in

kidsinvictoria.com

spring or discover the joys of bird watching.

Enjoy a walk around the lake or a hike up the hill! Leave the urban world behind, and immerse yourself in the natural world—it’s right at your doorstep. 250-479-0211, info@ swanlake.bc.ca, swanlake.bc.ca, MondayFriday (8:30-4:00) and Saturday-Sunday (Noon-4:00). 3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria, BC.

SPORTS 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.

Learn. Move. Achieve. and have FUN! PISE Summer Camps are dedicated to developing fundamental movement and sport skills while having fun. PISE uses Canadian Sport for Life’s long term athlete development philosophy as a base for its programs; teaching kids how to properly run, jump, throw, catch and kick and exposing them to many different sports and activities. PISE camps are for ages 3-18 and run throughout July and August. summercamps. piseworld.com What a fantastic experience for a child! Fun for ages 3 to 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.

World Cup Soccer Camp offers exciting summer camps from Victoria to Pt. Hardy. Our staff is professional coaches trained to make learning fun for children. Whether your child is 4-year-old, playing for the first time, or a 16 year old looking for a challenge, we have a camp for them. For more information visit our website at worldcupsoccercamp.

IslandParent.ca

com or contact your local recreation centre 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. Visit boardworks.ca to register or for more information.

Come Ride With Us This Summer!

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

Kids’ Summer Camps (7–14) 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

Victoria Synchro Sizzling Summer Camps.

Aug 10-14 or Aug 17-21, 9am-2pm with option to extend to 4 pm! Saanich Commonwealth Place. Water and Land Activities.

Synchronized swimming is swimming combined with music, dance, gymnastics and drama! Fun, fitness, friends and teamwork. victoriasynchro.com. jennifervicsynchro@ gmail.com.

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

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 seven, up to teens, for over 23 years, year round! Small classes, maximum of 4, allow students to work at their own speed. One-week camps are held during July and August from Monday to Friday, either morning or afternoon sessions. For more information call Andrea at 250-592-7879, email at aseweasy@shaw. ca or visit andreasseweasy.com

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

June 2015 31

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio specializes

in

dramatic

training

CHILDREN, YOUTH, and ADULTS. Within a professional, for

experienced, learning

and

supportive

environment,

students

flourish with improved acting skills,

confidence, CREATIVE THINKING, public speaking

stronger

skills, spontaneity, and versatility in

Join in on all the animal fun in the BC SPCA’s Summer Camps for kids! Learn about farm, wild, marine, and companion animals while playing games, creating crafts and visiting with the shelter animals. Campers, ages 8 to 11, will also get to visit chickens at the wonderful Healing Farms and see how we care for the injured wildlife when they visit our Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC). Visit us at spca.bc.ca/camp to register!

SunFun at The Cridge Centre for the Family is a holistic, play-based program for 5-12 year olds. Join us for awesome weekly themes, daily out-trips and other special events.

Weekly camps run Monday-Friday, 7:30am5:30pm, June 27-September 4. Contact Info: 250-995-6407, saccoordinator@cridge.org, cridge.org. Play. Discover. Believe…

and 10. Kids ages 7 to 13 and their grandparents can earn “degrees” while doing fun activities including baking, chemistry, field biology, fisheries and aquaculture, philosophy, pottery and wildlife. Find out more at viu.ca/grandkids or call 1-866-734-6252.

Looking for outdoor FUN with your family? Explore the caverns at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park and see underground waterfalls, fossils and amazing crystal formations. Rent a helmet and guide yourselves into the smaller caves or take a fascinating guided tour as we reveal the beauty being protected under lock and key! If you prefer adventure above-ground, the Cave Theatre and Fossil Trail will uncover the park’s mysteries without having to venture inside the caves. Open daily. (250) 248-7829 or hornelake.com.

physical & vocal expression.

Classes • Workshops Register Now• Private Coaching Fall, Winter, (Ages 3 and Spring up) & Summer Terms

Kate Rubin

Theatre & Drama Studio

250.386.8593 • KateRubin@telus.net www.KateRubinTheatre.com facebook.com/KateRubinTheatre

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 islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions.

We’d love to hear from you.

Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

32 Island Parent Magazine

Mid-Island Programs Youth are powerful! The Global Leadership Academy (GLA) at Dwight School Canada in Shawnigan Lake is a once in a lifetime opportunity for high school youth ages 14-18, building confidence, leadership skills and a global perspective. An immersive 2 weeks where each participant designs and plans a service project to uncover the passionate leader within - resulting in lifelong learning, friendships and a source of accomplishment.

Visitdwightcanada.org/summer for full details or call 250-929-0506.

Footholds Therapy Center is happy to offer a wide variety of summer programs for all ages. Footholds camps are structured around programming and geared towards children with special needs (Autism, FASD, etc) and other emotional and psychological challenges (Anxiety/ Depression). Our camps focus on empowering children and youth by building social skills and self-esteem all while meeting new friends and having fun! Camps can be covered by MCFD Autism Funding. See our website for detailed camp information. 250-585-4411. footholds.ca.

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 at VIU’s beautiful Nanaimo campus.

Take part in GrandKids University on July 9

The Nanaimo Museum offers a variety of summer programs for all ages, from Vikings and Discovering Chinatown for families to Bastion and Cemetery Tours for adults.

Don’t miss the daily noon cannon firing at the iconic Bastion! Visit nanaimomuseum. ca or check social media for upcoming events and activities. For more information email program@nanaimomuseum.ca or call 250-753-1821.

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

Our safe, exciting and educational summer camps keep their 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 experience staff, learn about the birds’ unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. the-raptors.com. 250-746-0372.

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

Enjoy Kids and Family programs including: swimming and tennis lessons; flow yoga; cosmic bowling; Foodie Tour; Teen Club; Sand Sculpture Contest; Build Your Own Bear; Kids Club Drop In and so much more—we have something to suit everyone’s interests! Rediscover the natural choice for your next family getaway! tigh-na-mara. com. 1-800-663-7373.•

kidsinvictoria.com

Robin A. Sams

Puberty...

Coming to a Body Near You

P

uberty, that tumultuous time of big changes, happens to every child. How do we parents prepare our children for it?

There are many books on the subject, much Internet advice, and many variations on “The Talk.” Now there is a new puberty book to add to the mix. Puberty: Coming to a Body Near You! is a workbook written by local sex educator Kerri Isham for kids in Grades 3 to 7. Isham has taught in the Qualicum school district for 14 years. For 10 of those years, she was a sexual health educator at the middle school level.

“The goal of this book was to have kids and parents interact with each other, while discussing a topic that is difficult for some to talk about,” says Isham. “I wanted kids to be proud of their body changes and to be able to discuss these changes with confidence.

Puberty is a rite of passage and should be celebrated.”

Isham’s book is different than most about puberty, in that it is in an interactive, workbook format. It provides a thorough foundation for a variety of puberty-related topics. Information is accompanied by worksheets, and, yes, there is an answer key at the end of the book.

Besides the worksheets, three parts of this book are particularly strong. First, there are the illustrations of different genitalia. Media bombard us with a lot of images, but these images are so homogenized we tend to have a narrow view of what is “normal.” Not all breasts—or anything else—look alike. These illustrations help to normalize the uniqueness.

Second, there are sections about gender and about sexual attraction. And third, there is a section about consent. I don’t recall any talk about consent when I was learning about puberty. It was all about the changes and reproductive capabilities. Consent is a talk as vital as any talk about physical and emotional changes.

Isham acknowledges that puberty can be a difficult topic for parents and kids to discuss, but adds that it’s important kids know there is a wide range of normal. Not only that, but being unique brings richness to the world.

Robin A. Sams is a writer and mother of one in Nanaimo, B.C.; more of her work can be read on her blog at robinasams.wordpress.com.

IslandParent.ca

Emmanuel Preschool

Emmanuel Preschool

2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic)

Openings forHill 2013–2014 2121 Cedar Cross RoadClasses! (by entrance to UVic) Children through ininclusive, our all inclusive, Children learnlearn through play in play our all non-denominational Christian preschool. non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area a gym rainy for day play!

Great facility; outdoor playand area andfor a gym Two teachers with ECE certification plus assistant teachers to day play!

Twochildren. teachers with ECE certification helprainy with special needs plus an assistant help with special needs A competent and caringteacher teachingtoteam! children. A competent and caring teaching team!

Opportunities: Classes for 2015–2016: Mon / Wed / Fri morning class Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues / Thurs morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

5 mornings a week Phone 250-598-0573 Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program Teen Marine Kayak Camps – Summer 2015 Ph 250-370-6852 Email dtyrrell@mygns.ca Day Camps: July 27–31, Aug 10–14

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: $275.00

Teen Barkley Sound: July 5–10 Teen Johnstone Strait: Aug 23–28 Two exciting sea kayak camping expeditions for teens ages 15–17.

Cost: $675.00 + tax

Discovery Camps: July 13–17, Aug 3–7

For ages 13 to 14, sea kayaking basics, rescues, games, and a three-day camping experience on Discovery Island.

Cost: $295.00 + tax

Offering marine adventure since 1995!

Join Us for FUN and ADVENTURE at Burnside Gorge

Exciting weekly themes and out­-trips!

Camp Survivor

Adventure Day Camp Ages 10­–15

Burnside Fun n’ Sun

Licensed Day Camp Ages 5­–11

Space is limited – register now! 250­- 388-5251 June 2015 33

Party Directory FUNTIME INFLATABLES Vancouver Island’s #1 choice for party rentals

250-474-0597

VICTORIA Victoria’s first indoor black light mini golf.

Featuring 6 private party rooms: • Birthday Parties • Staff Functions • Corporate Events

Party Packages with private room: We offer the largest selection of inflatables on Vancouver Island—trust your party or special event to the experts—the original bouncy castle company, serving Vancouver Island since 1990.

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

$12 per person, 6 person minimum.

103–737 Goldstream Ave

250-590-8433

glowminigolfvictoria.com

paint your own ceramics studio

New! Glass Fusion Birthday Parties!

Create a glass sun catcher or dish!

250-896-5544

Home of Victoria’s Original Princess Party.

MAGICAL

WHIMSICAL UNFORGE TTABLE

www.cafikercastle.com 250-889-9062

34

Island Parent Magazine

See website or phone (250)818-4543 for more details

Advertise Your Party Services in Island Parent contact us today at 250-388-6905 or sales@islandparent.ca kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory G Y M

FALCON

GYMNASTICS Birthday Parties

G Y M

N Celebrate your birthday with us!

N

Our great instructors will treat you to an action packed two hours of fun and fitness in our great facility!

A

A S T I C S

th

40 sary r Annive 2013 1973–

• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres)

Book Early: 250-479-6424

#208 – 721 Vanalman Ave

(Broadmead & Royal Oak Area)

www.falcongymnastics.com

S T I C S

Par-T-Perfect

ctoria

(250) 386-JUMP (5867) www.par-t-perfect.com • Indoor facility options for all your bouncy castle and inflatable requirements • School fairs/festivals and picnics • At home/indoor theme parties, i.e. Teddy Bear stuffing, craft parties • Free gift for birthday child when you mention this ad • Costumed facepainters and balloon twisters, i.e. princesses, pirates, ragdoll style clowns • Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Gymnastics

Birthday Parties Come Fly With Us! Party sizes up to 18 kids

You’ll Flip Over Our Birthday Parties

We supply table top cover, napkins, hats, streamers and balloons

* Greater Victoria’s newest, largest and cleanest facility with hassle free parking for you and your guests * * Large private party rooms * * Experienced Qualified Fun Coaches * * 3 Trampolines & 40ft Tumble Trac * * Awesome Foam Pit *

Optional character

Two certified instructors and a host Optional character

Gymnastics games and music

250-383-FLIP

Optional character

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

Free t-shirt

Optional character

Hassle Free Parties for kids & families You provide the space and food…

We’ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com IslandParent.ca

Birthday Parties!

Optional character

:: Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates! at Henderson Recreation Centre!

Call 250-370-7200

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

Foam landing pit and 40' long trampoline

Optional character

Party participants can win a FREE month

Available Saturday & Sunday Afternoons Optional character

Corner of Store & Pembroke

www.victoriagymnastics.com

250-380-2442 June 2015 35

June 2015

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit kidsinvictoria.com THURS 4 Build it! With Norden the Magician at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Can’t wait for Summer Reading Club? Neither can Norden the Magician! Get a jump start on the fun at Norden’s all-new ‘Build It’ magic show and experience hilarious antics and thrilling tricks.

For ages 3-8. 6:30-7:15pm. Register at gvpl. ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information. Generously funded by IslandLink Library Federation.

FRI 5 – SUN 7 Oak Bay Tea Party at Willows Beach. A community fair for all ages to enjoy. 250-388-4457.

SAT 6 Brentwood Bay Festival in Brentwood Bay. Kids entertainment, live music, games, face painting, food and market vendors, and much more. Pancake breakfast, 8am; parade, 10am.

Kids Mega Sale at Pearkes Arena. Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. 9:30am-12:30pm. 3100 Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail.com.

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 CRD’s dip nets and ask CRD Regional Parks Naturalists to identify your treasures. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Look for

36 Island Parent Magazine

the blue tent on the beach off Homathko Rd at noon. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/ parks.

Capital One Race for Kids™ at Archie Browning & Bullen Field. your team is challenged to complete a fun and exciting urban adventure race in support of Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria. Relive your childhood and build team spirit! $10. 1:30pm. 250-384-9133.

1151 Esquimalt Rd. bgccan.akaraisin.com.

Family Fun Spring Fair at Sidney Co-op Preschool. Featuring Bobs and Lolo! Bobs and Lolo concert is $15 for adults and children 1 year and over. Admission to the spring fair is free, with many amazing low cost or free activities to participate in. You can visit with Batman and characters from Disney’s Frozen, as well as tackle obstacle courses, play games and enjoy a BBQ. There will also be many amazing items for a silent auction and raffle.

11am-3pm. 2410 Malaview St, Sidney.

