St. John's Academy (Grade 4-12) in Shawnigan Lake is nestled between the forests of Baldy Mountain and the waters of Shawnigan Lake. Teachers aim to incorporate environmental learning through inquiry topics, hands-on projects and interdisciplinary learning. Our full Environmental Education program encompasses many aspects of our school experience.
There are endless reasons to choose St. John's Academy, but the IB Program builds a solid foundation. A foundation that delivers transformational learning programs to ensure students have the skills and knowledge to be ready for university and beyond.
Our Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) Activities are offered during school hours. These CAS Activities help students to learn a new skill, support further academic pursuits and meet new students they would not otherwise.
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Island Parent Magazine, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a bimonthly 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. Island Parent is distributed free in selected areas. Annual mail subscriptions (7 issues) are available for $21 (GST included). Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement 40051398. ISSN 0838-5505
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There’s something about June and July—with the end of the school year and the start of summer holidays—that is both exhilarating and terrifying all at once. A toss between “Aaaaa! What now?” and “Ahhhh! At last!,” summer for parents takes on a whole new meaning than it did when we were kids, the endless summer days stretching out in front of us for what felt like forever.
Sure summer can still feel endless, but this year, let’s hope it’s for all the right reasons!
To help you get the most out of Summer 2023, this issue features the season’s must-see-and-dos along with ways to take advantage of when you hear that old familiar refrain: “there’s nothing to do!” Because on the Island, there’s always something to see or do! It’s the options that are endless!
No matter what you have planned this summer—or what just happens—we hope this issue helps you have a great time. forget the summer events page with highlights of what’s hap-
Two Vancouver Island moms, Renée Jordan and Sarah Hunter, are changing the parenting game with Earlybird, a free-to-download parenting app that supports child development from birth to age six, providing play-based activities and researchbacked resources. The goal is to ensure every child has a strong start in school and in life. Over 56% of kids start kindergarten behind in at least one developmental domain (numeracy, literacy, social-emotional and motor). And it’s hard to catch up. That’s where Earlybird comes in. learnwithearlybird.com
The Raymond James Father’s Day Walk Run on June 18 is a fun, family-friendly event, hosted each year on Father’s Day to honour all men and their families who may have lost a life to prostate cancer. 100% of funds raised through this event directly support programs and services offered through Island Prostate Centre; serving men and families facing prostate cancer, right here on Vancouver Island. To get involved, visit islandprostatecentre.com/ fathersdaywalkrun
Children’s mental health continues to suffer post-pandemic and new ways to provide support are needed now more than ever. Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada (SMSKPC), a national charity dedicated to helping children and teens become more resilient, has developed a new online game to help children and teens build skills that will foster resilience. ThriveLandia is filled with fun games and challenges for kids and teens that will help them build key coping skills. The goal is to teach skills associated with resilience in a way that is engaging and relevant for youth so they can thrive in life. thrivelandia.com
Whatever your boating preference or level of experience may be this summer, an informed and confident boater is a safe and happy boater— and that means anything that floats: kayaks to catamarans, power, sail or stand-up paddleboards. If you haven’t completed your safety course, you are encouraged to do so. For more information about how to get started in boating and tips on boating safety visit boatingbc.ca
Your canine companions can enjoy play dates at three different Saanich parks until the end of September at the following locations: Hyacinth Park, Lambrick Park and Rudd Park. Pop-up dog park hours are 7am to 10pm daily and they will remain in the same three locations all summer long instead of rotating like they did in previous years. Learn more about our pop-up dog parks at saanich.ca/dogs
Nozone Clothing offers an array of stylish products designed to provide maximum protection from solar radiation, using specialized fabrics that have been awarded the highest rating possible of UPF 50+. Sunsuits, shirts and sunglasses are just a few of the many sun-safe items. This Vancouver Island family owned and operated business was founded in 1996 by parents who were determined to find a better way to protect their family from the harmful effects of the sun and endless applications of chemical-filled sunscreens. nozoneclothing.com
Made from Turkish muslin cotton, Tofino Towel’s Pebble Kids Poncho features a loose fit that is non-restrictive and highly durable. The Turkish cotton offers a highly absorbent and fast drying option for sun protection. Enjoy days at the beach or pool while keeping your kids sun safe in this breathable poncho. tofinotowelco.com
These gorgeous roomy bags are made from repurposed vintage sails here on Vancouver Island in small batches. Their wide footprint gives them a burly stance, especially on rocky boats or uneven beaches. They will haul just about anything you can throw at them with ease, but beware, they can hold it but you still need to schlepp it! With two internal sleeves to hold your refreshments and another large one to accommodate other loose items, this bag lets you ride it out in style. Gym bag, mobile office, weekender or diaper bomber, the possibilities are endless! ahoybags.com
Play is sacred. Kids need more experiences and space for play to take place. Play isn’t work but it does have many functions.
