June 2017 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

29 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

June 2017

Yo! Papa

Fathers & Daughters

Tips, Advice & Ramblings

Summer Programs

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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!

The Princess Who Wore Glasses

by Laura Hertzfeld Katz

Fancy Nancy: Spectacular Spectacles

by Jane O’Connor

Arlo Needs Glasses

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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.

Preschool to Grade 8…and beyond.

Curiosity • Diversity Exploration • Nature Play-Oriented Learning

Limited September Spaces for 4 year olds C M

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Imagine a School…where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. v Junior K and Half/Full-day Kindergarten options also available v Comprehensive K–8 program consistently exceeds BC Curriculum v Excellent facilities, convenient Cedar Hill and Gordon Head locations v Highly qualified, dedicated staff and low student/teacher ratios

3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca

Check out our Summer Programs Directory Listing in this issue!

Visit our website, come to one of our Open Houses, or call us!

www.ArtsCalibre.ca info@ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

ADVERTISING FEATURE

4 WAYS TO MOTIVATE KIDS TO LEARN OVER THE SUMMER If you are worried about your child losing mo-

children the value of paying attention details

mentum with their studies during the summer

like this, as well as practice their creative writing

months, you aren’t alone! Although every child

skills. Two birds, one postcard!

learns at their own pace, a two-month break

3. Family Finances

each year can really affect how much progress is made.

Let your child assist with the budgeting on Research in this field shows that when classes

Holidays

are over, children experience a learning loss of an estimated 2.4 months for reading comprehension and 2.6 months for mathematics and

Rather than stifle children by telling them to

computation. The math loss is greater because,

them to be involved? You’d be surprised by how

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sharp your kids can be! Getting your kids involved in finances could be as simple as setting

stay-out of the adult stuff, why not encourage

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a goal. Maybe the goal is to stay within budget The key to keeping skills sharp over the summer

for food for a given day. You could give your kids

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parents is to insert a learning component into summer days – and more importantly, to do it

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Encourage your child to keep a journal or diary

The summer months are an ideal time to contin-

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Writing a journal is also an excellent exercise to

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continue learning throughout the summer. Summer learning could be your child’s chance to get ahead in a big way!

If the old trope of sitting under a blanket with a flashlight doesn’t sound enticing, why not use technology? That old iPad nobody uses anymore could be a great journaling tool for your child.

Dust it off and let the journaling begin!

2. Write Postcards Encourage Postcard Writing when You’re on Holiday Postcards are a great choice. Think about it! If you receive an email, no matter how heart-felt, the “warmth-factor” goes through the roof with a post-card! Post-cards allow you to teach your

IslandParent.ca

J U LY

program

It is a minimal time commitment, requiring a bit It wasn’t all that long ago that everybody kept

JUNE

AUG

Summer Learning Loss 1. More than 11% of children ages 6 - 12 care for themselves over the summer time.

2. It can take up to 2 months from the first day of school for a students brain development to get back on track after the summer.

3. Two months of subject-focused learning is all it takes to significantly improve specific skills.

4. By 6th grade, students will have lost 18 months of learning due to summer learning loss.

June 2017 3

48 Free to Play

FEATURES

COLUMNS

16 Kate Wiley:

The Dirty Business of Making Time

19 Yo! Papa 20 Elise Velazquez: Child Spacing 22 Summer Programs 32 Jerri Carson: 150 Years of Folk Songs 34 Window Safety 36 Barbara Julian: Fathers & Daughters 48 Susan Gnucci: Free to Play 50 Read Away Your Library Fines 52 Family Bullet Journal 54 Kathy McWhirter: Nurturing a Love of Nature 56 Sherry Conly: LaFF Mornings 59 Too Much TV 60 Early Eco Education 62 Ashley Degraaf: The Making of a Mompreneur

Sue Fast

Editor editor@islandparent.ca

Island Parent Magazine 830–A Pembroke Street Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 250-388-6905 islandparent.ca

5 Sue Fast: Editor’s Note 14 Erin Skillen: Post-Married Mommy 63 Emillie Parrish: Cooking With Kids 64 Cindy Knott:

Linda Frear

Healthy Families, Happy Families 66 Sarah Milligan: Is There an App for This?

68 Diana Hurschler: New Parent Pages 74 David Leach: Dadspeak 76 Francie Morgan: Nature Notes

78 Allison Rees: Cut It Out!

In Every ISSUE Island Parent Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Party Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34, 35 Family Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Around the Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Family Services Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 71 Preschool & Child Care Directory . . . . . . . . . . . 72, 73 Business & Professional Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

RaeLeigh Buchanan

Mark Warner

Office Manager & Sales sales@islandparent.ca

Advertising Consultant raeleigh@islandparent.ca

Publisher/Owner publisher@islandparent.ca

Design & Layout Eacrett Graphic Design

Printed by Black Press

ISSN 0838-5505

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Island Parent Magazine, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for Vancouver Island families. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions (12 issues) are available for $35 (GST included). Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement 40051398.

On the COVER

Elise M. (5 years old). Photo by Helene Cyr, Helene Cyr Photography, helenecyr.com

4 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Jump Into June A one-a-day list of things to do June 1st. Fly Up, Up and Away at Sidney Museum’s show on comic-book superheroes (10am-4pm until June 27), featuring comic books, action figures and artwork from 19381979. sidneymuseum.ca 2nd. Eat, dance and play fiddle at Victoria Fiddle Society’s monthly Fiddle Jam from 6-9pm at Wheeley Hall in Esquimalt. Open to all. victoriafiddlesociety.com 3rd. March along with the 55th Annual 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.

4th. Celebrate World Oceans Day with free marine-themed activities in Sidney’s Beacon Park from 11am-3pm. Also enjoy half-price admission to Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (10am-5pm). salishseacentre.org 5th. Look for the man in the (full) moon.

6th. Take a guided tour of The Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria, every Tues and Sat at 2pm. Free with admission.

7th. Cool off with Nanaimo Ice Centre’s Glow-in-the-Dark Skate from 6:30-8pm.

8th. Microwave a bar of Ivory soap and make soap clouds. ourbestbites.com 9th. 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 7:30pm and 9:30pm.

10th. Celebrate Cowichan Lake Days (June 5-11) with kids’ activities, a fishing derby, soap box derby, and Grand Parade (June 11). cowichanlakedays.com 11th. Twirl along at the Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet, a 12-minute show on Sundays at 10:45am throughout June, then

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on Saturdays, too, in July and August.

12th. Check out the world’s tallest buildings, underwater robots and a solar car race across Australia in Dream Big: Engineering Our World, an IMAX movie celebrating the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. imaxvictoria.com 13th. Snorkel With the Seals at the BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival (June 9-18) in the Comox Valley. bcshellfishfestival.com 14th. Explore Family: Bonds & Belonging at Royal BC Museum, an exhibit that asks, “What is a family?” It’s not all relative. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 15th. Stroll Sidney’s Street Market, Thursdays from 5:30-8:30pm along Beacon Avenue where you’ll find over 150 vendors along with a myriad of musical performers.

16th. Celebrate the Aboriginal Cultural Festival (June 16-18) with the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations at Royal BC Museum from 9am-5:30pm (11am-5:30pm Sat/Sun)where you’ll find music, dance, food and the arts.

17th. Drop by FernFest (June 16-17) for the Kidical Mass Bike Parade (decorating at 10am), followed by family activities in the Field of Dreams (Victoria High School field), an artisan’s market, and live entertainment from 9am-10pm.

18th. Run, walk or cycle to Car Free YYJ on Douglas St (from Chatham/Caledonia to Courtney), 11am-6pm. Enjoy a range of free entertainment at four stages plus more than 275 vendors. downtownvictoria.ca/carfree 19th. Pick up an activity booklet at the main entrance of Fort Rodd Hill and become a Parks Canada Xplorer. Earn a certificate and a special souvenir. pc.gc.ca 20th. Stay up late and celebrate the summer solstice.

21st. Get wet at Esquimalt’s new water park, part of the Fraser Street Adventure Park next to Esquimalt Recreation Centre.

22nd. Search for fairy houses at VIU’s Milner Gardens 7th Annual Fairy House Surprise (June 22-25) in Qualicum Beach.

Sue Fast Editor’s Note 23rd. Play Drip Drip Splash—think Duck Duck Goose, but with a cup of water!

24th. Meet over 140 artisans and food producers at Saltspring Island’s famous Saturday Market from 9am-4pm in Centennial Park.

25th. 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.

26th. Rent inner tubes, (a family pass is $60), at Tube Shack and embark on a 2.5 hour journey down the Cowichan River. Includes shuttle from Little Beach to Saywell Park. cowichanriver.com 27th. Grab some grub at the Food Truck Festival, running Sunday to Thursday from 11am-6pm, Friday to Saturday from 11am7pm outside Royal BC Museum.

28th. Visit The Raptors in Duncan for a compelling interactive experience with amazing birds of prey. pnwraptors.com 29th. Drop by the library and sign up for the free Summer Reading program, starting today. gvpl.ca 30th. End the month with a bang at the Musical Fireworks Extravaganza in Sidney at 10:15pm along the waterfront. (Celebrate Canada Day at Family Fun Day the following day in Iroquois Park from 12:30-4pm).

Happy Summer.

June 2017 5

Island Parent NOTES SportStart Grant

Remember the days spent playing outside all summer? 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 2015 ParticipACTION Report Card indicates that only15 per cent of three- to four-year-olds are meeting guidelines to spend less than one hour in front of a screen per day. Children 17 and younger should spend less than two hours per day in front of screens. According to ParticipACTION, only one in four children and youth are within that limit. Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease in children and youth.

Providing our children with the opportunity to learn the fundamental movement skills that will give them the confidence and motivation to be active is crucial. This summer, PISE will offer over 50 camps and programs for children and youth on the Island. To ensure children aren’t excluded from PISE summer camps due to financial reasons, PISE offers the Condo Group SportStart Grant, a program that can cover the cost of any PISE-facilitated program or camp.

Money doesn’t have to be a barrier for children who want to play and be active.

To learn more about SportStart, visit pise. ca/sportstart-grant.

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 Avenue, Langford), Robbins Parking (1102 Fort Street, 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 is open from 8am-9pm and 6 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Thetis Lake is open from sunrise to sunset.

For more information, visit crd.bc.ca/parks.

The Newly-Minted Kaleidoscope Ball (aka Butterfly Ball)

This annual spring gala event on June 3 from 4:30-9:30pm is a truly unforgettable evening for parents and the kids they love (grandparents, aunts and uncles too!). Taking place at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas St), Kaleidoscope Ball raises key funds to support the important work led by Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Based on attendee feedback and the Foundation’s desire to be as inclusive as possible, the Kaleidoscope Ball (formerly Butterfly Ball) is now open to the whole family—meaning mothers and sons, grandmothers and grandsons and aunts and nephews are invited to attend alongside the fathers and daughters, grandfathers and granddaughters and uncles and nieces that already know what a special event this is for families.

In celebration of the Foundation’s 90th birthday this spring, the 2017 Kaleidoscope Ball will be an unforgettable birthdaythemed party for children and their families, including the delicious food, dancing and magic that this formal event is famous for.

A key fundraiser for the programs and initiatives that Children’s Health Foundation supports, this year’s event will again include live and silent auctions, a photo booth and stories from Island families that have made it through a health crisis thanks to the compassionate support of the Foundation.

Tickets—$180/adult, $95 for children— include: The photo booth, light-up bottomless slushy glasses for the kids, and a surprise bag for each child to take home.

For more information or to register, visit childrenshealthvi.org.

Explore Our Parks

Come and explore Gulf Islands National Park Reserve this summer. The park reserve is just north of Victoria and has it all: big cedars, sandy beaches, windy trails, crackling campfires and fun park interpreters.

Kick off the camping season at one of the signature Canada 150 celebrations, Bioblitz 2017 on the Pender Islands. This free, family-friendly 24-hour event begins at 4pm on June 9 and ends at 4pm June 10. Brush up your outdoor skills with fun activities. Head out on an adventure with a species expert and help find as many critIslandParent.ca

ters as you can. Explore forests, waterfront shores, trails, lakes, ponds and all the life they hold. Bioblitz basecamp is located at the Pender Islands School, 3715 Canal Rd—and it’s free. Register in advance and find out more at BioBlitz2017GulfIslands. eventbrite.ca

Yoga, Support and Fun! June 2017 Schedule

975 Fort Street,Victoria | 250-595-4905

We have lots of classes, activities and support groups for Parents, Babies and Toddlers.

All classes are drop-in.

Come on down and tryy them out!

Sunday

Prenatal Yoga 10:30am Postnatal Yoga 12 noon

Monday

Yoga for Labour & Birth 5:15pm

On Vancouver Island, visit McDonald Campground (10740 McDonald Park Road, North Saanich) for S’mores and More every Saturday in July and August from 7-8 pm. Join an interpreter for a campfire, songs, stories, and more at this fun and free weekly event. To bring your campground cooking skills to the next level check out A Taste of Camping, a special event on July 29. Experts from Parks Canada and MEC will teach you techniques and recipes that are guaranteed to make your next camping trip a tasty one.

For the complete listing of park programs and campsite reservation information, visit parkscanada.gc.ca/gulfislands or phone 1-866-944-1744.

Relay for Life 2017

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 2017 is happening in various Island communities on different dates in June: Nanaimo on June 3 from 5-11pm at NDSS Rotary Track; and Courtenay/ Comox Valley on June 10 from 6pm-6am at Vanier Track.

Tuesday

Family Yoga NEW!(ALL AGES)10:15am New Baby Group (0-4mos) 11:15am Mom & Baby Strength & Stretch 1:00pm Prenatal Strength & Stretch 5:15pm

Wednesday

Motherhood Circle 10:30am (by registration) Older Baby Group (4-9mo) 1:00pm Prenatal Yoga 5:15pm

Thursday

Toddler Yoga 10:15am Mom & Baby Yoga 11:30am Mobile Baby Group (9-18mos)1:00pm Prenatal Yoga 5:15pm

Friday

Prenatal Yoga 10:15am Mom and Baby Yoga 12 noon Pregnancy Happy Hour 5:00pm

Find more information on all of our classes and groups, on our website at www.motheringtouch.ca.

Happy Father’s Day! Are you about to become a Dad? Are you a new Dad? Come and join our Dads’ Workshop A workshop for new fathers and fathers-to-be, to discuss new roles, expectations, life changes, the challenges, and the deep pleasure of being a DAD! Thursday, June 22, 7pm. $35

See our website for more information.

The place for new and expectant parents | www.motheringtouch.ca

June 2017 7

Little girls with dreams become women of vision.

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12: unparalleled continuum of learning Nature-inspired JK and Kindergarten Empowering girls’ leadership program embedded at all levels Small school benefits: safe, supportive, high engagement Canada’s first girls’ STEM school: an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning

Girls, Age 3 & 4: Register Now for JK! Check out our full-day inquiry-based Junior Kindergarten (Age 3 & 4).

Contact us to visit our campus & apply for Fall 2017.

1080 Lucas Ave, Victoria admissions@stmarg.ca 250.479.7171

International Montessori Academy Open for Summer School Preschool Kindergarten Elementary French/Academics/Art

IMAC Montessori Academy

2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan 250-737-1119 www.intmontessori.ca Nurturing young minds. Keeping the spirit free.

8 Island Parent Magazine

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.

Family Theatre Festival

Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People will present its fifth annual Family Theatre Festival June 10 in Centennial Square. This free festival is a thank you to the people of our community for the continued support of professional children’s theatre, and features five performances by four groups, along with children’s activity tables and food trucks. Daisy and her musical pal Cam will lead a fun-filled hour of song, play, and merriment, featuring classic children’s music and songs made up on the spot. Magician Paul Kilshaw will be on hand along with The Purple Pirate, an award-winning children’s performer. Food will be for sale by L’Authentique Poutine & Burgers and Hungry Rooster Perogies. The Family Theatre Festival runs from 11am4pm on Saturday, June 10. Admission is free, but space to each show is limited, so show up early.

2nd Annual Vancouver Island Nature Preschool ‘Campference’…for KIDS ONLY

Hand-In-Hand Early Years Nature Education Program (HIH) is hosting the 2nd Annual Vancouver Island Nature Preschool Campference from Friday, June 16–Sunday, June 18. This 3-day nature-inspired event is for children, aged 3-6 (must be out of diapers) who have been enrolled in a nature preschool or Early Learning Nature Education Program (ELNEP) on Vancouver Island. This “campference” is a volunteer event, put together by the collective efforts of nature preschool and ELNEP educators as a way of giving back to the many Vancouver Island families who believe in and support nature preschools.

Registration is by donation (the only costs that families are responsible for is travel expenses, camping fees and meals). Half of the proceeds will go to supporting HIH’s in-house subsidy program which provides IslandParent.ca

financial assistance to low-income families who are interested in registering their children in nature education programs. The other half of the proceeds will be deposited into a Vancouver Island Nature Preschool (VINP) bank account, where Vancouver Island Nature Preschools and ELNEP can apply for a grant to aid in financial assistance with their program(s). Last year HIH supported The Galiano Playgroup (a program of the Galiano Activity Centre Society in partnership with the Galiano Conservancy Centre) and their Nature Buddies program for preschool-aged children.

This event brings all of the VINP and ELNEP families and educators together in one forest, on one beach and in support of what we all love and do best—teach, learn, and play with children in nature. Sign up early so that your little one(s) do not miss out on this inspiring weekend filled with nature fun and adventure. For information, visit hand-in-handeducation.com.

Becoming a Dad—A Workshop for New & Expectant Fathers

Becoming a father is a big life transition, truly a rite of passage. There are many things to learn and to adjust to in the new role as a dad. In Becoming a Dad, on June 22 from 7-9:30pm at Mothering Touch (975 Fort St in Victoria), new and expectant dads will get the lay of the land, so the territory feels more familiar.

The class will explore some of the main challenges in becoming a new father and co-parent, so that participants can clearly identify them as they are emerging. The class will also explore a range of strategies for facing some of the main difficulties, and for adjusting and thriving in the new roles as a father. This two-hour workshop is led by Dimitri De Morea, a clinical counsellor and a father. Also at Mothering Touch is Parenting the Newborn (including First Aid) on 3 consecutive Thursday evenings (running June 1-15) from 7pm to 9pm. Topics include: crying and comforting, swaddling, sleeping arrangements, breastfeeding challenges and how to avoid them and deal with them, pumping and saving breastmilk, diapering, bathing, baby wearing, infant first aid, infant choking procedures, infant CPR, infant seizures, poisoning, allergic reactions, and prevention of childhood related injuries. For information or to register, visit motheringtouch.ca.

Monday-Friday Camps that run all summer long!

Cottage Kids

Aqua Adventure Camp

A licensed camp for the younger camper! A little of this and a splash of that from arts, crafts, games, songs, sports, outside play and swimming!

JDF KIDS COTTAGE

A one hour Red Cross swim lesson (4 days a week) and a two week camp in one! Be prepared to have lots of fun and get wet.

JDF CURLING RINK

5-6 Years

Must have completed K

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$30/day

Register by the day, week or month!

Summer KinderPrep 4-5 Years

A super fun summer camp for children entering kindergarten in September. Time is dedicated each day to kindergarten preparation such as numbers, literacy and structured activity. Kids will also enjoy playbased learning and outside activities.

JDF PLAYROOM ROOM

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

$170/week*

Fun Seekers Day Camp 6-9 Years

Must have completed K

A fun-filled week of sports, creative crafts, science and games. Don’t forget activities at Centennial Water Park, music and more.

CENTENNIAL CENTRE YOUTH ROOM Register by the day, week or month!

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

$37/day*

Cool Capers Day Camp

7-8 Years and have completed Gr. 1

Join other Cool Capers kids for a week of sports, arts, crafts, games, music, swimming, field trips and more!

JDF CURLING RINK

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$150/week

Active Afternoon Camp 7-11 Years

Get active in the afternoons at this exciting 1/2 day camp. Adventures will include arts, crafts, theme days, swimming, outside activities and more!

JDF CURLING RINK

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$100/week

Register Today!

7-11 Years

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$410/2 Weeks

Sizzlers Daycamp 7-11 Years

Join our leaders for games, crafts, swimming, sports, beach trips, theme weeks and much more. Spice up summer vacation!

Register by the day, week or month!

JDF GALLEON ROOM Register by the day, week or month!

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

$37/day*

Out & About 8-12 Years

Have a blast in an action packed camp full of exciting themes. Each week will include arts, crafts, games, sports, swimming, and an outing. Join us for a summer of fun.

ROYAL BAY SCHOOL CYPRESS ROOM Register by the day, week or month!

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

$37/day*

Aspiring Young Artist Camp 6-8 Years and have completed K. and 9-12 Years Alternate Weeks

Artists will explore mediums and techniques including printmaking, pastels, watercolours, and outdoor sketching. In addition campers will spend time outdoors.

CENTENNIAL CENTRE SPRUCE ROOM

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$170/week*

Active Play Summer Camps

7-9 Years (Junior) & 9-12 Years (Senior) Formerly Jr. Sports and Sports Action Camp, young athletes will enhance skills and create friendships in an activity based camp with structured and unstructured games, activities, and sports, plus a weekly field trip.

THE Q CENTRE – LOWER LOBBY

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

$175/week*

CALL 250-478-8384

LOADS MORE CAMPS ONLINE AT

westshorerecreation.ca

* No Camp on Stat Holidays Mondays July 3 and August 7 (BC Day) ed for camps running these weeks are prorat Cost

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 9

A Natural Way to Spend Summer

Regional Parks Campgrounds Capital Regional District’s campgrounds offer affordable, selfcontained RV and tent camping in nature with fabulous water views.

Island View Beach Regional Park on the Saanich Peninsula Jordan River Regional Park along the Strait of Juan de Fuca Sooke Potholes Regional Park at the Sooke River

Capital Regional DistrictConnect www.crd.bc.ca/parks Connect with us with us Capital Regional District

Capital Regional District

@crd_bc | #crdparks

@crd_bc | #crdparks

CRDVictoria

CRDVictoria

Creative Placemaking Workshops Tuesday, June 20, 6:30–9:30 pm Thursday, June 22, 3:00–6:00 pm Workshops are free and for all ages Register at office@openspace.ca

Finally, a chance to share all you learned creating a tree house!

10 Island Parent Magazine

Ride Don’t Hide

On Sunday, June 25, thousands of cyclists will gather for one of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) 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 (CMHA). 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.

Since he returned, Schratter has called 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—Mid-Island/Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Victoria—on June 25 and will help raise awareness about the stigma against mental illness. The Victoria Ride will start and finish at Ogden Point on Dallas Road. There are five ride distances along the scenic coastline: 7km Family Ride, 18km Beginner Ride, 28km Intermediate Ride—plus a 51km Advanced Ride and 105km Extreme Ride (limited space) for experienced riders.

All routes are on the road.

Cyclists of all ages and skill levels—family, intermediate and advanced—are invited to 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.