World Oceans Day Celebration at Gorge Waterway Nature House. World Fisheries Trust and Esquimalt Parks and Recreation invite you to come and learn how our watersheds connect to our ocean and what we can do to help keep our oceans healthy. During the celebration you can interact with local marine animals in our Seaquaria touch tank. Explore the Gorge Waterway on our interpretive nature walks, jump on a bouncy castle, enter our raffle draw and more. 11am-3:00pm. For more information visit the Facebook event page: facebook.

com/events/383134161874285/ email info@ worldfish.org, or 250-380-7585.

SUN 7 World Oceans Day at Sidney’s Beacon Park.

Hosted by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

The library and other organizations will celebrate the ocean with a wide range of activities and displays. Join the library for an outdoor ocean-themed storytime at 11:30am. 11-3pm.

Westshore Kids Day at Veterans Memorial Park. Help kids cure or contain the zombie infection with zombie-themed games. 11am4pm.

Sandy Shore Explore at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join a CRD naturalist for an intertidal exploration and discover the strange and wonderful creatures that appear between the tides. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet on the main beach. Park in the main parking lot off Metchosin Rd. and follow the 20-minute forest trail to the beach. 12:30-2pm. All ages. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 8 Stories on Fern Street. The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories. For people who love to tell stories, for people who love to listen, for people of all ages. Tea and goodies. Doors open at 7:15pm,

kidsinvictoria.com

stories start at 7:30pm. 1831 Fern St (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. 250-477-7044. victoriastorytellers.org.

SAT 13 Morning Mist Canoe Adventure at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Paddle in the lake searching for eagles, herons, turtles and other lake life with CRD Regional Parks naturalists.

Canoe equipment and instruction are provided and no experience is necessary. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). 8-11am. Pre-registration required: $20 + GST (15 years +); $10 + GST (5-14 years).

Call 250-478-3344 for registration and meeting location details. BC Transit #70 or #72. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Puppetry Art Workshop with Tim for Teens at Central Branch Library. Interested in earning volunteer hours? Join artist puppeteer Tim Gosley for a fun workshop to build a giant puppet for Victoria’s Puppets for Peace Parade on September 13. For ages 13-18. 2-4pm.

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

SUN 14 Beach Seine at Willows Beach (North End).

Join the RBCM Field Trippers series and the Friends of Uplands Park for this exciting program. Hands-on exploration of the nets and expert identification will help you to appreciate the diversity of local marine life. Sea Change will provide information on the eelgrass mapping off the shore of Willows Beach and Cattle Point. 9-11am. Free. 250-595-8084.

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 grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd at 10:30am. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

WED 17 – SUN 21 Historical Timeline at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Come journey through time and wake-up centuries ago. Look, smell, listen… From the middle ages to early modern history, stroll along the timeline and join various groups who celebrate history as they take pride in displaying their colourful clothing, uniforms, tools and creative masterpieces. Be inspired by their stories and join the entertainment. 10am-5:30pm daily. $3.90/adult; $1.90/youth; $9.80/family. 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd. 250-478-5849.

FRI 19 & SAT 20 20th Anniversary FernFest in Fernwood Square. Live music performances, pancake breakfast, Field of Dreams Kid’s Zone, Kidical Mass Bike Parade, Fernwood Art Stroll, artisan market, BBQ and refreshments tent, and much more. 250-381-1552.

SAT 20 Great Island Run at Elk/Beaver Lake. A charity race in benefit of Mount St. Mary Hospital.

10km, 5km and 1km kids run. Race starts at the south end of the lake by the filter beds. Opening ceremony: 9:30am. Visit greatislandrun.ca for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.

World Refugee Day Celebration at Central Branch Library courtyard. The theme of Victoria’s World Refugee Day 2015 celebrations is “Building community, breaking down barriers”. Join the library for this family-friendly event on Lekwungen Territory for an afternoon of live music, button making, children’s crafts, a living library, food and more. Presented in partnership with WUSC, VCST, VIRCS and ICA. Noon-3pm.

Heritage Dancefest at Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park. Dance, costumes, and music. Come experience Victoria’s ethnic energy.

Great for the whole family to enjoy. Free.

Noon-5pm. veselkadancers.com.

garden patch

TM

Sensational Seaweeds at Island View Beach Regional Park. A CRD Regional Parks naturalist will help you discover how important marine algae is for you and me and the creatures that call them home. Seaweed tasting optional. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the grassy area adjacent to the picnic shelter off Homathko Rd at 1pm.

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

SUN 21 Mystery Creature at Horth Hill Regional Park.

Solve the riddles to find the clues hidden along the trail with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist. Then piece the puzzle together to discover who the mystery creature is. Meet at the kiosk off Tatlow Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Come for an afternoon of energetic art making for the whole family. 2-4pm. 1040 Moss St. 250-384-4171. aggv.ca.

FRI 26 Build It—Summer Reading Club Kick-Off at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. The library is kicking off summer at the library by building a fantastic Summer Reading Clubhouse. They’ll supply the cardboard, duct tape and other materials—you provide the imagination! Ages 7+ 1:30-2:30pm. Spaces are limited; please register by calling 250-6560944 or email Sidney@virl.bc.ca.

Get the most out of your garden with inspiration from Thrifty Foods.

Customer Care 1 800 667 8280 • thriftyfoods.com

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 37

SAT 27

P M A CAKLANDS

1 day/ $40 5 days/$170 7:30am-5:30pm

O

JUN 29-JUL 3 JULY 6-10 JULY 13-17 JULY 20-24 JULY 27-31 AUG 4-7 AUG 10-14 AUG 17-21 AUG 24-28 AUG 31-SEP 2

Morning Mist Canoe Adventure at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. See SAT 13 for details. 5+ years. 8-11am. Pre-registration required: $20 + GST (15+ years); $10 + GST (5-14 years).

Call 250-478-3344 for registration and meeting location details. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 28

5-7 years

8-11 years

Summer Start-up All Creatures BIG & small We ART! All the World’s a Stage It’s a Circus in Here!

Our Neighbourhood Planes, Trains & Automobiles Science & Nature Splish Splash Summer Wind-up

School’s Out for Summer Art Attack Animal-aniacs Drama Kings & Queens Halloween in July Live Local Around the World Water Water Everywhere Camping IN! Summer Wrap-up

LIMIT ED SPACE !

Oaklands Community Centre 1-2827 Belmont Ave. | www.oaklandscommunitycentre.com | 250-370-9101

ONGOING FAMILIES Victoria: A Jewish Legacy at Congregation Emanuel. Explore Canada’s oldest synagogue in continuous use. Learn about this remarkable structure’s vibrant history. Every Thursday 1pm in June, July & August. $10/adults; children 12 and under free. 1461 Blanshard Street. congregationemanuel.ca/tours.html.

Sizzling Synchro Summer Camps Aug 10-14 or Aug 17-21 9 am— 2pm option to extend to 4 pm !

Water & Land Activities Email: jennifervicsynchro@gmail.com

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.

Noon-3pm drop in. By donation. 3878 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. swanlake.bc.ca.

It’s swimming combined with music, dance, gymnastics & drama!

SUMMER CAMPS

Sports Action Fun Seekers Camp – JDF Curling Rink Years 9-12 6-10 Years – Centennial Centre PM $160/week 3:30 – AM 9 $37/day 8 AM – 5 PM Aspiring Artists Cool Capers Day Camp Sizzlers Day Camp 6-8 Years & 8-12 Years* 6-8 Years – JDF Curling Rink 7-10 Years – JDF Galleon Room Centennial Centre Craft Room 9 AM – 3:30 PM $135/week 8 AM – 5 PM $37/day 9 AM – 3:30 PM $160/week Jr. Sports Action Camp Active Afternoons Suncatchers Camp 6-8 Years – JDF Curling Rink 7-11 Years – JDF Curling Rink 8-12 Years – JDF Playroom 9 AM – 3:30 PM $160/week 12 PM – 3:30 PM $85/week 9 AM – 3:30 PM $26/day

Kinder Camp 5-6 Years – JDF Kids Cottage 9 AM – 3:30 PM $135/week

Recyclistas Bicycle Repair Classes at Recyclistas Bike Shop. Learn how to safely and effectively fix, maintain, and rebuild bicycles.

Classes Thursdays 4-7pm and Saturdays 1-4pm. $25/adults; $13/youth 10-18. Pre-register by calling 250-418-8867. recyclistas.ca.

Campfire Magic at McDonald Campground, Sidney. Share the magic of a traditional Canadian campfire with your family. Join an interpreter and guest presenters for songs, stories, s’mores and more. Bring a flashlight, and a mug for hot chocolate. For families with children 12 and under. Please park at the adjacent Blue Heron Park and follow the signs to the campground. Meet at the group campfire ring. Fridays 7-8pm June-August. Free. 250866-944-1744 or visit parkscanada.gc.ca/gulf.

Geocaching on Sidney, Pender, Saturna, and Vancouver Islands. Try one of the geocaching programs and embark on a self-guided adventure to experience the park’s cultural and natural hotspots. Choose from two routes: a family-friendly treasure hunt or a more strenuous route. Each visitor to complete a route receives a limited edition geocoin. First person to find the caches at season start-up wins a special coin. Until September 30th.

Free. 1-866-944-1744 or visit parkscanada. gc.ca/gulf.•

No camps on stat holidays July 1 & August 3 *Camp alternates age group each week.

more camps online 38 Island Parent Magazine

250-478-8384 | www.westshorerecreation.ca kidsinvictoria.com

Summer is for

PLAYING, not sitting!

Ages 3 -18

*Camps also available off site.

SUMMER

CAMPS summercamps.piseworld.com

4371 Interurban Rd.

250.220.2510

programs@piseworld.com

Around the Island

Visit IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino WED 3

SAT 13

Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm.

250-756-5200. nanaimo.ca

Youth Park Hop Tour at Moorecroft and Beachcomber Beaches. Through a series of clues, discover the secrets of Moorecroft and Beachcomber beaches. Solve the final puzzle after visiting both parks to uncover the hidden mystery. Pick up and drop off at Oceanside Place Arena. 9am-1pm. $24.50/person. Call 250-248-3252 to pre-register. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

THURS 4 Salmon Forest Park Tour at Big Qualicum River Regional Trail. It’s time for some big biodiversity with a walk in a salmon forest.

From the new life of the tiny salmon fry to the ancient giant trees, come discover this unique ecosystem. 10am-noon. $15.50/person. 250248-3252 to pre-register. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 6 Ants on Parade at Beban Park. Have your kids ever wondered what the mounds of dirt are in the forest? Have they seen the ants moving on the mound and watched them marching or foraging? Come for ant crafts, experiments and more. For 3 to 6 year-olds. $8/person.

10-11am. 250-756-5200.

Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

SUN 7 Learn to Fish at Loudon Park. Catch the fun and learn about fish identification, conservation, handling, tackle and rod rigging.

Sponsored by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and presented by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. All equipment provided. Runs rain or shine. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For 5 to 15 years.

1-3pm. Free. 250-756-5200.

THURS 11 People and Plants—Ethnobotany at Lighthouse Country Regional Trail. Enjoy a stroll along the trail, as RDN reveals the many local plants that you could use for your own survival and comfort on a daily basis. 10amnoon. $15.50/person. Call 250-248-3252 to pre-register. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

40 Island Parent Magazine

Hiking Information Session at Oceanside Place Arena. Have you ever wanted to explore some of the area’s beautiful mountains? A local alpine guide shares tips and resources for family adventures and avid hikers. Ask questions before heading out on RDN guided hikes or self-guided explorations. $8.75/person. 6:308:30pm. Call 250-248-3252 to pre-register. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

WED 17 Lifeguard Seminar at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Working as a lifeguard/swim instructor is a great job for youth. Work in a team environment; learn valuable leadership and life skills, but most of all have fun working with kids. Find out more at a free info session from 4-5pm. Call 250-752-5014 to pre-register. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Sno Cone Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

Join the lifeguards for fun in the pool and a tasty sno cone treat. Everyone welcome. 6:308pm. Regular admission. 250-752-5014. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Regular admission rates; glow necklaces $2. 6:30-8pm.

250-756-5200. nanaimo.ca

SAT 20 Super Saturdays at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Drop-in art making program. All materials provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-3pm. Admission by donation. 250-287-2261.

THURS 25 Family Fun Night BBQ at Departure Bay Centennial Park, Nanaimo. Musical entertainment, family activities, science in the park, tennis, and BBQ. 4:30-7:30pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 26 How to Train Your Dragon Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Celebrate your first day of summer vacation dragon style. The Ravensong team will keep you busy with an action-packed afternoon full of games and fun activities. 1:303pm. Everyone welcome. Regular admission.

250-752-5104. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 28 Learn to Fish at Loudon Park. See SAT 7 for details. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For 5 to 15 years. 1-3pm. Free.

250-756-5200.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL Mornings with LaFF at the Aggie. Staff and participants create play-based learning stations to explore and enjoy. Bring food to share & make a healthy snack together while making new friends. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon. $2 suggested donation per family. familyandfriends.ca.

Family Storytime at Cowichan Library, Duncan. Bring the whole family for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. For ages 0-5. Tuesdays 10:3011:30am. 2687 James St. krumohr@virl.bc.ca.

CHILDREN Drop in Twoonie Floor Hockey at Nanaimo Ice Centre. Stop by after school and enjoy some ball hockey with your friends. Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:15-4:45pm. $2. 250-756-5200.

Bowen Park Kin Outdoor Pool. Come swim in the outdoor heated pool June 6 to September 4. Everyone welcome swims Saturday & Sunday, 1-3pm, June 6-21. $3. 250-753-8176.

KinPool.ca.

YOUTH Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space for youth 12 to 17 to hang out and chill. Regular gymnasium activities and more. Program is free, but please register using barcode 134870. 7-9pm until May 27. Monday: Nanaimo District Secondary School; Wednesday: John Barsby Community School.

FAMILY Westwood Lake Swimming. Lifeguards on duty June 28 to September 7, noon-6pm.

Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Open drop-in family fun night after work to burn off some energy and get ready for bed! 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/ family. 250-245-6424. ladysmith.ca.•

kidsinvictoria.com

Water Safety for Young Children CFSA Summer Sail Training Programme Learn to Sail at the Canadian Forces Sailing Association! We offer courses for Youth and Adults of all ages, from beginner to advanced.