By design, play takes you to the edge. When kids roughhouse, they learn about what they can and cannot do to others. As well as, what feels safe and unsafe. They learn to read signals and know their own boundaries.
Pursuit games can have a child feel an element of alarm in a safe bubble. Where it’s not for real, and attuned adults are close by.
Can we interrupt play less this summer and take part ourselves in games and activities? Here are a few games to try:
Audience age: 5+
Time needed: 10–15 minutes
Materials: Ball (soft) or 10–15 handkerchiefs/bandanas. When using bandanas, use 5 to create the “ball” in a knot and 10 to mark your boundary.
Where to play: a field or grassy area is best.
How to play: One player is “it,” (the wolf) and tries to hit the other players which are deer with the ball. The goal is to not get hit. The wolf throws the ball each time standing from the place where the ball last landed. Once the wolf hits a deer, they are out. Out deer go to the nursery, lining up outside the boundary. If the wolf throws the ball and it’s caught by a deer in the nursery, the first out deer can rejoin the game. The game ends when the wolf gets all the players out.
How many can play? 5–15 players (a large boundary for many players)
Fun fact: great “trickle in game” or warm-up game
Audience age: 4+
Time needed: approx. 10 minutes/round
Materials: None.
Where to play: A field, lawn or pathway
How to play: One player is the deer and all other players are cougars. The deer starts with their back to the cougars. The game starts when the cougars begin to stalk the deer. The deer’s goal is to turn around and spot a moving cougar! The cougars must freeze before the deer spots them moving. If the deer sees any cougars moving, they call out their name, and the cougar must go back to the starting point. The game ends when the first cougar reaches the deer and tags them.
How many can play: 4–20+ players
Source: wyp.org/resource-portal/activities/cougar-stalks-deergame
Audience age: 4+
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Materials: a handful of bandanas can mark the boundary lines on each side.
Where to play: Field or grassy meadow
How to play: One player starts as “it,” (the wolf), everyone else are rabbits. The wolves start in the middle, and the rabbit’s line up on one side of the play area. When the wolves say, “run, rabbit, run,” the players try to run to the other side. If the wolves tag them before they get to the other side, the player must sit down where they were tagged. They become a tree and can use their arms to tag other runners. The game ends when all but one player has been tagged.
How many can play: 6+ players
Variation: Play with two wolves
Source: greatgroupgames.com/run-rabbit-run
If a child needs a break from pursuit games, try:
Audience age: 4+
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Materials: 2–3 balls of yarn, each in a different colour
Where to play: A forest or garden
How to play: Cut 20 strips of yarn (15 cm long) for each colour. An adult hides all yarn pieces, keeping in mind the height of players. Explain the game on the edge or away from the play area. Players are birds and need to find worms (yarn) because
they are hungry! But you can only pick up worms that are your team’s colour. The other colours are poisonous. Depending on player age, you can set a time limit or play until they’re all found. Collect worms into a pail or tie them to a stick. Ask kids to reflect on how they found them? What colours of yarn were easiest to find? Count the worms!
How many can play? 4–20+ players
Fun fact: This game encourages observation skills (developing a search image), kids learn about camouflage (nature’s adaptation), test fine motor skills and practice counting. Kids love to take turns hiding the worms for their playmates or parents.
Audience age: 3+
Time needed: 15–20 minutes
Materials: 1 egg carton/child
Where to play: A forest, field or garden
How to play: On the top cover of an egg carton write these six scents—piney, earthy, mossy, fruity, flowery. Send teams to find 1–2 items for each scent. Embrace respectful harvesting practices, like only taking one blossom or fruit.
