Redefining Creativity
Family Favourites
TWINNER 2024 FAMI L Y • F A V RUO I SET •
he Family Favourites results are in! Who has the best products, services and experiences? We asked and you answered. The Family Favourites were developed to recognize quality family retailers and service providers in our community. Our readers were invited to vote online at islandparent.ca for their family favourites in 42 categories. The response was phenomenal! Thank you to everyone who voted and sent us such wonderful feedback. We have tallied your votes— here are your 2024 Island Parent Family Favourites!
Favourite Food Service
FOOD TRUCK
Winner: Taco Justice
Runners Up: Deadbeetz, Grilled to Mac
ICE CREAM SHOP
Winner: Cold Comfort Ice Crem
Runners Up: Beacon Hill Drive-In, Parachute
HAMBURGERS
Winner: Bin 4 Burger Lounge
Runners Up: Red Robin, Burger Crush
PIZZA
Winner: Pizzeria Prima Strada
Runners Up: Stoked Pizza, The Joint
ETHNIC
Winner: Sizzling Tandoor
Runner Up: Spice Valley
FAMILY DINING
Winner: Fifth Street Bar and Grill
Runners Up: White Spot (Langford), Red Robin
FOOD PREP SERVICE
Winner: Hello Fresh
Runner Up: Refire Kitchen
Favourite
Personal Service
ESTHETIC SALON
Winner: Foxy Box
Runners Up: Heaven Spa on the Rock, Oasis Nails and Spa
OPTOMETRIST
Winner: Eye Etiquette
Runners Up: Cordova Bay Optometry, Family Eyecare (Yates St)
ORTHODONTICS
Winner: Oceans Edge Nanaimo
Runners Up: Parkway, Dr. Kersten
HAIR
Winner: Brothers Barbershop
Runners Up: Oceanside Hair Salon, Roxy’s Barber Shop
DAY SPA
Winner: Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
Runner Up: Amatista Spa
DENTIST
Winner: Parkway Dental
Runners Up: Langford Dental, Westshore Dental
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Winner: Tall Tree Health
Runners Up: Rise Health, Startline Physiotherapy
Favourite Children,s...
PRESCHOOL/CHILDCARE
Winner: Lexie’s Little Bears
Runner Up: Carrotseed
ARTS OR THEATRE PROGRAM
Winner: Stages Performing Arts
Runners Up: Theatre SKAM, McTavish
BIRTHDAY PARTY LOCATION
Winner: Airhouse
Runners Up: Ponies and Pipsqeaks, Flying Squirrel
SUMMER CAMP
Winner: UVic Vikes
Runners Up: Royal Soccer, Victoria Gymnastics,
OVERNIGHT CAMP
Winner: Camp Qwanoes
SPORTS PROGRAM
Winner: Gorge Soccer
Runners Up: Island Swimming, Westshore Rugby
RECREATION CENTRE
Winner: Saanich Commonwealth Place
Runner Up: Westshore Parks & Recreation
Favourite Outing
LIVE SPORTING EVENT
Winner: Victoria Royals
Runners Up: Harbour Cats, Pacific FC
PLAYGROUND
Winner: Parksville Community Park
Runners Up: Gyro Park, Sarah Beckett
BEACH
Winner: Esquimalt Lagoon
Runners Up: Rathrevor, Gyro Beach
PARK
Winner: Beacon Hill Park
Runners Up: Topaz, Osborne Bay Regional Park Beach
ATTRACTION
Winner: WildPlay
Runners Up: Butterfly Gardens, RBC Museum
FAMILY GETAWAY
Winner: Tigh Na Mara
Runner Up: Beach Acres
CAMPGROUND
Winner: Pacheedaht Port Renfrew
Runners Up: Miracle Beach, Goldstream
HIKE
Winner: Mt Doug
Runner Up: Mt Work
Favourite Retail
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
Winner: Once Upon A Child
Runners Up: Sailor Jack, Carter’s
BABY
Winner: Sailor Jack
Runners Up: H&M, Beyond the Usual (Chemainus)
TOYS
Winner: Timeless Toys (Broadmead)
Runners Up: Mastermind Toys, Buddies Toys
CONSIGNMENT
Winner: Once Upon A Child
Runners Up: 2 Good 2 Be Threw, Sailor Jack
GROCERY
Winner: Save on Foods (Pandora)
Runners Up: Country Grocer, Old Farm Market
HEALTH & ORGANIC
Winner: Whole Foods
Runners Up: Lifestyle Markets, Root Cellar
FARMERS MARKET
Winner: Old Farm Market
Runners Up: Duncan Farmers Market, Moss Street Market
BOOKS
Winner: Bolen Books
Runners Up: Russell Books, Fireside Books
PHARMACY
Winner: Pharmasave (Broadmead)
Runners Up: CareMed Pandora, Heart Pharmacy (Shelbourne)
PET STORE
Winner: Bosleys
Runner Up: Bone & Biscuit
GARDEN CENTRE
Winner: Garden Works (Oak Bay)
Runners Up: Artisans Garden, Dinter Nursery (Duncan)
BIKE SHOP
Winner: Re-Buy-Cycle Shop
Runners Up: North Park Bikes, Bishop’s Family Cycle
CAR DEALERSHIP
Winner: Campus Honda
Runners Up: Glen Oak Ford, Mitsubishi Victoria
The Evolution of Expression
The way we define creativity has changed a lot over the years!
There was a time when it was seen as expressing yourself through a traditional form of “art,” usually with paint on canvas. The definition would sometimes stretch to include sculpture or crafting in another form, but being “creative” was generally seen as making something physical with your hands.
It’s time to start changing the way we think because today’s generation is redefining what it means to be creative. Armed with tools like tablets, smart phones and computers, children and youth are making the switch from content consumers to content creators at surprisingly young ages.
With the touch of a screen, they can create their own video game and share it with the world (literally!). The emergence of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education means children are also exercising their creativity to engineer new and creative inventions that their parents could only dream of.
However, the saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” has become a cliché for a reason. As contemporary as many of the emerging forms of creativity are, they are still composed of the same underlying element: the desire and ability to “make something new and valuable.”