Our instructors are nationally certified through the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) and trained in how to teach sailing, as well as first aid and boat rescue. We follow the CYA CANSail curriculum of instruction.

Questions about the programme? Call our Program Manager, Candy Daily 250-857-2823

To register: call the Pacific Activity Centre, 250-363-1009

CFSA 2015 Dinghy Sailing Programme: Schedule & Prices DND Member / Non Course Name Age DND Price Member Adult CANSail Basic (Tues 18 + $300 / $330 & Thurs Evenings) June 29 – July 3 Wet Feet 4 yrs – 7 yrs $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 June 30 – July 23 Adult CANSail Basic (Tues 18 + $300 / $330 & Thurs Evenings) July 6 – July 10 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Advance Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 July 6 – July 30 Adult CANSail Basic (Mon 18 + $300 / $330 & Wed Evenings) July 13 – July 17 Wet Feet 4 yrs – 7 yrs $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 July 20 – July 24 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Advance Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 July 27 – July 31 Wet Feet 4 yrs – 7 yrs $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Advance Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 July 28 – Aug 20 Adult CANSail Basic (Tues 18 + $300 / $330 & Thurs Evenings) Aug 4 – Aug 7 * Wet Feet – 4 yrs – 7 yrs $ 184 / $ 216 * Opti Basic Under 10 $ 184 / $ 216 * CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 192 / $ 224 * Aug 5– Aug 26 Adult CANSail Basic (Mon 18 + $300 / $330 & Wed Evenings) Aug 7 – Aug 23 Adult CANSail ADVANCE ( 18 + $300 / $330 Fri evening, Sat & Sun 9-­‐3) Aug 10 – Aug 14 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Advance Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 CANSail ADVANCE (Aug 10-­‐ 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 440 / $ 480 21, is a 2 wk course) Aug 17 – Aug 21 Wet Feet 4 yrs – 7 yrs $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 Aug 24 – Aug 28 Opti Basic Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 Opti Advance Under 10 $ 230 / $ 270 CANSail Basic 10 yrs – 17 yrs $ 240 / $ 280 * CFSA will be CLOSED on BC DAY. Classes will start the TUESDAY August 4. Pro-­‐rated price * CFSA will be CLOSED onFEET, BC DAY. will start Bthe TUESDAY Aug 4. for the WET OPTIC Classes BASIC and CANSAIL ASIC * Pro-rated price for the WET FEET, OPTIC BASIC and CANSAIL BASIC.

Week Of

June 2 – June 25

1001 Maple Bank Rd, Victoria BC V9A 4M2

Email: cfsatraining@gmail.com Web: www.cfsaesq.ca Join our Facebook CFSA ESQUIMALT Training Page

42 Island Parent Magazine

D

rowning is the second most common cause of death for children under 5 years of age. Children can drown in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water.

Many of these tragedies happen in backyard pools, and almost always in pools without 4-side pool fencing and self-closing, self-latching safety gates.

Take the following essential precautions to help protect your children: Babies who cannot sit without support and are too young to wear a portable flotation device (PFD) should be held by an adult at all times.

Toddlers should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when they are in or around water. This includes pools, bathtubs, and beaches, and other water sources.

Swimming lessons are a great opportunity for families to participate in fun activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. But on their own, they will not protect or prevent a child from drowning.

All children should be supervised by an adult when they are in or around water and should never be left alone in a pool or bathtub, even for a moment.

The Lifesaving Society recommends a supervision ratio of at least 1 adult for every 2 young children, and 1 adult for every baby.

Should I use a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD) for my child?

Life jackets are different from PFDs. A life jacket can turn the person over from face-down to face-up. A PFD will keep a person floating, but not necessarily face-up.

It is lighter and less bulky than a lifejacket.

PFDs also keep people warmer in the water because the foam in the vest is spread more evenly around the body.

You can use either a lifejacket or a PFD for your child, as long as it is designed for children.

In Canada, approved life jackets and PFDs are not available for infants who weigh less

than 9 kg (20 lb). There is no safety standard for smaller infants.

PFDs or life jackets should be worn by all infants who weigh at least 9 kg (20 lb) and by toddlers who are swimming or playing near or in the water.

Check the label to be sure that your child’s PFD or life jacket meets current national safety standards. It should be approved by at least one of the following: Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

It should be the right size for your child’s weight. Make sure it stays buckled up.

Keep all safety straps fastened, including the crotch strap.

Remember that water wings, bathing suits with flotation devices in them, inflatable wings and other swim toys ARE NOT safety devices.

What should we do if we have a swimming pool at home?

Swimming pools—whether in- or aboveground—should be fenced on four sides.

That means NOT having direct access to a pool from a deck, patio or back door (the house doesn’t count as a “side”). The fence should be climbing-resistant and at least 1.2 m (4 ft.) high. Any gate to the pool area should be self-closing and self-latching.

Make sure that hot tubs and spas not contained within the fenced pool area have a locking hard cover or are located in an area that can be closed and locked.

Empty toddler and other portable backyard pools after use (at least once daily if you are using them every day). By not having standing water, you also help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus.

Parents and pool owners should learn how to swim and how to rescue a drowning victim. They should also maintain certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Pool owners should have an emergency action plan, rescue equipment, and a telephone on the deck or poolside.

Slide or play equipment should be designed specifically for pool use.

kidsinvictoria.com

What are some other water safety tips?

Register Today!

Use diapers designed for use in water.

They don’t get as heavy as regular diapers and are less likely to cause your child to lose his balance in a wading pool.

Empty buckets and pails, ice chests with melted ice, or bathtubs as soon as you are done with them. Do not keep a container filled with water (such as a rain barrel) around your home.

All children should be supervised by an adult when they are in or around water and should never be left alone in a pool or bathtub, even for a moment.

Remember that water wings, bathing suits with flotation devices in them, inflatable wings and other swim toys ARE NOT safety devices.

When your children are playing under a sprinkler, watch for pools of water collecting on the ground. They can be slippery. Move the sprinkler often, or take a break until the water has drained. Use sprinklers on grassy surfaces only, and make sure the play area is free of toys or other obstacles.

A backyard water slide should be used with caution. Set it up on a soft, grassy slope, free of bumps, and well away from trees or shrubs. Teach children to slide in a sitting position.

Keepchildrenawayfrompondsandstreams at any time of year, unless you are with them.

July and August Summer Sleepover & Day Camps

CampPringle.com • 250-743-2189 • registrar@camppringle.com

Big Kids Corner Full Day Camps June 29 to September 4 Families can register for weekly camps, or by the month.

For children 5 to 12 years old.

250-590-2722

info@babiestobigkids.com • www.babiestobigkids.com • 949 Fullerton Ave.

Come See Why Learning in Nature Rocks!

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

When can my child take swimming lessons?

There is not a lot of research about the exact age when young children are ready to learn how to swim. Several studies show that children do not have the skills to swim on their own until they are 4 years old, even if they start lessons at a younger age.

If your child is younger than 4 years old, look for swimming programs that focus on building water confidence and that teach parents about water safety. This is a great way to have fun and be active with your children.

Teach your children these important pool rules and follow them at all times: • No swimming without an adult.

• No running or pushing.

• No food or drinks.

• No riding toys.

Reptrinted with permission from the Canadian Paediatric Society. For more information, visit caringforkids.cps.ca.

IslandParent.ca

Registrations Now Being Taken for Limited Spaces

mosnjk@hotmail.com www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com

Children/Teen Sewing Camps Summer ¤‚⁄∞ Classes

Children (aged 7 yrs & up) & Teens

June 29-July 2

Emphasis is on sewing clothes they can wear!

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

Bay/Fernwood Area Fall & Homeschool classes also available

(4 day camp)

July 6-10 July 13-17 July 20-22

Aug 10-14 Aug 17-21 Aug 24-28 Aug 31-Sept 4

(3 day, morning only)

July 27-31 Andrea’s

Aug 4-7

(4 day camp)

Call 250-592-7879 aseweasy@shaw.ca

Andrea Bailey

24 years experience

www.andreasseweasy.com www.facebook.com/aseweasy

June 2015 43

Sandi Ayer

Summer Holiday Programs Choose from:

Circus Circus, Shoot the Write Stuff, Summer Chefs, Passion Sports Basketball, and much more!

A limited number of bursaries are available. 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

smus.ca

Learn to Swim...

Register Now for Spring or Summer Lessons

Cowichan Aquatic Centre 2653 James Street 250.746.7665

Register Online at www.northcowichan.ca

• preschool to grade 2

Spaces Available

• before and after

school care

Book now for a tour!

• small class sizes • supportive and

caring staff • excellent academic foundation • Kodaly music program • lovely rural location connecting children to nature

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhsenroll@gmail.com www.islandmontessori.com

Horne Lake Caves for the Explorer in you

…amazing

- cave theatre - self-guided caving - cave tours – mild to wild HORNELAKE.COM 44

250-248-7829

Island Parent Magazine

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Children’s International Summer Villages W

e must start with the children.” That was the thought that sparked an international organization that now spans over 200 cities in 70+ countries. The concept came to Doris Allen in 1946 when she sat on a New York park bench to read the Times Magazine article, “To Teach the World How to Be Free” by Dr. Alexander Meiklejohn. His article discussed a proposal to found an institute, allied to the United Nations (UN) that would unite politicians and philosophers. He wrote “…it is in this field of adult learning and adult teaching that the battle for peaceful world organization will be won or lost.” Meiklejohn’s concept produced a strong reaction in Allen, who as a child psychologist, took a diametrically opposed view.

Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) was founded in 1950 on Allen’s belief that a culture of peace is possible through education and friendship, and that a real difference can be made by starting with children. CISV is now a global community of dedicated volunteers, based in over 200 cities worldwide, creating opportunities for youth to experience the enrichment of cultural diversity through unique educational programs.

In 1963, representatives of Victoria’s Junior Chamber of Commerce, Labour Council, Sikh Temple, Local Council of Churches, Social Workers, Teachers Association, and others formed a committee to mark the UN’s International Year of Cooperation. The committee chose as its major project to establish a summer camp to host an international group of 11-yearold children. Over the next two years, an evolving committee of open minded, local community leaders known as “impractical, visionary do-gooders” worked to raise the funds necessary to hold Victoria’s first Children’s International Summer Village camp.

Canada’s delegates were four Vancouver Island children; two representing Greater kidsinvictoria.com

Victoria and two from north of the Malahat.

The first Village was a unique month in the lives of the children visiting from Denmark, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, and the USA. The 1965 Village started with a trip on the E&N Dayliner train to the camp location on Shawnigan Lake. The opening day event was hosted by the Duncan First Nations community, and included a salmon BBQ and traditional dances. The four-week Village followed the CISV pattern of a National Day for each national delegation to showcase their country’s culture, cooperation games, and lots of singing. Without a common language the children developed ways to communicate and soon all were laughing and playing together. The last day was the saddest one of all, as is with all CISV camps, with much hugging and crying, as the bonds they had formed were strong.

The foundation Village Program brings together 48 11-year-old children from 12 CISV member countries to spend four weeks living, learning and playing together as friends. The international programs for teens explore a theme topic and encourage them to take a leading role in planning and organizing activities.

Victoria Chapter’s membership continu-

IslandParent.ca

ally evolves. Most youth join at 11-years-old and continue with the program through high school to leave with a clear vision that has been shaped by the experience of global friendships, and the peace education principles. Some families join for only two to three years as their child explores options and better understand their own personal interests.

A typical Junior Branch (JB) gathering includes an activity, followed by a discussion, and a lot of laughter. JB is an opportunity for lower Island teenagers (12+) to connect outside of their school cliques, explore and discuss a theme topic based on the CISV peace education content areas (Diversity, Human Rights, Conflict and Resolution, Sustainable Development) and develop leadership skills.

Over the years, hundreds of local chil-

dren have participated in the international programs and literally thousands have been active members of the Victoria Junior Branch. Several of the current chapter youth are second-generation members with a parent who originally participated as a youth and have now returned as a parent and a pay-it-forward volunteer.

Each year, CISV hosts more than 180 international youth-led camps and programs for over 7,000 participants aged 11+ years.

By encouraging respect for cultural differences, common values, and self-awareness, CISV empowers participants to incorporate these values into their lives as they become global citizens and strive for a more peaceful world.

This year CISV Victoria is celebrating 50 years as an active chapter and is hosting a Golden Jubilee Village Camp. The camp is closed, but the public is welcome to attend the National Day event to be held at the Cameron Band Shell on Friday, July 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Sandi Ayer is a CISV Victoria Mom and Volunteer. Questions, inquiries about September’s Information Night, or Alumni wishing to reconnect can contact her at: communications@cisvvictoria.ca

June 2015 45

Camille McFarlane

Why We Say Goodbye B

efore bed each night I kiss my kids, tell them I love them and wish them a good night’s sleep. They’re of the age now when they respond with a kiss and a hug goodnight, often adding “to the moon and back” all on their own.

Before I drop my kids off at school I tell them I love them and give them a hug goodbye. Most days they return it, although sometimes my kindergartener shrugs it off.

Before I leave the house I make sure to get my kids’ attention, stepping in front of the TV, or crouching on the floor amidst Lego pieces to kiss my kids, tell them I love them and give them a hug goodbye.

Before my husband leaves each day he makes sure to kiss us all goodbye, usually doing something funny to make us all laugh.

Before Grandma and Grandpa leave to go to the airport the kids run and give them a hug and kiss goodbye, always saying I love you.

Before any of our visitors leave our house

we make sure the kids say goodbye. Often they choose to give a big hug, too.

After visiting my dad in the hospital I always made sure the kids gave him a hug and a kiss, saying I love you and then a “Goodbye Pa.” Two months ago my kids visited my dad for the last time. They had a wonderful visit and left filled with joy and the knowledge that they loved their Pa and that he loved them. On that particular day there was a big group of us visiting and at the end of the visit, the kids all started to rush out the door together. I remember calling them back and quietly reminding them to go say goodbye to Pa. That beautiful memory of the kids hugging my dad will stay with me forever.