Summer Reading at the Library

Take a walk on the wild side with the Greater Victoria Public Library’s Summer Reading Club. Whether at home or on holidays, kids 12 and under are invited to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes per day to keep up their reading over the summer.

For every week of reading, young readers will receive an incentive: temporary tattoos,

IslandParent.ca

a swim pass, a new book and more. The program is self-paced, so is suitable for readers of all levels, even babies and toddlers are welcome to participate. Colourful reading records will be available on June 29 at all 11 GVPL branches to help track daily reading.

In 2016, nearly 8,000 kids in Greater Victoria participated in Summer Reading Club. The library will also offer hundreds of free programs for kids and teens all summer long. In mid-June, GVPL will release their program guide; registration begins June 29.

For ’tweens and teens aged 10-18, the library offers a book review club called “All That and a Bag of Chips.” Visit any branch to sign up, and kick off the summer with a free book and a bag of chips. Participants who write a short review of their book will receive an entry into a grand prize draw.

They can return to the library for free refills on books throughout the summer (sorry, chips with the first book only!).

For more information about Summer Reading Club or All That and a Bag of Chips, visit gvpl.ca.

Spirit of 150 Victoria

To commemorate Canada’s 150th, Spirit of 150 Victoria presented by Coast Capital Savings will host 11 days of 100+ free performances on two stages from June 21-July 1 at Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Enjoy family-friendly activities, multicultural performances and local food vendors leading up to Canada’s 150th, culminating with spectacular fireworks.

2017 is a “Year of Reconciliation” for the City of Victoria, with the aim to restore a balanced relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Spirit of 150 Victoria will kick off with National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday, June 21 at Ship Point, and First Nations culture will be showcased on June 30 with the Esquimalt Singers and on July 1 with a First Nations blessing and performances by the Lekwungen Dancers on the Main Stage.

Harbour Stage at Ship Point will feature multicultural events and activities leading up to Canada Day. The all-ages venue will also include local food vendors and craft beer and cider service, which will switch to a craft soda station on July 1.

La Celebration de la Francophonie will follow on Saturday, June 24 and then Cana-

dian Multiculturalism Day on Tuesday, June 27, with a range of cultural and musicalthemed days in between and leading up to the long weekend.

Headlining this year’s Main Stage on the Legislature Lawn will be Tegan and Sara on Friday, June 30 and the Arkells on Saturday, July 1. Additional performers will include The Funk Hunters, Delhi 2 Dublin, En Karma, Carmanah, De Temps Antan, Dirty Mountain, Stella Swanson and the Rosie Joyfuls, Valdy & The Salt Spring Children’s Choir, and more.

The two-day Main Stage performances from 5:30-9:30pm (Fri) and 3-10:15pm (Sat), culminate on Canada Day with fireworks above the Inner Harbour at 10:20pm.

Canada Day highlights will include a Family Zone with activities for all ages.

Returning to Belleville Street will be the Flavour of Canada international food village and sponsor activity tents.

The Living Flag will take place on the Legislature Lawn at 2pm with 4,000 free red and white T-shirts available. This year, organizations are invited to pre-register their groups of 12 or more online to reserve free T-shirts for ease of pick up. Individuals will also be able to line-up for a free T-shirt. The

High School Education in

a University Setting #StartYourJourneyHere The High School at Vancouver Island University is a BC certified independent high school uniquely

Contact: highschool@viu.ca 250.740.6315 /The High School at VIU @highschoolviu

viu.ca/highschool

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situated on a university campus.

Now accepting applications for grades 10, 11 and 12.

Catherine

The High School at VIU, Grade 11

June 2017 11

Does your child have jaws that seem too far forward or back?

goal is to attract a record-setting number of 5,000 Living Flag participants, making this year’s photo one for the history books.

Share your story on what Canada means to you by way of an audio recording, video or text submission at Spirit150Victoria.ca.

For event updates, follow @Spirit150Victoria (Facebook, Instagram) and @Spirit150Vic (Twitter). A detailed event schedule will be shared with the community in early June. For more information, visit Spirit150Victoria.ca.

Early Intervention can have far reaching benefits.

9th Annual SKAMpede Festival

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Saanich Dental Group Free Consultation: 250-477-7321 info@saanichdentalgroup.com (for children under 12)

Summer Workshops at

Magical kingdom, Outer space, In the garden and more. Paint canvas, and ceramics, create castles and time machines or a gnome with his own home.

See website for details and to register today 1801 Fort Street

12 Island Parent Magazine

www.firedupceramics.ca

SKAMpede is Theatre SKAM’s 9th annual outdoor live performance festival, running July 14-16. SKAMpede features short shows of dance, theatre, spoken word and more that are suitable for the whole family. Take in a series of short shows along Harbour Rd and the Galloping Goose Trail. Audiences travel from show to show by bicycle, rollerblade, electric mobility scooter, skateboard or on foot (anything that’s legal on the Goose).

How does SKAMpede work?

The audience arrives at Harbour Rd. SKAMpeders (that’s YOU!) buy a ticket, decorate their ride at the Decoration Station, and then proceed to departure gates where they are met by a team of audience wranglers. Audiences are dispatched on a tour with a map and take in three shows and return to the Hub to get ready for the next tour. Audiences travel in like-minded fashion: wheels with wheels and pedestrians with pedestrians. Performing companies repeat their short shows several times a day for these small audiences. Audiences may see up to four tours (12 shows) on one admission. (This takes just over three hours on wheels, longer on foot.) At the Hub between tours they enjoy delicious food and surprise bursts of entertainment.

This year the festival will host 5 national companies (Iqaluit, Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton and Charlottetown), 4 Vancouver companies, and half a dozen local companies. It’s the perfect combination of live performance, outdoors, and summer fun. If you want a real treat, attend Friday Night Feast on July 14. See 9 shows at once, and enjoy a multi-coursed dinner at the Hub with 3 performances brought in from the trail—a feast for the senses. Visit skam.ca for more info or call 250-386-7526.

School Supplies & Fundraising (250) 818-4543

Monk Office is offering 3 ways to shop so you don’t drop this year: IslandParent.ca

1. Purchase a pre-built kit through your school’s fundraising program. Monk partners with local schools to provide the best prices on school supplies while providing a 10 per cent rebate to the PAC or school.

Have a PAC Code? Use it at bts.monk.ca to unlock special pricing and fundraise for your school.

2. They’ll do the shopping for you—for free. The “Pick and Pack” program starts July 24, email or drop off your school supply lists at your local Monk Office store.

They will find everything on your list(s) and contact you when it’s ready for pick up.

3. Shop online at bts.monk.ca. Shop local wherever you are. All orders are hand packed in Monk’s Victoria warehouse and delivered to your door or to a Monk Office store for free pick-up.

Just another way shopping local gives back to our communities.

Sooke Fine Arts Show

The Sooke Fine Arts Show runs July 28-Aug 7. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy the gallery’s wide range of media, styles and modalities. Children can play “I Spy” games, watch art demos, and vote for their favourite Children’s Choice Award piece. On August 1, from 2pm the afternoon is dedicated to children and youth, with hands-on art activities guided by professional artists. Kids can take to the stage for live music and dance performances. To encourage family attendance, the entry fee on Artz4Kids and Artz4Youth day is $2 (children under 12 are free).

The Youth Art Gallery encourages artists from ages 11-18. Two hundred student art works will be on display, providing a unique opportunity for young artists to share how they view their world and display in a professional gallery setting. The artwork is framed at no cost and is available for sale, increasing self-esteem and confidence. Two scholarships are offered to students who will be continuing their studies at post-secondary school.

Family members, peers, friends and arts patrons can see both the Youth Art Gallery and the main Fine Arts Show.

Vancouver Island’s Premier Summer Art Show provides regional kids with access to 375 world-class artworks, access they might otherwise not have. For more information visit sookefinearts.com.

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 13

Island Parent The Other ‘L’ Word on for Vancouver Island

Celebrating

The Resource Publicati

29 Years

Parents

June 2017

I Fathers & Daughters

Yo! Papa

Tips, Advice & Ramblings

Summer s Program

Please visit any of our valued partners to pick up your latest copy of Island Parent.

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t’s 4:59 a.m. I’m alone in bed having a panic attack. My kids are at my ex’s house. I’m trying to breathe deeply and calm my body but the twisting in my chest and the aching in my stomach won’t stop.

Without an adult, child or dog next to me, I cannot find a soothing rhythm of breath to mimic in hopes of regulating my own. I have the best of friends and family in my life.

But they aren’t there during these moments in the middle of the night. So there’s no one to pretend to be okay for. No one to help me work through it. In those breathless, painful moments I am very much alone—and lonely.

I assumed that the big ‘L’ was a result of my marital status, and part of it absolutely is. I thought that loneliness was a luxury

maybe in the traditional definition of being alone. There’s a spectrum of loneliness, many of us are feeling it to some degree, but very few of us seem to actually admit to it.

But now I know that more of us are dealing with it than you might think, but most of us won’t admit that at a block party or PAC meeting, or maybe even to ourselves.

Loneliness isn’t one thing to all people. It’s complex and varied. For me, it’s being alone in the middle of the night, with no one to reach out to. For other people, it’s sitting at a playgroup full of parents feeling unable to be yourself and connect with anyone else. It can be the feeling that though you have lots of colleagues or acquaintances you speak with on a daily basis, you can’t actually

that most parents with young kids would kill to experience. I assumed that many of us would be thrilled to just use the bathroom without being harassed for attention the entire time. And we would (using the bathroom uninterrupted is amazing!!!), but I have learned that simply being surrounded by other humans doesn’t preclude even the busiest parent from feeling lonely at times.

In thinking about loneliness, I started talking to other people about it and I no longer believe it’s rare for parents, except

express a genuine thought to any of them.

So we pretend. We make B.S. small talk.

We keep it to ourselves. And we feel alone.

While being immersed in the type of loneliness I’ve been feeling in my separation, it was easy to forget the kind I’d experienced when I was married. The loneliness I felt back then had nothing to do with my husband. It was because I felt I didn’t belong anywhere after becoming a parent, and that feeling got even stronger after I had my second child. But it was manageable

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For a complete list of where you can find a copy of Island Parent Magazine, go to

islandparent.ca 250-388-6905 14 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

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Post-Married Mommy at work. I couldn’t find a new identity that fit and as a result I felt lonely.

Some parents feel extremely lonely within theirLESSONS marriages FOR after the kids arrive on the scene. While the experts say it’s essential to ALL, BEGINNER prioritize your marriage, most of us can’t helpTO butADVANCED! put the adorable little newbies at the top of the pecking order. And that puts each member of the couple down a ENTHUSIASTIC, FLEXIBLE peg or two. •Having kids changes people and those changes canLESSONS! alienate partners.

Ethan Hawke’s character in Before Sunset 30+ saying YEARS “I OFfeel TEACHING articulated it•well, like I’m running a daycare with someone I used to EXCELLENCE! date.” The partner you knew is still there, but kind of not •really the same STUDIO NEARanymore, UVIC and they value other new humans over you.

That can be hella lonely.

So what’s the answer? Do we just wallow in our isolated pits of loneliness and try to ride it out alone? I sure as hell don’t know what to do to fix it. But I do know that while I felt like a complete loser admitting I was lonely at times, the response taught me it was totally normal. Most people actually seemed relieved that I was owning up to it and pretty much interrupted me with some variation of “Me too!” every time.

Being a parent is hard, but it can feel a lot lighter when you commiserate with others.

Somehow just putting a name to loneliness makes it less daunting, less shameful and less powerful. The middle of the night can still be a difficult time for me, but knowing I’m not the only one out there feeling lonely actually does make it a little easier to face alone.

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Office: 250-388-5882 Cell: 778-678-7387

Pwensley@macrealty.com Paulawensley.com

Erin Skillen is a coffee-addicted mom and media producer in Victoria. To ditch stress she shakes her booty to Beyoncé, spins around in a giant metal hoop and writes romantic comedies with another mom.

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 15

The Dirty Business of Making Time I

r e m Sum g o r p g n i n i a tr

ram

Canadian Forces Sailing Association

www.cfsaesq.ca

Courses for all ages, from beginner level to Advanced.

Maplebank Rd

Register now!

1001 Maple Bank Road

irals

Rd

R Colville

d

U

I

CFB Esquimalt Dockyard

DR

ESQ M

Week

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To registerADULT call: COURSES

Evenings

Tues & Thurs. DND NON- Adult Colwood Activity COST DNDCentre CANSail

June 2 June 25

June 29 July 22

250-363-1009 Mon. & Wed.

$300

$330

Basic

June 30 courseIntro information: Tues For & Thurs. to the sport of sailing & July 23 seamanship. Covers a range to cfsaesq.ca/training/summer_training_program.html, July 28 Tues & Thurs. suit all experience levels.

20 emailAugsailinginstructor@cfsaesq.ca, phone 250-385-8873 Fri. eve. and We follow of instruction Aug the Sail Canada CANSail curriculum Adult CANSail 7, 8, 9

Sat. & Sun. daytime

Look for CFSA

$300

$330

’ve been thinking a lot about housework lately. (Outward Bound has a saying: If you can’t get out of it, get into it.) I suffer from something called HCD, or Home Control Disorder. It makes for a lot of work, particularly when young children are living in the home.

While my husband does his fair share around the house, the division of labour will never be equal. I take on more because I spend more hours at home—but also because of the aforementioned need for control. I mean, please, show me a man who can properly clean a toilet.

Often I will engage in imaginary delegation, where I’ve made a list of things for my husband to do, but that list remains in my head and never gets verbalized. When he fails to execute those tasks, I get frustrated with him. This is where scheduling a weekly “calendar night” can be helpful. You both get to decide what goes on that calendar—from who does the chaperoning, to who takes out the recycling. (To all the single moms out there, mad respect. I don’t know how you do it.)

You may even find that there are things on that list that simply won’t fit into either person’s schedule. And that’s alright. Or at least, you can choose to make it alright. So the clean laundry piles up for a week. Nobody will call Child Protection Services.

The lofty, BuzzFeed-inspired domestic ideal doesn’t do anybody any good, least of all our children. When you tuck yourself into bed tonight, take a moment to consider this question: What is a good mother? Your answer will likely have little to do with the calibre of your herb garden or the extent to which your floor sparkles.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations makes delegating (the verbal variety) a whole lot easier. Sometimes it feels like more trouble than it’s worth to ask for help doing the little things like picking up the Lego, brushing teeth or changing the sheets. But 20 of these little things can add up to a whole lot of work—and a whole lot of resentment.

Resentment is insidious stuff. It chips away at the stability of your relationship while simultaneously stifling your ambition. It’s hard to reach for the stars when you feel like the universe is giving you a raw deal.

Lightening the load allows us to focus on the things in our life that really matter.

Of course, to make this scenario work, you need to be clear about exactly what it is that matters most to you. How easily we get swept up in the family hustle, shuttling our kids from one commitment to the next, and lose sight of why we elected to have a family in the first place.

Kate Wiley To properly deconstruct our reasons for doing what we do takes some serious self-inquiry. Super, says your inner voice, another thing to add to my to-do list! But greater awareness doesn’t require lengthy meditation sessions every morning. What it does require is questioning why you do things. Reflecting on how we spend our free time and big-picture stuff, like why you invite certain people into your life, or when to take on professional obligations and when to say no.

Curating a life that works for you may mean enlisting your in-laws in folding laundry, even if they drove 9+ hours to be here (true story). It may mean serving frozen pizza twice this week, because feeding your creative impulse is as important as feeding your family.

The trick is to find what works and then implement strategies to remind you of your priorities. One of my priorities is to be more present with my kids, so I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a small notebook around with me and jotting down stuff I need to get done. Rather than committing precious neural resources to maintaining a to-do list in my head, I put it down on paper. This allows me to do more single-tasking. And, yes, I choose paper because the last thing I need is another app competing for my attention.

Kate Wiley attributes her appreciation for taking things with a bit more ease to a year in France.

Want more strategies for slowing things down?

Join her in the Slow Mamas community on Facebook @chooseslow.

Advanced

Progress to Advanced sailing skills.

16 on Facebook!

Island ParentBasics Magazine course prerequisite.

IslandParent.ca

SUMMER

CAMPS

RECREATION OAK BAY SUMMER CAMPS! FUN!

Register Now!

Call 250-595-7946

play!

or register online:

recreation.oakbay.ca

re! a Adventu

Join Recreation Oak Bay for a Free Celebrate Canada Event!

Friday June 30, Noon-2pm Oak Bay Municipal Hall Lawn Free BBQ & Cupcakes • Entertainment • Jumping Castle • Crafts & Games!

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18 Island Parent Magazine

Lessons for All Ages and Abilities too!

2291 Cedar Hill X Road 250-370-7200

Pass is good for 12 months of swimming, skating and fitness studio* drop-ins *Age restrictions apply, ask reception for details.

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

Yo! Papa

Wisdom, Tips, Advice & Ramblings “Do all the other things, the ambitious things—travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)— but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.”

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

George Saunders

Parent Hack # 53: Clip Your Baby’s Fingernails …while she’s in the front carrier

From Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids by Asha Dornfest (Workman Publishing, 2016).

Baby fingers are tiny. Baby fingernails? Miniscule. And they must be trimmed! Frequently!

With a sharp metal clipper! While attached to floppy baby hands!

Hold your baby in a front-facing carrier while clipping her nails. She’ll stay calm and relatively immobile, and you’ll have two hands available to snip with precision.

(Some parents clip nails while the baby’s sleeping, but that never worked for me. My kid was a light napper, and there was no way I was touching him after he fell asleep.) Asha Dornfest

#inthetrenches Exploding Unicorn @XplodingUnicorn [finally gets the car seat installed correctly] Me: Where’s the baby? Wife: In college.

Brian Hope @Brianhopecomedy Apparently I pack an apple in my 5 year old’s lunch so it can get out of the house for a few hours.

Lessons My Father Taught Me

by David Suzuki

Simon Holland @simoncholland

…from davidsuzuki.org

Accidentally played dad instead of dead when I encountered a bear and now it can ride a bike without training wheels.

“Whatever you do, do it with gusto.

Don’t do it in a sloppy, half-hearted way but enthusiastically, whether it’s scrubbing the floors, picking cherries, or playing basketball. That’s how you get the most out of life.”

“We all need money for the necessities in life, but you don’t run after it as if money makes you a bigger or better man. If someone flashes his fancy new clothes or big car, pity him, because he has gone down the wrong road.”

“Live within your means.” This important lesson is embodied in the familiar expression “Save some for a rainy day.”

“You must stand up for what you believe in, but be prepared for people to be angry and to disagree. If you want to be liked by everyone, then you will stand for nothing.”

“You are what you do, not what you say.” Kids have a different way of saying this in their taunt, “All talk and no action.”

Josh @wearaonesie My superpower is being able to ruin my kids’ day just by making him put on socks

The ParentNormal @ParentNormal Me: Why do you keep throwing your food on the floor??

3yo: Because the ceiling is too high.

Classic Ragù Bolognese 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cups (about) beef stock or 2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 11⁄2 cups) chicken stock, divided 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1 cup) 3 Tbsp tomato paste 2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped (about 3⁄4 cup) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 oz lean ground beef 1 cup whole milk 6 oz ground veal 1 lb. tagliatelle or fettuccine (preferably fresh egg) 1⁄2 cup dry red wine 3 oz thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft, 8–10 minutes. Add beef, veal, and pancetta; sauté, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 15 minutes. Add wine; boil 1 minute, stirring often and scraping up browned bits.

Add 21⁄2 cups stock and tomato paste; stir to blend. Reduce heat to very low and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, 11⁄2 hours. Season with salt and pepper.

Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan; gradually add to sauce. Cover sauce with lid slightly ajar and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until milk is absorbed, about 45 minutes, adding more stock by 1⁄4-cupfuls to thin if needed.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 1 minute before al dente. Drain, reserving 1⁄2 cup pasta water. Transfer ragù to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water by tablespoonfuls if sauce seems dry. Divide pasta among warm plates. Serve with Parmesan. from bonappetit.com

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 19

“My sons are two years apart and it was hard at first, but so worth it.” She meant well. She really did. But she couldn’t have picked a worse moment to bring up my fertility.

I took a deep breath and muttered something like, “Oh yeah, well, good for you” Several months ago, I received a positive and made a quick exit. pap-test result. I got the call on a Friday afternoon at work while I was tidying up my desk. After years of agonizing over whether or not to have a second child, my husband and I had finally decided to go for it. In preparation, I scheduled a pap test.

I was not expecting to discover that I had high-grade pre-cancerous lesions on my cervix, effectively putting our plans for a second child on hold and causing me anxiety There is a big difference between intent about my health. After a long cry in my and impact—the fact that people often office bathroom, I pulled myself together mean well when they bring up family and headed to the dinner party that we had planning does not reduce the harm these been planning to attend that night. conversations can inflict on people who At dinner, another mom that I had never are struggling. met before brought up child spacing. “Your Since that night, I have had time to reflect boy is getting big. You should hurry up, on the unintentional harm those conversabecause otherwise your kids won’t be tions can cause and the different ways I friends,” she warned. can react to both diffuse the situation and I felt weak, as though I might faint. But to provide some point of connection and she didn’t let up. insight for the well-meaning people who

Child Spacing

Whose business is it, anyway?

F

ertility and child spacing are intensely personal topics, but acquaintances and strangers often bring them up in social settings. When my husband and I married eight years ago, it seemed like we had opened a flood-gate of comments and queries about our plans to have a baby.

After we had our first child, I never anticipated the next wave of intrusion, which has come in the form of unsolicited advice and comments about child spacing. These comments can be harmful for those of us who are struggling with fertility issues or who are wrestling with emotionally-charged decisions about our family composition.

The more that we can open up about how difficult these seemingly casual conversations can be, and the more prepared we are to respond with honesty and grace, the closer we can move towards a culture that recognizes and respects privacy and supports families who struggle with fertility.

20 Island Parent Magazine

Elise Velazquez

IslandParent.ca

bring up child spacing and fertility.

The good news is that as more parents share their fertility issues and as the stigma about sexual health issues declines, the easier it gets to engage in ways that honour our own circumstances, all while respecting our vulnerability.

The next time I received advice on child spacing, I was ready. It was at my son’s play group. One of the dads and I started talking while our sons played. He told me that his wife was pregnant and that “two-years is the best gap” between siblings. “Don’t wait too long because after four years, well, why even bother with the second?”

I took a deep breath and connected to the pain and grief swirling within me. Then I said, “Yes, I hear what you are saying about ideal child-spacing, but that kind of thing really depends on what is best for each family, and it’s actually beyond people’s control a lot more often than you might think.”

It felt good to be honest and speak my mind. I kept going. I told him about my current struggle with HPV and cervical lesions and the high cost of childcare for our first child, which made us rethink, until recently, having a second child. The dad listened to me and told me he genuinely hadn’t considered that I might be dealing with any of those issues, and he was sorry for having crossed a line.