That’s where you come in. No matter what form your child’s creative outlet takes, they need you by their side to encourage and guide them. To give them the tools they need to bring their incredible ideas to fruition.
So, when you see that spark of inspiration light up your child’s face, take action. Ask them what they are thinking about. Assist them by researching what has been done in the past. Encourage them to try again when the first attempt fails. Tell them you will help make it happen and follow through because these brilliant kids—who have the benefit of a whole new way to express creativity at their fingertips—are the inventors, artists and leaders of the future.
– Stacie Gaetz
NEED TO KNOW
Halloween Train
Get ready for another spooktacular year of fun at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan. Get into the Halloween spirit and bring the whole family to ride the Halloween Train between October 18 and 22 and again from October 25 to 30. A steam locomotive takes you through epic ghostly sights in the enchanted forest. Don’t miss the activities in the museum. bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
Digital Citizen Day
This year’s #DigitalCitizenDay will be held on October 23. This annual event, by Media Smarts, encourages everyone to engage and share responsibly in our digital world. Visit the website to learn how you can be a responsible digital citizen and spread the word to others. mediasmarts.ca/digital-citizen-day
Victoria Native Friendship Centre
The Victoria Native Friendship Centre welcomes all members of the community to participate in the in-person and online services they offer. Their programs include community kitchens, breastfeeding support, men’s support groups, career guidance, family support and much more. vnfc.ca
The OurFamilyWizard App is a tool being praised by families co-parenting their kids and trying to manage busy schedules and shared expenses across multiple households. OurFamilyWizard aims to help reduce conflict—so your kids have two healthy homes. ourfamilywizard.com
BC Transit Kids Tour
Group tours for children aged three to six are available at BC Transit’s head office in Victoria. Created to familiarize children with buses and encourage future transit riders, these tours take you through the BC Transit facility, the mechanic garage and conclude with riding a double decker bus through the bus wash. bctransit.com/business/ kids-tour-program
I ❤ ISLAND
Long Lake Studio
Long Lake Studio specializes in jewelry making and upcycled designs. This self-taught artisan works out of her home in Ladysmith and all the upcycled jewelry is created with an eye to reusing, recycling and renewing vintage broken china. You’ll find a variety of pieces—some with a romantic flair, some new-age and edgy and some with a steampunk vibe. Find this work online or in markets in the central island. longlakestudio.com
I Used to Be a Pallet
These Victoria woodworkers love to upcycle pallets and cedar into useful repurposed projects, household needs and décor. Endeavouring to keep pallets out of landfills, they ensure that in addition to the repurposed projects, all nails from pallets are donated to the Habitat for Humanity recycling bin, the sawdust is utilized in gardens and end cuts are used to heat homes. Contact them to find your perfect pallet creation today. iusedtobeapallet.com
Threading the Love
A Cowichan Valley mom started out embroidering custom keepsakes for her own kids, and now works on creations for all occasions. Stuffed animals, shirts, blankets, backpacks, games or whatever you want. Threading the Love will help you design it and create it for you using high-quality materials and a commercial-grade machine. Check out the website for seasonal items or get ready to create your own!
threadingthelove.com
Photos:
Noelle Fraser
Creativity in Unexpected Places
8 Ways Kids Show Imagination Where You Least Expect It
When we think about creativity in children, we often picture them drawing, building with blocks or even computer coding. But creativity can show up in places and moments you’d never expect, often sneaking into the most ordinary parts of their day.
Here’s a look at some of the surprising ways creativity can present itself in children and how we can encourage it to flourish.
1. Problem-Solving
One of the most fascinating ways kids show their creativity is through problem-solving. Unlike adults, who often ap-
proach problems with a fixed set of rules and logic, children see endless possibilities. For instance, if a child can’t reach a toy that’s on a high shelf, they might create a tower of pillows to climb or use a broom to knock it down.
So, the next time your child faces a challenge, instead of stepping in to offer a solution, ask them, “What do you think we could do here?” You’ll be surprised by the inventive answers they come up with, and it will encourage them to continue thinking creatively in the future.
2. Imaginative Play
Kids often bring their imagination into everyday conversations and play in ways that surprise us. Whether they’re pretending a spoon is a magic wand or imagining their bedroom is a spaceship, their creativity transforms ordinary objects and moments into something magical. Even mundane tasks, like brushing their teeth, can turn into a superhero mission to defeat the “cavity monsters.”
During car rides or walks, encourage kids to narrate their surroundings, turning trees into enchanted forests or the sky into a world filled with dragons. Instead of correcting their imaginative stories or steering them toward reality, join in. Ask questions like, “What happens next?” or “Can I be part of your adventure?”
3. Unusual Use of Language
Children often demonstrate creativity in the way they use language. As they learn to speak, kids will invent new words or combine words in surprising ways that reflect how they view the world. For example, they might call a smoothie a “fruit mash-up” or describe the rain as “sky tears.” These phrases might seem unusual to adults, but they’re actually creative expressions of how kids are making sense of the world around them.
Instead of correcting their creative use of language, embrace it! Ask them what the word means or how they came up with it. By encouraging their playful use of language, you’re helping them develop a love of words and creativity.
4. Routine Tasks
It’s easy to assume that routine tasks, like getting dressed or cleaning up, don’t leave much room for creativity—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Kids often turn everyday activities into opportunities for imaginative play. They might pretend that getting dressed is a fashion show or that setting the table is part of a grand royal banquet. Instead of rushing through these tasks, give your child the space to add their own creative spin. Ask if you can join in or let them lead the way.
5. Making Up Rules for Games
Children love making up new rules for games—or some-
times even inventing innovative games of their own. They might take a simple game of tag and turn it into a monster chase, where “it” must stomp around and growl, or they’ll create an entirely new set of rules for a board game to make it more exciting.
The next time your child suggests a new rule for a game, go with it! You’ll likely be amazed by the clever twists they come up with.