How many can play? 4 or more players.
With so much to do in the Capital Regional District, your biggest challenge will be narrowing down your options! To help, here’s a list of favourites. From “star” gazing (both sea stars and the stars in the sky!) and chasing butterflies to cooling off at the Potholes and stretching out at Sidney Spit. Hint: No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Plan Your Escape
Victoria Escape Games offers both indoor and outdoor adventures. Watch for Raiders of the Lost Tomb coming soon! Indoor and outdoor adventures. victoriaescapegames.com
Dominion Observatory & Telescope
Star Parties are back this summer at The Centre of the Universe. Take a Dome Tour, get involved in children’s programs and see the night sky through the Plaskett Telescope (weather permitting). Specific Saturdays throughout the summer. From 7:30–11pm. Gates open at 7:15pm. centreoftheuniverse.org
Meet SUE the T-rex at RBCM
Royal BC Museum’s SUE: The T-rex Experience starts in June and runs until January, 2024. Meet SUE, the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Learn how SUE survived their challenging and dangerous world, living to old age despite the odds. Don’t miss Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia where you can marvel at 120 spectacular artworks and original artifacts from ancient Angkor, never before seen in Canada. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
See a Show at IMAX Victoria
Escape the heat—or the rain—and watch the Super Mario Bros. Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy, Animal Kingdom or Wings Over the Water to name a few. There’s nothing like the big BIG screen to make you feel like you’re part of the action. imaxvictoria.com
Roam Around at Fort Rodd Hill
Tour through secret bunkers, military command posts and original 19th century buildings at Fort Rodd Hill, a west coast artillery fortress on active duty from 1895 to 1956. Learn the personal stories of soldiers and their families. Camp overnight in a group-friendly oTENTik. Grab the wheel as a “master mariner” at Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest on the Canadian west coast and wander through a rare Garry Oak meadow. pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill
Think Small
Miniature World, located within the Empress Hotel, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am-5pm. The Greatest Little Show on Earth features over 85 miniature scenes. At Miniature World it is as if you suddenly became a Gulliverlike giant among the tiniest of villages, or has the world itself shrunk? You be the judge, it is a question Alice must have asked herself many times in Wonderland so enter now this miniature wonderland. miniatureworld.com
Fisherman’s Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Peruse food kiosks, unique shops
and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour setting. Buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel and float home moorage, watch the commercial fishing vessels unload their wares, become a pirate and see the seals. tourismvictoria.com
Beacon Hill Park offers 200 acres to play in, just steps from downtown Victoria. Explore the trails meandering through meadows, gardens and trees, the 18-hole putting green (bring your own clubs and balls), spray park and playground. Stroll past the duck ponds, over bridges, through gardens and find what was once the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole. beaconhillpark.com
The 60-km partly paved Galloping Goose Trail winds from Victoria to Sooke with access points along the way. It also intersects with the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector, the 17km cycling and pedestrian trail. Start the Goose in the heart of the city or drive out to a rural access point for more of a country experience.
gallopinggoosetrail.com
The 29-km Lochside Regional Trail starts in Saanich and ends at the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay. In some places trail visitors must share paved or gravel public roads with motor vehicles and farm vehicles. Trail maps and suggested access points/ day trips are available from the CRD website: crd.bc.ca/parks, then select “Find a Park.”