I know many people will not be ready to divulge their most personal details when strangers bring up family planning. Two hours after receiving my positive pap test result, I sure wasn’t ready to do more than breathe into a paper bag. The point is, if you’re faced with someone else’s opinion of when you should have your first/next child, you don’t have to make excuses or invent stories and then feel uncomfortable about it. Honour your feelings and react in the way that is right for you in the moment. If you get blindsided like I did at the dinner party, it’s OK to simply tell the person that you don’t want to talk about family planning. Or, if you can, let the person know that family planning is complicated for you. The more you do this, the easier it’ll get, and the more likely the person who has brought up family planning with you will think twice before they broach the topic with someone else.

Elise Velazquez is a communications professional, mother, feminist, and over-thinker of all things. She lives in Gordon Head.

IslandParent.ca

Registration now open for:

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

DATES AVAILABLE:

ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE: SKATING | ROLLERBLADING | WATER PARK | FIELD SPORTS LAKE ACTIVITIES | POND FISHING | KAYAKING | CRAFTS NATURE HIKING | MINI GOLF | BALLADIUM | SPORTBALL SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS | MUSIC | DRAMA | BOWLING COOPERATIVE GAMES | PLAYZONE | GYMNASTICS | ART

$165/WEEK 2 OR MORE WEEKS: $155/WEEK DROP IN: $175/WEEK

July 3 - 7 July 10 - 14 July 17 - 21 July 24 - 28 July 31 - Aug 4 Aug 8 - 11 Aug 14 - 18 Aug 21 - 25 Aug 28 - Sept 1

PRE REGISTER:

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

www.citycentrepark.ca | 250.391.1738

Victoria Gymnastics

all y F tion l r Ea istra es g iv Re cent 1–30 In e 1 Jun

Summer Programs

Week Long 1/2 Day Camps — OR —

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

Through Advanced

Colwood Location Now Open

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

380-2442 Or Register Online At www.victoriagymnastics.com June 2017 21

Summer Programs

DANCE/MUSIC/ PERFORMANCE Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio of-

Here it is! Victoria’s most comprehensive listing of summer programs for families. fers young people with a dramatic interest Included you’ll find information on everything from Art to Science and Nature or passion special programs. Courses and and much, more. Check out the advertising in this issue for more details. camps run fall, winter, spring and summer.

ART Fired Up! Join us for a fun-filled adventure in the studio at Fired Up! This summer we are hosting a series of themed weeks with one-day workshops. Sign up for just one or come for the whole week. Discounts offered for multiple camps. Starting with “The Beauty and That Other Guy” and ending with a ride in to space art, whether you are interested in the fairy world or the great outdoors, we have a camp for you!

Open Space Workshops for Kids. Creative Placemaking Workshops allows families to engage with city planning through creating their dream tree house out of clay. Date: June 20 at 6:30pm and June 22 at 3pm.

Drawing Habitats workshop for youth, Cofacilitated by Open Space Art Society and Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. Date: August 10 or 11, noon-4pm. For more info and to register, email office@openspace or phone 250-383-8833. All workshops are free.

Playful Pencil. From cartooning and comic making to 2D and 3D sharpie projects to nature journaling outings, the Playful Pencil Art Studio has lots to offer this summer for kids ages 7-12yrs that will inspire creativity and encourage them to draw for the fun of it! Visit playful pencil.ca or call us at 778-265-2261.

CHURCH CAMPS Amazing Journey Day Camp: July 10 to 14 (9am-12noon) Pre-K to Grade 5. Get ready for a fun, action-packed journey into the world of Ancient Rome, the early church, and Paul’s adventures. Visit the games arena, apprentice workshops, and the amphitheatre at this amazing Christian based program designed to help children understand the meaning of living their lives with faith. Sponsored by Lutheran Church

22 Island Parent Magazine

The studio is highly regarded in Victoria for of the Cross and St. Luke Cedar Hill Angli- running quality theatre programming for can Church. Limited space. $35/child. Info/ youth. We offer something for all levels. registration: amazing4kids17@gmail.com. At the end of each term, students will have an opportunity to perform their work for Elk Lake Baptist Church. Maker Fun Fac- an audience! Groups are small for quality tory Day Camp: Aug. 21-25 (9am-noon) instruction. For more information, call K-Grade 5. At Maker Fun Factory, kids 250-386-7536 or email kathleen@skam. discover that God made them—and for a ca. skam.ca. purpose! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, Four Seasons Musical Theatre. Summer play teamwork-building games, make and is almost here, and what better way for devour yummy treats, and test out Sciency- your children to spend it than by learning Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play and perfecting the art of musical theater. with all summer long. Location: Elk Lake Four Seasons is offering four summer Baptist Church (5349 Pat Bay Hwy). $25/ camps where children between the ages child. Info/Registration: 250-658-8111 of 7 and 16 will learn basic stagecraft, the or elklakebaptist.ca. Due to a generous art of auditioning, singing, acting, dance, donation, the first 40 campers to register and improvisation. Four Seasons Musical are FREE! Theatre Society is a local Westshore community theater company who specialize in Emmanuel Baptist Church. Come and fun family friendly entertainment. Join us. join us for summer camps this year. We have fmstheatre.ca. 250-478-0329. seven affordable camps for children from Preschool up to Grade 5. We are learning Stages Performing Arts Schools is offerabout bugs, oopy-goopy science, making ing a number of different summer programs movies and Vacation Bible School theme is through July and August. Since 1980 Stages “Maker Fun Factory”. Grades 2-5 Camps has offered professional instruction in jazz, will go on outings each afternoon. We have ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre & hip competent staff as well as lots of volunteers, hop for all ages & levels of experience. We so the camper to adult ratio is very low. believe that all students should have an Registration forms visit emmanuelvictoria. equal opportunity to learn in a safe, nonca. Phone: 250-592-2418. Email: summer@ competitive environment, which fosters selfemmanuelvictoria.ca. expression, a healthy body, confidence, & encourages discipline, creativity & pride in COMPUTERS their accomplishments. For more information, please call STAGES at 250-384-3267 Byte Camp—Creative Tech Camps for or visit stagesdance.com.

Kids! Kids in our “Claymation Movie Production” camps create their own clay SMUS Summer Music Academies. Join characters, sets and props, and shoot and students from across North America in this edit their own quirky animated movies. unique summer program with a solid arts Our “Flash Video Game Design” camps pedigree. Youth age 11-17 can spend a week teach kids how to animate characters and of intensive, hands-on learning with expert stories, and program Actionscript to make instructors exploring and enhancing their fun, interactive video games. And our “3D skills in a specific area of the performing Animation” camp will introduce the next arts. Program areas include: Band (concert generation PIXAR artists to the amazing band, jazz band, and switch band), and world of 3D character modelling and ani- Musical Theatre. For details, visit us at: mation. $240/wk, 9-14yrs, bytecamp.ca, smus.ca/academies or call 250-370-6120.

1(888) 808-BYTE for more info.

Tom Lee Music Academy’s flexible summer lesson programs offer an ideal solution IslandParent.ca

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.

Victoria Academy of Ballet’s Storybook Ballet Camps (July 4-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28), ages 4-6, 6-10. Explore ballet’s most beautiful tales through ballet, jazz, creative movement, character dance, arts and crafts and musical exploration. The Boys Can Dance camp (July 4-7) is for boys aged 7-11 and is free for new students. The Junior Summer Intensive, ages 9-13 (July 10-21) is a full day intensive with ballet, jazz, character, contemporary and pointe preparation. VictoriaAcademyofBallet.ca or 250-590-6752.

VOS Spotlight On Kids & Teens. Whether your child randomly bursts into song and dance or is shy and needs to find his or her voice, the VOS Spotlight Musical Theatre Summer Camps are the perfect summer activity. Theatre is more about the process than the end production. Beyond the practical application in theatre, students will learn to work in teams, solve problems, build selfconfidence, gain respect for the talents and opinions of others, and explore their own creativity while making new friends. 250381-1021. vos.bc.ca/summer_camps.php.

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World

Get Inspired by Inquiry!

We are a certified independent school offering a free activity based home learning program.

EDUCATION

ArtsCalibre Academy. Offering a wide range of engaging and innovative summer programs during July and early August 2017, including: Visual Arts, Musical Theatre, various Sports, and special Outdoor Adventures. Ages 5 to 12. Experience our expanded facilities and outstanding teaching staff, and get a taste of our extraordinary educational programs for Preschool through Grade 8—and beyond. Details and registration at: ArtsCalibre.ca/programs.

250-382-3533.

• K-12 distributed learning inquiry and interest-based

Our goal is to inspire, support, and challenge children to learn without pressure.

• hands-on learning activities offered but not mandatory • certified teacher available for support, ideas and inspiration

A program of Oak and Orca Bioregional School http://oakandorca.ca

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 23

Summer Day Camps 2017

If your son or daughter has autism and is 6 to 18 years old, we can help.

• 1:1 Behaviour Intervention • Year-Round Social Skills Groups and Day Camps • Autism Funds Management

250-477-7231 ext 237 autism@clvic.ca

Community Living Victoria

Autism Services

Toys, Games & Puzzles for All Ages

koolandchild.com Kool Toys & Teaching Tools

24 Island Parent Magazine

#102 – 2517 Bowen Road Nanaimo 888.390.1775

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 26-August 30 and is suitable for ages 5-10. Technology Camps are also running throughout the summer. Robotics, Minecraft and Programming themed camps for ages 8-12. Call 250-383-5125 for details or email cathedralschool@cathedralschool.ca.

See cathedralschool.ca.

Island Debate provides coaching for students ages 10-14, including activity-based skill development in debate, public speaking and Model United Nations (MUN). Our experienced instructors help participants learn to construct arguments, and gain confidence speaking in front of groups.

To learn more about the kinds of exciting activities taking place at Island Debate Summer Camp, check out our website at islanddebate.com.

School may be out for Summer, but for just 30 minutes a day, your kids could make this their smartest summer yet! Kumon is the math and reading program that has helped millions of kids to reach their full potential.

We have centres conveniently located across Vancouver Island to serve you: Oak bay, Nanaimo, Saanich, Langford, Sidney and Duncan. Call us at 1.800.ABC.MATH or visit us online at www.kumon.ca.

Powerful Youth. We believe youth are powerful, but how can they build the confidence and skills to develop their individual leadership potential? Our Global Leadership Academies provide 2 week long transformative experience-based leadership training programs for youth ages 12-18.

Last summer 133 teens from 18 different countries completed over 60 hours of service leadership service learning. Where: Brookes Shawnigan Lake Campus. When: July-August. Price: $1,350 as special offer for BC Residents only. Apply by June 30th: powerfulyouth.com.

“Learning Through Play” at St. Joseph’s Early Learning Center in Chemainus. Our enriching program and loving care provide IslandParent.ca

a positive atmosphere where every child is respected and welcomed. Accepting registrations for summer and fall programs (Ages 30mos-5yrs.) Our year-round programs allow children to grow in all aspects of development in a safe and nurturing environment. Call for more information: 250246-3191 or visit us at stjosephselem.ca.

Girls’ Summer Camps at St. Margaret’s School provide fun activities in a gorgeous natural setting to build confidence, friendships, and skills. Your daughter will love our weekly themes for girls in K to Grade 4: Art, Cooking, Musical Theatre, Sewing, and more. Plus check out our new specialty camps Girls’ Empowerment (Gr. 5 & 6) and Robotics (Gr. 5–8). Full-day camps (Mon-Fri, minus holidays), Jul 4 to Aug 11 or register week-by-week. Details & registration: stmarg.ca/girls-summer-camp. jcowie@stmarg.ca. 250-727-7163.

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.

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria  250 477 7321 info@saanichdentalgroup.com Victoria’s favourite dentists believe a healthy smile starts early. Free first visit for children under 5.

GYMNASTICS Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in Gymnastics, is offering Summer Sault Gymnastics camps. Starting July 10-September 1, 2017, 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 & Fitness are number 1. Phone 250-4796424. falcongymnastics.com.

Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its 37th year of providing quality gymnastics instruction to boys and girls ages two through adult, beginner through advanced.

Over this time period, Victoria Gymnastics has gained its long standing reputation as IslandParent.ca

Refreshing

Smoothies Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any Serious Coffee CafÊ 5P ÜOE POF OFBS ZPV HP UP TFSJPVTDPòFF DPN

June 2017  25

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. We’re also very pleased that our second location at 520 Mt. View Ave, Colwood is now open and offers summer classes and camps. 250-380-2442 or victoriagymnastics.com.

RECREATION Burnside Gorge Community Centre offers day camps for children and youth.

Fun n’ Sun is a licensed camp for ages 5-11 offering fun weekly themes, crafts, swimming, and field trips. 7:30am-5:30pm, $170/weekly or $40/daily. Camp Survivor is an action packed adventure camp for youth ages 10-15 that takes you outdoors for kayaking, paintball, motocross, swimming and more. 9am-4pm. $170/weekly or $50/ daily. City of Victoria LIFE credits welcome.

Call 250-388-5251 for registration/subsidy information. Visit burnsidegorge.ca for more information.

Harbour. We offer 1 and 2 week courses for ages 4yrs to adult, beginner to advanced.

CFSA is a wonderful place to learn sailing with a protected harbour and favourable winds. Questions about the program?

Contact our Program Manager Ryan at sailinginstructor@cfsaesq.ca or leave a message at 250-385-8873. Details at cfsaesq.ca/ training/summer_training_program.html or Facebook @esquimaltsailing. To register call 250-363-1009 or PSP Online—CFB Esquimalt at bk.cfpsa.com/esquimaltpub/ index.asp.

Summer Camps for ages 5-15 at City Centre Park are packed full of fun activities this summer including skating, roller blading, water park, field sports, lake activities, pond fishing, kayaking, crafts, nature hiking, mini golf, bowling, 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.

This summer learn to sail at the Canadian Coastal Bliss Adventure summer camps Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt have been running since 2012 in the

Island Swimming Club

Cowichan valley, with inspired children returning annually, or progressing onto leadership rolls as junior instructors. Our camps provide a mixture of water and land based camps that include: Kayaking, canoeing, Stand-up-paddle-boarding, surfing, backpacking and nature exploration as main focuses, with an assortment of exciting afternoon activities including archery, sword fencing, juggling and high stilt walking. Register early as programs fill up quickly! coastalbliss.ca. 1-800-896-9525.

We know you have many options for your kids each summer. At the Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre, we provide many safe and fun options for your kids. We’ve got everyone covered from preschooler to teen. You can view our Summer Camp Flyer that outlines each opportunity over the summer months and you can register online at victoria.ca/ recreation or by phone at 250-361-0732.

Highland Pacific Junior & Bantam Summer Camps. Combine outdoor exercise with golf instruction and learn the game in a fun, exciting way. Includes professional coaching and on course play daily. Camp will be running most weeks in July and August. 3-day camp (choose your days) $79

Swimming for Excellence in Life

Summer Skills & Summer Camps Available Now!

Join the fun this summer.

Sharpen your skills and enjoy a cool break in the pool.

Great lessons at even greater value!

Programs Available at Saanich Commonwealth Place For Swimmers Age 7-13 July 10th - August 04rd For more information about summer programs contact: www.islandswimming.com info@islandswimming.com (250) 744-5536

26 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

for Bantam and $99 for Junior. Full 5 day camp $119 for Bantam and $139 for Junior.

250-478-4653. highlandpacificgolf.com.

Recreation Oak Bay—Come play, have fun and experience the magic of summer camps. There are camps for all ages in fabulous locations. From half day to daily to week long camps there is something for everyone’s schedules and needs. New fun themes include Adventure Bay, Rocking Sports, Director’s Cut-Reel Film Making, Fairy tales camps along with the favorites; Sports, Arts and Crafts, Dance, Golf, and Aquatic camps. Visit recreation.oakbay.ca or call 250-595-7946 to register.

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! 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 parties 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 to 4, Sunday by calling 250-590-8088.

Located at 2207 Millstream Road in Langford. Contact westshoremx.com.

Calling all Fun Seekers and Summer Sizzlers! West Shore Parks & Recreation Summer programs 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 Roving Play Parks, Neighbourhood Nights and Wednesday Story Walks, all free programs at a different West Shore park each week.

Visit westshorerecreation.ca or call 250478-8384 for information. Facebook: facebook.com/westshorerecreation IslandParent.ca

Big Kids Corner FULL DAY CAMPS July 4th to September 1st Families can register for weekly camps, or by the month.

For children 5 to 12 years old.

250-590-2722 info@babiestobigkids.com • babiestobigkids.com • 949 Fullerton Ave

SELF SERVE DOG WASH 602b Esquimalt Road Victoria, BC

Open Daily 6am–11pm Shampoo Condition Flea Shampoo Blow Dry NO S TMENT APPOINEDED NE

FALCON

GYMNASTICS CENTRE

For Dog Owners who want Convenience and Affordability

Summer Sault Gymnastics Camp 2017 Call for more information:

250-479-6424

July 10 to September 1, 2017

School Age Recreational – Half Days morning or afternoon and Full Days, ages 5–14.

For more information visit 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 info@falcongymnastics.com June 2017 27

SCIENCE, NATURE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION Discover fully accessible, Camp Pringle at Shawnigan Lake.

Explore a safe, exciting, outdoor community where active and healthy children have fun.

Experiential adventure-based activities, develop greater self-awareness and build confidence. Join our Leadership Program or our teen week for an Ultimate Adventure. General Co-Ed, Family Camp and more. Learn to build positive relationships with the environment and your peers.

Delicious food. Overnight or Day Camps.

New or experienced campers, all families welcome, for a week that lasts a lifetime. camppringle.com.

Summer Camps?

Sports Expenses?

Quick loans till payday:

cashadvantage.ca 250-475-6267 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 For more information visit www.burnsidegorge.ca

28 Island Parent Magazine

At FUN Camps, kids and teens become ecosuperheroes while having fun and making new friends. Each week, different hands-on FUN themes connect your child with the amazing world around them. Our trained educators lead FUN Campers on outdoor adventure activities like kayaking or rockclimbing, inspire them to create their own projects, and guide them through innovative games and explorations that teach through fun. For more info and to register visit funsociety.ca. Let’s have FUN! The Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program offers: day camps for ages 11 to 12; combination day and overnight camps for ages 13 to 14; and a full five-day kayak and camping adventure to Barkley Sound for ages 15 to 17. Small groups and experienced leaders create an ideal and safe opportunity to experience sea kayaking and the marine environment, to gain skills in paddling and to explore some of our spectacular BC coastline. Call: 250370-6852. Email dtyrrell@mygns.ca Visit: mygns.ca/marine-adventure.

Mad Science. We spark children’s interest in science, encourage curiosity and build their confidence and skills. Programs like Space Robotics, Secret Agent or Mining and Crafting bring distant, invisible or digital activities into the real world. Any of our topics in this years’ half or full day camp is cool! Children participate in science explorations and have fun. All camps include indoor and outdoor activities. Our mixed classes focus on age-specific needs IslandParent.ca

and abilities. Details and registration on line: vancouverisland.madscience.org Oak and Orca School is offering a very small multi-age program for ages 3 to 10 years. There will be lots of opportunity for small group games and exploration of various outdoor environments. We will have a routine that will probably include about 50% outside time and a variety of semistructured activities. Depending on age, these might include gardening, gratitude circles, arts and crafts, nature awareness, learning to code/off-line logical thinking, robotics, indoor and outdoor games, cooperative explorations, and water play.

For more information please contact 250383-6609 or info@oakandorca.ca.

Get Out. Look In. Since 1969, Outward Bound Canada has made it our mission to cultivate resilience, leadership, connections and compassion, through inspiring and challenging journeys of self-discovery in the natural world. Close to 175,000 Canadians have pushed beyond their limits and discovered their true potential by participating in our transformational outdoor adventures. West Coast programs allow students to gain a High School Credit or work towards a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. 1 888 OUTWARD (688-9273). outwardbound.ca.

Join the summer fun at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, celebrating local animals and plants with all their wondrous adaptation to living in this wild oasis in the heart of an urban landscape.

From nature classes for your pre-schoolers, school aged and even French immersion students, to drop in family events, hikes and evening walks, there is something for everyone! Call 250-479-0211 or visit swanlake.bc.ca for details.

Summer Kids Camps 2017

Day Programs & Overnight Camps

Contact Us for Dates & Register Today!

coastalbliss.ca 1 800 896 9525 coastalbliss@shaw.ca

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unior (Sci letic Entr STEAM J & Illustration • Ath to choose from! ore Design d much m Fashion n a • s u c Circus Cir 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 250-370-6120

Get Closer

SPORTS Learn. Move. Achieve. and have fun. PISE Summer Camps focus on fun ways to develop fundamental movement skills and patterns that enable children to be active for life. Learning a broad range of these skills helps develop the confidence and competence to take on any challenges that children and youth encounter in sports and daily activity. This is developing physical literacy. PISE camps are for ages 3 – 18 and run throughout July and August. PISE.ca/ summer-camps.

IslandParent.ca

the-raptors.com

Duncan, BC

250-746-0372 June 2017 29

Royal Soccer Club. With over 100 locations, we’re celebrating our 25th year of running the #1 grassroots soccer day camps in Canada. Operating all weeks in July/ August, we offer a soccer focused morning and a swim and camp games for afternoons.

Boys and girls aged 5 to 13 can register for full day, morning and afternoon sessions with early and late care times available at no extra charge. Call 1-800-427-0536 or visit royalsoccer.com for more information.

World Cup Soccer Camp offers exciting summer camps from Victoria to Pt. Hardy.

Our professional coaches are trained to make learning fun for children. Whether your child is a 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. 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.

Island Swimming. Join BC’s top swim team for a summer of fun. Programs for swimmers aged 7 to 13 run weekly from July 10 to July 31 at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Put some splash in your summer with expert coaching, skill development, water and land activities. Programs include full day and half day camps or afternoon skill maintenance practices. Visit islandswimming.com to register or for more information.

Victoria Synchro Synchronized Swimming Summer Camp. July 10-14 or Aug 21-25, 9am-4pm at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Boys and Girls ages 8-12, no synchro experience necessary just swimming skills. Water

and land activities. Fun, fitness, friends and teamwork. This sport combines swimming, music, dance, gymnastics, drama and team skills. Includes camp t-shirt and club swim cap. Give synchronized swimming a try! victoriasynchro.com contact jennifervicsynchro@gmail.com.

OTHER Community Living Victoria’s Autism Services offers dynamic community-based programs for children and youth (6-18 yrs) with Autism. We offer 1:1 Behaviour Intervention, Social Skills Groups and spring, summer and winter Day Camps.

Our skilled and caring team draws from various behaviour support models to customize programming for each youth.