6. Finding Connections
Kids are constantly making observations about the world, and they often spot connections that adults might overlook. They might notice that the cracks in the sidewalk look like tree branches, or that the rhythm of the washing machine sounds like a drumbeat.
When your child points out something unusual or makes a connection you hadn’t noticed, take the time to explore it with them. Ask, “What else does this remind you of?” or “Why do you think that happens?”
7. Socializing
Creativity also shows up in how children navigate social situations. Whether they’re negotiating turns with a friend or coming up with new ways to play together, kids often invent creative solutions to social challenges. They might suggest taking turns with a toy in a new way or making up a new game to keep everyone involved.
When your child comes up with a creative way to solve a disagreement or make a game more fun, point it out and praise their effort.
8. Expressing Emotions
Children can be especially creative when it comes to expressing their emotions. They might not have the words to explain how they’re feeling, but their creativity gives them a way to express it. For example, a child might draw a picture of a storm to show how they’re feeling inside, or they might create a character who faces similar challenges.
Encourage your child to express their feelings through art, storytelling or other creative activities.
Imagination in children is fleeting. As parents, who get stuck in mundane day-to-day tasks, we are all proof of that! Let them create and imagine while they can and encourage those thoughts by letting them lead the way to your next adventure.
Erika Palmer is a writer living in Victoria with her husband and daughter. She believes most problems can be solved with a good cup of tea and a huge piece of chocolate.
How Kids & Teens are Redefining Innovation Digital Artists
When I was 16, I wrote a script for a school play. A group of friends and I performed it, and we ended up winning a regional competition. For a few days, we were school heroes. I wrote the script on an Olivetti typewriter. There were no fancy visuals or digital tools, just words on a page. But that was enough for us.
In today’s digital age, children, teens and youth are redefining what it means to be creative. Armed with tablets, laptops and smartphones, they’re not just consuming content, they’re creating it. From coding their video games to producing digital art, the younger generation is exploring new avenues of creativity that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. This shift is not only reshaping their futures but also challenging traditional views on what it means to be creative.
One of the most visible ways young people are expressing their creativity is through digital art. Tablets with styluses and apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco have turned drawing into a high-tech activity. Instead of crayons and paper, many
kids now use their fingers or styluses to create intricate digital paintings. This medium allows for endless experimentation, with layers, effects and colour palettes that would be difficult to replicate with traditional materials.
According to a 2021 report by Common Sense Media, more than half of teenagers in North America engage in some form of digital content creation, with digital art being one of the most popular forms.
Another significant trend is the rise of coding among young people. Websites like Scratch, Code.org and Codecademy are making programming accessible to kids as young as six. These platforms gamify the learning process, turning what was once seen as a complex and technical skill into something fun and approachable. For example, Scratch, developed by MIT, allows kids to create their games and animations by snapping together blocks of code. In 2023, over 80 million projects were shared on the platform, reflecting how widespread coding has become among young creators.
The impact of this trend extends beyond just making games. By learning to code, kids are developing problem-solving skills, logical thinking and even an understanding of algorithm; skills that are increasingly valuable in our technology-driven world. A study from the Brookings Institution found that students who learn to code at a young age are more likely to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers. This could lead to a new generation of innovators who are not just consumers of technology, but creators.
Video game development is another area where youth are showing incredible creativity. Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are also tools for creation. Roblox, for instance, allows users to design and publish their games, which can be played by millions of other users. As of 2023, over 40 million games have been created on Roblox, with some teen developers earning substantial incomes from their creations. This is more than playing, it’s a form of digital entrepreneurship. The possibilities are endless, with some young developers going on to pursue careers in game design and software development.
It is about creating content and sharing it. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have given young creators a global stage. These platforms are filled with videos of teenagers sharing their digital art, tutorials on coding and gameplay from the games they’ve developed. This instant access to a worldwide audience is unprecedented. It allows for immediate feedback, collaboration and even monetization of creative projects. A Pew Research Centre study found that 95 percent of teens use YouTube, and 41 percent say they use it constantly. This highlights how integral digital platforms are to the creative lives of young people today.
The rise of digital creativity among youth is a profound shift in how creativity is expressed and valued. Traditional forms of creativity like painting, writing and playing music, are still important, but they’re now complemented by new, digital forms. These digital tools are expanding how young people can be creative, and democratizing creativity. A child with a tablet and internet access can create a masterpiece, develop a game or start a YouTube channel, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic background.
The creativity of children and teens in the digital age will shape the art and technology of tomorrow and the very fabric of society. They’re not just learning how to use digital tools; they’re learning how to innovate with them. And that might be the most creative act of all.
At OpenWorks, Alexis Santacruz bridges Latin American talent with North American opportunities. Committed to excellence and innovation, OpenWorks delivers exceptional staffing and software development solutions. Their qualitydriven process ensures client success, fostering an inclusive, technologically enriched future.
VITALY
: AN EVENING OF WONDERS
Renowned illusionist Vitaly Beckman returns to astound audiences with original and mind-boggling magic! Suitable for 8yrs+. You need to see it to believe it!
and Kindergarten programs. Give your child the best
Growth Through Taking Healthy Risks
Teenagers crave and seek risks. It helps them to develop and grow. We often think of risk-taking as dangerous, but taking risks is not always negative. Healthy risktaking—like mountain biking, skiing or gymnastics—helps kids build confidence and strengthen leadership skills.
But, as parents, it is not always easy to accommodate our risk-craving kids.
Janine Fernandes-Hayden, the executive director of The Circle Education, has a son who is a downhill mountain biker. He discovered the sport eight years ago during a family trip in Whistler:
Our visit coincided with Crankworx, the world’s largest mountain bike festival. Watching the action, my son found himself mesmerized by it all. Whistler is a mountain bike paradise and my husband, and I agreed that our son could join a bike camp while we were there, to develop skills and bike awareness.