The day my dad died I dreaded telling my daughters. But that story is for another day. This story is about what my daughter said to me after I told her. Through her tears she said, “But Mom, I didn’t get to say goodbye…”

I hugged her and tried to absorb her pain.

I thought about what she said and remembered her last visit with her Pa a few days before. She may not have realized it was the last time she would see him, but she did say goodbye. Although it was a small comfort to her, at least she will always know that she did say goodbye. And so did he.

Life is full of unexpected events. As parents we often try to protect our children from heartache, but sometimes there is just nothing we can do except give them the tools, values, and knowledge to help them get through.

I know as my children grow up they may just become too cool for hugs, kisses, I love yous, and goodbyes. I hope we’ll be able to continue encouraging them to always give hugs and say goodbye. They’re simple words. But ones that can make the unbearable just slightly more bearable.

We all miss my dad and nothing can change that, but I am just grateful we took the time to tell him that we loved him and gave him a hug and kiss goodbye.

Camille is the mother of two beautiful children, a former teacher and sometimes writer.

She can be reached at camille.mcfarlane@ gmail.com.

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46 Island Parent Magazine

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250-595-7946 recreation.oakbay.ca

Join us for a Free Celebrate Canada Event!

Friday June 26, Noon-2pm Oak Bay Municipal Hall Lawn Free BBQ • Entertainment Sneak a Peek at Your Jumping Castle • Crafts & Games!

Camp Leaders in Action!

k r a P n o s r e d n e H G olf Course

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Summer Camps (3‑12 years)

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Golf & Games!

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2291 Cedar Hill X Road • 250‑370‑7200 recreation.oakbay.ca Grand Slam Golf & Tennis!

IslandParent.ca

Oak Bay Recreation Centre 1975 Bee Street • 250‑595‑7946 Henderson Recreation Centre 2291 Cedar Hill X Road • 250‑370‑7200 recreation.oakbay.ca

June 2015 47

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Learning from The Muffin Man ...Baking with kids No matter the recipe, my children

love to bake with me. Perhaps it is the thrill of those secret taste-testings while my back is turned or maybe it is the anticipation of licking the beaters at the end. Whatever the reason, I embrace the excuse to decorate, create and of course, get messy with my kids. Top it all off with some teachable moments and it is the perfect recipe for spending time with my children.

48  Island Parent Magazine

The Five Senses of Baking Educational psychology informs us that toddlers are in what is called the sensorymotor stage of development which means that they learn best when their senses are engaged in the learning: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. Of all the activities that toddlers love, play dough, sand and water play top the list because they are so wonderfully tactile and meet important sensory motor needs.

So now, think “cookie dough”—how it is made and how it is used—and you have the best of all worlds in the eyes of a toddler.

Children can manipulate cookie dough the same way they would play dough, they can roll it, flatten it, shape it, decorate it once baked. It’s great practice for those large and fine motor skills, plus now you have a material that smells good and best of all, tastes good, too. Just make those cookies crunchy and noisy and you have engaged all five senses.

Stretching the Cookie Dough The lessons learned from baking persist well beyond the toddler years. What we know about most children (and Big “Adult Kids” too!) is that learning is best achieved through experiences that are active, handson and practical.

For my preschoolers, what we have done to extend the learning beyond the sensory experience, is to use alphabet-shaped cookie cutters as a means of helping them learn their letters. It is a more meaningful experience than cue cards could ever be because it is relevant, memorable and delicious, too.

This holds true for even my older children.

My seven-year-old needs a bit more processing time when it comes to math; it doesn’t come easily to her. Teaching her the math of baking, for example measuring or knowing the difference between ½ teaspoon and a ¼ teaspoon, has proven valuable to other applications like telling time, understanding ratios and undertaking simple additions and subtractions. As she becomes more creative and experimental with her baking, I am able to slip in the scientific method.

What will happen if you use baking soda instead of baking powder? The lessons are unlimited. You are never too young or too old for baking.

Here are some tips for making baking with your children more enjoyable: • Find easy recipes that will hold your kids’ attention and provide quick rewards.

It is important for children to experience success and a sense of pride. Rice Krispie

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 49

Falcon

Gymnastics Centre Where Fun & Fitness are #1

July 6 to August 28, 2015

Summer Sault Gymnastics Camp 2015 Call for more information:

250-479-6424

Parent & Tot Gym Bugs School Age Recreational 18 mos – 3 yrs 31⁄2 – 5 yrs 51⁄2 – 14 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

Birds Up Close

Squares are a great example of a quick and easy treat for beginners.

• Have all your ingredients out and organized beforehand so that you are not scrambling back and forth while worrying about spills, messes and/or licky fingers while your back is turned.

• Let your children help and not just watch, even if it means an un-level cup of flour or a few egg shells in your batter. Let your children hang onto the hand mixer by themselves with one hand and teach them to hold tight to the bowl with the other. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about safety around the kitchen.

• Have patience and tolerance for mess and mistakes—it is inevitable and part of the fun—but also show your children that they have to clean up after themselves. Give them a cloth and have them wipe the table or take dishes to the sink.

Different Cookie Cutters Of all of my seven-year-old’s whims, inventing cookie recipes seems to engage her the most. “I don’t want to follow recipes or measure—I just want to mix…whatever,” she says. We’ve taste-tested a number of creations and we all try to be gracious, but many samples have unfortunately survived but a single bite. Too much baking soda, too much salt, too much mystery ingredient?

But I’ve humoured my daughter because I acknowledge that her way of learning is very creative and experimental.

And then there is my son who will place M&Ms on gingerbread men with painstaking perfection. These two examples speak volumes about my children’s personalities.

Through baking, I too have learned much more than just how to make a chocolate ganache cake or a grasshopper pie. At the risk of pigeon-holing and labeling my children, I have discovered that my son tends to be a detail-oriented perfectionist, while my daughter is a big picture visionary. They are definitely not cut from the same cookie cutter. I’ve learned to appreciate their differences as well as how to better support their individual strengths and help them to overcome their challenges—all of this through baking together.

Home is Where the Hearth Is

Flying daily March – October

My mother introduced me to baking.

While I spent a lot of time watching and did not participate as much as my children do now, baking is still a ritual that I fondly remember from growing up. My mother

www.the-raptors.com 1877 Herd Rd. Duncan BC 250-746-0372

50 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

worked outside our home so perhaps it was an opportunity to spend some time with her and symbolic of a type of nourishment that I needed, that all children need, that goes beyond simply indulging in baked goods.

Spending that time together filled the need for belonging and attachment.

New Kids Dentist

Dr. Anita Gadzinska-Myers

is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and has a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry for children • Accepting new patients now (infants to teenagers) • Referral not needed • Member of Cleft Lip and Palate Team

Special Services:

short wait list • oral sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre g We’re Movin

New Location: 205–1830 Oak Bay Ave

250-383-2133

www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca

Now as a mother, I have noticed that whenever any of my children is feeling a bit insecure or the need to belong and feel more connected, they will ask if they can bake something with me. Baking with my children at least once a week has helped me connect with them. It allows conversation without nagging. It allows face-face time. It allows us to have fun together. These types of moments can seem rare in our busy, distracted, plugged-in, tuned-out world.

My children now take turns making a special dessert for Saturday night dinner.

We have fun going through my cookbooks to select a dessert of their choice and then shop for the ingredients together on a special grocery shopping date. Sometimes we find ourselves muddling through recipes that are outside of our comfort level.

But almost always, we discover that safe comfort zone that allows us to talk freely without inhibitions. In the end, we bask in the praise of our family with their satisfied tummies and we feel built up with a sense of accomplishment—for pulling ourselves out of our heads, polishing up our math skills, mastering new techniques and above all just spending time with each other.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator and Salt Spring Island mom of four children. She is also a trained Virtues Project Facilitator.

IslandParent.ca

Exam Preparation starts June 6 Private tutoring • Small classes Summer programs

the

Math Teacher 1 3 Y E A R S I N T H E C O W I C H A N VA L L E Y

Angela Voll B. Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics

#204 - 55 Station Street, Duncan

250.732.1597

angela.voll@gmail.com

www.theMathTeacher.xyz

Emmanuel Summer Programs 2015 Date

Camp

July 6–10

Little Friends Preschool Camp 9am–Noon Ages 3-5 $55

Hours & Fees

July 13–17 Dance, Music & Cheerleading

Gr. 2–6

9am–3pm $98

July 20–24 Science & Soccer

Gr. 2–6

9am–3pm $98

Aug. 4–7

Holiday Celebration Camp 9am–Noon Kind.–Gr. 3 $45

Aug. 10–14 ‘Everest’ Vacation Bible School 9am–Noon

Age 4–Gr. 6 $15 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road at the Henderson entrance to UVic If you like Frozen you will love Everest!

Phone 250-592-2418 / Fax 250-592-4646

Please register according to your child’s grade this Fall.

Children must be 4 yrs old by Dec. 31, 2015 to attend the camps.

office@emmanuelvictoria.ca / emmanuelvictoria.ca June 2015 51

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Free Up that Schedule...

Permanently 25 crease avenue 250-418-8867 w w w. r e c y c l i s t a s . c a

West-Mont Montessori Pre-School to Grade 8 Programs

Pre-School Spaces Available

West-Mont Montessori School 4075 Metchosin Rd, Victoria t: 250.474.2626 e: info@west-mont.ca w: west-mont.ca

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!

Early Bird registration deadline April 15 Girls & Boys, Ages 6–15 • Aug 2–8, 9–15 & 16–22

L

ots of pressures on the kids today, aren’t there? I mean, good grief: my memory is totally shot but one thing I do remember about kindergarten was rolling out those blue mats and having a little quiet time come mid-day…not that we were even in kindergarten all day anyway.

None of that, these days. Now, as you may have been shocked to learn, the lil’ buggers learn more in preschool than we did in the first half of our elementary school years.

Well, that’s fine, I suppose: we’ll all have a bunch of geniuses to take care of us when we’re older.

Too bad they’ll probably all have heart attacks before we do, the stress of years of being bombed around from elementary school to dance recital to swim lessons to Girl Guides to yogi-led enchantment groups making them forget what it’s like to have even a moment of down time.

I’ll be honest, and my apologies in advance to the many people I’m about to aggravate, but I hate that stuff. When I was a kid our organized activities included screwing around, doing nothing, catching tadpoles at the park, doing more nothing, riding bikes. You know, being kids. I don’t think I took a lesson in my childhood life.

I don’t feel deprived. I feel like I had the best kind of childhood: a childhood. Mind you, I still can’t swim, and when my kids are floating out, helpless, in the middle of Elk Lake and I’m screaming for another parent to swim out to get them, someone might rip these pages out and hold them up to my face, but, still.

We all know there’s an unspoken competition out there, or at minimum, a feeling that if your kid isn’t up to snuff on, say, their abilities to do a handstand by age six, there are gonna be problems. I don’t know how this started, but maybe it’s time to stop the

www.campnarnia.com Join us this summer for an amazing experience!

52 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

madness. Your kids will be just fine if they’re not enrolled in three activities when they’re basically old enough to be learning how to pick their nose and stare at the wall.

Actually, they’ll be better off. They won’t be stressed out, and they won’t see you stressed out. Have you seen the cost of some of these programs lately? Good grief, man—I’m not made of gold.

Just remember this: don’t get fooled into thinking you’ll get left behind if you aren’t a superdad, escorting your kid around to before-school hockey and after-school deepbreathing circle yoga. It’s fine. Give your kid

Dadspeak GREG PRATT something else that is way more valuable: time, freedom, childhood.

Now, I realize the advantages of some of these things. My daughter is in Girl Guides and loves it As an added bonus, now and again I get to buy a box of cookies and eat so many I hallucinate while I’m at work.

My son took swim lessons and screamed his head off the whole—uh, bad example.

But, yeah, the Monday night Girl Guides, sure. Tons of fun, making friends, all that stuff. Makes for a rushed Monday but one night a week is fine by me.

Just don’t push them too hard. All joking aside, I know pushing myself too hard is a problem I’m always trying to keep in check. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same for many of you dads (and moms) reading. We’re living in a culture and an era where we’re all constantly asking each other, puzzled looks on our faces, why our kids are so stressed out, so unable to focus, so disobedient. But those puzzled looks are pretty unconvincing. There are lots of problems, but maybe a big one is staring us right in the face and maybe we all kinda realize it: that big problem is a calendar with way more ink on it than gorgeous white space.

Maybe it’s time we turned that around.

Greg Pratt is the father of two children and a local journalist and editor. His writing has appeared in, among other places, Today’s Parent, Wired, Revolver, and Douglas.

Cruise spectacular Barkley Sound on the Frances Barkley

There are year-round sailings to Bamfield, and June–September sailings for Ucluelet and the Broken Group.

You can also rent kayaks, book a stay at our scenic Sechart Lodge in Barkley Sound, or make a reservation for our convenient Sechart-based connector water taxi. Visit our website for full schedule details.

LADY ROSE MARINE SERVICES

www.ladyrosemarine.com • ladyrosemarine@telus.net 250-723-8313 (all year) • Toll Free: 1-800-663-7192 (April – September)

S U M M E R DAY CA M P S

OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Register online

Friends, Fun, Adventure! T E C H N O L O G Y Lux Mundi Jun 22 – Sep 3 7:30am – 6:00pm

Field trips every day, sports, arts & crafts, theme days, scavenger hunts, and more!

Suitable for ages 5 – 10

CAMPS

Week-long camps all summer 9:00am - 4:00pm*

*extended care available

- Minecraft - Lego Mindstorms - 2d Game Programming

Christ Church Cathedral School 912 Vancouver Street 250 - 383 - 5125

www.cathedralschool.ca

IslandParent.ca

June 2015 53

Sun Safety

E

very year, more and more people are being diagnosed with skin cancer. At a time when most other cancer rates are in retreat, the rate of newly diagnosed cases of melanoma—the most deadly type of skin cancer—has tripled since the 1970s. Babies can quickly suffer the short- and long-term damage of sunburn so keeping your baby safe in the sun is crucial. Statistics show that getting just one blistering sunburn during childhood raises the risk of melanoma later in life. It is important to know that your baby can get burned at other times of day and on cloudy or cool days because up to 80 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can get through the clouds. UV rays can damage the skin at all times of day and all year round—even in the middle of winter. And a baby’s thinner, more delicate skin is especially vulnerable as their skin is not yet protected by melanin.