Fun programming within safe, supportive environments motivate youth to expand their interests, gain confidence, strengthen social and communication skills, and build friendships. 250-477-7231. communitylivingvictoria.ca

STAGES Su m mer Pro g ra ms Running This July & August

Yo u t h

Da n c

e C a m P reFs c h o o or 3lD ps 5 ye ar ol a n c e ds in Mus C ical Thea Ballet, J a mp s tre & a Tap zz, e v n s i er 2 e soer s t s n I a l b e C m h ehrtshe summs eorldf D a n2c1 - Saerpstoeld & uopbawtiict s c n a D oug cr ye ear st Au g u ncers 11 Hop & A Li tt le ning thr ths to 3 y

For d an Jazz cers 6-1 , Hip 2 Hop years o ld & Ac roba in tics

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Come Dance With Us Call (250) 384-3267, email: stagesdance@shaw.ca or visit us at www.stagesdance.com 30 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

MID-ISLAND PROGRAMS Camping and adventure at Horne Lake.

Treat yourself and your family to one of the most scenic outdoor destinations on Vancouver Island. Explore the crystal-filled caverns with tours ranging from mild to wild or try a rock rappelling session. Want to stay above-ground? Then check out Canada’s only Cave Theatre and Museum with a fossil collection. Or combine all the above with “All-Inclusive” Family Adventure Camps. These weekend camps include all meals, activities and a teepee to camp in. Lakefront camping is available within walking distance.

International Montessori Academy.

Enjoying summer while learning. An educational and fun summer pre-school program for your child. Our school provides great summer learning experiences to stimulate and inspire your child. The authentic Montessori approach combines physical and emotional development with exciting endeavors involving art, music, science, culture and language in English and French.

International Montessori Academy. 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan. 250-737-1119. inayat@intmontessori.com.

Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. Summer Camps. Looking for something interesting to do this summer? Check out the NCM’s summer programs. Kindermusik (July 4-7 and August 8-11). Music Theatre Workshops (July 10-15, July 24-29 and August 14-19). For Kindermusik and Music Theatre, please register with the NCM. 250-754-4611. registrar@ncmusic. ca. Music Therapy (July 17-21) Please register with the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Music Therapy Department Dr. Johanne Brodeur, 250-386-5311 ext. 1030 or brodeur@vcm.bc.ca.

The Nanaimo Museum offers a variety of summer programs for all ages, from Canada 150 and Only in Nanaimo drop-in programs for families to Pioneer Cemetery Tours for adults. Don’t miss the daily noon cannon firings at the iconic Bastion. Visit nanaimomuseum.ca or check social media for upcoming events and activities. For more information call 250-753-1821 or email program@nanaimomuseum.ca. • IslandParent.ca

Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program Looking for a fantastic, adventurous and safe kayak program for your tween or teen? The GNS Marine Adventure Program is beginning its 22nd season offering five- to six-day sea kayak camps for teens and youth. To register, visit http://www.mygns.ca/marine-adventure.

dtyrrell@mygns.ca

Emmanuel Summer Camps 2017

Please register according to your child’s grade this Fall. Children must be 4 yrs old by Dec. 31, 2017 to attend the camps.

|

250.370.6852

Dates

Camp Theme

Ages

Fees

July 3–7

Aloha Adventures with Sand & Water, 9:00–Noon

4–6 yrs

$55

July 10–14

Everything About Water 9:00–3:00

Gr 2–5

$110

Gr 2–5

$110

July 17–21 Badminton & Bugs 9:00–3:00

(Must be 4 by Dec 31)

July 24–28

Oopy Goopy Science Adventure, 9:00–3:00

Gr 2–5

$110

July 31 – Aug 4

VBS: Maker Fun Factory 9:00–Noon

4 yrs–Gr 5

$20

Aug 8–11 (4 days)

Movie Makers!

9:00–3:00

Gr 2–5

$90

Aug 14–18

Around the World with Crafts & Games! 9:00–Noon

K–Gr 3

$55

REGISTER: 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road

at the Cedar Hill Cross Road & Henderson entrance to UVic

Phone 250-592-2418 | Fax 250-592-4646 office@emmanuelvictoria.ca|emmanuelvictoria.ca

ASPENGROVE SCHOOL inspires Academic Excellence Innovative Thinking Global Citizenship

Nanaimo’s JrK-Grade 12 IB World School June 2017 31

150 Years of Folk Songs J

SUMMER SOCCER CAMPS

uly 1, 2017 marks Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. This is a great time to introduce your children to Canadian folk songs. Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, these songs tell the stories, history and customs of the settlers who travelled across the country hundreds of years ago. Those folk songs had lively rhythms and simple melodies and were sung at all phases of daily life in early Canada.

The songs included cradlesongs, love songs, spinning and weaving songs, as well as work and barn dance songs.

Foremost of the folk songs was the working song with its upbeat rhythms. Working songs were mostly sung by canoemen, lumberjacks, sailors and ploughmen. One of the oldest songs is “V’la L’bon Vent,”

From Victoria to Port Hardy, we make learning fun!

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which translates as “Go Good Wind.” It was sung by the French voyageurs as they paddled their canoes on the rivers. Picking up their paddles, the canoemen would sing in unison, which would keep their spirits up as they journeyed over the waterways.

A more recent working song is the “Log Driver’s Waltz,” which was composed in 1979 by Wade Hemsworth. This waltz illustrates the practice of logrolling where men balanced on a floating log while spinning it with their feet. It is also a Canadian animated film from the National Film Board, 32 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

available on YouTube. It features Quebec duo singers Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

One of Canada’s most famous singersongwriters is the folk legend, Gordon Lightfoot. He helped to define the folk-rock sound of the 1960s and 1970s and he wrote many folk songs such as “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sundown” and “Carefree Highway.” One of his most enduring songs is “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which was a number one hit in 1975. The song commemorates the sinking of the bulk carrier on Lake Superior during a fierce gale.

Jerri Carson An excellent book to read with your child is Canadian Folk Songs for the Young

by Barbara Cass-Beggs. This book is a collection of 32 folk songs, which reflect Canada “from sea to sea,” including Native Canadian, Inuit and Metis, as well as French and British songs.

Historical and local folkloric details are included with the songs and the list includes Acadian Lullaby, Inuit Lullaby, and I’se the B’y.

Another book to explore is The Great Canadian Song Book by Ed Whitcomb. This book includes traditional folksongs, fishing and shipbuilding songs, fur trade, mining, railroad and hockey songs. The collection contains 50 songs such as “When the Ice Worms Nest Again,” “Farewell to Nova Scotia,” “Northwest Passage” and “Four Strong Winds.”

A well-known folk song from British Columbia is the popular “Where the Coho Flash Silver” by Lloyd Arntzen. It tells of experiences fishing for coho salmon on the waters off the inside of Vancouver Island.

Watch this song on YouTube being performed by “The Wilds” at the Coho Festival in Vancouver. The song features vocalist Holly Arntzen with instrumentalists on the banjo, clarinet, cajon, dulcimer and bass.

Canadian folk songs have withstood the test of time and they continue to resonate today. As Canada celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary, celebrate by singing a folk song with your family.

Jerri is a retired music teacher. She now spends her time playing the piano and cello.

IslandParent.ca

Emmanuel Preschool 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road (by entrance to UVic) Children learn through play in our all inclusive, non-denominational Christian preschool.

Great facility; outdoor play area and a gym for rainy day play! Two teachers with ECE certification plus an assistant teacher to help with special needs children. A competent and caring teaching team!

Class Options for 2017–2018: Mon/Wed/Fri morning class Tues/Thurs morning class 5 mornings a week

Phone 250-598-0573 preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca

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 • intravenous sedation • hospital dentistry • nitrous oxide

Victoria Pediatric Dental Centre 206–1830 Oak Bay Ave

www.victoriapediatricdentalcentre.ca

250-383-2133 June 2017 33

Window Safety

A

n open window is more than a way to find relief on a hot day—it’s also a serious safety hazard for young children unless parents and caregivers take precautions.

Between 2009 and 2015, 146 children were treated at trauma centres around the province after falling from a window or balcony. Approximately 85 per cent of these hospitalizations involved children between the ages of one and six.

“From broken bones to severe bleeding in the brain, these types of falls can be lifealtering for everyone involved,” said Dr. Ash Singhal, a pediatric neurosurgeon and the medical director of the BC Children’s Hospital trauma program. “I’ve seen it first-hand and have operated on numerous children with brain injuries from window and balcony falls. Parents always say the same thing: I wish I had known; I wish I could go back and prevent it.”

Children are naturally curious and love to climb, and often do not realize when they are putting themselves at risk. Even small children are capable of pushing open an unlocked window, and toddlers, who have a higher centre of gravity, can easily fall headfirst through a window screen if they lean against it.

“It is heart-breaking that window falls involving toddlers and young children happen too often every spring and summer,” said Marilyn Oberg, a paramedic with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). “Fortunately for parents and caregivers, falls from windows or balconies are easily preventable by following our safety tips that help keep children out of harm’s way during the hot weather season.”

Tips to prevent falls from windows and balconies:

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• Alternatively, fasten your windows so that they cannot open more than 10 centimetres (four inches). Children can fit through spaces as small as 12 centimetres (five inches) wide.

• In either case, ensure there is a safe release option for your windows in case of a house fire.

• Don’t leave children unattended on balconies or decks. Move furniture or planters away from the edges to keep kids from climbing up and over.

• Talk to your children about the dangers of opening and playing near windows, particularly on upper floors of the home or in a high-rise dwelling.

• Consider installing safety glass in large windows and French doors so they won’t shatter if a child runs or falls into them.

BC Children’s Hospital, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides expert care for the province’s most seriously ill or injured children, youth and young adults, including newborns.

For more information, visit www.bcchildrens.ca or follow us on Twitter @BCChildrensHosp.

34 Island Parent Magazine

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victoriagymnastics.com June 2017 35

Fathers & We wrote the book on Family Law.Daughters

Wewrote wrote the the book book on Family Law. We on Family Law. Family Law. It’s ALL we do.

Family Law. It’s ALL we do.

W Really.

Really.

Our services include mediation, arbitration Really.

Our services include elder law, mediation, separation and divorce and parenting coordination

e often speak of the powerful effect fathers have as models for their sons, but there’s also a historical pattern of how high-achieving women have benefitted from encouraging fathers.

Take, for example, 18th century French philosopher, Voltaire, and his lesser-knownyet-brilliant partner, the philosopher, mathematician and translator Emilie du Chatelet.

Years before she met her paramour, Voltaire, Emilie—thanks to her father—studied as a bhmlawyers.ca • • 217 217--2187 2187 Oak Oak Bay Bay Avenue, 595 2220 bhmlawyers.ca Avenue,Victoria Victoria • •Phone Phone250 250•595•2220 child under another Enlightenment thinker, bhmlawyers.ca • 217 - 2187 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria • Phone 250•595•2220 astronomer Fontenelle. Her education in bhmlawyers.ca • 217 - 2187 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria • Phone 250•595•2220 math and languages equipped her in adulthood to translate the works of the English scientist Isaac Newton on light, gravitation July 10-14 OR Aug 21-25 and calculus for the French intelligentsia.

Boys or Girls ages 8-12 Back in the 18th century, a girl with an 9am-4pm $225 encouraging father of means could get a lot done. A century before Emilie and her water & land activities father lived, Gustavus Adolphus II, King of Sweden, had showered the same educational gifts on his daughter Christina, who succeeded him to the throne at the age of 18.

The brilliant Queen Christina abdicated at age 27, though, so as to remain unmarried and convert to Catholicism (Swedish royalty had to be married and Lutheran). Christina was so admired that at her abdication ceremony no one would take the crown from her head. Raised to be resolute, she email: jennifervicsynchro@gmail.com removed her own crown, and thereafter devoted herself to being a patron of artists and composers like Scarlatti and Corelli, and founded the Arcadia Academy for Philosophy and Literature in Rome.

Sometimes the fatherly influence on accomplished women can be over-ridden by their mothers, as in the case of Ada King, Tech Camps: Minecraft/LEGO Mindstorms & Scratch Programming daughter of the poet Lord Byron. Like Emilie Week-long camps 9am - 4pm | ages 8 – 12 | See schedule online du Chatelet, she was educated in science, mathematics, languages and music because her mother, who had separated from Byron Lux Mundi Summer Program: Field Trips, Arts & Crafts, when Ada was a baby, wanted to discourSports, Games and more — Every day is a new adventure! age any poetical tendencies she might have June 26 - Aug 30 | 7:30am - 6:00pm. Ages 5 – 10 inherited from her father. Ada published (translating from Italian) the explanation of the “analytical engine,” the forerunner of the computer which was devised by her 912 Vancouver Street | 250-383-5125 friend, Professor Charles Babbage.

Ada’s older contemporary, Mary Anning, had a different sort of father. A labourer,

Synchronized Swimming Summer

CAMP

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Christ Church Cathedral School www.cathedralschool.ca

36 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Mary’s father died when she was still young, leaving Mary, her brother and her mother almost destitute. He did, however, as an amateur fossil hunter on the coast of Dorset where they lived, teach Mary to identify bones. As an adult she made a career of selling specimens to wealthy collectors (she too befriended Oxford professors), and

Barbara Julian found Britain’s oldest dinosaur skeleton.

She is now memorialized in a museum on Britain’s “Jurassic Coast.”

Ecclesiastical History tells us that “there was a woman at Alexandria named Hypatia (370-415), daughter of the philosopher Theon, who made such attainments in literature and science as to far surpass all the philosophers of her own time.” Theon had made sure that his motherless daughter Hypatia learned all that he and other tutors could teach her about Euclid, Pythagorus and the Neoplatonists, and after studying in Athens, she became a famed teacher at the Museum of Alexandria in Egypt. Christian zealots of the time however objected to scientific and “pagan” teachings, and Hypatia’s carriage was ambushed in the street by a mob of unlettered monks. She was dragged out and brutally murdered.

In 2012 a bus full of school girls in Afghanistan was ambushed by Taliban zealots, who shot the student Malala Yousafzai and left her for dead. She was flown to a hospital in Britain, recovered and went on to found an organization that promotes girls’ education around the world, for which she has received a Nobel Prize. Behind her, too, is an encouraging and supportive father—a teacher who, in a country not known for supporting female rights, insisted on the importance of educating girls as well as boys.

This month we celebrate Fathers’ Day, and girls inspired by high-achieving women of the past can use the day to celebrate those women’s fathers as well as their own. For many highly accomplished women in every era, fathers make all the difference.

JOIN A CHAMPION GORGE SOCCER ASSOCIATION Registrationisiscurrently currently open forfor fall fall Registration open • Youth soccer: 4 – 17 years old • •Youth soccer: 4 – 17 years old Senior soccer: 17 – 70+ years old • Senior soccer: 17 – its70+ years old We are a community based soccer club providing all of members with development,

fun passionbased for the soccer beautiful club game.providing all of its members with Weand areaalifelong community development, funonand a lifelong forsoccer the beautiful game.offering winter league We pride ourselves being the oldestpassion full service club in Victoria, play, free academies, spring league, winter futsal, and more! We are innovative, player-centric, We pride ourselves on being oldest full service club inplayers.

Victoria, responsive to our members’ needs,the community-minded, andsoccer accepting of all A player offering league play, academies, spring league, winter futsal, and more! will never winter be turned away due to free lack of fees (external and internal grants available).

Online registration Available at: www.gorgesoccer.ca In-person Registration: Hampton Park Clubhouse (240 Hampton SaturdaysParent_film1_OUTLINES.pdf 9am-11am WestmontRoad) Ad_MAY_Island Questions? info@gorgesoccer.ca

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Barbara Julian is a local writer and memoirs coach, with a special interest in life stories of figures in history who she feels should be better known.

IslandParent.ca

June 2017 37

FAMILY Calendar

For calendar updates throughout the month visit IslandParent.ca

J U N E

Our Generous Sponsors

FRIDAY

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ND

activities for all ages from 11am-3pm at Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Rd.

Summer Reading Club Kickoff at Nellie McClung and Juan de Fuca Branch Libraries. Magician Leif David will amaze his young audience with magic, storytelling, comedy and music. For Grades 2-4.

Nellie McClung: 10:15-11am; Juan de Fuca: 1:15-2pm.

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

SATURDAY

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SUNDAY

4

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Tree Buddies at Francis/King Regional Park. Bring your little ones to be the best buddies they can be to a tree. Meet trees, feed trees, discover what animals live in trees, and more through inspiring sensory activities, songs and stories. There is no fee for this program, but you must pre-register by May 31 as space is limited. 5 years and under. 10-11am.

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

Kids Mega Sale at Pearkes Recreation Centre.

Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. 9:30am-12:30pm. 3100 MONDAY TH Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail.com. facebook. com/KidsMegaSale.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Victoria City Hall Antechamber. Learn about the hazards that Ride the Lochside at Lochside Regional Trail. On can affect Victoria, what to include in your emergency this guided cycle tour along the scenic Lochside kits, what you can do to protect your home from an Regional Trail, venture onto the less urban sec- earthquake, and how to reunite with your loved ones tions of the trail and take in the rural charms of the after a disaster. Free. 1-3pm. Register at emvic@ Blenkinsop and Martindale Valleys. There is no fee victoria.ca, or call 250-920-3373. VictoriaReady.ca. for this program, but you must pre-register by May 31 as space is limited. 12+ years. 10am-2pm. 250- FRIDAY TH 478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Mobile Skate Park at Brentwood Teen Lounge.

World Fisheries Trust and the Township of Esquimalt Includes ramps, rails, boxes and quarter pipes. Bring are hosting a World Oceans Day event with inter- your skateboard, scooter or BMX bike and helmet pretive walks, guided Songhees canoe tours of the to give the equipment a try. Waivers must be signed Gorge, sea creature touch tanks, crafts, games, live by parent/guardian prior to use and helmets are music and food. Many other local organizations that mandatory. 6-8pm. 1233 Clarke Rd. 250-656-7271. share an interest in our ocean will be joining the cel- panoramarecreation.ca. ebration with informative displays and ocean-related

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38 Island Parent Magazine

SATURDAY

10

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Beach Seine at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists on a beach seine and see what creatures live in the underwater forest. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at the kiosk near the main beach off Metchosin Rd at 10:30am. 5+ years. BC Transit #54 or #55. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

Superhero Outdoor Movie Night: Big Hero 6 at Greenglade Community Centre. Come for a larger than life showing of Disney’s Big Hero 6 on the giant inflatable screen. Complete with popcorn, this family-friendly event will take place outdoors.

Don’t forget your blankets and chairs! 8-10pm. 2151 Lannon Way. 250-656-7271. panoramarecreation.ca.

SUNDAY

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Community Carnival at Rudd Park. Tons of neighbourhood fun! Get out and enjoy an afternoon of family fun. Group games like tug-of-war and sack races, 11 carnival style games for children, face painting and prize drawings. Hot dogs, burgers, and snacks by donation. Hosted by Lighthouse Church.

4-7pm. Free. 3258 Irma St.

MONDAY

12

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Stories on Fern The Victoria Storytellers Guild welcomes you to hear and tell stories. Tea and goodies.

Doors open at 7:15pm, stories start at 7:30pm. 1831

IslandParent.ca

PARKS & RECREATION

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2017

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I belong here, making friends.

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Summ er You

Summer Camps Join our passionate, qualified leaders for a fun, memorable summer.

Visit saanich.ca/alg for full schedule, program descriptions and registration.

Effective July to August 2017

JOIN US SOCIAL MEDIA

saanich.ca/alg

Summer at a Glance

saanich.ca/alg

FULL DAY

WEEK 1 – JULY 4-7

WEEK 2 – JUL 10-14

WEEK 3 – JULY 17-21

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Amazing Race Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Acting Out! Camp 6-12yrs (ROMS) Two Week Camp

Byte Camp: Claymation Movie Production 9-12yrs (GHMS)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (GHMS)

Amazing Race Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Cooking - Around The World 8-12yrs (GHMS)

Beginner Mountain Bike Camp 9-12yrs (HL)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Engineering for Kids - MinecraftEDU 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Byte Camp: 2D Animation on Tablet 9-12yrs (CMS)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (ROMS)

Extreme Dodgeball Camp 10-14yrs (ROMS)

Byte Camp: 3D Animation 11-14yrs (ROMS)

Beach Adventures 8-11yrs (GHMS)

Golf & Racquet Camp 8-12yrs (CH)

Byte Camp: Intro to Coding 9-12yrs (CMS)

Byte Camp: 2D Video Game Design 11-14yrs (CMS)

Gym Games & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GHMS)

Byte Camp: Music and Video Production 9-12yrs (GHMS)

Byte Camp: Intro to Coding 9-12yrs (ROMS)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Celebrate Summer: The Big Four 10-14yrs (SCP)

Crafty Cooking Camp 8-12yrs (CMS)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Crafty Cooking Camp 8-12yrs (CMS)

Dance & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (GHMS)

Ice Camp 5½-12yrs (CMS)

Crafty Summer and Swim Camp 6-9yrs(GHMS)

Dance Camp 10-13yrs (CH)

Kids Cooking 101 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Dance & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Dance Camp 7-10yrs (DS)

Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (PKS)

Dance Camp 7-10yrs (CH)

EcoQuest 7-12yrs (CMS)

Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

EcoQuest 7-12yrs (GHMS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 8-14yrs (GHMS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 8-14yrs (ROMS)

Engineering for Kids - MinecraftEDU 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Junior Master Gardener Camp 6-11yrs (HCP)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Kayaking Youth Camp 10-12yrs (EBL)

Kayaking Youth Camp 12-14yrs (EBL)

Kids Cooking 101 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Kids Cooking 101 10-14yrs (ROMS)

Mission Possible Camp 5½-10yrs (CMS)

Musical Theater Camp 8-12yrs (DS)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Outstanding Outings 10-14yrs (SCP)

Skateboard Camp 9-12yrs (GH)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Urban Wilderness Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Skateboard Camp 7-9yrs (GH)

Water Adventures 8-11yrs (GH)

Soccertron 8-14yrs (ROMS)

MORNING

Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Urban Wilderness Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Enchanted Fairy Forest Camp 5½-8yrs (ROMS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 6-9yrs (ROMS)

Cartooning Galore 9-12yrs (CH)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Engineering for Kids-Super Heroes 5½-8yrs (ROMS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 6-9yrs (GHMS)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Mixed Media Magic 9-12yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Golf (SNAG) and Tennis (Progressive) Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Learn To Draw 9-12yrs (CH)

Harry Potter Camp 7-11yrs (ROMS)

Super Soccer Camp 4-11yrs (GH)

Magic Camp 8-12yrs (PKS)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Tennis - Red, Orange, Green Fun Camp 6-11yrs (CH)

Marvelously Medieval Crafty Camp 8-10yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Young Architects Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Magic Camp 8-12yrs (PKS)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

Painting Quest 6-9yrs (CH)

Squash Development Camp 8-11yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Super Soccer Camp 4-11yrs (GH)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

Tennis - Red Fun 4-6yrs (CH)