The next year, when we returned to Whistler, Crankworx
was happening again. My son witnessed kids flying over the jumps and he said very longingly, with me standing next to him, “Oh, the one thing I want to be in life is a professional mountain biker…”
I recognized that I needed to compromise. Where did these fears come from anyway? When I was young, I didn’t shy away from adventures. In my 20s, when I lived in South Africa for close to a year, I went white water rafting on the Zambizi River and flew in a microlight aircraft over Victoria Falls. But that changed when I had children; my tendency to seek out new or thrilling experiences diminished. I became risk-averse, particularly in physical domains. I tried not to have this rub off into my parenting, but it has been a push and a pull.
And yet, as the executive director of an educational non-profit organization, who works with youth all the time, I know that kids and teenagers crave and seek risks. It’s part of growing up. Taking calculated risks is good for their brain development, their creativity and their confidence. In fact, the adolescent
brain is wired to take risks, owing to their limbic system (think dopamine!) developing more rapidly than the part of their brain responsible for impulse control and judgment. What this means is, whether we like it or not; they will take risks.
Mountain biking is what experts call a healthy risk. It can be challenging, but with the right gear, training and guidance, it doesn’t have to be dangerous. Providing your kids with healthy outlets and activities, which can also be performing on stage or living a year abroad, can teach them how to calculate and mitigate risks.
My son is now part of a mountain bike team and participates regularly in downhill and enduro races. It is hard as a parent to see your kids undertaking risky endeavours. I admit that my fear sometimes prevents me from being encouraging and positive, but I also see what mountain biking is giving him. My son is a timid child and this risk-taking has opened him up to developing more confidence in other areas of his life. If you can ride down a mountain and jump over bumps, other things can seem less difficult.
Mountain biking also taught him how to calculate risks and learn his limits. And I must admit, I encourage him to take guided risks on a mountain bike, with a coach, wearing a hel-
met and protective gear, and appease his risk-taking cravings, steering him away from unhealthier and far more destructive alternatives.
As my son progresses with mountain biking, I am in the process of “building a bicycle while riding it” with my views on risk-taking. I try to ask myself the same questions and apply the same lessons that we teach youth in the programs that are offered through my work: What kind of choices do you make and why? What are your boundaries and limits?
It is important for kids to learn this at a young age. So ideally when they are beginning to hang out with friends, they have that processing in their brains. Hopefully, they will carry that through in other scenarios and situations when they become young adults.
Janine Fernandes-Hayden is the executive director of The Circle Education, a non-profit organization that offers evidence-based socialemotional programming in schools in the Gulf Islands. She lives on Salt Spring Island and is mother of four teenagers. Learn more at thecircleeducation.org
Register For Music Lessons
Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes Your Kids Will Love
Halloween is just around the corner and costumes will be at the top of your kids’ minds. Finding time to make lists and shop for costumes on your busy schedule takes a lot of effort and can be a burden on your pocketbook, too. Instead of going to the store, turn your eye inward and shop in your own home closets and cupboards.
there is no need for a sewing machine or inserting zippers or buttonholes. Once you have gathered all the necessary items, let your creative powers flow and the costumes can be finished in a flash!
Black Cat
All you need is a black t-shirt and black leggings or pants. Make a tail by
tape or safety pins will work too. Finish the cat look by adding a nose and whiskers with face paint or eye liner.
Jack-O’-Lantern
Young kids love to dress up in this traditional Halloween costume. All you need is an orange t-shirt and black leggings or pants. To make the face, cut out
Here are four costumes for young children that are easy to make, take minimal time and don’t require sewing skills. These fun DIY costumes use t-shirts from your kid’s closet and other items that you probably already have in your household. All you need is a bit of creativity and
stuffing a long black sock and attaching it to the back of the t-shirt with a needle and thread or a safety pin. Cut out two ears from black fabric and loop the bottom edge of each ear around a plastic headband and hot glue in place. If you don’t have a hot-glue gun, fabric glue,
large pumpkin eyes, nose and mouth from black craft felt (or cut up a black t-shirt) and glue or hand stitch onto the front of the orange t-shirt. Add a little pumpkin hat by gluing orange fabric onto a plastic headband. Twist green pipe cleaners onto the headband to form upright stems and then glue little green
leaves onto the pipe cleaners. To finish it off, tie a bright green scarf around the neck.
Royalty
Your child will look very regal in this fun costume. Decorate a pink or purple t-shirt by gluing on sequins or glitter glue and wear over pink or purple leggings or skirt. For the cape, drape a white pillowcase around the shoulders and secure with a large twinkly brooch or hand-sew two ribbons to the upper corners of the pillowcase and tie a bow in front. For the crown, cut a three-inch wide strip of yellow Bristol board and glue in a circle to fit around your child’s head. Cut the top edge with several points, then decorate the crown by glueing on sequins or glitter glue. Add embellishments, such as long sparkly necklaces or bracelets.
Bumble Bee
Your child will be buzzing around in this amusing costume. Glue black horizontal stripes onto a yellow t-shirt and wear over black or yellow leggings. For the antennae, glue small, black pompoms onto pipe cleaners and attach to a headband. Make the wings by cutting bubble wrap in two long oval shapes and then securing on the back of the t-shirt with a safety pin or duct tape. Add some magic by covering the wings with glitter glue.
Remember that Halloween costumes should have a bright or reflective component so that trick-or-treaters can be seen in the dark. Be sure to add reflective tape on their treat bags or a glow stick or necklace as they walk door to door. Happy Halloween!
Jerri Carson is is a retired SD61 primary school teacher as well as teaching music and choir. She volunteers on the VOS Musical Theatre costume crew, sewing costumes and working backstage during costume changes.
Cozy Up with Pumpkin this Fall
Do you love pumpkin spice season? The earthy and warm flavours of cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin and cream are emblematic of the coziness of fall. While we often think of pumpkins for carving Jack-olanterns and baking pie, there are loads of ways to celebrate pumpkins this autumn.
Here are three recipes designed to bring the cozy flavour of pumpkin into your kitchen.
Pumpkin Puree
Homemade pumpkin puree is really easy to make. I always make a large batch and freeze the leftovers. I freeze 1 3 ⁄ 4 cup portions of pumpkin puree in
plastic containers (that’s the amount in a can of puree).