Research shows the top reasons for the increased rate of skin cancer are the obvious over exposure to the sun and lack of sun safety habits as well as use of poor quality sunscreens or misleading marketing of sunscreens. So even if you think you are doing the best for your

exposed areas of your baby’s skin, including the tips of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet. If you bring your baby into the water, reapply sunscreen as soon as you baby’s skin, it may not be enough with the product you are using. For babies six months and older, choose a physical sunscreen, one made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Unlike chemical sunscreens that the skin absorbs, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions, these ingredients merely sit on top of the skin forming a barrier against the sun’s rays. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) between 30 and 50. Look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label. Broad spectrum means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are more likely to cause sunburn and wrinkling, while UVA rays cause damage deeper in the skin.

Test your baby’s sensitivity to sunscreen by first trying a small amount on their inner wrist.

Babies’ skin is thinner compared to adults, and infants have a higher surface-area to bodyweight ratio compared to older children and adults. Both these factors mean an infant’s exposure to the chemicals in sunscreens may be much greater, increasing the risk of side effects from the sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply it every two hours. Cover all

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN towel him off—even if it has been less than two hours since you applied it. Keep in mind that sunscreen should be used for sun protection, not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.

The best approach for babies six months and younger is to keep them out of the sun as much as possible and to avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense. If you do venture out, keep in mind that the sun’s rays bounce off surfaces like water, cement, and sand. Keep your baby in the shade of a tree, umbrella, or stroller and dress them in long sleeves and a hat. Light-coloured clothing reflects the heat and keeps skin cooler than dark colors, which absorb heat. Fabrics with a tight weave protect skin better than loosely

Confident Learners…

Expand your skills, build your confidence and find the joy in learning!

Nationally recognized Level B Academic Assessments After school remedial learning classes, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Language Arts, Mathematics, study skills and higher-level Math and Science All READ Teachers are certified by the BC Ministry of Education Locations: Colwood, Sidney and Victoria

Call 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules Check out the website: www.readsociety.bc.ca

Summer Camps - Day, Overnight & Leadership Spaces available. Programs run from 5 to 19 days in length.

Financial Assistance is available through our Strong Kids campaign.

For details:

victoriay.com/campthunderbird

YMCA-YWCA

For more info:

registration@victoriay.com 250.413.8859 54 Island Parent Magazine

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kidsinvictoria.com

woven fabrics. Hold the fabric up to the light.

The less light you see shining through, the tighter the weave. Sunscreen for use on babies younger than six months is not recommended but if you find yourself out without the proper protection, it is better to use a small amount of sunscreen on baby’s face and hands rather than burn under the sun.

Other sun safety tips: • To determine which sunscreens are safer for you and your family’s skin, check out the Environmental Working Group’s website at ewg.org. This excellent research-based online group provides education which empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthy environment.

• Do not use a spray sunscreen on or around your little one’s skin. If that is all that is available, spray the product into your hand first and then apply to the skin.

• Check the expiration date of your sunscreen. The active ingredients lose effectiveness after a while.

• Offer your baby plenty of liquids (breast milk provides enough hydration; there is no need to offer water before baby is six months old). If you are breastfeeding, make sure to increase your water intake, too. Continue the daily recommended dose of Vitamin D of 400IU for your breastfed baby.

• Buy a good pair of all-purpose medium to dark sunglasses for each member of your family.

• Whether your baby is bald or has a full head of hair, a hat is a must. Choose a hat with a brim that is wide enough to shade the face; baseball hats are cute, but they do not protect the ears or neck.

• Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect his or her skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.

If you spend time outdoors this summer, be sure to give your baby maximum sun and heat stroke prevention. One of my favourite things to take to the beach or park is a little fold down tent. Put a few toys inside, and they are ideal places for your baby to rest, play, or for your toddler to eat a sand-free lunch.

Then enjoy your time outdoors, knowing you are protecting you and your family from the damaging effects of the sun.

Learn Scouts Canada Learn why why Scouts Canada is is the the nation’s nation’s #1 #1 youth youth organization organization

Programs for girls and boys 5-26 years. Try it FREE!

Register NOW to avoid Waitlists!

Find your nearest group: scouts.ca or 1-888-726-8876 Find a group near you at www.scouts.ca or 1-888-726-8876

DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?

Do you know someone who has big dreams but feels held back even slightly by academic or social diffistruggled culties? academically, having I was a brightlearning student who

“I always had big dreamstoofrely what life would consist of. Iyet hadexpending this constant feeling that I had onmy coping mechanisms extra effort all the parts of the puzzlecontinually but my hands how put the puzzle together. This created to didn’t makeknow up for mytodeficits. a lot of frustration and sadness. Through this program I feel that my hands are starting to know where to put the pieces. Building a puzzle seems to feel much better than just carrying it around.”

The Arrowsmith Program at eaton Arrowsmith School and eaton Cognitive Improvement Centre Victoria enables students with mild, moderate and severe learning difficulties to identify, intervene and strengthen the weak cognitive capacities that affect learning rather than accommodating for such deficits. The result – an independent future where students can dare to dream again.

Morning, afternoon and full day programs available for children and adults.

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com www.eatoncognitive.com 250-370-0046 #200 3200 Shelbourne St, Victoria, BC admissions inquiries: 1-844-264-8327

Open Weekends & Holidays April, May, June & Sept 12pm-5pm

2207 Millstream Rd

250.474.1961

a l l f un .b c .c a

Open 7 days/week Contact us at admissions@eatoneducation.com for July & August There's no such thing 11am-6pm more information and to arrange a visit.

as too much fun!!

(Weather permitting)

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com/eaton-arrowsmith-academy

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. Email diana@ hurschler.com.

IslandParent.ca

June 2015

55

Family Services Directory This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families.

1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1up.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.

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 250658-6407; for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134, or visit beaconcs.ca.

Beacon Community’s Employment Services. Beacon Community Services provides a full menu of employment services to the Saanich Peninsula, Southern Gulf Islands.

We have been helping people find work since 1982! Our programs build on a client’s strengths and resolve barriers to securing and maintaining employment. Furthermore, we work in tandem with our employer network to support those residents looking for work. If you need help finding a job or need employees please pay us a visit! It’s FREE. 9860 Third St, Sidney, 250-656-0134, beaconcs.ca.

Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for children and youth at 5 locations (Colwood, Langford,

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

through separation and divorce. Counseling, mediation, legal information and a range of group programs are available for children, youth and adults on a sliding fee scale.

Call us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help.

TM

VicWest, Central Saanich and Esquimalt) and summer camps both in Esquimalt and at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. We also offer support to parents through our Parents Together program and parent workshops.

For more information on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or call 250-384-9133.

The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides yearround, high quality sports, recreational, social and arts programs for children, teens and young adults living with autism, while building awareness and providing training through community networks across British Columbia.

CAN currently offers Soccer (ages 5-15), Swim (ages 4-15), Physical Literacy (ages 4-11), Family Events and Camps on Vancouver Island. To learn how you can join, please visit canucksautism.ca/join or email info@ canucksautism.ca.

CHOICES Adoption & Counselling is a licensed, professional, non-profit agency that provides services to adoptive parents, birth-parents, and adoptees. CHOICES arranges adoptions domestically and internationally. We are committed to providing a comprehensive, clientcentered adoption service which best meets the needs of everyone in the adoption constellation. Please contact us at choices@choicesadoption.ca, or call 250-479-9811 for further information.

Countryside Preschool is a cooperative preschool where our qualified ECE provides stimulating instruction to develop your child’s social and cognitive skills. Families build a network of support through our parent-participation days. Classes are in session Sept–June; Tues–Thurs; 9am–1pm. Flexible registration options available. Visit our FREE Stay ’N Play sessions for caregivers and tots, Mondays, 10am–noon. Visit countrysidepreschool.org or call 250-652-3424.

Family Services of Greater Victoria (formerly BC Families in Transition) is a non profit agency that has been serving families since 1978. We provide a full range of services to the whole family in supporting their relationship and

HappyBaby Sleep Solutions helps families create healthy sleep habits in babies and children so everyone is well rested and happy. Sukkie Sandhu, M.Ed., has worked with hundreds of families locally in Victoria and worldwide. Sukkie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor so the cost of a sleep consultation may be covered under your extended medical plan. For more information visit www. happybabysleepsolutions.com or call 250-857-1408 for a FREE evaluation. Let’s get started!

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with seizures by offering parent workshops three times a year, educational presentations in schools and community groups as well as providing tutoring sessions and one-to-one professional consultations to help your child live up to their highest potential.

Keep up to date with the latest research about treatments, lifestyle, and safety issues for your child. We can be reached at headwayvictoria.com, or you can reach the Epilepsy Program Coordinator directly at 250-475-6677.

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. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250-388-4728, info@ icavictoria.org, 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 St, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Ph 250-370-9513. Fax. 250-370-9421. ldasvi.bc.ca. knowyourrights.ca.

A gentle learning opportunity for young children: - learning naturally through play

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 56 Island Parent Magazine

- nature awareness and respect - compassionate communication - experience with math and science - exposure to books and language arts

kidsinvictoria.com

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community including: 24-Hour Information Line; Deployment Information and Workshops; Short Term Counselling, Crisis Support or Intervention; Welcome/Relocation Services; Childcare and Family Support Services; Assistance for Families with Special Needs and Responsibilities. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available! Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information or visit esquimaltmfrc.com.

Power To Be provides inclusive nature-based activity programs for youth and families living with a barrier or disability who need support to access recreation and their community. We create year-round programs to fit participant needs through activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and more. Visit powertobe.ca or call 250-385-2363 to get involved.

Rested Development Sleep Consulting. I am educated in ALL sleep-training methods and together we use a method that best suits YOUR family and values. My services are unique in that I use an integrative approach to sleep using healthy sleep foundations including: emotional well-being, nutrition, breastfeeding, family dynamics, child temperaments, sleep environments, sleep/wake windows, sleep associations, and developmental milestones, in conjunction with sleep training. For more information please visit resteddevelopment.com or call 250-937-0996 for a free 15 minute consultation.

Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) provides Family Resource Programs including: Prenatal Education and Outreach, Parent-Tot Drop-In Groups, Parent Discussion Groups, Family Support Groups and Outreach, a Toy and Book Lending Library, and Kingfisher Preschool. SookeWestshore Child Care Resource and Referral services, as well as all-ages counselling services are also provided

by SFRS. Services are provided from the Child, Youth and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore.

Call 250-642-5152 for more information or visit our website at sfrs.ca.

SFRS’s Welcome Home Program is looking for homes that can support adults diagnosed with a disability looking to gain further independence. The livingsituations are varied and unique and can include living within a family home or a suite in the family home. The needs of the individuals are varied, dependent on the disability, but can include relationship building, life skills, meal prep, etc. For more information, please call 778-433-2023 or go tosfrs.ca.

Sooke-Westshore Early Years Centres provide information to families about children and family services, supports, child development and parenting. The Early Years Navigator will assist families with referral information for local early years programming, child care, public health, special needs intervention services, and social supports. The Sooke-Westshore Early Years Centres are hosted by Sooke Family Resource Society and located at the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the Westshore and can be reached at 250-217-9243.

Additional information can be accessed at sfrs.ca/earlyyears-centre.

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

kidsinvictoria.com

June 2015 57

Sound Safety for Children

S Healthy Families, Happy Families

Child, Youth & Family Public Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

ound is everywhere. Some of that sound is loud enough to cause hearing loss. Usually, hearing loss will not happen immediately. Most often it happens slowly over time and with repeated exposure to loud sound or noise. Hearing loss due to noise exposure, or sound that is too loud, is preventable. Many recreational activities we enjoy—such as sporting events, concerts, listening to personal music players and even some toys—produce levels of noise that can be damaging.

We need to help our children learn about sound and how they can start protecting their hearing when they are young so they can have healthy hearing for life.

To help your children learn about sound: 1. Become familiar with how loud sounds are. Below is a diagram to get you started.

2. Use apps to download a sound level meter so you can get an idea of how loud sounds are.

3. Think about your child’s “daily dose” of sound. This is the amount of sound they can be exposed to safely in a day. A single exposure to a loud sound may not be a problem but exposure to several loud sounds may. Hearing loss from loud sounds happens over time. Keep your child’s daily exposure to noise to a minimum.

4. Keep the volume levels of your TV, sound systems, and personal listening systems at a comfortable level. Don’t encourage loud listening levels. Safe and comfortable vol-

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

250-544-2400 250-519-5100 250-538-4880 250-642-5464 250-388-2200 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

North Island Health Units Campbell River Courtenay Kyuquot Health Ctr ‘Namgis Health Ctr Port Hardy

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-902-6071

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

58 Island Parent Magazine

kidsinvictoria.com

ume levels can be marked with a sticker or piece of tape.

Model good hearing and listening behavior:

Healthy Families, Happy Families Chi l d Y o uth & Fa m i ly P u b l i c H e a lth

JANET HOLLAND

• Make ear protection available to your children. There are ear muffs that fit very young infants and children.

• Move away from loud sounds if you can, especially if you don’t have ear protection with you.

• If you can’t avoid loud noise, take quiet listening breaks every hour.

• If you have a day where you are around a lot of loud sound, make the next day a quiet one.

Hearing loss in children can have very serious long term effects. Hearing loss can cause delays in language development and effect progress in school.

Some signs of hearing loss in young children are: • Doesn’t respond when called.

• Speaks loudly.

• Wants to turn up the volume of the TV. • Often asks for things to be repeated.

• Needs to face people to understand them.

• Slow speech and language development.

If your child shows ANY of the above signs or you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, contact your local Island Health Hearing Clinic: Victoria: 250-388-2250 Western Communities: 250-519-3490 Nanaimo: 250-755 6269 Courtenay: 250-331-8526 The Island Deaf + Hard of Hearing Centre, the only non-profit agency of its kind on Vancouver Island, provides leadership, innovative solutions and services through engaging and educating communities, strengthening families and fighting isolation.