Soccertron 10-14yrs (ROMS) Soccertron 6-9yrs (ROMS) Super Soccer Camp 4-11yrs (GH) Tennis - Red, Orange, Green Fun Camp 6-11yrs (CH)

AFTERNOON

Dance Camp 7-10yrs (CH)

Archery & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Art Stars 9-14yrs (GHMS)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Archery Camp 8-15yrs (SCP)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 10-14yrs (GHMS)

Inspired By Greatness 9-12yrs (CH)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 10-14yrs (ROMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Jr Mountain Bike Camp 6-8yrs (ROMS)

Engineering for Kids-Medieval Mayhem 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Painting Quest 6-9yrs (CH)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Jr Chefs Camp 5 ½-8yrs (ROMS)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Nature & Art Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

This Camp's Got Talent 6-9yrs (ROMS)

Martial Arts Camp 6-14yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

Marvelously Medieval Crafty Camp 5-8yrs (CH)

Racquet Sports Intro 8-13yrs (CH)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Rhythm Nation Camp 6-10yrs (CH) Squash Development Camp 12-15yrs (CH) Tennis - Junior Competitive Camp 7-14yrs (CH) World Cup Soccer Camp 10-12yrs (LPSS) World Cup Soccer Camp 5-6yrs (LPSS) World Cup Soccer Camp 6-9yrs (LPSS)

Summer at a Glance

FULL DAY

WEEK 4 – JULY 24-28

WEEK 5 – JULY 31-AUG 4

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Sundance With A Splash 5½-8yrs (GH)

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Acting Out! Camp 6-12yrs (ROMS)

Acting Out! Camp 6-12yrs (GHMS)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (GHMS)

Active Kitchen Kids 8-11yrs (GHMS)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Byte Camp: Build an App 11-14yrs (ROMS)

Aikido - Warriors Camp 8-16yrs (GH)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (ROMS)

Camp Curtain Call - Musical Theatre 6-8yrs (CH)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (GHMS)

Beginner Mountain Bike Camp 9-12yrs (HL)

Crafty Summer and Swim Camp 6-9yrs(GHMS)

Beginner Mountain Bike Camp 9-12yrs (HL)

Byte Camp: 3D Animation 11-14yrs (CMS)

Dance & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Byte Camp: 2D Video Game Design 11-14yrs (ROMS)

Byte Camp: Claymation Movie Production 9-12yrs (ROMS)

EcoQuest 7-12yrs (GHMS)

Byte Camp: 3D Animation 11-14yrs (GHMS)

Byte Camp: Intro to Coding 9-12yrs (GHMS)

EcoQuest Kayaking 8-12yrs (GHMS)

Byte Camp: Music and Video Production 9-12yrs (CMS)

Camp Curtain Call-Musical Theatre 9-12yrs (CH)

Engineering for Kids - MinecraftEDU 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Camp Curtain Call-Musical Theatre 6-8yrs (CH)

Celebrate Summer: The Big Four 10-14yrs (SCP)

Extreme Dodgeball Camp 10-14yrs (ROMS)

Court Sports & Swim 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Cooking - Around The World 8-12yrs (GHMS)

Golf & Racquet Camp 8-12yrs (CH)

Crafty Cooking Camp 8-12yrs (CMS)

Crafty Cooking Camp 8-12yrs (CMS)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Dance Camp 10-14yrs (DS)

Engineering for Kids - MinecraftEDU 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Ice Camp 5½-12yrs (CMS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 8-14yrs (CMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Junior Master Gardener Camp 6-11yrs (HCP)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Kids Cooking 101 10-14yrs (ROMS)

Golf & Racquet Camp 8-12yrs (CH)

Kids Cooking 101 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Outstanding Outings 10-14yrs (SCP)

Kids Cooking 101 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Mission Possible Camp 5½-8yrs (GH)

Urban Wilderness Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Kindness is Cool 6-9yrs (GHMS)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Water Adventures 8-11yrs (GH)

Leader In Me 8-12yrs (CMS)

Skateboard Camp 9-12yrs (GH)

Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Mission Possible Camp 5½-8yrs (GH)

Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (PKS)

Outstanding Outings 10-14yrs (SCP)

Urban Wilderness Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Water Adventures 8-11yrs (GH) Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Skateboard Camp 9-12yrs (GH)

WEEK 6 – AUG 8-11

Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (GH) Wilderness Adventure Camp 6-8yrs (SCP)

MORNING

Construction Zone Kids Camp 5½-8yrs (ROMS)

Creative Artists Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Creative Artists Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Creative Artists Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Enchanted Fairy Forest Camp 5½-8yrs (ROMS)

Creative Sculpture 9-12yrs (CH)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 10-12yrs (CMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Martial Arts Camp 6-14yrs (CH)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 6-9yrs (CMS)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

Guitar Camp 9-12yrs (GHMS)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

Tennis - Red Fun 4-6yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Tennis - Red, Orange, Green Fun Camp 6-11yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 10-12yrs (ROMS)

Jr Mountain Bike Camp 6-8yrs (ROMS)

Young Architects Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

Junior Master Gardener Camp 6-11yrs (HCP)

World Cup Soccer Camp 5-6yrs (ROMS) World Cup Soccer Camp 6-9yrs (ROMS)

Mermaid Camp 7-9yrs (SCP) Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH) Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC) Super Soccer Camp 4-11yrs (GH) Tennis - Junior Competitive Camp 7-14yrs (CH)

AFTERNOON

Art Smorgasbord 9-12yrs (CH)

Archery & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Eco Art Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

Cartooning Galore 9-12yrs (CH)

Archery Camp 8-15yrs (SCP)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Art Stars 9-14yrs (GHMS)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Guitar Camp 9-12yrs (GHMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Sewing - Make Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

Harry Potter Camp 7-11yrs (ROMS)

World Cup Soccer Camp 10-12yrs (LPSS)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

Horseback Riding Daycamp 7-13yrs (BMF)

World Cup Soccer Camp 5-6yrs (LPSS)

Princess Camp 5½-8yrs (ROMS)

Nature & Art Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 6-9yrs (LPSS)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Summer at a Glance WEEK 7 – AUG 14-18

saanich.ca/alg

WEEK 8 – AUG 21-25

WEEK 9 – AUG28 - SEPT 1

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Bike & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Summer Neighbourhood Playground Program 5½-11yrs

Sundance With A Splash 5½-8yrs (GH)

Sundance With A Splash 5½-8yrs (GH) 820018

Camp Sundance 5½-8yrs (GH)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Commonwealth Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Splash Camp 5½-8yrs (SCP)

Acting Out! Camp 6-12yrs (ROMS)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Amazing Race Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Active Kitchen Kids 8-11yrs (GHMS)

Beach Adventures 8-11yrs (GHMS)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Aqua Adventure Camp 8-11yrs (SCP)

Byte Camp: 2D Animation on Tablet 9-12yrs (PKS)

Celebrate Summer: The Big Four 10-14yrs (SCP)

Badminton Camp - Smash & Splash 8-14yrs (ROMS)

Byte Camp: 2D Video Game Design 11-14yrs (GH)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 8-14yrs (SCP)

Beginner Mountain Bike Camp 9-12yrs (HL)

Celebrate Summer: The Big Four 10-14yrs (SCP)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

FULL DAY

Byte Camp: 3D Game Design 11-14yrs (GHMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Camp Curtain Call - Musical Theatre 8-10yrs (CH)

Golf & Racquet Camp 8-12yrs (CH)

Kindness is Cool 6-9yrs (GHMS)

Dance & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (GHMS)

Gymnastics & Swim Camp 6-9yrs (GH)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (PKS)

Games Unlimited 6-10yrs (GHMS)

Kayaking Youth Camp 12-14yrs (EBL)

Golf & Racquet Camp 8-12yrs (CH)

Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Skateboard Camp 7-9yrs (GH)

Kayaking Youth Camp 10-12yrs (EBL)

Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (GH)

Kids Cooking 101 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Urban Wilderness Camp 8-12yrs (GH)

Mission Possible Camp 5½-8yrs (GH)

Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Outstanding Outings 10-14yrs (SCP) Rowing - Youth Summer Camp 12-15yrs (VCRC) Skateboard Camp 9-12yrs (GH) Soccertron 8-14yrs (ROMS) Tuff Kidder 8-12yrs (GH) Wilderness Adventure Camp 8-12yrs (SCP) Crafty Camps - Outer Space 5-8yrs (CH)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Engineering for Kids-Medieval Mayhem 5 ½-8yrs (ROMS)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 6-9yrs (SCP) Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Mermaid Camp 7-9yrs (SCP)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

MORNING

Golf (SNAG) and Tennis (Progressive) Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 10-12yrs (LOP)

Harry Potter Camp 7-11yrs (ROMS)

Rhythm Nation Camp 6-10yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 5-6yrs (LOP) World Cup Soccer Camp 6-9yrs (LOP)

Horse 'n Around 6-12yrs (WSS)

Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC)

Judo Camp 7-11yrs (GH)

Storymaker Camp 9-12yrs (CH)

Painting Quest 6-9yrs (CH)

Tennis - Red, Orange, Green Fun Camp 6-11yrs (CH)

Pottery & Arts Camp 6-9yrs (CH) Rowing - Beginner 12-17 (VCRC) Soccertron 10-14yrs (ROMS) Soccertron 6-9yrs (ROMS) Tap, Jazz & Musical Theater 6-10yrs (DS) Tennis - Red, Orange, Green Fun Camp 6-11yrs (CH)

AFTERNOON

Crafty Camps - Outer Space 5-8yrs (CH)

Archery & Swim Camp 8-12yrs (SCP)

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp 10-14yrs (SCP)

Engineering for Kids - Amazing Race 8-12yrs (ROMS)

Archery Camp 8-15yrs (SCP)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

Creative Artists 6-9yrs (CH)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Jr Chefs Camp 5 ½-8yrs (ROMS)

Falcon Gymnastics Camp 5½-12yrs (FGC)

World Cup Soccer Camp 10-12yrs (LPSS)

OmGirl Yoga Camp 10-14yrs (SCP)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 5-6yrs (LPSS)

Pottery & Arts Camp 10-12yrs (CH)

Racquet Sports Intro 8-13yrs (CH)

World Cup Soccer Camp 6-9yrs (LPSS)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

Rowing - Intermediate 12-17yrs (VCRC)

LEGEND BMF

Braes Mhor Farm

EBL

Elk/Beaver Lake

HL

Hartland Landfill Mountain Bike Park

PKS

Pearkes Recreation Centre

CH

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre

FGC

Falcon Gymnastics Centre

LOP

Lochside Park

ROMS

Royal Oak Middle School

CMS

Colquitz Middle School

GH

Gordon Head Recreation Centre

LP

Lambrick Park

SCP

Saanich Commonwealth Place

CSS

Claremont Secondary School

GHMS

Gordon Head Middle School

LPSS

Lambrick Park Secondary School

VCRC

Victoria City Rowing Club

DS

Dansko Studios

HCP

Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

MDP

Mount Douglas Park

WSS

West Side Stables

Fern St (park on Begbie). $5; $3/students. victori- culminating in spectacular fireworks July 1st at astorytellers.org.

10:20pm. Canada Day activities include a fun Family Zone for children of all ages.

SUNDAY

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THURSDAY

Father’s Day Free Admission at Panorama Recreation. Celebrate Father’s Day. Dads receive free admission to drop-in activities such as swimming, weight room and fitness classes. 1885 Forest Park Dr. 250-656-7271. panoramarecreation.ca.

Breezy, Breathtaking Butterflies at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Come laugh, learn, and share your love for butterflies at this interactive nature program. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to discover the surprising wonders of a butterfly’s habitat, life cycle and daily activities. Meet at the grassy area beside the picnic shelter at the Filter Beds at 1pm. 5+ years. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

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Emergency Preparedness Workshop at Victoria City Hall Antechamber. See MON 5 for details.

Free. 7-9pm. Register at emvic@victoria.ca, or call 250-920-3373. VictoriaReady.ca.

SATURDAY

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Teen Lounge Wrap-Up BBQ at Greenglade Teen Lounge. Come for an end of season wrap-up BBQ. Open to youth 11-16 years. 6-8pm. 2151 Lannon Way. 250-656-7271. panoramarecreation.ca.

SUNDAY

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In-Seine Sailfins, Shrimps and Sea Slugs at Willows Family Sunday at Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Beach, North End. Join the Royal BC Museum and Inspired by Inspired by Emily Carr, in partnership Friends of Uplands Park for a Seine Net explore. with Car Free Day. Enjoy an afternoon of hands-on More than 20 species of fish, crabs and shrimp and art making for the whole family. 2-4pm. 1040 Moss other invertebrates will be brought into shore by the St. 250-384-4171. aggv.ca. museum experts, using a large seine net. You will be able to see what lives beneath the waves. Small nets WEDNESDAY ST and containers will be available to collect creatures.

Wear water shoes and dress for the weather. 9:30Coast Capital Free Swim at Panorama Recreation. 11:30am. Admission by donation. Meet at the north Bring the whole family for a night of active fun. The end of Willows Beach near the large white RBC waterslide and climbing wall will be open for this Museum van. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/ free everyone welcome swim sponsored by Coast fieldtrippers-seine-sailfins-shrimps-and-sea-slugs.

Capital Savings. 6-7:30pm. 1885 Forest Park Dr. friendsofuplandspark.org.

250-656-7271. panoramarecreation.ca.

Swan Lake Bio Blitz at Swan Lake Christmas Hill WEDNESDAY ST TO Nature Sanctuary. Come celebrate the flora and fauna of Swan Lake. Using binoculars, magnifySATURDAY JULY ST ing glasses and microscopes, see just how many species of birds, insects, plants and mammals you Spirit 150 Victoria at the Inner Harbour. Free per- can identify. Help discover the incredible diversity formances on two stages, family-friendly activities, in our own backyard. Hike, pond dip, and explore multicultural performances, local food vendors, the forest floor. Admission by donation. Noon-3pm.

3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211.

FRIDAY

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Evening Campground Program at Island View Beach Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for an evening of nature-inspired activities and stories. Bring a beach chair and meet at the campfire ring at Island View Beach campground off Homathko Rd at 7pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. crd.bc.ca/parks.

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ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Baby Times, Toddler Time & Family Storytime at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate with their children. Drop in; space is limited.

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. For a complete schedule of drop-in programs, visit gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

Local spans beyond what you find in our stores.

We support over 160 local partners across BC. Source local Eat happy thriftyfoods.com IslandParent.ca

Customer Care: 1.800.667.8280

Connect with us June 2017 43

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.

Your Vancouver Island Destination for Healthy Family Bedding

Babytime at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library.

Bring your blanket and enjoy books, bounces, rhymes and songs. Siblings, grandparents and other guests are always welcome. Fridays, June 30-July 21, 10:30-11am drop-in. Especially for babies 0-12 months. 250-656-0944.

TEENS Saanich Teen Council at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Teens ages 13-18 years looking for an interesting volunteer opportunity are invited to join the Sidney/North Saanich Library Teen Council.

Work on special library projects, meet other teens, have fun, boost your resume, and earn volunteer hours. Send an email to sidney@virl.bc.ca with “Teen Council” in the subject line to join the email list.

474-9777 or email grgline@parentsupportbc.ca.

Parent Support Circles. Parenting isn’t always easy. sometimes it helps to talk things through with other parents. At the Parent Support Services Society of BC, we believe that every parent is the expert of her/his own family. For more information about groups near you, please call 250-384-8042 or 1-877-345-9777 or visit parentsupportbc.ca.

FAMILIES

Young Parent Drop-In at the Downtown Y. Free breakfast and drop-in for young parents in the community. Socialize with other young parents, enjoy a kids’ craft, let your little one explore the fully-equipped playroom, or have a look in the ‘free store’ for gently used children’s items and household supplies. Information available for local resources, advocacy and counselling support. The Y Young Moms Program also runs groups such as Mother Goose, Nobody’s Perfect, and Food Skills for Families. Thursdays 10am-noon. 250-382-1004.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles in Victoria. A safe supportive place to meet others in a similar situation and to share information and resources. For information about groups near you, please call 250-384-8042. Also offers a province-wide toll-free information and support line for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Call 1-855-

Monthly Dyslexia Information Sessions. Ending dyslexia is now possible. Learn about the latest developments in neuroscience and programs to end dyslexia quickly and with lasting results. Free information sessions held monthly with Marlene Lewis, award-winning registered speech pathologist.

Phone 250-474-6368 or visit end-dyslexia.com.•

Now carrying Naturpedic crib mattresses and bedding

A Natural Sleep Starts at the Very Beginning

126 STATION STREET, DUNCAN | 1-844-855-REST (7378) NOW OPEN SUNDAYS, 11–4 PM resthouse.ca

44 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

IslandParent.ca

June 2017  45

IF YOU ARE

Moving Expecting a Baby Planning a Wedding A Grandparent A New Business/Executive Interested In a New Career

CONTACT WELCOME WAGON TODAY! Victoria & Vancouver Island 1-866-518-7287 Nanaimo 250-756-9794 Or online at: welcomewagon.ca

Around

THE ISLAND J U N E

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

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Nanaimo Community Home Learners Monthly Meet-up at Oliver Woods Community Centre.

Resource library, gym time, parent support, special events throughout the year. 1-4pm. $5/drop-in fee per family or $20 year-long membership. nanaimocommunityhomelearners.org.

SATURDAY

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Native Plants Naturalist Walk at Englishman River Regional Park. Learn about the incredible natural world we have around us. There will be plenty of stops along the way that leave you with a greater appreciation for the wonders of the surrounding area. Children 6+ can register and attend with an adult. 10am-noon. $16/person. 250-248-3252. rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

July-August • Only in Nanaimo (Drop-in) Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30pm

• Canada 150 (Drop-in) Fridays, 1:30-3:30pm

• Pioneer Cemetery Tours

Thursdays, July 6 & Aug 3 10-10:45am, Registration $10

Make a Discovery!

NanaimoMuseum.ca • 250.753.1821 program@nanaimomuseum.ca 46 Island Parent Magazine

SUNDAY

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Grand Opening Party in Kinsmen Park, Duncan.

Come celebrate the newly rebuilt Mandala community gardens. Food, guided tours, gardening workshops, and fun activities. Everyone welcome.

11am-2pm. 5789 Alderlea St., Duncan. For more information, contact laura@cowhichangreencommunity.org.

Learn to Fish at Louden Park, Long Lake, Nanaimo.

Join the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and learn the basics of freshwater fishing. Rapala fishing rods are provided, and program runs rain or shine. Parent participation required. 1-3pm. Free. 250-756-5200.

SUNDAY

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Take a Hike for Families at Colliery Dam. Nanaimo offers spectacular hiking and wonderful scenery.

Introduce your children to the great outdoors in this family-friendly hike and explore some of the mysteries and history of our parks. Rain or shine.

No dogs. Participants must provide their own transportation. 10-11:30am. $8/adults; $5/children 8-15. 250-756-5200.

Moustache Father’s Day Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Spend Father’s Day with a moustache theme. 10am-noon. Regular admission. 250Hiking Information Session at Oceanside Place 248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

Arena. Have you ever wanted to explore some of the area’s beautiful mountains? A local alpine guide Family Fishing Day at Colliery Dam Park. Learn shares tips and resources for family adventures to fish, make crafts, play games, help with a trout and avid hikers. Get advice on clothing, equipment release. Great way to celebrate Father’s Day. 10amand route planning to help you stay safe and enjoy 2pm. 250-756-5200. the outdoors. This course is mandatory for all new participants in the Alpine Hikes. 6:30-8:30pm. $9/ WEDNESDAY ST person. 250-248-3252 to pre-register. rdn.bc.ca/ recreation.

Longest Day of Play Picnic and Play at Parksville Community Park. Celebrate the longest day of sumWEDNESDAY TH mer with an active picnic and play in a community park. Families are invited to come down to the park, Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena. Skate join the summer leaders for some games, visit with in the atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special friends, and celebrate the longest day of play. Free. effects. 6:30-8pm.

5:30-7:30pm. 250-248-3252. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

MONDAY

Summer Programs

crafts. Learn about insects and where they can be found. Are they dangerous or just interesting? Parent participation required. For 3-6 year olds. 9-10am. $8/person. 250-756-5200.

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SATURDAY

10

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THURSDAY

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Wildlife is Everywhere at Linley Valley Parking Lot. In Family Fun Night at Departure Bay Park, Nanaimo. nature, wildlife is everywhere from flying dragonflies Games, crafts and much more. 4-7pm. 250-756to slithering snakes and scurrying squirrels. Explore 5200. with us on this nature journey with activities and

IslandParent.ca

SUNDAY

25

SUMMER CAMPS

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Learn to Fish at Colliery Dam Park, Nanaimo. See SUN 11 for details. Parent participation required.

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

Starlight Skate at Nanaimo Ice Centre. An opportunity to come out and enjoy the soft light “stars” and passive LED glow lights. This is a great night out for families after dinner. Regular admission rates.

3-4:30pm. 250-756-5200.

FRIDAY

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Water Wars Day at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

The Jedi lifeguards summon you to celebrate the first day of summer vacation. Take part in games and activities in this galactic adventure swim. May the force be with you from 1:30-2:30pm. Reduced admission. 250-752-5014. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

ONGOING

Looking for something interesting to do this summer? Check out the NCM’s summer programs!

Kindermusik (4–7 July | 8–11 August) Music Theatre Workshops (10–15 July | 24–29 July | 14–19 August) For Kindermusik and Music Theatre, please register with the NCM: 250.754.4611, registrar@ncmusic.ca Music Therapy (17–21 July) Please register with the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Music Therapy Department: Dr. Johanne Brodeur, 250.386.5311 ext 1030, brodeur@vcm.bc.ca

ST. JOSEPH’S Elementary School

FOR 2017

PRESCHOOL Family Storytime at Cowichan Library, Duncan.

Bring the whole family for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. For ages 0-5. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30am.

2687 James St. krumohr@virl.bc.ca.

FAMILY Drop-In Science Studio at NS3 Science Studio.

Children can explore the many features of the Science Studio including KEVA blocks, marble wall, air field, wind tunnel, and a variety of discovery boxes. $4/child; adults free. Thursdays and Saturdays 10amnoon. Schedule subject to change, so please check nanaimoscience.org for most current schedule. 4355 Jingle Pot Rd. 778-971-6893.

Family Pool Party Fridays at Beban Pool. End the hard work week with a party at the pool. 7-9pm Friday until June 30. 250-756-5200.

Lions Free Skate at Frank Crane Arena. Every Sunday 2-3:30pm. 250-756-5200.

Summer 2017 at Bowen Park Kin Outdoor Pool Nanaimo. Come swim in the outdoor heated pool.

Everyone welcome swim Saturday & Sunday June 3-August 27 and Monday to Friday July 3-September 1. $3.25.•

IslandParent.ca

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Free to Play A

s I surveyed the playroom full of toys belonging to my two-year-old grandson, I realized something quite profound.