Don’t use large carving pumpkins for homemade puree. These are grown to be carved, so the flesh is watery and doesn’t have much flavour. Instead get a small sugar pumpkin. Hubbard, kabocha and red kuri squash also have a pumpkin-like flavour.
1. Preheat the oven to 325° F.
2. Cut the pumpkin in half from the stem to the base. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Place cut side up on a baking pan and cover in aluminum foil. Bake for about 1 hour, until the pumpkin is soft.
4. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before scraping the flesh from the skin.
Place into a blender and pulse to puree.
5. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future use.
Pumpkin Pie Muffins
These muffins are delicious enough to serve as dessert and healthy enough for snack! The cream cheese surprise in the middle of the muffin is my kids’ favourite part!
1 can (1 3 ⁄ 4 cup) of pumpkin puree
1 ⁄ 2 cup brown sugar
1 ⁄ 2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 ⁄ 4 cup of milk
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 ⁄ 2 tsp salt
1 3 ⁄ 4 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 ⁄ 2 cup of cold cream cheese
1 Tbsp of granulated sugar.
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with muffin liners.
3. Mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the spice and salt. Then add the flour and baking soda and stir until it is just combined.
5. Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups.
6. Cut the cream cheese into 12 portions (about 1 Tbsp each). Push the cream cheese into the middle of each muffin. Sprinkle with a pinch of granulated sugar.
7. Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes, until fully cooked. Test with a toothpick inserted into the muffin, just avoid the cream cheese centre!
Pumpkin Pancakes
Pancakes are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! They love to mix the batter and scoop it onto the pan. For an added bit of fun, make a Jack-o-lantern face out of raisins or chocolate chips after scooping the batter onto the pan. Flip to cook the other side, then serve Jack-o-lantern side up!
1 1 ⁄ 2 cups of milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 ⁄ 4 cup melted butter
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp brown sugar
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 3 ⁄ 4 Tbsp baking powder
1 1 ⁄ 2 tsp pumpkin spice
1 ⁄ 2 tsp salt
1. Mix the milk, pumpkin puree, butter, egg, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Stir in the flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice and salt. Mix until it is just combined.
3. Preheat your frying pan on medium. If you are not using a non-stick frying pan, then add a little butter to the pan before you cook your pancakes.
4. Scoop about 1 ⁄ 3 cup of batter onto the frying pan.
5. Flip your pancake when the centre of the pancake is bubbly and the sides have started to dry out (about 2 minutes).
6. Cook the second side for another 2 minutes.
Pumpkin Spice Steamed Milk
This homemade pumpkin spice steamed milk is a healthy alternative to other fall beverages. Since it uses so little pumpkin puree in each batch, freeze 2 Tbsp portions in an ice cube tray when you open a can.
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
1 ⁄ 2 tsp pumpkin spice
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 ⁄ 4 cup of whipping cream
1. Heat the pumpkin puree and spice in a small saucepan. Gently cook the pumpkin for about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in sugar and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk, until everything is well combined. Then continue to heat until the milk is warm.
4. Add the vanilla extract and whisk one last time before serving, then top with whipping cream.
5. Adults can add a shot of espresso or 1 ⁄ 2 cup of strong coffee to their share of the pumpkin steamed milk for a seasonally inspired latte.
Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her two busy children. You can find more of her recipes in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com
Engineering Ingenuity Within the Pages of a Book
Now that the first month of school is over, the glow of the new school year might have burned off for your children and they might be counting down the days to the holidays. They might be telling you which subjects are their favourites, and which ones drag by.
If that’s the case for you, and you are looking for ways to remind them that learning can be fun and a great way to be creative, here are five books about art, animals, science, engineering and entrepreneurship that might inspire them all over again.
In What’s the Point of Art? (2024), the editors over at DK highlight the history of art from cave drawings all the way up to contemporary art. The different sections will teach your children about the cultural significance of the art styles, the historical importance of art and what it can teach us about the past. The book also explores how your children can recreate the styles for themselves. For ages 9 to 12.
If your children like art, but they are a bit too young to enjoy What’s the Point of Art?, you should check out Canadian Wildlife Activity Book by Tom Hunter (Heritage, 2024). This book, which is filled with animal-themed puzzles, games and art projects, literally did not make it out of the box I received it in before my daughter grabbed it. So, judging a book solely by the cover, she can assure you this is a good one. And, having flipped through it myself (after bedtime), I agree. The different activities appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities. They are fun and informative. And, once your children learn some of the art techniques in it, they can apply them to other art projects too. For ages 5 to 9.
If your children prefer the S in STEAM, they may enjoy The Simple Science Activity Book: 20 Things to Make and Do at Home to Learn about Science by Jane Bull (DK, 2023). As the name suggests, this book has 20 different science experiments you can conduct at home with things you probably already
have in the house. From making invisible ink to creating unpoppable balloons, this book will not only give your children step-by-step directions, it will also explain to them why the experiment works the way it does. For ages 5 to 9.
Or maybe, instead of following an experiment that someone else has already created, your child has aspirations to be an inventor or engineer and create something that will help others. In that case, they might feel inspired by reading Birth of the Bicycle by Sarah Nelson and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
(Candlewick, 2024). As your child reads this book and marvels over the gorgeously intricate illustrations, they will experience the bumps and smooth passages that the different inventors and engineers encounters as they created and transformed the ve locipede to the bicycle we know and use today. For ages 5 to 9.
Once your child has a plan for a product to change the world, they’re going to need some help setting up a business to showcase and sell their idea to others. In that case (or if they just want to up their lemonade stand game), they should check out Money Matters: A Guide to Saving, Spending and Everything in Between by Alexa von Tobel and illustrated by Morgan Goble (Rebel Girls, 2024). This book isn’t just about entrepreneurship, it also covers the importance of responsible spending, stock market strategies and savings. But it does have an entire chapter about starting a business. And, as the book points out “There’s no cookie-cutter entrepreneur,” so this is a very creative (and potentially lucrative) endeavour for your children to try out. For ages 9 to 12.