To learn more about Island Deaf + Hard of Hearing Centre, visit idhhc.ca.

Janet Holland is an audiologist at Island Deaf + Hard of Hearing Centre.

IslandParent.ca

BC SPCA Summer Camps

Victoria,*Comox, Nanaimo Campbell River, Cowichan Ages: 7-11

*one week each for ages 6& 7, 12&13 only The other seven weeks for ages 8-11.

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

What did Socrates, Einstein, Mozart and da Vinci have in common?

Answer: They all had tutors.

• Use ear protection if at a noisy concert, sporting activity, or using power tools around the home.

Smart

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Referrals

250-544-1588

SmartTutorReferrals.com

Professional, 1-on-1, in-home tutoring in Victoria since 2002.

SUMMER SOCCER CAMPS

From Victoria to Port Hardy, we make learning fun!

www.worldcupsoccercamp.com June 2015 59

To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Don’t ask me—what do I know?

T

he medication conversation was started two and half years ago by our pediatrician. Our son was four. At that time, he rarely slept more than six to seven hours a night. Our days started as early as 2 to 3 a.m. There were good days, and okay days, but lots of bad days. Our son experienced extreme anxiety over any change in routine: a traffic detour or the “wrong” kind blueberries (NEVER the highbush, people!) could set him off for hours. He was constantly frustrated due to his inability to communicate. Daily meltdowns were par for the course.

Nonetheless, I recoiled at the doctor’s recommendation. I had a lot of ideas about how I intended to parent, and medicating my preschooler was not among them. I saw myself more as a member of Team

60 Island Parent Magazine

Fix Everything With Healthy Food and Exercise! Also, Callum was set to start a year of intensive behavioral therapy, and I wanted to see how that went before making any decisions about medication. The doctor respected our wishes.

Then, we underwent almost two years of intervention. For hours every day we had a therapist in the house, plus our son went to a specialized preschool. We kept him out of kindergarten to get an extra year of services, many of which were only available until he was six. We had OTs, SLPs, psychologists, recreational therapists, and a music therapist who did her darndest, but you can only do so much with a kid who is petrified of guitars. I traveled distances to see naturopaths and homeopaths and osteopaths. We had high hopes; after all, we had heard so many success stories from

families who found this therapy or that to be “life-changing” for their child.

In our particular case, at the end of the two years, we felt there were some small successes with his communication, but not much else. He was still anxious, inflexible, and exhausted. The doctor proposed medication a second time. Once again I refused.

This past Christmas, it all came to a head.

The change in routine, which is disruptive

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND for a typical kid, had completely set Callum off the rails. He woke one morning late in December, at his usual inhumane hour, in a complete state. I still don’t know what was bothering him, since he couldn’t tell me, but as I held him tight in a futile attempt to comfort him, he turned my face to meet his, and through sobs, pushed his cheeks up, trying to make himself smile. If he could talk, he would have said why can’t I stop crying? I just want to stop crying!

kidsinvictoria.com

The next day, I phoned the pediatrician.

I’m ready, I said. I had come to realize, I was opposed to meds when I felt that their primary purpose was to my make my life easier. Now I could see, it wasn’t about me.

My son was the one who was suffering.

She started him on a low dose of a mood stabilizer, to be taken at night before bed.

That night he slept until 6 a.m. A miracle.

The next day, I could already see the difference. He wasn’t a zombie, like I had feared.

He was still his energetic, loving self…but with the edge taken off. A couple of times that day, situations transpired that I would have expected to trigger an episode. Instead, a shout/squawk of protest, the stomp of a foot, and then…he moved on. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. It wasn’t a fluke. It was working.

As the days turned into weeks, the stress level in our house dropped noticeably. Sure there were still meltdowns, but they had been reduced by nearly half, and Callum wasn’t bringing his usual A-game to the rest. The 2 a.m. daily wakeups were now the exception and not the rule. A world opened up.

We can do bathtime and storytime as a family now, instead of dividing and conquering. We go for walks after supper. We just booked a trip for next winter. A trip. On a PLANE. It doesn’t seem insurmountable. It seems like a FUN IDEA. WHAT?!?

We still consult with loads of specialists, and don’t depend on the medication to be a magic bullet, but I can say with confidence that our quality of life has improved immeasurably. (Or can you measure quality of life in peaceful bedtimes? I would say yes.)

Until now, I haven’t told a lot of people that our son is on medication. It’s nobody’s business, I always felt. But upon reflection, I have to wonder if my reluctance to share was more about the stigma. I still struggle with the choice, especially given the fact that he can’t verbalize how it is making him feel.

And I worry, pointlessly, about judgment.

This is just my family’s story: I am certainly not telling people to medicate their kids. To medicate or not to medicate is an intensely personal decision that should be made in consultation with a doctor. However, I’ve let a lot of my ideas go. And the only team I’m on now is Team Do What’s Best For Your Family.

Carly Sutherland once took a Tylenol 3 in college. Otherwise, this is her only experience with drugs, so please do not consider her an expert of any sort.

IslandParent.ca

Nanaimo's downtown destination for Children’s Toys and Books Specializing in books for babies, toddlers, easy to read and kids to 12 years!

Playmobil, Brio & Thomas Trains, Folkmanis Puppets, Puzzles, Craft & Science Kits.

www.childrenstreehouse.ca

Toys from Baby to Tween!

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2015 Summer Camps Join us for action-packed and adventure-filled summer camps!

Featuring a variety of local out-trips, swimming at Panorama, creative crafts, and plenty of games and activities.

What better way to spend your summer than diving into camp?! With 10 weeks of exciting programs to choose from, a number of registration options are available, allowing you the flexibility to do it all. Whether it be exploring Goldstream Park, soaking up the sun at Durrance Lake, painting pottery by the playground, or visiting the animals at Beacon Hill, these dynamic camps are designed to include something for everyone. www.panoramarecreation.ca

250.656.7271

Bonus New Entry for Club /e Facebook !

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More Wonder than Ever Summer Family Adventure May 23 – June 28 Experience the wonder of the Vancouver Aquarium with an exclusive Family Sleepover.Complete with ferry, gas, spending money and more! Trip valued over $1,500!

Visit www.westshoretowncentre.com for details

June 2015 61

In the Wild

W

ith the summer months approaching, it’s time to get ready to celebrate some of those things that are best about Canada: the outdoors. Off we go with tents, sleeping bags, and fishing rods pulled from the musty basement, ready to store up some vitamin D to carry us through the rainy winter.

The outdoors: the mountains, the ocean, and the wildlife, have a romance about them that make Canada distinct. And so as we approach the 148th anniversary of confederation, I’ve picked a few picture books that might help conjure that feeling of the wild…even if you don’t actually get there yourself.

Nicholas Oldland’s “Life in the Wild” series is becoming easily recognizable to anyone reading a lot of picture books these days. Oldland’s three playful characters, the bear, the moose and the beaver, bring readers through the creeks and mountains that epitomize the Canadian wild. I especially like his new addition, Walk on the Wild Side (Kids Can Press, 2015) because it may just encourage kids along any hiking trails you tackle this year. When my three boys were young, I used jelly beans to entice them up the mountains and trails we hiked, but I imagine that recounting Walk on the Wild Side may have helped stretch out the intervals between the sugar power we relied on.

Willy Sellars and Kevin Easthope’s Dipnetting with Dad (Caitlin Press, 2014) is a wonderful book that highlights family, culture, fishing and the cycle of life. Set in the Cariboo, the young protoganist is invited for his first fishing trip with his dad and grandfather. While the book shows First

62

Island Parent Magazine

he realizes, well, you’ll just have to read it to see! Despite the American author and host of characters who definitely do not live in the Canadian wild—a giraffe, and Nations’ traditions such as sweat lodges, offerings, and fishing and drying techniques, it doesn’t read like a lesson. Rather than explaining these traditions, the book shows a young boy, filled with excitement, nerves and determination, ready to participate in an adventure that is part of his family legacy. Kids who like fishing will love this story and will likely come away with a better understanding of First Nations’ culture.

We Canadians can seem unpatriotic next to our southern neighbours, but Canadian Monster Club: The Summer Picnic, written

by Troy Townsin and illustrated by Victoria’s Trish Glab will get readers in the mood for Canada Day. They’ll meet the various monsters scattered across Canada—from B.C. monsters Sasquatch, Cheno and Ogopogo, to Nova Scotia—who come together to celebrate on July 1st. They camp, they play swamp hockey, they eat blackfly pie and then they turn to politics, voting for the Prime Monister. A great local book for any little monster that has fun with all things Canadian, one that will get readers in the spirit to celebrate the nation.

Okay, disclaimer: this next title isn’t written by a Canadian. That said, the author, Richard T. Morris, claims he lived for two years among a herd of wild moose in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to research for the book. This is A Moose, (Little, Brown and Company, 2014) is a funny tale about making a movie about moose who are acting like anything EXCEPT what wild moose are supposed to act like. One young moose wants to be an astronaut. His grandmother plays lacrosse. An exasperated movie director is losing his patience until

Book Nook PaisleY aiken an alligator, for example—the colours, the characters, the reference to typical Canadian things such as canoes and lacrosse, make me think it really SHOULD have been written north of the 49th.

I have to admit I am not generally a fan of alphabet books. I understand their usefulness in teaching letters but they always seem so choppy. Gulf Islands Alphabet (Simply Books, 2012) by Bronwyn Preece and illustrated by Alex Walton, is an exception.

When I look at this book, my heart swells with the pride of calling this place home. The poetic narrative is centered on the alphabet but flows effortlessly through it. From leaping off rocks into the clean, cool water, to scanning the vistas of the mountains beyond the cedars and the birds that soar above, the scenes in this book will resonate with West Coasters and make us eager to go beyond the city. A great book for anyone ready to do some coastal camping or as a souvenir for visiting kids.

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.

kidsinvictoria.com

ak

ea

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We are building a Cohousing Village in Victoria • This is a multi-generational, and environmentally sensitive community • We are building 30 private strata units plus lots of shared common space • Perfect for community activities and events. And fun!

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June 2015

63

The 148th Annual Saanich Fair Take a Spin at the Fair Featuring Llamas & Alpacas September 5, 6 & 7 Admission $11 for Adults, $8 for Seniors/Youth FREE for Kids 6 & under Midway - Ride All Day for $40 Gates 8am - 9pm No Dogs, Drugs or Alcohol 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 1S8 www.saanichfair.ca

Presented by NORTH & SOUTH SAANICH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY WESTERN CANADA’S OLDEST CONTINUOUS AGRICULTURAL FAIR

2015

at the Royal Theatre June 12, 7:00pm June 13, 7:00pm June 14, 2:00pm

64 Island Parent Magazine

A Burger a Day

A

burger a day…keeps us all happy, in the summer months, but really, how much ground beef can we all scarf down, and what else is there, anyways?

Burgers—glorified sandwiches, right?— are easy, quick to prepare, and can make a balanced meal, all tucked between two buns, or into a pita, or wrapped in a tortilla, or in piece of lettuce. Beef burgers are lovely, when done right. Add a bit of horseradish in the mix, with sharp Cheddar cheese melted over to, and crispy pickles on the side. It’s always good to have more to fall back on than the same-old, same-old, though, particularly if the people you’re feeding have different diets, or palates. Portobello mushroom caps grill up to be a rich and filling addition to any plate, with some balsamic vinegar brushed over and maybe a bit of chévre melted on top. Salmon fillets, grilled to the perfect pitch of flakey-not-dry-doneness and placed on top of a brown bun with some lettuce and tomato, are a true coastal treat.

All patties can be served on salad of some sort—tossed greens, grated carrot and beet, shaved red cabbage with caraway seeds— instead of buns if we’re getting tired of the same thing. If the weather suddenly turns, and the sun-bathed dinner on the sundeck turns into chilly crouching around the dining room table, the patties could be served over a yam and cauliflower mash, or mashed Yukon Golds, with miso gravy (or the like) drizzled over, and mushy peas on the side.

Better burgers, all around. Enjoy!

Mushroom Lentil Burgers 1 tsp vegetable oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme 1 can (540 ml) lentils, drained & rinsed 1⁄2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats 3 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp chopped pine nuts or pecans 1⁄4 tsp pepper lettuce and sliced tomatoes to serve 4 poppy seed buns In a non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook onion, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes or until softened. Add mushrooms and thyme; cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until just starting to brown. Let cool slightly. kidsinvictoria.com

In bowl, mash lentils. In a skillet or on a greased grill, cook patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Sandwich with lettuce, tomato slices and whatever spreads you desire in buns. Serve.

Turkey Burgers 1 pound ground turkey 1 egg 2⁄3 cup panko, or ½ slice white bread torn into small crumbs 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries, or diced dried apples 1 tsp thyme pinch cayenne pepper 1 tsp salt 1⁄2 tsp pepper sliced Swiss cheese, or Havarti plum chutney, if desired Mix all ingredients in large bowl, using hands to be sure that all ingredients and flavours are melded. Scoop about ½ cup of the meat mixture into your hand, pressing into a firm patty. Preheat skillet over medium-high heat; glaze with a slick of vegetable oil. Cook patties until golden-brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Top with cheese and cook only until cheese melts. Serve on buns with lettuce or whatever you like (these are very tasty with

chutney!). Note: these can also be grilled but this can be an exercise in frustration as they are soft patties and tend to disappear between the grill.

Oyster Burgers 2 tubs shucked oysters (about 16–24) 1 cup flour 2 eggs, beaten well with ¼ cup of milk vegetable oil 3⁄4 cup cornmeal 3⁄4 panko pinch cayenne pepper salt and pepper, to taste Drain oysters well. Coat in flour, shake off excess, and dip in egg mixture. Press into crumb mixture, being sure to press firmly to embed the crumbs. Heat about 1/8" vegetable oil in deep skillet. Fry oysters, without crowding in the pan, until goldenbrown and crisp. Serve on soft white rolls with lettuce and tartar sauce, if desired.

Lamb Burgers 1 pound ground lamb 1 (small) egg 1⁄2 piece white bread, crumbled 1 green onion, finely chopped 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground cumin

salt and pepper pinch cayenne pepper 1⁄2 cup sliced feta cheese, optional chutney, to serve, if desired Place lamb in medium bowl and add other ingredients. Mix well, using bare hands, being sure to get all seasonings well combined.