His main interest these days is typical of a little boy—he has a mind-boggling array of cars and trucks in every conceivable size, shape, and colour. These coupled with his stuffed animals, racetracks, blocks, puzzles, train sets, etc. would make onlookers think they were in a toy store.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against toys in general and I know there are some great educational ones out there, but I take exception at the sheer volume many kids have nowadays. It’s overwhelming. Not only that but my little grandson already knows how to scroll through videos on his parents’ cellphones as well as find which kiddie shows he wants to watch on You Tube. All of this makes me wonder: whatever happened to play without all that stuff?

Granted, my own childhood goes back a long way, but some of the most treasured memories from those years involve days

spent roaming with my siblings and playmates, rescuing injured bugs we’d come across, making daisy chains out of dandelions, or sailing sticks in the puddles and streams left by summer rainstorms. None of this involved the latest and greatest toys or gadgets or even parent participation for that matter. We needed nothing more than our own imaginations. Sadly, such freedom is not always possible these days, however, children need to learn to amuse themselves and this skill is being hampered by a modern society that for the most part entertains children.

I have to question whether this generation of children is missing out on all the benefits of being given the simple freedom to just play. My own mother told me and my siblings on numerous occasions throughout our childhood, “Go play. It’s not my job to amuse you every minute of the day.” As a result, my siblings and I—not to mention my generation—quickly learned how to amuse ourselves. We improvised with

whatever materials we had at hand, we invented games or modified old favourites, we knew whose back yard had the best hills to roll down, and when the big sprinklers came on in the park across the street, as

Susan Gnucci well as which trees in our neighbourhood made the best forts.

When I had my own children, I remember another remark my mother made upon looking at the calendar of activities posted on our fridge. “You do so much more with your children than we did.”

At the time, I took her comment to be a compliment; now I’m not so sure. I thought I was doing my children a favour by exposing them to a wide variety of scheduled activities and lessons to stimulate their young minds and broaden their horizons when, more often than not, I simply ended up dragging them around. There were times

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48 Island Parent Magazine

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when I sat in my car after a particularly frazzled drop-off and asked myself “And I’m paying for this?”

Now I am happiest when I set everything aside and simply challenge my grandson’s imagination. I might pull out a big cardboard box (saved from the purchase of his car seat) and open it up, prompting him to squeal with delight as he crawls inside.

He quickly shuts both ends so Nonna can’t see him. I must knock on the “doors” of the box before he pokes his head out in a playful game of Hide and Seek. He knows he has to close the doors quickly or Nonna will tickle him. We spend the next half hour playing all sorts of variations of this game.

Or he may tug on my arm to pull me inside his hideaway. Even though I do not fit, I hunch up tight and manage to squeeze my head and shoulders in the doorway where I lie wedged while we sing songs together.

If I’m very lucky and he’s tired, we just cuddle together. After a while, I’ll leave him in his hideaway to his own devices (under a watchful eye of course), and in no time at all, he has stuffed all of the pillows from the couch inside to see how many will fit.

“Come, Nonna,” he proudly squeals, pointing excitedly as he shows off his handiwork.

So what was my profound realization?

Less really is more. By providing opportunities for our children and grandchildren to discover their own creativity with a few simple things—turning them loose in the back yard with nothing more than a canning jar for instance—or by providing them with simple, unstructured playtime, we are actually fostering their development.

We shouldn’t feel guilty about sitting back and encouraging them to amuse themselves (for short periods of time if they are young).

We should resist the urge to over-manage or simply entertain our children and grandchildren. By doing so, we’re actually robbing them of the opportunity to develop essential life skills: self-reliance, creativity, resourcefulness, and problem solving to name just a few.

Although I never thought I would admit this, I have come to appreciate the wisdom of my parents more and more as I have aged, and so I am sure there will be times I will tell my grandson exactly what my own mother told me when I was a little girl: Go play!

Susan Gnucci is a local author and a proud “nonna” to an adorable two-year-old grandson. She enjoys sharing her experiences as a first-time grandparent.

IslandParent.ca

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Read Away Your Library Fines

T

his summer, kids on Vancouver Island with outstanding library fines can read their fines away, one book at a time. “Read Down Your Fines” is a Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) initiative started in 2015.

“It’s part of Summer Reading Club” says VIRL librarian Julie Carter. “Throughout the summer, for every page kids fill in their reading record, they get five dollars off their overdue charges on their card to a maximum of $35.”

The goals of the program are simple: to encourage families to return to their library and to foster a love of reading at a young age.

“We’re hoping that we’ll get children coming back inside the library who haven’t used the library in a while because they’ve had overdue charges,” says Carter. “We want everyone with fines to realize that we’re welcoming them back. We want families to use their library again.”

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The reality is, library fines can create barriers for some kids and families, keeping them from accessing the resources available at their library. Reconnecting kids and families to their libraries, instilling a love of reading, and promoting literacy across our communities are important VIRL mandates.

“Studies have shown that reading as few as three to five books over the summer months can help elementary students maintain or improve their reading levels for the school year,” says Carol Mitchell, VIRL’s divisional manager. School-aged literacy IslandParent.ca

is integral to developing lifelong library users. And over the summer months, the repercussions of not reading can be striking.

“Kids who don’t read over the summer start back to school three months behind where they were in June,” says Mitchell.

“Continuing to read over the summer, even that small amount of three to five books, helps kids prepare for school in the fall.”

Participating in your library’s Read Down Your Fines program is simple. Kids aged 0-12 years-old can participate by simply coming to their library and registering for Summer Reading Club. For Summer Reading Club, even families with very young children are welcomed to get involved.

“We have had some families come into the library in the past with very young children, and they wondered why they would register a two-year-old for Summer Reading Club,” says Carter. “SRC is just as important for the little children too. It doesn’t matter if they can’t read to themselves yet, with Summer Reading Club, parents, siblings —anyone—can read to you.”

Summer Reading Club and Read Down Your Fines kick off on July 4, and run all summer long. When kids sign up, they receive a package that includes their reading record (which they can use for Read Down Your Fines), a bookmark, a tattoo, and a magnifying mirror.

Visit virl.bc.ca or visit any branch for more information.

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How to Create a Family Bullet Journal Creating a ‘BuJo’

Looking for the best way to illustrate some of your family’s highlights? Create a family bullet journal. Requiring little more than a notebook and a few coloured pens, this inexpensive and customizable organization system is an all-in-one planner, journal, to-do list and diary. Bullet journaling is perfect for busy families.

It can even become a souvenir album with pictures illustrating some of your family’s favourites.

How to create a family bullet journal

Step 1: Find a notebook and some coloured pens, pencils or markers to transform a simple planner into your very own work of art.

Step 2: Create a daily log for the day’s activities (books to read, projects to do, recipes to try, etc.).

Step 3: Add some inspiring details (samples, pictures, doodles) and create some basic symbols to sort the activities.

Step 4: Beautify your journal using accessories, washi tape and stickers.

For more ideas and easy step-by-step instructions, visit DIYprojects at deserres.ca.

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June 2017 53

Nurturing a Love of Nature

W

e know it, but we don’t do it enough. Unplug. Get outdoors. Celebrate the wonders surrounding us. Teach our kids that nature needs nurture, and we need to love our planet as much as our big screens, small screens and all the distractions technology throws at us. It’s a challenge, but there is a payoff. We will be more focused, sleep well and get some exercise. Food will taste wonderful. It will be a different kind of tired at the end of the day that will feel, somehow, better.

Abra-Kid-Abra

Kids have boundless energy, curiosity, and love to move. It’s all about picking an ageappropriate activity and being prepared for the weather, with plenty of snacks, water and patience. When my eldest was little, we spent time in the forest, hiking and discovering amazing places. We got into the flora and fauna as she proudly learned to identify local trees, flowers, the occasional bird and if we were lucky enough, a marmot, deer, or coyote. Back in the day, we used our little pocket guide. My youngest was interested in different aspects of our exploration, be it rocks, landscape or food. There was a “teaching moment” around every corner, with the click of my camera and shouts of enthusiasm as we discovered the world around us. Cellphones had not entered the world at that point.

Oh, but there were the inevitable complaints, moans and groans of discomfort, tiredness and hunger. That’s when I’d resort to my bag of tricks for keeping things going: water and food; a game of “I Spy” as we trekked along; a rhyme or silly song; and endless stops for a myriad of needs, including breaks. On our outings, a small first aid kit came in handy for scrapes and spills, along with a fistful of tissues stuffed into pockets.

Our dog would often accompany us, adding vigour, zest and humour with his antics.

Note: dogs/pets are not always welcome or practical in some places, so it’s always good to google the locale first.

Our forays into nature often revealed interesting finds, like the time we followed an old

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road up a hill to discover a decayed shack and remnants of a train track. When we got to the top, the view was breathtaking.

It was a hot day but the breeze was cool.

A small snake in the grass had everyone excited, especially the dog who was fascinated by all the movement. This same dog once acquired many porcupine quills in his overly curious nose, but that’s another story for another time.

Of course a huge part of nurturing a love of nature is taking care of it. Packing out our garbage with us when garbage cans

Kathy McWhirter

are not available is a biggy. Not dropping little bits along the way, and teaching our kids the importance of this. There are other types of pollution to be aware of besides garbage: noise, air, and water pollution come instantly to mind, and the “leave it as you found it” motto, or “leave it even better than you found it” is critical to preserving our fragile, unique environment. “Stay on trails”…“Don’t pick the flowers”… “Pack out garbage”…“No campfires” are just a few of the messages to heed in the great outdoors. Some would say taking care of nature is all about common sense, but the word I like is “respect.” We have so much work to do to fix our mistakes of the past.

It’s never too late to start.

Nature is around every corner in Victoria.

There are a multitude of parks to explore, oceansides to stroll, hills to climb, trails to bike or walk and plenty of other adventures.

There are train trestles, potholes, waterfalls, lakes, campgrounds, tidal pools and more; many of these are surprisingly accessible.

As parents, we nurture our kids as they grow. As families and citizens of our planet, we can nurture nature as we plod along, not only teaching nature appreciation, but also responsibilty in our use and enjoyment. Combined with community action, education from schools, and clubs, we can help take care of the planet and join in the global quest to preserve our backyards.

Best of all, we can have fun while doing it.

Kathy McWhirter has a forestry background, a deep appreciation for nature, and is waiting for grandkids to continue the exploration.

IslandParent.ca

THE ‘STAYCATION’ OF A LIFETIME Join us for a summer of discovery: • Explore the best of the Island • Learn new skills • Challenge yourself • Gain a High School Credit • Work towards a Duke of Edinburgh's Award • and much more!

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For more info see: matticksfarm.com 5325 Cordova Bay Road • 250-658-4053 June 2017 55

Island Debate Camp

An Academic Summer Camp

LaFF Mornings

I Island Debate Camp is offered in overnight ($850/week) AND day camp ($300/week, lunch included) formats.

July 2–8, 2017

Brookes Shawnigan Lake campus

• Coaching for students ages 10-14 • Skill development in debate, public speaking and Model United Nations

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Indoor and Outdoor Climbing Camps Full-day and half-day programs Ages 6–14 Details and registration at: climbtheboulders.com

The Boulders Climbing Gym | 1627 Stelly’s Cross Rd | Saanichton, BC | 250.544.0310 56 Island Parent Magazine

t’s Tuesday morning at Ladysmith’s Aggie Hall and the first families are just arriving. Raincoats and boots are piling up neatly in the entrance hall, and as little ones race around, the adults catch up with friends while watching the kids. It’s a typical scene at LaFF mornings. LaFF (Ladysmith Family and Friends) is a non-profit family resource program, with a focus on children aged newborn to six. Since 1993, it has been a hub for community information, and includes play-based learning, resources and referrals, clothing and toy exchanges, early literacy activities, healthy snacks and meals, and educational activities.

There’s a variety of stations for the kids— a play kitchen, costume rack, a nook for reading and having a cuddle, a section just for infants with exersaucers and infant toys, and a selection of wooden trains. My oneyear-old has already toddled off to play with a xylophone, and I’m sipping a hot coffee.

I first heard about LaFF when I was halfway through my first pregnancy. When I finally attended shortly after my son’s first birthday, he and I were both hooked.

Everyone is so friendly, and nothing beats a weekday morning spent goofing around with a bunch of kids. It’s also wonderful to see how your own child develops socially and physically with each visit. My son took his first steps at LaFF mornings on our second visit. After just a few minutes of watching the older toddlers, he got off his knees and walked. I’ll never forget the feeling of the other moms celebrating that milestone right along with me.

Today, Monica Stieda, one of the program facilitators, is sorting donated clothing near the front hall, and “Grandpa Tom”—a regular volunteer—is in his favourite spot at the back of the hall, watching over the kids who are racing cozy coupes and plasma cars.

Tom is here every weekday playing horsie or breaking up a traffic jam. It’s clear that all the kids adore him.

In the kitchen on the other side of the hall, Diane—“Momma”—is preparing a batch of soup and crackers for snack time.

There are about 60 official and unofficial volunteers—from the Lions Club, to members of the Vancouver Island University Nursing practicum students, high school IslandParent.ca

Sherry Conly about everything from managing tantrums, to linguistics, and dental hygiene.

LaFF was created 21 years ago by a group of moms, spearheaded by Monica Stieda after arriving in Ladysmith from Vancouver and finding there was little support for moms and their children. She gathered a group of others moms in the community and formed a grassroots version of LaFF Mornings. The group appealed to the public for donations of toys and clothing, and the program began to grow.

In 2005, LaFF hired an executive director, Jacqueline Neligan, and applied for a number of grants, and also for the use of Aggie Hall, a wonderful multi-purpose space.

“We started out with 10 moms and now it’s between 50-85 people attending on a given day,” says Stieda. “It’s such a diversity of participants, and we’re all learning from each other and supporting each other. It’s just a great community program.”

LAFF Mornings is open to all mid-Island residents, and runs on grants, community support, and donations of foods, toys, and clothing. There’s a suggested donation of minimum $2 per family per visit, with the option to purchase a $20 punch card for 10 visits. Community members can donate money towards these cards for families in need. LaFF holds annual fundraisers and is actively involved in, and supported by, community organizations and service clubs, including United Way, Children’s Health Foundation, and the Town of Ladysmith Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture.

For information, visit familyandfriends.ca/ community/programs/morning-laff.

Born and raised in Nanaimo, Sherry Conly has a degree in Writing and Journalism from Vancouver Island University. She happily freelances for a wide variety of publications while at home with her one-year-old son.

IslandParent.ca

Community Board

Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

Making our Community a Better Place to Live

1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre 1-up.ca Art Gallery of Greater Victoria aggv.ca Child Care Resource & Referral childcarevictoria.ca Kaleidoscope Theatre kaleidoscope.bc.ca Royal BC Museum royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Victoria Children’s Choir VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca Victoria Conservatory of Music vcm.bc.ca Enquire about non-profit brochure or magazine distribution in Greater Victoria:

publisher@islandparent.ca

Photo credit: David Cooper

students and other community volunteers.

Health professionals such as child development specialists and community health nurses come once a month to join the fun.

Because of this involvement, there are many avenues of support for parents and caregivers, including access to information

FREE Camp!

BOYS CAN DANCE

Ages 7-11 July 4-7 1:00-2:30pm Learn different dance styles and rhythms in this fun and adventurous class. Free for new students!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Your Child Can Explore Swan Lake Sanctuary

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A place to explore; a world to discover perhaps best describes Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, and summer 2017 program offerings are no different. There are programs for all ages, from Big & Little for three to five-year-olds and their adult friends; Biology Buddies for naturalists four to six years of age; Les petits explorateurs for budding French immersion nature enthusiasts aged five to seven, and Nature Explorers offering nature themed adventures for kids aged seven to 10, as well as drop in special events and registered all ages programs.

Biology Buddies runs Monday through Thursday for four different weeks starting July 10, wrapping up on August 24. Topics include Animal Families, Animal & Plant Movement, Animal Senses and Habitats of Swan Lake.

Mysterious Mammals, Adventurous Art and Stellar Stewardship.

A full listing of summer programs can be found at swanlake.bc.ca. Spots are filling up quickly so call and book today so that the budding young naturalist in your life is not disappointed. Register Les petits explorateurs is a series of by calling 250-479-0211. four, two-hour classes, for two different weeks, July 24 to 27 and August 14 to 17. Each class features a different nature theme offering discovery, play and lots of outdoor fun all while learning French.

Big & Little runs on Tuesdays from July 11, through to August 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30a.m. These fun and interactive programs include hands-on discovery, an outside ramble, a story and a craft.

Session topics include: Lovely Ladybugs, Awesome Amphibians, Terrific Turtles, Outstanding Owls, Busy Beavers and Super Snakes.

58  Island Parent Magazine

Nature Explorers is a drop off program for kids 7 to 10 years of age and offers a series of two hour classes on Fridays from 9:30am-11:30am. Each class offers a different nature theme through activities, hikes, experiments and more.

Topics include Magical Marsh, Hanging with Herptiles, Geological Journey, Wondrous Water, Restoration Rangers,

IslandParent.ca

Too Much TV

W

e interrupt this program for an important message: Watching television for more than a couple of hours a day has been linked to lower school readiness skills in kindergarteners.

That’s according to a new study by researchers from Concordia’s PERFORM Centre and New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, which shows the particular impact on children from lowincome families.

The findings, published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, reinforce the need for limits on screen time, such as those laid out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization recently changed its norms to recommend that children between two and five watch no more than one hour daily—down from its previous recommended limit of two hours.

Given the current prevalence of smartphones and tablets, screens play a bigger role in many families’ lives now than ever before.

“Research has shown that watching TV is negatively associated with early academic

skills, but little is known about how socioeconomic status influences viewing,” says study co-author and PERFORM Centre researcher Caroline Fitzpatrick.

“We wanted to examine whether the negative relationship between watching TV and school readiness varied by family income.”

Lower math skills and executive functioning

Fitzpatrick and NYU Steinhardt coauthors Andrew Ribner and Clancy Blair looked at data from 807 kindergarteners of diverse backgrounds. Parents of participants reported family income, as well as the hours of TV their children watch on a daily basis.

Video game, tablet and smartphone use was not included in the measurement.

To determine school readiness, the study measured the children’s math skills and knowledge of letters and words.

The researchers also assessed executive functions, which are key cognitive and socialemotional competencies, including working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. Executive functions are essential for

everyday problem-solving and self-control of behaviours and emotional responses. ​ “We found that the number of hours young children watch TV is related to decreases in their school readiness, particularly when it comes to math and executive function,” confirms Ribner, the study’s lead author.

“This association was strongest when children watched more than two hours daily.”

Low-income families take the hardest hit

As family incomes decreased, the link between TV watching and school readiness grew. Those at or near the poverty line—an annual income of around $21,200 for a family of four—saw the largest drop in school readiness when children watched more than two hours of TV a day.

The study noted a more modest drop among middle-income families, measured as $74,200 per year for a family of four. And researchers found no link between school readiness and TV viewing in high-income homes, which were measured as around $127,000 per year for a family of four.

For more information, visit concordia.ca/ research/perform.html

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waiting lists.

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join@scouts.ca Scouts.ca June 2017 59

Early Eco Education

O Come Ride With Us!

utdoor education programs and the schools that offer them face waitlists, as more parents are looking for ways to ensure their children get a dose of learning in nature. There is a demand greater than our current school system’s ability to

the mulch, thanks to the students.

At South Park Family School, students planted over 550 native seeds and plants.

After preparing the ground, students and families gathered to host a First Nations drumming and dance ceremony.

fill for learning in a natural setting. When South Park School launched its outdoor learning program, parents camped out overnight to get a space for their children.

To help meet the demand for nature-based learning, local charity Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) is working on several partnerships and programs. Teaming up with the Goldstream Nature House through the Goldstream Chums program, HAT supports learning about the salmon run for over 6,000 students and families annually, keeping knowledge of the role salmon play in local natural heritage alive and well.

Through Green Spots, a program that helps identify then maintain, enhance, and expand natural areas at schools, HAT facilitates hands-on nature-based workshops.

In the fall, 71 Marigold Elementary School students planted a pollinator garden, enhancing an existing endangered Garry Oak ecosystem on the school grounds. Now in spring, camas and chocolate lilies grow from

In 2016, a high school student from Stelly’s Green Team club wrote an email to Habitat Acquisition Trust, requesting a chance to do nature-based volunteering in the community. From there, the students and HAT teamed up to learn about and restore Oak Haven Park in Central Saanich. Through a series of nature walks and days spent at the park learning to identify and remove invasive weeds, the students received an enriching experience that in turn benefited their community.

“In managing protected spaces, Habitat Acquisition Trust endeavours to connect these precious landscapes with people and groups in the community, to ensure their ongoing stewardship,” says Alanah Nasadyk, HAT community and development coordinator.

In April, 50 Stelly’s Secondary students from the Global Perspectives Program returned to Oak Haven Park to continue removing invasive plants like Scotch Broom,

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IslandParent.ca

Daphne Laureola, and Himalayan Blackberry.

“The goal of our Global Perspectives program is to make a difference in the world,” says Chris McDonald, Stelly’s Global Perspectives teacher. “Our Grade 12s focus on making a difference in a developing country, but our Grade 11s focus on making a difference in our community.”

This could be by increasing public awareness about issues, supporting social change,

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIE

S & FAMILY FUN!

Parks & Playgrounds

Kids’ Guide

Museums

to Vancouver Island!

Pools & Recreation

helping out with social projects (the students volunteer at Our Place each week) or helping to improve the environment in Central Saanich, says McDonald. “Through beach cleanups and work with HAT, we hope our students make this a better place to live.” On Marine Day, July 11, the Green Spots program will be on hand at Witty’s Lagoon for an intertidal exploration, a beach clean-up, and seaside plant walks from 10am-1pm. For more information or to RSVP email volunteers@hat.bc.ca.

The Green Spots Program is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the donations of community members. Habitat Acquisition Trust accepts donations in support of nature education online at hat.bc.ca/donate.

For more information contact hatmail@hat. bc.ca or 250-995-2428.

IslandParent.ca

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www.oriri.ca June 2017 61

SUMMER CAMPS

The Making of a Mompreneur

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Camp will be running most weeks in July and August.

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ompreneurs are moms who start their own businesses—whether that’s selling essential oils, making children’s clothing, or working as an artist.

If I were to elaborate on that description, I might add that a mompreneur is a kick-ass, hard-working mama who deserves praise as she enlists her strength, integrity and patience in juggling both her business and parenting, often at the same time.

I know the challenges that come with being a mompreneur as I am one. I chose this path because of the flexibility it allows me to create my own schedule. I work a little more than part-time, however I am still able to take my kids to swimming lessons and squeeze in a run here and there.

This year was one of the most challenging years of motherhood for me, though.

It’s been even more challenging than giving birth for the first time, “failing” at breastfeeding twice, having a brand new baby who didn’t sleep through the night along with a toddler who started having nightmares (translating into two kids waking up at different times throughout the night).