I know you all live very busy lives, and it is hard to keep up with our children’s ever-changing interests. But I hope these books help you and your children learn something new that you can talk about and try. Who knows, maybe you’ll love the science behind cupcakes, enjoy creating a cubist collage or discover something new about the stock market as you read, discuss and enjoy these books with your children.
Christina Van Starkenburg lives with her husband, children and cat. She is the author of One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour and many articles. To read more of her work and learn about her upcoming books visit christinavanstarkenburg.com Facebook: facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg and X: @Christina_VanS.
The Power of Play
Once upon a time, play was just a built-in part of childhood. More recently, there has been some serious competition introduced that has slowly eroded the kind of play our children have access to.
Research shows that over the past several decades, there has been a significant decline in our children’s access to “free play”—the kind of play that is not scripted or governed but is just allowed to unfold. Not surprisingly, as free play has decreased, mental health and related challenges have skyrocketed.
The reduction in access to free play has likely come about from a variety of forces including a problematic focus on rote learning in the early years, “safety-ism” whereby adult fears have eroded the creative space that children need to extend into for the full benefits of play to be realized, and the intrusion of screens and social media.
The result of all of this is that children are no longer getting the glorious experience of immersion in a play-based developmental experience. And because of that, they are struggling with mental health, stress management, learning, social skills and resilience. Play is nature’s answer to all these woes. Which means, that as adults, it is on us to get fierce about protecting childhood so that play lives on in unbounded ways. Here are some practical ways to do that:
1. Think about what it means to disconnect from technology. The national guidelines around this suggest no screen exposure for children younger than two years of age,
limits of one-hour per day for children three to six years and two hours per day for children six to 12 years. When your children are on screens, be very savvy about what they are being exposed to. Delay multi-player gaming until your child is older and able to engage safely in online platforms. Don’t allow your children on social media until at least age 14 years. Be aware of exposure to violence, sexual content and other concepts not suitable to the developing mind by implementing parental controls.
2. Plan for a return to nature. Think about making sure your child is out in nature every day. One idea is to match “screen time for green time” so whatever amount of time your child has been on a screen, ensure they have the same amount or more out in nature. When outdoors, think about the idea of unstructured play for your child where they can explore risk, engage physically and experience the emotional benefits of simply being outdoors.
3. Think about play as an essential component for healthy development. In holding this as an ultimate priority, think about the idea that play is not simply for filling time. Rather, it is an essential ingredient in your child’s development. In fact, whether a child is “playing as they normally would” is often an indicator of health and well-being. As a start, plan for 30-minute stretches of time two or more times each day of uninterrupted, “child-lead” play.
4. Create an environment that facilitates exploratory play. Exploratory play is about pushing boundaries, try -
ing new things out, being brave and getting creative. Think about the kinds of materials that you might want to make available for this. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy or expensive. In fact, the very best play spaces are usually full of natural materials like rocks, tree trunks and discarded bits of whatever you have laying around. Of course, be aware of safety, and try to remember that development always moves at the speed of trust. Your child will have some intuitive sense of what to avoid and what to lean into. Observe and step in where appropriate, but also embrace the wisdom that children have on board naturally. And remember, mess is part of it all, so get comfortable with and welcome it!
5. Connect to each other. One of the most wonderful things about play is that it creates abundant opportunities for the experience of shared joy. And what a wonderful thing for children to know the joy of connecting with their special big people—their parents, caregivers and educators—in the world of play. If you are a parent, think about planning for a minimum of 15 minutes a day of playtime with your child where your focus is them—and only them.
6. Allow your children to be bored. Being held in the experience of boredom allows the world to become quiet
enough so that the child can hear himself. In a world that is so busy and so noisy and altogether too much, we need to take the volume button and turn it way down. When a child can hear their own inner voice, they become truly alive. Creativity, problem-solving, exploration and heaps of other processes are simultaneously ignited.
When we can think of play as essential, play as medicine, play as a healer and play as the ultimate fodder for growth and development, we can begin to clear the path for championing play in the everyday lives of our children. And, when we have a world where children get to have this kind of childhood, we can trust that the kids will indeed be okay.
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, a parenting educator, bestselling author and international speaker, transitioned from practicing psychologist to global parenting advocate. With a psychology doctorate and over 20 years of experience, she now leads The North Star Developmental Clinic, supporting families by helping adults view the world through children’s eyes.
PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE SPOTLIGHT
❖ Comprehensive programs for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
❖ Delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts
❖ Outstanding educators, locations and facilities
www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533
Christ Church Cathedral Childcare & Jr. Kindergarten ................. 250-383-5132
ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 2.5–5 year olds at our Fairfield and Gordon Head locations. cathedralschool.ca
Licensed Preschool
CapturingMoments in Time
Honouring our Families Through Imagination
Our grandparents, ancestors and veterans have profoundly shaped our world. Fall is a perfect time to reflect on their contributions and foster a deeper appreciation for those who came before us. While traditional methods of honouring them—such as parades, gatherings and feasts—are important, imagination and creativity also offer meaningful ways to connect with and celebrate the important figures in our lives.
Imaginative play allows children to experience history in a hands-on, engaging way. At Fort Rodd Hill, a former military training ground for WWI and WWII soldiers, kids can pretend to be sentinels or strategists or imagine living with multiple siblings in the Warrant Officer’s Quarters. They might envision themselves as soldiers stationed at the fort, guarding against imagined threats or planning critical missions. These stories, though imagined, can instill a sense of respect for the courage and resilience of those who lived through challenging times.
Beyond just pretending to be part of the past, families can use art to capture the beauty and history of their surroundings. Fort Rodd Hill is not only a place to learn about history but also a landscape filled with natural beauty. Bring along sketchbooks so kids can draw among the blooming camas found in the Garry Oak Learning Meadow. Taking a moment to observe the delicate, vibrant flowers while learning about their importance to Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem can enrich children’s understanding of the connection between people, plants and history.
The nearby Fisgard Lighthouse is a beacon that has guided mariners safely home for over a century. With a keen eye, one can capture mariners safely passing by Fisgard Lighthouse on their journey to secure their daily catch or protect Canada’s coastline. Children might imagine themselves as lighthouse keepers, lighting the way for boats in the fog or during a storm.