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey Form into 2–3 patties, depending on how big you’d like them to be. Allow patties to sit for 30 minutes or so, to let the flavours meld. Preheat the grill and oil lightly. Grill for about 2–3 minutes per side. Add feta cheese to final side when about 1 minute left.

Serve on a lightly toasted pretzel Kaiser roll, liberally dabbed with chutney, or on a bed or greens if you’re doing things that way!

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.

Register Now!

vikescamps.com | 250.472.4000 IslandParent.ca

June 2015 65

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Chrysalis Child Care................................ 250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 21⁄2–5 year old children. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play. chrysalischildcare.ca.

Countryside Preschool........................... 250-652-3424 Learn through play at our co-op preschool for 2.5–5 yr olds! Big classroom, beautiful playground, nurturing ECE:countrysidepreschool.org.

Colwood/LANGFORD Goldstream Co-op Preschool........................................

Learning Through Play for 3 and 4yr olds! For registration information go to our website: goldstreampreschool.com.

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......................... 250-818-9225 2758 Peatt RD. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. Offering fulltime and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. For more information please contact Amber: info@leap forwardlangford.com, leapforwardlangford.com.

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.................... 778-265-4374 Come See Why Learning In Nature Rocks! Reggio Influenced Philosophy ages 3-5. Have Your Child Become a Nature Detective Today! Email mosnjk@hotmail.com.

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. carrotseedpreschool.com.

ESQUIMALT

RAL outdoor environment provides an experience like no other…in our own rainforest. Located on 2 acres of treed forest land, your child will learn and grow in NATURE! Our Brand NEW Infant/Toddler centre is tranquil and serene.

All the furniture, shelving and some toys have been hand crafted using the trees on our own property! Programs for 3 to 5’s and for Infant/Toddlers. Spaces avail. NOW! Visit our Facebook blog, and website at lexieslittlebears.com.

Call for more info.

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 visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, and see how our inclusive, play-based program allows parents to grow and learn alongside their children. Exceptional ECE staff provide a warm and enriching experience for 2.5–5 yr. olds. Come Grow With Us! EST. 1960. Reg. begins March 1 @ 9am. metchosinpreschool@gmail.com.

West-Mont Montessori School............... 250-474-2626 Preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment in Metchosin. Ages 30 months and up. Providing a balanced approach to incorporating Nature, French, Music and Art into a complete educational program. Be a part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child. Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. west-mont.ca.

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. emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Ciara Early Childhood Centre................. 250-386-7369 Education and Fun Hand in Hand! Exceptional care for ages 1-5yrs. Inclusive nature inspired kindergarten readiness program with Christian values. Facebook.com/ CiaraEarlyChildhoodCentre.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool..................... 250-727-1003 Children use imaginations in a Learning through Play classroom and natural playground. Reggio-Emilia inspired, focus is on art, nature and music. Nurturing, highly qualified ECE and ECE assistant. Parent participation options. Allergy aware. gonzalescooppreschool.com.

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. islandkids.ca.

Recreation Oak Bay................................ 250-370-7200 Fully licensed, ECE Daycare, Preschool and Nature Preschool. Play based, child led learning. Afterschool care available.

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool................................ 250-479-0292 A French Immersion Program. 30 months to school age.

Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

Highlands

SAANICH

Lexie’s Little Bears.................................. 778-432-3600 Only seconds past Luxurious Bear Mountain our HIGHLY reputable Nature Program will not disappoint! Our NATU-

Child Care

Resource & Referral www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 66 Island Parent Magazine

Sundance Playschool.............................. 250-590-9955 Group daycare for ages 3–5, centrally located off Fort. Offering an exciting ECE program in a lovely character house with a maximum of 16 children for a focus on individual attention. Great yard and gardens with lots of outdoor activities. Spaces coming available July 1st.

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre........... 250-477-3731 Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten. Half Day

and Full Day Preschool Programs. Children’s learning is supported and nurtured through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression. arbutusgrove.ca.

Bee Happy Montessori House................ 250-516-6191 Childcare and pre-school based on Montessori approach which meets each child’s need, according to individual development and learning styles.

Camosun College Child Care Services......250-370-4880 Quality licensed facilities on both campuses providing children, newborn to 5 years, with rich early learning experiences in a learn through play environment. camosun. ca/childcare.

Carrot Seed Preschool............................ 250-658-2331 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cloverdale Child Care.................................250-995-1766 Full time daycare 3-5 year olds. Preschool–register now for September 2015. 3 year olds Tue/Thur 9:00-1:00. 4 year olds Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-1:00. cloverdalechildcare@ shawbiz.ca. cloverdalechildcare.com.

Full o’ Beans Preschool.............................. 250-360-1148 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! saanichneighbourhoodplace.com.

Hoof Beats Preschool & Childcare............ 250-588-2583 Licensed HighScope program fostering learning through nature, farm life, and horses! 3-6 yrs. Year round. hoof-beats.ca.

Island Montessori House........................ 250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Located in a lovely rural setting with a focus on nature and outdoor environmental activities such as gardening and composting. 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 natural outdoor playground and meet our loving qualified ECE team. Multiple Levels of participation available, please enquire. 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. lambrickparkpreschool.ca.

Little Readers Academy.......................... 250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 year-old!

Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. oxfordlearning.com.

Montessori Educare................................ 250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environment in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months to 5 years. Summer program available. montessorieducare.com.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..... 250-479-4410

Looking for child care? Need help with subsidy forms?

Taking care of children? Need child care training?

Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

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

kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Oakcrest Preschool................................. 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. oakcrestpreschool.org.

Pacific Christian School – Pre-School... 250-479-4532 Your child will love the playful, safe environment and caring staff at PCS Pre-School. Come and explore Educational Excellence to the Glory of God. PacificChristian.ca Puddles & Paints (Nature Daycare)........ 250-658-6573 Introduce your children to the natural world around them!

Surrounding them with nature and animals, we build on their curiosity while exploring the outdoors! On 10 acres of parkland the children lead the way towards environmental awareness! With a new ART STUDIO, and weekly lessons from the Vic. Academy of Music... your child’s day will be FULL of wonder and NATURE. Strongly influenced by Reggio. Visit our facebook page for pics of our studio, and handmade toys!

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 Inside Hillcrest Elm. in Gordon Head, we help children transition to Kindergarten. Licensed Preschool with highly qualified, warm ECE. heoscmanager@gmail.com.

Rogers Child Care Centre....................... 250-744-2343 Trusted High Quality Non Profit Care since 1991. Year Round Early Learning and Out of School Care. For more info go to rogerschildcare.com.

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.

St. Margaret’s School.............................. 250-479-7171 For girls from Junior Kindergarten (ages 3-4) to Grade 12.

Unique STEM-focused curriculum with outdoor exploration, art and music. stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool..................... 250-479-4213 Programs for kids 3-4 at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.” An opportunity to be actively involved with your preschooler’s education. strawberryvalepreschool.org.

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare............. 250-477-1312 Quality, fully licensed, Christian preschool/daycare for 3–4 year olds. Experienced team of ECEs. Spacious facilities include large playground and indoor gym. Subsidized fees welcome. Call for a tour. wisewaysvictoria.com.

SIDNEY Acorntree Preschool............................... 250-686-1408 Balanced indoor/outdoor program, designed to stimulate natural curiosity and foster empathy and compassion towards others. We believe in the importance of both child and teacher directed activities. acorntreepreschool.ca.

Adel’s Play N Discovery House.............. 250-655-4888 Licensed childcare, 3-5 years, Reggio Emilia inspired.

Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:30pm. 2146 Beacon Avenue W. adelplayndiscovery.ca, adelina.gotera@gmail.com.

Positive Path Early Learning.................. 250-655-7244 Located near the library and Sidney School, our program has earned a stellar reputation for quality child care and is growing as fast as the children we care for. Space is available for your child to embark on a journey of active exploration and discovery, enjoying a natural outdoor playground and an expansive indoor learning space. Experienced educators foster a lifelong quest for knowledge and guide children with Christian values and virtues. positivepath@shaw.ca.

Storyoga Preschool................................. 778-679-4004 Embracing and empowering children exactly as they are.

Storyoga Preschool is a nature and yoga based program located in Sidney, BC. storyoga.com.

IslandParent.ca

VICTORIA

Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. islandkids.ca.

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. ArtsCalibre.ca

Little Friends Childcare Center.............. 250-479-8423 Infant/Toddler........................................... 250-479-9796 For a creative learning environment. Licensed group facility. Infants/Toddlers/Preschool. littlefriendschildcare.ca.

Babies to Big Kids Childcare......................250-590-2722 949 Fullerton Ave. Licenced group childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old. Offering full-time and part-time care. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. info@babies tobigkids.com, babiestobigkids.com.

Little Wonders Preschool (View Royal OSC)..................................... 250-744-2718 A creative and supportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! Out of School Care is also available for school aged children. viewroyalosc.com.

Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

View Royal Childcare.............................. 250-479-8067 Preschool structured, high quality childcare. Victoria Conservatory of Music classes. Part time spaces available.

2.5-5year olds. viewroyalpreschool@live.com.

Centennial Day Care............................... 250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare for 35+ years. Nature inspired, play based program. Brand new “green” building, central location. centennialdaycare.ca.

View Royal Preschool.............................. 250-479-8067 Exciting inclusive program in a safe and exceptional care environment. 3-5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalpreschool.com.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare and Junior Kindergarten......................... 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3-5 year olds. NEW location: 1670 Richardson opens March 2015. cathedralschool.ca.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill

Downtown Y Child Care Centre............. 250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. victoriay.com.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool................. 250-370-5392 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. lansdownepreschool.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten Ltd.................. 250-595-7544 We offer education through creativity and play, providing rich learning experiences through a well sourced and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment. Early years reading programme. nightingalepreschool.com. New Arts/ Drama programme – September 2015 – Kidsworks.ca.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre........... 250-382-0512 ECEs offer the highest quality care and positive learning experiences in our daycare and preschool. Full time or part time. Call for a tour or visit us at parkdalechildcare.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare...................... 250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting.

Visit our website at rainbowexpressdaycare.com.

Ross Bay Preschool................................ 250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn, discover and grow through play. Daily outdoor time, special guests and community events! rossbaypreschool @shaw.ca.

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–K. 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,

Cedar Montessori..................................... 250-710-9007 A beautiful rural setting where children are lovingly supported to learn at their own pace within a stimulating Montessori environment.

Starchild Centre........................................ 250-929-3240 Infant/toddler 3 to 5 daycare combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9 acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting tree, feeding animals, and other outside adventures. starchildcentre.ca.

DUNCAN Queen Margaret’s School......................... 250-746-4185 Early Childhood Education Program. Co-ed nurturing curriculum to develop the whole child. Healthy snacks and lunch provided. qms.bc.ca.

Queen of Angels Early Learning Centre............................... 250-701-0433 We believe that the development of the whole child (physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually) encourages each individual to develop to their full potential. We offer an enriched full day program for 3–5 year olds based on Kindergarten readiness.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool........... 250-743-7253 A warm, nature-based Waldorf rhythm where wonder is nurtured. Led by Waldorf trained ECE teachers. sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Chemainus St. Joseph’s Preschool........................... 250-246-3191 An enriching preschool program allowing children to grow as individuals in a safe and nurturing Christian environment.

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. Licensed preschool, group care and out of school care. Early Childhood Educators. childrensdiscovery centre.ca. childrensdiscoverycentre@hotmail.com.

Little Star Children’s Centre................... 250-752-4554 Mother, Daughter owned and operated. Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature. Infused with fun and creative daily yoga practices! Licensed group care.

Enthusiastic ECE instructors. littlestardaycare.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.

June 2015 67

Island Parent Angus’s Cave Celebrating

27 Years

on for Vancouver Island

The Resource Publicati

Parents

June 2015

Towards Zero Waste

Yo! Papa s on Fatherhood Tips, Advice & Rambling

Water Safety for Young Children

Going It Alone Expectations An Exercise in Lowered

Summer Programs

Please visit any of our valued partners to pick up your latest copy of Island Parent.

GREATER VICTORIA Greater Victoria Public Libraries Vancouver Island Regional Libraries Greater Victoria Recreation Centres Thrifty Foods All 25 Serious Coffee locations Island-wide Victoria Gymnastics Country Grocer Chapters Vitamin Shop The Bay Centre (info booth) Scallywags Royal BC Museum Buddies Toys Crumsby’s Market on Yates Market on Millstream Victoria Conservatory JamTots Lifestyle Market Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre

DUNCAN Duncan Mall (centre court) Indigo Red Balloon Cowichan Recreation Centre Cowichan Aquatics Centre Kinderbeez Duncan Tourist Information CHEMAINUS Chemainus Theatre SHAWNIGAN LAKE Community Centre LADYSMITH Ladysmith Recreation Centre NANAIMO Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Quality Foods Country Club Mall Regional Library – Boban Fairway Market Island Natural Health Foods Woodgrove Centre

For a complete list of where you can find a copy of Island Parent Magazine, go to

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 68 Island Parent Magazine

M

any characters in children’s books have their own secret spaces: a fire-hollowed tree large enough to live inside, rooms with concealed doors, forgotten sheds on the edges of expansive properties, a tangle of weeds covering a door to a secret garden. And of course they do: all kids need a place to call their own.

I certainly did. I set up my “collections” in a corner of our unfinished basement. I sat crouched in the hidden patch of dirt behind a bush out back. And once, with a friend, we hit the house’s plumbing while digging an underground den in the side yard.

Our townhouse is small. Angus has his own room, but his bed and dresser take up most of it. He usually lugs his toys into the living room to play. The yard is shared, and it borders a busy street. Even if there were a place for Angus to hide outside, he wouldn’t be able to escape the eyes of his hyper-vigilant parents. But Angus has a hiding place nonetheless: a refrigerator box in the corner of the living room.

When we bought a new freezer, Mike cut a door and window out of the sides of the box with his x-acto knife, then a skylight/ peephole in the top. We expected Angus would enjoy his den for a week or so and then tire of it. But that was 11 months ago.