What sets this year apart from the other years—and the reason it’s been so much more difficult—is starting the business. It’s a business that I’m extremely passionate about, one that combines two of my biggest loves, writing and photography, two things that exercise my brain, my creativity and put a smile on my face.

Every day I have magical ideas, as Elizabeth Gilbert writes about in her book Big Magic, Creative Living Beyond Fear. But every day I also wonder how am I supposed to realize any of them when it feels like such 62 Island Parent Magazine

a task just buying groceries or taking the kids to their activities and playdates.

Take writing this article, for example.

As I type, Audrey bursts into my office, demanding I give her the computer mouse.

I distract her and ask her to find her stuffy so that I can have a moment to get these

Ashley Degraaf thoughts down before they disappear into a cyclone of, “Mom I need this,” and “Darn I almost forgot Jack’s lunch for school.”

Working from home can be stressful. A friend, who’s also a business owner and mom of two, almost cried when I offered to help her with her kids.

How do mompreneurs strike a balance and survive? From what I’ve heard from fellow business owners, taking notes on your ideas is key. And I have been on my phone and jotting them down in my planners. I may not get to them today, tomorrow, or some may have to hold tight until next September when Jack is in school and I have more quiet time.

Also try and be as productive as possible when you have time. Work hard and don’t procrastinate. The same goes for savouring all the moments spent with your children.

If you’re having fun and everyone is happy for the moment, revel in that time—the way the sun falls on Audrey’s hair, Jack’s shadow as he bounces on the trampoline, how he has ice cream all over his cheeks, how Audrey is wearing a tutu over her jeans.

Don’t feel guilty about having to ask someone to help watch your kids or about not spending every second with them. Working and creating are some of the greatest ways to teach our children to follow their dreams, to work hard and perservere—even when the going gets tough.

Ashley Degraaf is a freelance writer based out of the Cowichan Valley. She enjoys channeling her inner momma while chronicling her daily adventures with her children.

IslandParent.ca

Salad Days

F

armers’ markets have kicked into full gear. If you’re anything like me, then a trip to a farmers’ market on a sunny Saturday morning is the perfect start to the weekend. My kids love watching the musicians and meeting up with friends. I love looking at the produce: the colourful carrots, funny looking tomatoes, and lettuces that resemble bouquets.

A trip to the farmers’ market makes me crave salads, with an instinctual drive towards taking all that beautiful produce and consuming it for myself.

Unfortunately my children aren’t quite as enthusiastic. And I understand why. Lettuce is leafy, relatively flavourless and about as appealing as eating grass. Though perhaps lettuce’s worst crime is the fact that it is nearly impossible to stab it with a fork. It makes my preschooler so frustrated as she chases it around her plate in a desperate attempt to get it into her mouth.

However, salads are still favourites at our house. And that’s because I never serve a boring salad.

So if a salad evokes an image of a pile of lettuce decorated with a variety of chopped up vegetables and a few bottles of dressing on the table, then you are missing out on the wonderful flavour possibilities.

Here’s a quick rundown of some salad toppings that turn a bland bowl of greens into a mouthful of farmers’ market happiness: Sweet flavours • chopped fresh fruit • dried fruit • berries • candied nuts Protein • toasted nuts and seeds • cheese • hard-boiled eggs • bacon bits • smoked fish • leftover cooked meat Crunchy toppings • croutons • banana chips • crispy noodles • corn chips or vegetable chips Last week I overheard my son talking to his friend about his favourite salads. His friend’s favourite salad was Caesar (always a classic) and my son rattled off these two salads as being his favourites. Not only IslandParent.ca

does he love to eat them, he also loves to help prepare them!

Taco Salad

Taco anything is delicious, and this salad is no exception. It’s not like the usual throwchili-on-top-of-lettuce style of salad. It is a salad that truly celebrates it’s saladness while still having a delicious taco flavour.

Older children can help with all aspects of this recipe. Young children can help with some slicing, grating cheese, measuring and mixing the dressing.

Cooked Bean Mixture: 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1⁄2 tsp oregano 1 can of kidney or black beans 1⁄2 tsp cumin 1 tsp chili powder Salad Dressing: 2 Tbsp ketchup 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1⁄4 tsp dry mustard (or 1 tsp Dijon) 1⁄4 cup oil 2 Tbsp white vinegar 1⁄2 tsp brown sugar dash of hot sauce (optional) salt and pepper Salad: 1 head of lettuce 1 coloured pepper 2 tomatoes 1⁄2 cup grated cheese 1⁄2 cup crushed corn chips 1. Fry onions, garlic and green pepper in a saucepan until soft.

2. Mix in the beans and spices, and cover with lid. Simmer mixture on low for 15 minutes. Then turn off the heat and take the lid off the pan to allow bean mixture to cool down.

3. In a jar, mix all the ingredients for the salad dressing and shake until combined.

4. Chop up lettuce, coloured pepper and tomato. Put into a salad bowl.

5. Toss the salad with the dressing, then toss in bean mixture and top with cheese and corn chips.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Salad Niçoise

I think this is popular at my house because my kids love eggs, fish, potatoes and olives.

Really, this is a flexible salad that is built up

in layers, so feel free to let your kids build their own salads. That way everyone can have a salad they enjoy. Also, this recipe is not like the posh French restaurant version

Emillie Parrish Cooking With Kids of a Niçoise, but it is easy enough that kids can make it themselves. Scale the ingredients so that each person gets 1 egg, some fish, 2–3 potatoes, etc.

Salad: lettuce canned fish or smoked salmon eggs waxy potatoes (new potatoes are best) vegetables (tomatoes, green beans, asparagus, carrots, coloured peppers—I used farmers’ market garlic scapes for the photo. Really any veggie will do.)

Niçoise olives (or black olives) Italian dressing (or other vinaigrette)

1. Put potatoes and eggs in a saucepan.

Cover with water and bring to a boil. Allow both to boil for 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked.

2. Wash and dice all the vegetables. If using beans and asparagus, add them to the pot of potato and eggs for the last 2–3 minutes to cook them slightly.

3. Rinse eggs and cooked vegetables until cool. Peel and slice eggs.

4. Build the salads on dinner plates.

Start with a bed of lettuce then arrange the potatoes, eggs, fish, olives and vegetables in piles on the plate. Top with the salad dressing and enjoy!

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. She lives in Victoria and is the author of the fermentation-based blog fermentingforfoodies.com.

June 2017 63

Recognizing & Accepting Feelings Healthy Families, Happy Families

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

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Nanaimo Nanaimo Princess Royal Parksville/ Qualicum

250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-755-3342

Port Alberni Tofino

250-731-1315 250-725-4020

250-947-8242

North Island Health Units Campbell River 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071

viha.ca/prevention_services/ 64 Island Parent Magazine

O

ne of the most important tasks of parenthood is helping children learn to deal with their emotions. All children experience periods of stress in their lives and need the emotional skills to deal with those times. Children’s emotional resilience, or ability to cope with their feelings, is important to their long-term happiness, well-being and success in life. This includes being able to recognize, understand and accept feelings so they can learn to express a full spectrum of emotions in a healthy way that is not harmful to them or to others.

From infancy, children experience different emotional states. As they grow and develop they become better able to recognize, talk about and understand how they feel and how others may feel. This progression is related to their language skills, their thinking and their experiences. Parents can help their children learn to recognize, understand and accept different feelings. Triple P—the Positive Parenting Program, provides the following tips:

Accept Different Emotions

It is important for parents to accept that it is normal and healthy to feel ups and downs. It is not possible or healthy to try to protect children from any upset. Let your child know that it is okay to have different feelings and to show them.

Talk About Feelings

Talk to your child about emotions and how to recognize them in themselves and in other people. Also, talk about the reasons why these feelings occur.

Share Your Own Feelings

Be emotionally expressive. Children learn a lot about emotions by watching their parents’ faces and gestures. Faces provide clues about how someone is feeling. If young children see expressive faces, they learn

what they mean; for example, that smiling and laughing are related to happy feelings.

Talk to Your Child About Your Own Feelings

Share stories about times you felt different emotions (happy, excited, nervous, sad, angry, annoyed). Explain the reasons you felt this way and talk about what you did to deal with any negative feelings.

Cindy Knott CH ILD YOUTH & FAMILY PUBLIC H E ALTH

Happy Families, Healthy Families

Help Your Child Recognize Emotions

When your child shows an emotion, ask how they feel. If they have trouble telling you, try to describe the emotion for them, for example “It sounds like you felt disappointed about not being chosen to be on Carly’s team.” This will help your child recognize the emotion and why they feel the way they do.

You can help children understand different emotions through books, stories, fantasy play, drama, art and music. Children can become more aware of their emotions when expressiveness is encouraged.

For more Triple P tips and ideas for all ages and stages of development or to find Triple P services in your community, visit triplepvip.ca or facebook.com/TriplepVIP.

Cindy Knott has worked for more than 25 years supporting children and families in Manitoba and now in British Columbia. She currently works as the Vancouver Island Triple P Coordinator and as an adoption social worker.

IslandParent.ca

Take me out to the ball game…

Great Family Fun • Theme Games Season runs May 30 to August 2

harbourcats.com

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June 2017 65

The

Golden Days

T

he dandelions arrived late this year, but they always come. Suddenly, those yellow blooms are everywhere.

I never used to notice them, but this year, they have become my nemesis. You see, this year we bought our first house. Despite being in a lovely neighbourhood, the property itself was neglected—a fact that became painfully obvious this spring, when the entire front yard grew in as one giant, mangy mess of dandelions. In a neighbourhood of well-maintained gardens, this is hardly going to make us popular. And so, in an attempt to not to be Those People, I’ve launched Mission: Dandelion Eradication.

While this initiative may lead to better standing with the neighbours, it has made me vastly unpopular with one, very loud-voiced opponent: the youngest resident of my house.

To a five-year-old girl, dandelion season is equivalent to winning the lottery. A yard full of dandelions represents untold riches—she picks to her heart’s content, delivering hourly armloads of yellow blooms. They are her answer to everything: you’ve stubbed your toe? Dandelion bouquet coming up. You’re feeling sad? There’s a bouquet for that, too. You’ve bit your tongue? Dandelions will cure it. It’s Tuesday? Let’s pick dandelions. And on it goes. Suddenly, every household receptacle that holds water is full of dandelions, all her clothes are covered in tiny brown circles, and all I can think of is how to get rid of these weeds.

66 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Dandelions are hard enough to get rid of as it is, even without the help of a pint-sized propagator. In fact, I am now thoroughly convinced these plants evolved with this

hands clutching a bunch of flowers, their tops casting a golden glow on her joyful face. It conjures up so many wonderful memories of my own childhood, of long

rings on pant legs and sleeves. In those days everything was simple. But I grew up, and the familiar golden flowers turned into unwanted weeds.

How has this most basic delight of childhood become such a basic annoyance of my adulthood? Or rather, how have I grown up to see them as weeds and not as flowers?

As usual, the most poignant of parenting lessons are delivered in unexpected ways; who knew it would take a patch of wild plants to remind me that no perfect yard is ever worth denying my child the simplest pleasures of her childhood?

Luckily, it’s not too late for me to shift tactics, and since I’m unlikely to win this battle, I’ve decided to compromise. In the front yard, we will be upstanding, dandelion-free members of society. But in the back yard, we will be wild and free, filling our arms with blooms, rubbing dandelion dust on our cheeks, blowing seeds to the wind, and soaking up our golden days.

afternoons making dandelion chains, rubbing sun-coloured dandelion dust on our noses, cheeks, and chins, blowing dandelion seeds into the breeze, and the familiar brown

S​ arah Milligan lives on Vancouver Island. She is grateful to her children for the joy they inspire, not to mention the endless writing fodder.

Sarah Milligan Is There an App for This? strategy in mind; making themselves irresistible to children ensures a perfect system for their survival. The more she picks, the more blooms appear; for every plant I dig up, she spreads 1,000 more. It’s not as simple as pulling up weeds. In fact, I’m battling two of the most tenacious life forces on earth—dandelions and five-year-olds.

The hardest part of all is trying to explain to my daughter why I am so bent on removing her personal picking field. She can’t comprehend why any sane person would want to get rid of the golden “daisies.” And I have no convincing argument for her. I can’t deny the joy that stirs in me when I see her running toward me, her small

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June 2017 67

WestCoast Fertility Connections Are you interested in becoming a surrogate?

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• Are you physically and emotionally healthy?

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Crying Baby

W

e all know that it is normal for babies to cry, but sometimes the actual experience of your own baby crying is not what you would expect.

Two of my four children were easy to console and did not cry very much. My other two children were the complete opposite, and I was not prepared for the amount of crying or my lack of ability to console them.

Many parents have asked me about the cause of evening fussiness in babies and how to manage it. With two out of my four babies being very fussy, I know firsthand how difficult these times can be for the new family. Feelings of doubt can arise about how you are doing as a parent and shake your confidence. You may begin to question things such as your milk supply, if baby is sensitive to something in your milk, or even your abilities to parent your baby.

It is important to remember that infant crying is normal and expected.

soothe my baby, then I am a failure” or “something must be wrong with my baby.”

It is interesting to note that studies on infant crying have been done across the globe and the results show the same increase and decrease patterns over the first few months, regardless of caregiving styles.

Now that we know what is normal, how do we deal with it? Once you have gone

Once you have gone through the checklist of obvious causes of crying… there are a couple of tried-and-true ways of helping calm your crying baby or decrease the length of time they cry.

What is considered “normal” infant crying:

through the checklist of obvious causes of crying (for example, hungry, tired, un• The amount an infant cries daily will comfortable, needs more/less stimulation), typically increase slowly in the first two there are a couple of tried-and-true ways of to three months of life. Once it reaches its helping calm your crying baby or decrease peak, it generally starts to decrease. the length of time they cry.

• Some infants may experience their “peak” at three weeks of age, others may Soothing techniques for the reach it at two months old; for some infants, fussy times: the amount they cry at their peak may be 30 One of the most interesting things I have minutes, for others it could be five hours. seen in the research regarding infant fussiEither scenario is within normal range and ness is that almost anything a parent tries part of normal infant development. to reduce fussiness will work, but only for • The periods of crying tend to start and a short time (a few days), and then other stop for no apparent reason at all. Crying strategies need to be used. Something else is not always indicative that an infant is to keep in mind while you are attempting experiencing any pain, even though they to soothe your baby is that it is important may look like they are in pain. You may to persevere with a technique for several notice your infant struggles or grunts or minutes as babies may take a while to reeven cries when he is gassy, but sometimes spond. Try combining a couple of strategies the crying is unrelated to anything physical. for greater success. The crying may not cease • The infant tends to start the crying late immediately so persevere with a technique afternoon and evening, which is usually for a while to allow your baby to get into the time when most parents have a natural the new rhythm. One overall strategy that works preventatively is to maintain wane in energy.

All this can be upsetting and exhausting as much close physical contact with your for new parents, especially as the crying gets baby throughout the day as possible. Many worse before it is better, and if the baby has studies show evidence that babies who are long periods of inconsolable crying. Parents held closely have less crying time overall.

Wear baby in a baby carrier. This will often think or misunderstand that if they are soothing “correctly,” they will be able free one or both hands for other tasks (fixing to calm their baby. This type of thinking dinner, caring for other children) while you can easily lead to thoughts of “if I can’t hold, soothe and nurse your baby.

IslandParent.ca

Soothe with sound. Sing, hum, talk, murmur shhhh, listen to music, or use “white noise.” Try different types of sound, different styles of music and singers with different types of voices.

Where we draw for the fun of it!

Diana Hurschler New Parent Pages Soothe with rhythmic motion. Walk, sway, bounce, dance, swing, or even try a car ride.

Soothe with touch. Hold or bathe baby, try baby massage.

Reduce stimulation. Dim lights, reduce noise, swaddle baby.

Vary nursing positions. Try side lying, lying on your back to nurse with baby tummy to tummy, or nurse in motion (while rocking, swaying, walking).

Go outside. Relax baby (and mom too) with a walk, or just sit and enjoy the outdoors. Try this a little before baby’s regular fussy time.

Change of pace. Let dad have some “baby time” while mom takes a shower or simply gets some time to herself to relax and regroup after a long day.

Certainly, listening to your infant crying inconsolably is one of the most stressful experiences a parent can have. If you are reaching your limit, it will not harm your baby to put your baby in a safe place and let him cry for a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a caring friend or relative as your baby’s cries likely will not be as hard for them to listen to.

I was completely unprepared for how stressful it would feel to have my baby crying continuously. I was even more unprepared for the resulting stress and strain our family felt. Sometimes babies will cry and it does not mean anything is wrong with you as parent or that something isn’t right with your baby. As a mom who survived a couple of my own babies who had a high level of crying, I can tell you one thing: This too shall pass, and the crying and stress really do become a distant memory.

• 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.

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Does your child have difficulty reading?

Douglas

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.

We offer drawing, cartooning and sketching classes for children and adults that help students improve their drawing skills while developing their own, unique style. · Daytime, after school and evening programs · Spring and Summer Camps · Weekend programs and workshops

Larch St.

Entrance off Larch St.

T.J.’S

June 2017 69

FAMILY SERVICES Directory

Community Options for Children and Families offers recreational support groups for Children and Youth age 6-18 who have a brother or sister with a disability. The Sibshop Program allows children and youth to connect with peers who understand what This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit it is like to be a Sib. Sibkids (age 6-12) and Sibteens agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families. (age 13-18) are play and activity based designed to provide opportunity for participants to share in a comfortable and safe environment. For further 1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (1- help finding a job? Need employees? Contact us info call 250-380-6363 or communityoptions.bc.ca. up.ca) provides support, education and resources for FREE assistance! 9860 Third St. Sidney. 250End Dyslexia. Does your child have trouble reading for parents in the Greater Victoria area through 656-0134. beaconcs.ca. or is behind in reading? Is your child bright, but is free counselling, volunteer training, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school not learning as quickly as you would like? Get ready dads, as well as a variety of integrated life skills and evening social, educational and recreational for September now with Summer Reading Camps and parenting courses which are open to the whole programming for children and youth at 5 locations from the convenience of your own home! Use community, with fees on a sliding scale. For single (Colwood, Langford, VicWest, Central Saanich and research-based programs with fast, lasting results parent members, the Centre provides free toys and Esquimalt) and summer camps both in Esquimalt while working with award-winning speech-language books, a clothing room and bread pantry. Donations and at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin. We also of- pathologist, Marlene Lewis, who brings many years of gently-used clothing, small household items, and fer support to parents through our Parents Together of experience and proven results in improving readtoys are welcome. Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.: 9–4, program and parent workshops. For more informa- ing for children, teens and adults. To learn more & Wednesdays: 12–7. Location: 602 Gorge Road tion on all programs and services visit bgcvic.org or please visit end-dyslexia.com or call 250-474-6368.

East. Phone: 250-385-1114. call 250-384-9133.

Family Services of Greater Victoria (formerly BC Beacon Community Services is a community- Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides high- Families in Transition) is a non profit agency that has based, non-profit agency dedicated to helping quality, adapted sports, recreational and social been serving families since 1978. We provide a full people and improving lives on southern Vancouver programs for kids, teens and young adults living range of services to the whole family in supportIsland and the southern Gulf Islands. Beacon thrift with autism on Vancouver Island. Shawnigan Lake: ing their relationship and through separation and shops fund important LOCAL community services Multisport day camp, bike clinics and family camp. divorce. Counseling, mediation, legal information and programs. Beacon also offers: child, youth and Victoria: Swim, soccer, skate and physical literacy. and a range of group programs are available for family services (including the Peninsula Early Years Nanaimo: Swim and physical literacy. Family events children, youth and adults on a sliding fee scale. Call Centre and child care); counselling; employment take place throughout the year! Become a member us at 250-386-4331 or visit fsgv.org. We can help. services and training for people of all ages; home for only $25/year at canucksautism.ca/join. Call support care; volunteer services and opportunities; 604-685-4049, email info@canucksautism.ca or HappyBaby Sleep Solutions helps families creaffordable housing/care/supports for seniors and visit canucksautism.ca/VancouverIsland for more ate healthy sleep habits in babies and children so everyone is well rested and happy. Sukkie Sandhu, people with disabilities. For Home Support, please information.

M.Ed., has worked with hundreds of families locally call 250-658-6407. For other programs: 250-6560134. beaconcs.ca.

CHOICES Adoption & Counselling is a licensed, in Victoria and worldwide. Sukkie is a Registered professional, non-profit agency that provides Clinical Counsellor so the cost of a sleep consultaBeacon Community Services Employment services to adoptive parents, birth-parents, and tion may be covered under your extended medical Programs. Beacon Community Services offers a adoptees. CHOICES arranges adoptions domesti- plan. For more information visit happybabysleepfull menu of employment services on the Saanich cally and internationally. We are committed to pro- solutions.com or call 250-857-1408 for a FREE Peninsula and Gulf Islands. We’ve been helping viding a comprehensive, client-centered adoption evaluation. Let’s get started! people find work since 1982! Our programs build on service which best meets the needs of everyone a person’s strengths and resolve barriers to finding in the adoption constellation. Please contact us at HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre and keeping employment. We also work with our choices@choicesadoption.ca, or call 250-479-9811 supports families living with seizures by offering parent workshops three times a year, educational employer network to support job seekers. Need for further information.

70 Island Parent Magazine

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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 registered charity and nonprofit helping individuals and organizations to connect across cultures. Programs offered include immigrant and refugee services, parenting programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, English language training, volunteer placements, youth programs and tutoring, seniors groups, and inter-cultural arts programming.

Located at 930 Balmoral Road, 250-388-4728 info@ icavictoria.org, icavictoria.org.

A Place to Explore A World to Discover!

Registration for July & August 2017 Programs • English or French Programs available • Member or Non-Member pricing

LDABC The Learning Curve (previously The Learning Disabilities Assn.) supports, educates and advocates for children with learning disabilities and related challenges. Individual and group support, education and consultation is available for children, youth, parents, caregivers and professionals.

Please visit our website @ ldasvi.bc.ca or call us for more information or to book an appointment: 250 370 9513.

Power To Be inspires people living with barriers or disabilities to explore their limitless abilities through inclusive adventures rooted in nature. With programs for children, youth and adults, year-round adventures include kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking and more. Visit powertobe.ca or call 250385-2363 to learn more.

Sooke-West Shore 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-West Shore Early Years Centres are hosted

by Sooke Family Resource Society and located at the Child, Youth, and Family Centres in both Sooke and the West Shore and can be reached at 250217-9243. Additional information can be accessed at sfrs.ca/early-years-centre.

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) supports immigrants and refugees living in Greater Victoria. Services are free and include oneon-one counselling, parent education workshops, youth life skills classes, a preschool program, art therapy, language classes and academic support, employment help, computer classes and fun community events like free yoga, tai chi, dance and cooking classes. Visit us online at vircs.bc.ca or phone 250-361-9433.