We specialize in helping kids transition to Kindergarten. Located at Hillcrest Elementary For ages 3 to 5 years
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Email: heoscmanager@gmail.com
This fall, consider incorporating personal family stories into your visits to historic places like Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Historic sites provide a perfect backdrop for family storytelling. Gather some relatives and share stories about your grandparents’ or great grandparents’ contributions to society. You might even bring old family photos and match them to similar scenes in the present. This not only makes history feel more personal but also connects your family’s unique history with the broader Canadian narrative.
Another fun activity is to encourage your children to research their family history. You can visit archives, talk to relatives or even start an online family tree together. Learning about their ancestors’ accomplishments, struggles and daily lives can spark curiosity and a sense of pride. These stories can become inspiration for creative projects such as drawing a family tree, writing a short story about a relative’s journey or creating a scrapbook filled with photos, mementos and personal reflections.
Writing letters of gratitude is another heartfelt way to honour family heritage and veterans’ legacies. Encourage children to write to their grandparents, ancestors or veterans, expressing appreciation for their sacrifices and achievements. Even if the recipients are no longer with us, writing these letters can be a powerful tool for reflection, allowing kids to process their emotions and better un -
derstand their connection to the past. These letters can also be shared at family gatherings, providing an opportunity for younger and older generations to discuss their family’s shared history.
This fall offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate family legacies through creativity and exploration. Whether through imaginative play, artistic expression, family research or heartfelt letters, these activities can help children connect with the past in meaningful ways. The rich history of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites offers the perfect backdrop for these experiences, providing a space where imagination and history come together.
For more information and inspiration, visit Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse NHS and follow @FortRoddFisgardNHS
Lin Zou for Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites: where history and nature meet. A century-old coast artillery fort, Canada’s first West Coast lighthouse, a special meadow where vulnerable species are protected and an extensive shoreline to spot elusive wild-
Cultivating Creativity
In Your Home
We all know there are many benefits to exploring creativity with your children. Creativity allows kids to express themselves, explore their imagination and develop essential skills that will help them throughout their lives.
Where better to inspire your child’s minds than in your home where they spend so much of their time? A clean and tidy home with bright colours and lots of opportunity for expression can get the creative juices flowing.
Don’t worry, there is no need to renovate your whole house. You can make small changes that will stimulate creativity every day.
Here are some tips for making your sanctuary the perfect place to spark their (and your!) imagination and productivity.
Inspiration Through Design
Display affirming phrases on walls, hang meaningful art from places you have travelled to, or photographs you have taken, and incorporate anything that inspires creative thinking into your décor.
Hang your children’s art, not just on the fridge, but in their bedroom, the playroom and even your bathroom. Make a piece of art that you work on together a focal point in a living space in your house. A great example of this is collecting many different colours of leaves in the fall and making a collage or other work. You can even switch it out seasonally with pressed flowers for spring, a sculpture made of rocks or sticks in the summer and paper snowflakes in the winter.
Write on the Walls
No, really! Earn cool parent points by encouraging the budding artists in your home to capture doodles or ideas on white boards, chalk boards or writable surfaces on furniture. You can purchase inexpensive laminate that can be installed vertically or horizontally to enhance countertops, desktops, cabinet fronts and closet doors with dry-erase capabilities.
You can use them to jot down the thought that just popped into your head, your grocery list, the funny joke you
heard at work or an inspirational message to encourage success on a important day.
Build a Comfy Nook
Create a space all their own with a reading or art nook. The corner of a room, under the stairs, a teepee tent or an egg pod chair are all great options for a (somewhat) private place they can go to get away from it all.
All the space needs is a few pillows, blankets, a favourite stuffy and some books. If you have a reader on your hands, let them curl up with their favourite novel. An artist might hide away in their nook with a pad and pencil, and a music lover might escape the bustle of their life with their headphones and their favourite beverage.
Whatever creative way they choose to escape, having a quiet place all their own to do so can go a long way to not only inspire imagination, but also reduce sibling/family conflict and promote good mental health.
Bring Nature Inside
Remember those natural elements I mentioned earlier? It has long been proven that connecting with nature helps us connect with our imaginations. This can be as simple as incorporating a painting or photograph of a mountain scape, adding a tropical houseplant, setting out some wooden artwork, hanging foliage wallpaper or even purchasing a small table-top water feature.
Get Crafty
Having a dedicated space for creative endeavours like writing, artwork or crafts is key to bringing projects to life. Give your family members the opportunity to create their masterpieces with a dedicated desk or craft room. Make sure all the supplies they need are at their fingertips and are organized in a way that makes sense. Sometimes the biggest reason for creative block is not having what you need at hand when inspiration strikes.
Colour can also spark imagination. In a space dedicated to arts and crafts, you can think outside the box and get adventurous with a splash of bright yellow or orange on the wall. If painting is too much of a commitment for you, incorporate pops of colour into your furniture with a punchy chair or vibrant pillows that are easy to switch out. No matter how you decide to do it, designing a creative vibe in your house requires little effort and has a multitude of benefits for the whole family.
Stacie Gaetz is the managing editor of Island Parent Magazine and the proud mama of a delightful daughter and silly son who fill her days with love and chaos. Reach her at editor@islandparent.ca.
The Lost Art of Finding Inspiration in Nature
Art has always been a gravitational force, pulling us back to our roots. It is practice, crafted through time and dedication. In ancient times, we used our voices to write soliloquies, our hands to draw imaginative scenes on limestone walls and our minds to weave intricate stories passed down through generations.
inspired portraits. When we encourage children to explore the outdoors, we are allowing them to form connections with their surroundings.
Nature provides an unstructured learning environment that fosters creativity without constraints. It allows for unbounded expression and the opportunity to form a tactile relationship
Today, we use pencils, pens, crayons, computers and iPads to make art. While these tools offer many blessings and fuel our creativity in unique ways, they can also distance us from the natural world. The more our tools separate us from the land, the further we drift from our connection to the Earth. Children of all ages still find wonder and creativity in their natural surroundings. Each tree branch can be a sword, and each stream is a river daring to be crossed. Each ridge formed from the bark of Douglas firs represents a home for fairies waiting to be explored. So, how can we foster this innate creativity?