The outside of the box is now decorated with wrapping paper from Angus’s last birthday. The roof—which collapsed when the skylight became the preferred method of entry—was reconstructed with a sheet of cardboard Mike scrounged from work. The inside is plastered with stickers. The floor is padded with quilts. If you peep inside you’ll see Angus’s sleeping bag, a menagerie of stuffed animals, and every lost toy and puzzle piece we have been searching for.

You’ll see books, and perhaps a ukulele.

And you’ll often see Angus.

The “cave” isn’t exclusively for solo time.

Sometimes Angus likes visitors. Any child who comes over to our house is invited inside immediately. Some adults are, too, though most decline the offer. Grandparents, it seems, don’t find it easy to wriggle their way into a cardboard box. Mike and I manage sometimes. Mike lies on the floor with only his head and torso inside, but I

can squeeze in completely. The hard part is getting out, since generally Angus has piled all his stuffies over me, then flopped himself on top.

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY Angus has fun in his cave. He sings his loudest and engages in the most animated conversations with his furry friends. No matter how cold our house is, body heat alone warms the cave, and quickly. When two people are inside it’s as though we have our own cardboard sauna. It make a satisfying noise when Angus lies on his back and kicks wildly at the walls. And it’s useful for escapes—like when I come after him with a toothbrush or a pair of underwear.

It’s also the perfect place for Angus to hide when he’s had enough. If preschool was overwhelming I know, because he needs a cuddle and cave-time—preferably both at once. When his brain is sore after a full session with his interventionist, he crawls inside and mounds his stuffies on top of him. When he’s had enough of whatever we’re doing—whether it’s puzzles or enforced birthday card decorating—he heads for the cave.

I don’t know how long cardboard boxes remain structurally sound, but hopefully this one has a couple years of life in it yet.

We need it: there’s hardly anything that can’t be fixed by a little bit of time curled in cardboard darkness. We’re reminded of that every time Angus crawls out with a smile on his face, refreshed and ready to face the world. Next time I’ve had a bad day, or simply want to avoid a towering pile of dirty dishes, you know where to find me.

Laura Trunkey is mother to the amazing Angus and the author of a forthcoming short fiction collection from House of Anansi. Email laurajtrunkey@gmail.com.

kidsinvictoria.com

Ad Directory Alpine Stables................. 71 Andrea’s Sew Easy.......... 43 Angela Voll Tutor ............. 51 Arabesque Dance ........... 23 Arbutus Grove................. 69 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria....................... 21 Artistic Statement ........... 25 Babies to Big Kids ........... 43 Ballet Victoria................. IBC BC SPCA ........................ 59 Bear Mountain ................ 10 Big Brothers Big Sisters ..... 9 Blue Vista ....................... 69 Boardworks .................... 27 Boys & Girl Club ................ 4 Burnside Gorge ............... 33 Byte Camp...................... 20 Camp Enterprise Victoria....................... 19 Camp Narnia .................. 52 Camp Pringle .................. 43 Camp Qwanoes .............. BC Camp Thunderbird .......... 54 Canadian Forces Sailing Association ...... 42 Cathedral School............. 53 City Centre Park .............. 18 Conseil Scolaire .............. 49 Dansko........................... 64 Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates ...............IFC Dwight School................... 8 Eaton Arrowsmith ............ 55 Elizabeth Buckley School........................ 12 Emmanuel Baptist Church ....................... 51 Emmanuel Preschool....... 33 Esquimalt Recreation....... 29 Falcon Gymnastics .......... 23 Fernwood Urban Village ... 63 Footholds Therapy ........... 28 Forge Church.................. 50 Fun Society....................... 6 GNS Marine Adventure .... 33 Gordon Head Recreation.... 2 Highland Pacific Golf ....... 30 Horne Lake ..................... 44 IMAX .............................. 22 Island Farms ................... 36 Island Montessori ............ 44 Island Rhythmic Gymnastics................... 6 Kate Rubin...................... 32 Lady Rose Marine ........... 53 Lexie’s Little Bears .......... 70 Lifestyle Markets............. 22 Lighthouse Academy of Dance .................... 30 Lucky Village................... 23 Mad Science................... 25 Maxine Fisher ................. 26 Mayfair Mall ................... 11 Miles of Smiles ............... 43 Mothering Touch ............... 5 Nanaimo Museum ........... 71 North Cowichan Parks ..... 44 Oak & Orca............4, 26, 56

IslandParent.ca

Oaklands ........................ 38 OCEAN 98.5 ................... 41 Pacific Christian School ...IFC Panorama Recreation ...... 61 Park Sands .................... IBC Patricia Lane .................. 45 PISE ............................... 39 R.I.A. Early Learning .......... 7 READ Society .................. 54 Recreation Oak Bay......... 47 Recyclistas Bike Shop ..... 52 Regal Photography .......... 16 Royal BC Museum........... 45 Royal Victoria Yacht Club . 27 Ryan Macdonald Photography ............... 50 Saanich Dental ............... 15 Saanich Fair ................... 64 Saanich Recreation ..... Insert Scouts Canada ............... 55 Screen Actors Studio ....... 27 Serious Coffee ................ 17 Smart Tutor Referrals ...... 59 St. Michaels University School........................ 44 Sportball.........................IFC St. Joseph’s Chemainus .. 71 Stages.........................7, 24 Swan Lake ..................... 21 Sylvan Learning ................ 1 The Children’s Treehouse .................. 61 The Cridge...................... 18 The Raptors .................... 50 Thrifty Foods................... 37 Tigh Na Mara .................. 29 TJ’s The Kiddies Store ..... 46 Tom Lee Music ............... 53 Total Learning Services ... 24 Tutor Doctor.................... 10 UVic Vikes ...................... 65 Vancouver Island Baby Fair .................... 60 Vancouver Island University ................... 71 Vic Synchro .................... 38 Victoria Academy of Ballet...................... 14 Victoria Conservatory of Music ..................... 28 Victoria Gymnastics ......... 19 Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Society.......IFC Victoria Kids’ Consignment .............. 72 Victoria Pediatric Dental .. 51 Victoria Recreation ......... IBC VIHA............................... 58 Vitamin Shop .................... 3 Welcome Wagon ............. 31 West-Mont School .......... 52 Western Promotions ........ 55 Westshore Centre for Learning ................ 17 Westshore Motocross ...... 31 Westshore Parks and Recreation ........... 38 Westshore Town Centre ... 61 World Cup Soccer ........... 59

Curiosity • Diversity Exploration • Nature Play-Oriented Learning

Now Registering for September 2015

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca Under an hour from Swartz Bay with direct daily ferries to Mayne Island

Island hopping packages now available 9 housekeeping cottages perfect for family getaways

250-539-2463 • 1-877-535-2424 bluevista@bluevistaresort.com • www.bluevistaresort.com June 2015

69

Sweet Summer Nights “In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt!” ~ Margaret Atwood

Open House June 14, 12 to 2pm

Celebrating our New Infant/Toddler Nature Program as well as our NEWLY renovated Bear Den! Come see what we have been building with the trees from our own property!

Registration for September on now! www.lexieslittlebears.com

778-432-3600 70 Island Parent Magazine

A

hh, those summer nights. The days are longer and warmer which makes those evening barbecues and late night strolls all the more appealing. We humans aren’t the only ones enjoying this time of year. Fellow animals such as bats, owls, and raccoons also take advantage of this time and have a host of adaptations that help them do so.

First of all, a clarification; while some animals are labelled as nocturnal, meaning they are primarily active at night, many animals are actually more crepuscular, meaning that they are active primarily at twilight, usually at dusk and dawn. This is good for us as, being daytime creatures ourselves (teenagers being the exception), our senses are not especially well developed for night time observations so dawn and dusk are better times for us to observe them.

Bats are a prime example of crepuscular creatures. These amazing mammals, the only mammals to have truly mastered the art of flight, are incredible insect hunters.

Their wings are actually a modified hand covered with a double membrane of skin that stretches between the hand and finger bones and extends to the forearm, sides of the body and hind leg. Using their adaptation of echolocation by emitting a series of super-sonic sounds that bounce back from other objects and are picked up by the bats, they can catch and consume hundreds of insects per hour.

Your best bet at spotting these fabulous creatures is near water or near a good source of bugs. In your neighbourhood, this likely means observing street lights as they tend to attract insects and thus their predator, bats.

If you happen to be near a lake at dusk, look near the surface where lots of small insects congregate and you might observe the swooping flight of bats, too.

Raccoons are mainly nocturnal but they are occasionally spotted wandering during the day and often at dusk and dawn. They feed mostly along sources of water such as streams and lakes and, being omnivores, eat almost anything available including fruits, nuts, grains, insects, bird eggs, frogs, and crayfish. These animals have adapted marvelously to co-existing with human beings and have been known to use their dextrous fingers, and intelligence, to access

tasty morsels in unsecured garbage cans and compost bins. They can even come in to houses through cat doors to access food inside!

Nature Notes RENéE CENERINI Although raccoons will make a mess if they access your garbage can—make sure you secure your cans folks!—there is a certain pleasure at spotting these masked bandits making their way across your yard, or on top of your fence, a few babies trailing behind mom.

Owls are chiefly nocturnal birds of prey; there are some exceptions, such as the mighty but small Northern Pigmy owl that is usually active during the day. With their large heads and flattened faces forming facial disks, they have a distinct look that often strikes us as wise-looking. These birds are master hunters of the night with enlarged eyes allowing for maximum light sensitivity and highly accurate hearing. Their silent flight is made possible by specialized feathers, they have excellent camouflage and their feet and talons are capable of delivering a fatal grip to most of their prey.

While their superb camouflage does make them hard to observe, their territorial and mating calls allow us to hear their presence, if not always spot them. If you see many other birds, such as crows or even robins making a big fuss over one particular spot, do stop to look awhile as they may be mobbing a sleepy owl to disturb its daytime slumber.

There are a host of other creatures that come out at dusk so take advantage of these warm, long summer evenings to head outside—you never know who you might spot!

Renée Cenerini is the Program Manager at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and is looking forward to seeing some night time creatures this summer during some of Swan Lake’s evening programs. Please visit www.swanlake.bc.ca for details. kidsinvictoria.com

FamilyFriendly Cowichan Valley & Mid-Island

Summer Programs • Chinatown Drop-In Program • Bastion Tours Thursdays & Saturdays Wednesdays fr om1:30pm from 12:00pm - 12:45pm 3:30pm (ages 5-12) • Wellington Cemetery Tours • Vikings Drop-In Program Jul 16th & Aug 20th from Fridays from 1:30pm 10:00am - 10:45am 3:30pm (ages 5-12) nanaimomuseum.ca • 250.753.1821 • program@nanaimomuseum.ca

St. Joseph’s Elementary School - CHEMAINUS DEVELOP

Call now for September Enrollment

GrandKids University July 9 & 10, 2015 GrandKids (ages 7-13) & grandparents come together to learn in a dynamic atmosphere!

Spaces are limited.

Register Today! 1-866-734-6252

BUILD “I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude and thanks for what St. Joe’s has meant to our family. Being part of a different educational system gives me a greater appreciation for the UNDERSTAND commitment, sacrifice and love that makes St. Joe’s the school it is.”

Now accepting registrations for 2015–2016 Day Care, Preschool, K–7, Before & After School Care

9735 Elm Street, Chemainus 250 246 3191 sjc@cisdv.bc.ca www.stjosephselem.ca

Summer Riding Camps Weeklong Overnight Camps

viu.ca/grandkids

IslandParent.ca

A unique opportunity for students to participate in the responsibility and care of horse (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 contact:

250 743 6641 Cobble Hill

www.alpinestable.com June 2015 71

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

Family Decision Making

I

f you are making decisions for issues that involve other people in your family, you might want to Cut it Out! Effective communication skills need to be taught and practiced on a regular basis.

These include learning how to take turns and listen to the speaker until there is an understanding of how that person feels and why they feel that way. We also need to listen to what really matters to that person once they have expressed those feelings.

We can learn to talk about an issue without blaming the other person, making assumptions, or putting the other person down. These basic skills are a necessary component to conflict resolution and family decision making. When we do this, we decrease sibling rivalry, power struggles and actually win cooperation amongst family members.

When people feel heard and have a sense that their ideas are significant, it brings about a sense of belonging. The steps to

72 Island Parent Magazine

making decisions or resolving conflict are as follows: 1. Identify the issue and stick to that point without bringing in other issues. Bringing up the past or other subjects will often create an argument that can’t be resolved.

2. Hear the feelings and needs of each person. You don’t have to agree, it is okay to see things differently. Just listen to understand by putting yourself in the other person’s shoes.

3. Once you’ve heard the feelings of each person, invite people to suggest ideas. This is called brainstorming and the most important part of this is not to judge the ideas as they come up. Just make a note of them and keep asking, “What else could work?” Gather as many ideas as possible and have some fun by saying something crazy.

4. This is where the adults need to keep the playing field level by not taking over.

Involve the kids when deciding what won’t work. Once you get rid of what won’t work, you have some good ideas.

5. Take those ideas and make a plan.

You can write it up or draw a picture and stick it where everyone can see it. Let that visual structure be the boss!

You can set up a gripe board and agree to review it on a weekly basis. Co-operation is the end result of practicing these skills and while things may not work out perfectly, the bigger picture is that you are doing this.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See lifeseminars. com.

kidsinvictoria.com

Summer camp for children ages 3 to 6 June 22nd to June 26th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Dates July 6th to July 24th Junior and Senior programs For more info and registration visit balletvictoria.ca 250-380-6063 www.balletvictoria.ca Paul Destrooper - Artistic Director

Summer Camps at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre

Hang out with us this summer!

View and register for summer programs at victoria.ca/recreation 250.361.0732.

Watch the vi d eo

!

q wan o e s .c a/ summ e r/ m e di a

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fill each day. Experience a world of discovery, over 75 activities, all with an amazing staff. iAn EnjOOy thE bESt OF A CAnAd wESt-COASt SUMMER!

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES!

www.qwanoes.ca 1-888-997-9266 Call for our free broChure

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island, BC