IslandParent.ca

Big & Little

Biology Buddies

FRIDAYS: 10:00am to 11:30am July 11 Lovely Ladybugs July 18 Awesome Amphibians July 25 Terrific Turtles August 1 Outstanding Owls August 8 Busy Beavers August 15 Super Snakes These fun and interactive programs include hands-on discovery, an outside ramble, a story and a craft.

Week 1 Animal Families July 10, 11, 12, 13 (Mon to Thur) 9:30 - 11:30 am Week 2 Animal & Plant Movement July 17, 18, 19, 20 (Mon to Thur) 9:30 - 11:30 am Week 3 Animal Senses Aug. 14, 15, 16, 17 (Mon to Thur) 1:00 - 3:00 pm Week 4 Habitats of Swan Lake Aug. 21, 22, 23, 24 (Mon to Thur) 9:30 - 11:30 am

Registration Now Open!

ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES

For French Immersion Nature Enthusiasts 5 - 7 years old Semaine 1 / Week1 July 24, 25, 26, 27 (Mon to Thur) 9:30 - 11:30 am Semaine 2 / Week2 August 14, 15, 16, 17 (Mon to Thur) 9:30 - 11:30 am This series of four 2-hour classes are for children aged 5 to 7 years who are learning French. Each class features a different nature theme offering discovery, play, and lots of outdoor fun!

Nature Explorers JULY 7 Magical Marsh 14 Hanging with Herptiles 21 Geological Journey 28 Wondrous Water AUGUST 4 Restoration Rangers 11 Mysterious Mammals 18 Adventurous Art 25 Stellar Stewardship

A drop-off program for kids 7 to 10 years old A series of 2-hour classes on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Each class explores a different nature theme through activities, hikes, experiments and more.

For more information call: 250.479.0211

www.swanlake.ba.ca

& FAMILY FUN!

Parks & Playgrounds Museums

Pools & Recreation

201 7/2 018

Les petits explorateurs

tainment Historical Sites • Enter & Much More

Pick up Your Copy of the 2017/2018

Kids’ Guide to Vancouver Island!

at Your Neighbourhood Rec Centre June 2017 71

PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE Directory CENTRAL SAANICH

HIGHLANDS

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.

COLWOOD/LANGFORD

Licenced group childcare for children ages 12 months to 5 years old. Open 6:30am-5:30pm.

Leap Forward Dance School offers weekday and Saturday dance classes for children ages 2 and up.

2758 Peatt Road, Langford

250-818-9225 info@leapforwardlangford.com

www.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.

Cordova Bay Preschool........................... 250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent participation preschool with a philosophy of learning through play. 4 yr olds - M/W/F 9:151:15; 3 yr olds - T/Th 9:15-12:15. cordovabaypreschool.org.

ESQUIMALT 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.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt...............250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Enriched Curriculum Includes Music Classes and Character Development using the Virtues Project. Part -time spaces available. Islandkids.ca.

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

Licensed Christian centre. prematernelleappletree.com.

Child Care

Resource & Referral

vancouverislandccrr.ca ccrr.bc.ca 72 Island Parent Magazine

Only seconds past luxurious Bear Mountain our highly respected outdoor program will not disappoint! Our “Nurture through Nature” facility is rooted from the Reggio-Emilia philosophies, allowing the children to use their environment as the “third teacher.” Located on 2 acres of forest land, your child will learn and grow in a natural surrounding of tress and wildlife! Newly expanded, we NOW have more spaces available for your Infant/ Toddlers and Pre-Kindergarten aged children. We use the trees from our own property to build the furniture and some of the toys in all three centres. The children enjoy yoga, music, Spanish, signlanguage and an outdoor classroom. In 2016, Lexie Biegun won the BC Provincial Gov’t award of Excellence for Child Care Providers.

Please visit our Facebook page for current info and pics.

lexieslittlebears.ca

250-590-3603 Cub House waitlist: 778-432-3600

METCHOSIN West-Mont Montessori School.................250-474-2626 Exceptional preschool Montessori instruction in a beautiful natural environment. Ages 30 months and up. Providing a balanced approach to incorporating French, Music, Art and Nature. Stop by and experience what it is like to be part of a community devoted to the development of the whole child.

Open House: Thursdays 9-11 am. west-mont.ca.

• Half day and Full day Preschool Programs • Children’s learning is nurtured and supported through exploration, discovery, play and creative expression 3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC

250-477-3731 arbutusgrove.ca 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.

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.

Island Montessori House.....................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing Preschool and After School Care programs. Lovely rural setting with a focus on nature and outdoor environmental activities. islandmontessori.com.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare........ 250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s parent-participation preschool and childcare center. Flexible hours M-F 9am-3pm & drop-ins offered. Play based learning and outdoor play. Allergy friendly. Celebrating 40 years. lambrickparkpreschool.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. Now offering Infant and Toddler Care.

OAK BAY Emmanuel Preschool.............................. 250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool....................... 250-727-1003 An imaginative Reggio Emilia inspired Learning-Through-Play community that focuses on nature, music, and arts. gonzalescooppreschool.com.

Recreation Oak Bay.................................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, ECE Daycare, Preschool and Nature Preschool.

Play based, child led learning. Afterschool care available.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has opened a brand new licensed child care facility in Royal Oak at 4353 West Saanich Road. We currently have openings in our over 36 months program operating Monday to Friday.

For more information call 250-727-0007 and ask for Maureen Hall, Manager or email us at info@svdpvictoria.com

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

IslandParent.ca

Montessori Educare.................................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environment in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months to 5 years. All year round. montessorieducare@shaw.ca. montessorieducare.com.

Licenced group childcare for children ages 1 to 12 years old

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten....... 250-479-4410 Welcoming, culturally sensitive parent participation program in Lakehill School. Morning and afternoon.

For 3s and 4s. See website for details. neighbourhood juniorkindergarten.com

Open 6:30am–5:30pm

Oakcrest Preschool................................ 250-472-0668 A welcoming, nurturing environment with a large, bright facility. Learn through play with 2 caring ECEs. oakcrestpreschool.org.

Pre-School Junior Kindergarten PacificChristian.ca 250-479-4532 Educational Excellence to the Glory of God 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.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool................... 250-479-1237 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

• A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

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 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.

VICTORIA

v Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 8 v Delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts v Outstanding educators, locations and facilities

www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

IslandParent.ca

Offering Before & After school care for Vic West Elementary School

babiestobigkids.com info@babiestobigkids.com

250-590-2722

949 Fullerton Ave

Castleview Child Care............................. 250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Discovery. Licensed non-profit, ECE staff. Since 1958. Morning or full-time care. castleviewchildcarecentre.com.

Centennial Day Care............................... 250-386-6832 Exceptional childcare and education 35+ years. Nature inspired, play based program. NEW central, “green” building. centennialdaycare.ca.

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. Spacious, renovated facility with a huge backyard in Fairfield. cathedralschool.ca.

Little Paws Preschool...............................250-384-3211 A program designed to enhance children’s creativity, interdependence, independence and to expand self-expression.

Website: vnfc.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. Full/part-time spaces available. viewroyalpreschool.com.

DUNCAN International Montessori Academy of Canada................................................. 250-737-1119 Offers an enriching environment for preschool children 2-4.9 years with potty training. Nurturing young minds, keeping the spirit free. intmontessori.ca.

Parkside Academy..................................... 250-746-1711 Providing high quality early learning and care from infancy to 12 years of age, in a stimulating, respectful, nurturing, nature based environment with fully educated and passionate early childhood educators. Visit parksideacademy.ca or find us on Facebook.

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.

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. Arts/Drama programme. kidsworks.ca.

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool..............250-743-7253 In a warm environment, this nature and play-based program enlivens and nurtures the growing child. sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Rainbow Express Daycare....................... 250-382-2314 A nurturing environment for children to learn through play and discovery in a natural setting. ECEs and specialist teachers. rainbowexpressdaycare.com. Close to city centre.

St. Joseph’s Preschool..............................250-246-3191 An enriching preschool program allowing children to grow as individuals in a safe and nurturing Christian environment.

CHEMAINUS

NANAIMO

Positive and supportive program motivating children to learn, discover and grow through play.

Kindness Curriculum, Jolly Phonics and Active Outdoor Play!

250-383-7445 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 Island Kids Academy View Royal.............250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. islandkids.ca.

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.

Aspengrove School.................................. 250-618-2201 Aspengrove School in Nanaimo, an independent school offering Junior Kindergarten for 3 & 4 year olds. Play-based learning, rooted in the same International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum taught in our Kindergarten-Grade 12 classes.

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 2017 73

Fields

of

Dreams

R

ecently, I looked in my bedroom closet and noticed it contains more jerseys than dress shirts. The rainbow array of polyester is a sign of shifting priorities. Every spring, out of the drab cocoon of my day job emerges the butterfly of a softball coach who squeezes in a little work around practices and games.

My spreadsheets track batting orders rather than budgets. Our car’s trunk overflows with buckets of balls and bags of bats. Our washing machine fights a losing battle against grass stains.

Parents need to volunteer to sustain our kids’ extra-curricular activities. For years, I’d dodged lice checks, field trips and the monsoon season of soccer, so I was overdue. The only games I’d ever played semi-seriously were softball, water polo and Dungeons & Dragons, which made the choice easier.

By coaching, I can support my son and my daughter’s passion for baseball and softball and spend more time with both of them. If I wielded a whistle, I figured, they might actually listen to me. (Spoiler alert: they don’t.)

Leashed to my smartphone, my work life trails me home and hijacks my waking hours.

I’m not alone. Even as we cheer from the sidelines, parents can’t resist composing emails or scrolling Twitter on the sly—and then we miss that big goal or diving save or home run.

Coaching reduces that temptation. To manage a fun, safe, successful practice or game with a dozen rambunctious nine-year-olds, you must submit every synapse of your aging brain to their needs.

Coaching, like parenting, is also a humbling experience. Puzzled expressions reveal the limits of what I know about the sport, as well as my limited ability to convey those fragments of wisdom. (Don’t ask me, for instance, to explain the infield fly rule.) Progress is slow. It takes more than 90 minutes to turn a squad of newbies into trophy-lifting Hollywood heroines.

74 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Dads like to seize the coach’s reins as our birthright as parent-volunteers. But I’ve watched my daughter thrive under the mentorship of a coaching mom or a female teenage all-star in ways my creaky, middleaged knees can never support.

David Leach

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL Directory Is it ‘I’ or ‘me’?

Where do you place a semi-colon?

Grooming • Food • Supplies

Dadspeak In the end, we are all students of the game.

That’s a sports cliché I still believe in. At a recent coaching clinic, another softball dad admitted he’d been one of those obnoxious parents who hollers from the stands—at umpires, at other parents, at mascots, you name it—until he began to coach and saw the light.

“What makes a successful season?” he asked. It isn’t wins or tournament medals.

“You want all your players to come back the next year—that’s it.”

Many youth sports don’t meet that grade.

Almost every activity witnesses a nosedive in participation as kids become teenagers.

Casual players drift away, leagues become more competitive, and young athletes feel the pressure to specialize and train yearround in a single sport.

As parents and coaches, we don’t help if we project our own dreams and anxieties onto our players. We preach that highperformance competition prepares young bodies and minds for the rigours of a cutthroat workplace. But for some kids it perpetuates the winner-takes-all mythology that can also turn school and jobs into the quicksand of stress and self-doubt that games were meant to help us escape.

At our first practice, I explained to parents our hopes as coaches for the team. We want the girls to learn skills and have fun and make friends. We want them to feel like they are playing together, not performing for us. We want softball to remain their game and not our sport.

Most of all, against the odds, we hope that all our players return next season—and every season after that. Years from now, we want our daughters (and sons) to look into their own closets and find more jerseys than work clothes. To know in their hearts that they are always willing and ready to play.

David Leach is the author of Chasing Utopia and the head coach of the Carnarvon Red Pandas.

IslandParent.ca

Find answers to these and other grammatical questions in a series of six booklets. Available at Munro’s Books for $5.00 each or through www.punctuationtips.com

Phone: 250-590-4460 Grooming: 250-590-5803 #106–751 Goldstream Avenue islandpetsource.com

Advertise YOUR Business or Service Here Call 250-388-6905

Abra-Kid-Abra................................ 54 Alpine Stables.................................47 Arbutus Grove............................... IFC Artistic Statement...........................57 Arts Calibre................................... IFC Aspengrove School........................ 31 Babies to Big Kids...........................27 Ballet Victoria.................................. 13 Boardworks.....................................37 The Boulders Climbing Gym.......... 56 Brookes School Debate Camp...... 56 Brown Henderson Melbye............. 36 Burnside Gorge Comm Ctr............ 28 Byte Camp.........................................4 Camp Pringle................................. 49 Canadian Forces Sailing Association................................ 16 Cash Advantage............................. 28 Christ Church Cathedral................ 36 City Centre Park.............................. 21 Coastal Adventures....................... 29 Rosemarie Colterman.................... 52 Community Living.......................... 24 CRD.................................................10 Crystal Pool...................................IBC Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates.IFC Dr. Stimson....................................IBC Emmanuel Baptist Church.............. 31

ADVERTISERS Directory

Emmanuel Preschool..................... 33 Falcon Gymnastics..........................27 Fired Up!......................................... 12 Maxine Fisher.................................77 Foster Parent Support Services..... 15 Four Seasons................................IBC Fun Camps..................................... 54 Furever Clean.................................27 GNS Marine Adventure................... 31 Gorge Soccer..................................37 Harbour Cats.................................. 65 Highland Pacific Golf..................... 62 Horne Lake Caves......................... 49 IMAX................................................77 International Montessori................. 8 Island Montessori.......................... 49 Island Swimming............................ 26 Kaleidoscope................................. 33 Kate Rubin...................................... 49 Kool & Child.................................... 24 Kumon Canada..........................BC, 3 Lifestyles.......................................... 5 Lizzy Lee & Me............................... 50 Mad Science................................... 16 Mary Rogers Music Studio.............. 15 Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf................ 55 McDonald Realty............................. 15 Momease...................................... IFC

Mothering Touch...............................7 Nanaimo Conservatory of Music....47 Nanaimo Museum.......................... 46 Oak & Orca.........................23, 38, 70 Open Space....................................10 Oriri................................................. 61 Outward Bound.............................. 55 Pacific Christian School................... 6 Pacific Coast Swimming................. 51 PISE................................................. 17 Pizzeria Prima Strada..................... 45 Playful Pencil.................................. 69 Poppet Art....................................... 61 Pumpkin Pie................................... 56 The Raptors.................................... 29 Recreation Oak Bay........................ 18 Resthouse.......................................44 Royal BC Museum........................... 13 Royal Soccer Club.......................... 23 Royal Victoria Yacht Club............... 32 Saanich Dental..........................12, 25 Saanich Fair....................................67 Saanich Recreation................... Insert School House Teaching Supplies.................................... 60 Scouts Canada............................... 59 Serious Coffee............................... 25 Sooke Fine Arts Show................... 62

St. Joseph’s Chemainus.................47 St. Margaret’s................................... 8 St. Michaels University School...... 29 Stages......................................30, 68 Swan Lake................................. 58, 71 Sylvan Learning............................. 53 Thrifty Foods...................................43 TJ’s The Kiddie Store..................... 69 Tom Lee Music............................... 32 Total Learning................................ 69 UVic Vikes...................................... 48 Vancouver Island Baby Fair............78 Vancouver Island University............11 Victoria Academy of Ballet............. 51 Victoria Bug Zoo............................ 28 Victoria Gymnastics........................ 21 Victoria Operatic............................. 51 Victoria Pediatric Dental................ 33 Victoria Synchro............................. 36 VIHA............................................... 64 Welcome Wagon............................ 46 West View Plumbing....................... 51 Westmont Montessori.....................37 Westcoast Ballet............................ 20 Westcoast Fertility......................... 68 Westshore Motocross.................... 60 Westshore Parks and Recreation.... 9 World Cup Soccer.......................... 32

June 2017 75

The Giving Grounds

…aka: the ‘wood-wide web’

W

e tend to think of trees as individuals; stoic, self-sufficient and generally fending for themselves. However, recent discoveries by botanists and mycologists have uncovered just how far from the truth that idea actually is. Below ground, some amazing things are going on.

The forests we know and love are so much more than meets the eye! As it turns out, about 90 per cent of plants have a mutually beneficial relationship with fungus without which their survival would suffer. The base of this relationship is the colonization of plant roots by fungal mycelium, commonly known as mycorrhiza (basically akin to a mushroom’s “roots”). Amazingly, there are so many benefits that result from this partnership that some scientist venture to say that trees are actually codependent on fungus. These exchanges include: an increase in nutrient and water uptake by plant due to larger surface area of their colonized roots, the fungus receiving sugars from the plant that are not otherwise accessible to them, and the plant’s immune system being boosted.

76 Island Parent Magazine

IslandParent.ca

Not only are individual trees benefiting from their direct relationship with fungi, but the mycelium are in addition acting as a conduit between trees. This incredible network fondly known as the “wood-wide web” allows trees to both communicate with and send resources to each other!

Though quite primitive in comparison to animal communication, through this “fungal internet,” trees are able to send out warnings and or indicate poor health through chemical messaging. Since the mycelium is acting as a conduit between trees these chemical messages can be passed from tree to tree to incite and even facilitate “action” in the forest community. When a tree is being attacked by an insect for example, it will produce a surge in volatile chemicals.

When these chemicals are received by the surrounding trees through the “network” they can then proactively put up defenses against the attack. It can also spur the purposeful sharing of nutrient resources with nearby stressed or ill neighbors. Larger and healthier trees can supplement the nutrient intake of smaller or struggling trees and the nutrients from a dying tree can be transferred to its healthy neighbors.

Amazingly, the transfer of this knowl-

edge and aid is not constrained by species barriers. In fact, a graduate study done by Leanne Phillips and Brendan Twieg at UBC in 2008 shows that conifers and deciduous trees have actually developed systems to take advantage of their differences. Their research uncovered an incredible relationship between Douglas fir and Paper birch wherein the birch aids young Douglas fir saplings in the summer when larger leafed trees are blocking their access to sunlight and the Douglas fir transfer nutrients to the birch in the winter season when they have lost their leaves.

The fact that something so logical can strike so many of us as unbelievable is, I think, a testament to how much we underestimate the complexity and knowledge of plant life. Even though I work in the field of nature education I am astounded at how much more there always is to learn.

These discoveries are providing key information on how we understand the function and success of forests. Hopefully in the future this research will help fill some gaps in our decision making process around how we harvest and grow this amazing natural resource.

Though we have just barely scratched

the surface I hope this has inspired some curiosity to learn more and that you enjoy your next forest wander with renewed amazement for what is going on silently beneath your feet!

Francie Morgan Nature Notes For more information on this amazing topic, I highly recommend the following reading and listening possibilities. bbc.com/earth/story/20141111-plantshave-a-hidden-internet e c o l o g y. c o m / 2 0 1 2 / 1 0 / 0 8 / t r e e s communicate/ radiolab.org/story/from-tree-to-shiningtree/ ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_ trees_talk_to_each_other Francie Morgan is one of the Program naturalists Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary who relishes the thought of trees talking to one another.

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling for Children, Families & Adults Over 20 Years Experience (Music Therapy Also Available)

Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals Skype & Phone Sessions Available 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

Also Playing

AMAZON ADVENTURE DREAM BIG: ENGINEERING OUR WORLD Limited Engagements:

D-DAY: NORMANDY 1944 BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Parental Warning: Some scenes of creature action and peril may be alarming for small children.

IslandParent.ca

Located inside the Royal BC Museum 250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com June 2017 77

Make Them Care

H

ow many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb? None, the lightbulb has to want to change. If a therapist argues for change, it will create resistance. Now the relationship between the client and therapist becomes something the client wants to avoid. The agenda of the therapist gets in the way of the client’s growth.

Parents do this. They expect kids to care about things that they haven’t fully experienced yet. Taking over kids’ responsibilities such as homework, getting along with friends, cleaning their rooms, remembering their lunches, eating enough or anything that directly involves the child and doesn’t really harm the child or another, is a kid issue. As the saying goes, “This might hurt you, but it won’t harm you.” Taking over a child’s responsibility removes healthy hurt and that can harm a child. Feeling enough healthy anxiety motivates us to change. If you are constantly teaching a lesson, Cut It Out!

78 Island Parent Magazine

It is intrusive to continuously teach kids a lesson and it stops them from experiencing genuine learning for themselves. The teaching simply gets in the way and takes over the chance for a child to be contemplative. Being contemplative means looking at the pros and cons. When the cons outweigh the pros, the desire for change happens. With healthy self-esteem, we are motivated by the hope of success rather than the fear of failure because we understand how we feel and what matters to us. With healthy self-esteem, small failures aren’t crushing blows, they are simply enough hurt to push us along the continuum of growth.

Conditional approval also interferes with a child’s self-esteem.

If all a child is concerned about is gaining approval from the adult or avoiding punishment, it robs a child of developing internally. This is something that takes time and ownership.

Practice the language of acceptance, it sounds like this:

Child: I think I failed my math test today.

Parent: Oh? You sound concerned. (empathy) Child: Yeah, kind of, I don’t want to fail the course.

Allison Rees Cut It Out! Parent: You would hate to fail and have to do it over again. (reflection only) Child: That would suck. (the child’s feelings) Parent: Yeah. Sounds like a dilemma. (not taking over) Child: I can’t fail! I have to do something! (arguing for change) Parent: What could this look like? (consultant) Let your child sit with their life experiences.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See lifeseminars.com.

IslandParent.ca

Children’s & Women’s Health Living well...

Naturally!

SUMMER CAMPS 2017!

Join us this summer and learn stage acting, singing and dancing!

Dr. Elizabeth Stimson Naturopathic Doctor

One Week Kids Camps

• Stress & Anxiety

Ages 7–10 July 10–14 or July 31–August 4

• Acute & Chronic Pain

Two Week Teen Camp

• CranioSacral Therapy • Nutrition

• Digestive Concerns • Homeopathy

Ages 11–15 July 17–29

Two Week Advanced Camp

• Food Sensitivities

• Herbal Medicine

• Immune Health

• Acupuncture

Ages 10–16 August 14–26

Visit Our website for more details and registration information:

www.fsmtheatre.ca or call 250-478-0329

June 2017 Check online for details

Victoria, BC 250-884-2583 doctorstimson@gmail.com

Summer Camps?

We’ve got you covered at Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre

victoria.ca/recreation 250.361.0732

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE TO COMPETE IN TODAY’S WORLD 1.800.ABC.MATH FREE REGISTRATION IN JUNE* ($50 VALUE)

Kumon is the world’s largest math and reading learning program Find us online at www.kumon.ca or call 1-800-222-6284

Langford

Proudly serving Vancouver Island: Oak Bay OakBay Saanich

Sidney

* Offer valid at participating Kumon centres only when you enroll between 6/1/17 - 6/30/17. Contact centre for details.