Let’s encourage youth to seek art in nature. Invite them to find joy in spinning samaras drifting down like helicopters, to stumble over roots and climb back up with renewed enthusiasm. Encourage them to build bug homes and create nature-
with the world. Through play and observation, learners can create unique, place-based memories that cultivate a deepseated care for the environment. As the saying goes, you must understand something to care for it, and understanding comes through direct experience.
Here are some activities you can do to reconnect with art in an outdoor learning space:
Create written-form content about nature
This could be poetry, prose or something completely different. Embracing the freedom of the outdoors means embracing writing what we want to write and how we want to write it. Let the wind take you away!
• Nature Journaling: Nature journaling is a freeform type of written content. Find a sit-spot and journal about your sur-
roundings. What moves fast? What moves slow? What patterns can you recognize? You can sketch the plants that you see and add them to your writing.
• Haiku Writing: Haikus are a type of Japanese poem. These are intrinsically about connecting with nature, and they are short and simple. They consist of three lines, with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. Their simplicity allows you to create multiple pieces about a variety of beings.
Build bug homes and nature portraits
Taking inspiration from fairy homes, try to make some homes for bugs. This is an all-season activity since bugs can be around all times of the year.
Breathing, meditating and spending time in nature
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors increases our mental wellness. Taking time for mindful moments outdoors can improve our mental state and help us thrive.
• Nature Meditation: Take some time for a meditation session in a natural setting where you can focus on your breathing, listen to the sounds of nature and feel the textures around you. This can help develop a deeper sense of calm and connection to the environment.
Do you ever see yourself in nature? Try literally seeing yourself in nature by making a nature portrait. For both activities, make sure not to pick any live plants!
• Mindfulness Walks: Organize walks with your friends or in your community. Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your senses. Notice the colours, textures and sounds of nature, and reflect on how sensory experiences can affect mood and creativity.
• Build Bug Homes: Go outside and find some loose pinecones, seeds, needles, leaves and sticks. Using these materials, try to build a home for insects. These bugs need food, shelter, and water just like the rest of us! Can you get creative? Do they need a toilet, or a TV?
Nature Portraits: Gather natural materials like leaves, flowers, seeds and pebbles. Create collages or mosaics that represent your face or your friend’s face. You can use these portraits to explore how you feel connected to the natural world.
BUSINESSES YOU NEED KNOW
Sierra Club BC is an environmental non-profit working to support people stewarding abundant ecosystems and a stable climate, while building resilient, equitable communities. The organization strives to do this by upholding Indigenous rights and title, reconnecting children and youth with nature, supporting grassroots-led climate action and advocating for old-growth protection.
These local businesses are family-focused and committed to our community and helping you.
Whole Food Health
Transitioning from Processed Foods to Nourishing Your Family
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often dictates our food choices, leading many families to rely heavily on processed foods. These quick-fix meals may save time but often come at the cost of our health.
Transitioning to a diet rich in whole, nourishing foods can seem daunting, especially for busy families on a budget. However, with a few practical strategies, it’s possible to make this shift without breaking the bank. Here are simple steps to start growing towards health and nourishing your family with wholesome foods.
Steps to Transition from Processed Foods
1. Start Small and Plan Ahead. Begin by gradually incorporating more whole foods into your diet. Swap out one processed item at a time for a healthier alternative. Planning meals in advance can help ensure you have the necessary ingredients on hand and reduce the temptation to reach for convenience foods.
2. Embrace Whole Foods. Focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet. These foods provide essential nutrients that support growth, energy and overall health.
3. Read Labels. When buying packaged foods, read the labels carefully. Avoid items with a long list of ingredients, especially those you can’t pronounce. Opt for products with whole, recognizable ingredients.
4. Cook at Home. Preparing meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and cooking methods. It’s a great way to ensure your family is eating healthy, nutritious meals. Get everyone involved in meal prep to make it a fun, family activity.
5. Keeping Healthy Eating Affordable. One common concern about healthy eating is the cost. However, there are several strategies to make nourishing foods affordable:
Buy in Bulk: Purchasing staple items like grains, beans, nuts and spices in bulk can save money in the long run.
Seasonal and Local Produce: Fruits and vegetables that are in season and locally grown are often cheaper and fresher.
Frozen and Canned Options: Frozen fruits and vegetables are nutritious, affordable, and convenient. Look for options without added sugars or salt. Canned goods, such as beans, tuna, salmon and tomatoes, are also good staples.
Freezing Meat on Sale: When you find fresh meat or produce on sale, buy in larger quantities and freeze it for later use. This can significantly reduce costs over time.
Plan and Prepare: Create a weekly meal plan and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys. Preparing meals in bulk and freezing portions can also save time and money.
Transitioning from processed foods to a diet rich in whole, nourishing foods can significantly benefit your family’s health. By starting small, planning ahead, and focusing on affordability, this shift can be smooth and sustainable. Remember, it’s about learning and progress, not perfection. Every small step towards healthier eating is a step towards a healthier, happier family.
Here is a simple delicious refreshing recipe to enjoy as a snack or a side dish. Bon appétit!
Refreshing Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad with Mint & Lime
Makes 6 servings
6 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed 4 mini cucumbers, sliced 6 oz feta cheese, cubed 1 4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 lime, juiced
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste A splash of olive oil
Add the watermelon, cucumber, feta, mint to a large serving plate. Drizzle with lime juice, olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Isabelle Bulota is a registered holistic nutritionist, recipe developer and food photographer, passionately navigating the challenges of motherhood with two vibrant teenagers. As the proud founder of SuperBorn, she guides women on their pregnancy journey through personalized nutrition counselling.
Canadian Modern is produced and circulated by ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto, Canada
[ Level up] at our Open House on October 18, 2024.
Clark, age 3
Junior Kindergarten student