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary features both marshy lowlands and the rocky, oak-forested highlands of Christmas Hill. The 12,000-year-old lake is home to a variety of birds and wildlife including muskrats, river otters and mink. Circle the lake along a 2.5-km trail and cross the floating walkway then stop in at the Nature House (open on a limited schedule). swanlake.bc.ca
Sidney Spit Marine Park is a great destination for a day trip. The foot-passenger ferry service has re-opened so now you can book your trip to Sidney Island (25 minutes). Explore the sandy spit at the northeast end or hike around the whole island. Walk-in camping is also available. For updates on the ferry service, visit sidneyspitferry.com
Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park in Metchosin offers more than 5 kms of beautiful trails run through woodland, past lagoon and marsh. Watch for birds as you meander down to the sandy beach. The Nature House at the trailhead has some great displays. Check for opening hours. On Metchosin Road, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Victoria. crd.bc.ca/parks
Roche Cove Regional Park in East Sooke. Picnic at the protected cove after an easy walk from the parking area. Wander the 7 kms of trails through cedar forest and along a cool creek or climb a mossy slope for hilltop views of Roche Cove and the Sooke Basin. Roche Cove is also a good access point for the Galloping Goose Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks
East Sooke Regional Park offers 50 kms of trails along the windswept rocky coast, over dry hilltops, through dark rainforest to sheltered coves. Aylard Farm is popular with picnickers and those looking for an easy excursion. A 5-minute walk through open fields leads to a sandy beach. Trails head inland to hilltop views, or along the rugged, more challenging Coast Trail. crd.bc.ca/parks
Check out this high-tech/low-tech, all fun fossil restoration lab nestled in Victoria. Tour the private gallery, roll up your sleeves, grab a tool and help turn back time using the same pneumatic tools and equipment that the experts use. Don’t forget to pre-book. dinolabinc.ca
Hike scenic trails hugging Upper and Lower
Thetis lakes. The beach area of Thetis Lake is perfect for a picnic or swim, although it tends to be crowded in summer. If you have a canoe, try an early morning or evening paddle. Pay parking: $2.25 for the day or $20 for the season. crd.bc.ca/parks
The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney is a state-of-the-art aquarium and marine education centre focused on the ecosystem of the Salish Sea. Spend a moment with calming, drifting jellies. Take a peek at invertebrates of all shapes and colours. The Centre is open and welcomes visitors on Thursday though Tuesday from 10am–4:30pm. Masks mandatory. salishseacentre.org
Learn about BC’s aviation history from early bush planes to bombers and beyond!
Fly by Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens. See thousands of exotic butterflies (up to 70 species) flying free in their own tropical rainforest environment. Wander through the orchid exhibit or carnivorous plant section. You’ll also see colourful fish and tropical birds. Open daily from 10am–4pm with the last admission into the facility at 3pm. Group bookings are only allowed between 8–10am. butterflygardens.com
Scream for Ice Cream
Beacon Hill Drive Inn. Cones, cups, sundaes and avalanches! So many choices—and you can’t go wrong! beacondrivein.ca. Cold Comfort’s Can Canteen window is open in summer and offers cool treats ranging from scoops of Plain Jane ice cream to Choc ’o Clock Sandwiches and dairy-free options. coldcomfort.ca. Parachute
Ice Cream is offering “walk-thru” scoop service daily from noon–7pm. Try the strawberry rhubarb sorbet or brown butter brownie. parachuteicecream.com
Take a Swing at Golf
Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf is open weekends only from 11am–5:30 (last tee off time at 4:45). Covid protocols are in place. After golfing, visit Mattick’s Farm Market for an ice cream cone from
groom ponies, go for a pony ride and then feed the ponies treats. poniesandpipsqueaks.com
City Centre Park in Langford has opened some facilities. There’s Mini-Golf, now open from 9am–9pm daily, drop-in ice skating at Westhills Arena, snacks at City Centre Grille, bowling at Langford Lanes and indoor themed play structures at PlayZone. citycentrepark.ca
Gonzales Beach: sure the water is freezing, but this is a beautiful sandy beach with the southfacing views and sunshing. It’s a great beach for skim boarding and splashing about in the shallow waters. Willows Beach has all the amenities at hand: bathrooms, a tea room for concessions, a playground and a sweeping sandy beach. There’s a grassy park for picnics and lots of trees for shade. Gyro Beach at Cadboro Bay Beach and home of the Cadborosaurus! The ocean is no warmer at this beach than any of the other Victoria beaches, but the stretch of sand and nearby Cadboro-Gyro Park make it a hit with families.
Sooke Potholes are a series of deep fresh-water pools created by water falling over boulders in
Summer Hours, May 1 to Sept 30: 10am to 4pm, Thurs through Tues
Winter Hours, Oct 1 to Apr 30: 11am to 3pm, Thurs through Tues
For special days and events go to bcam.net.
Adrienne’s Ice Cream. Or grab picnic ingredients from Red Barn Market and cycle the nearby Lochside Trail to a shady spot for a picturesque lunch break. matticksfarm.com
Pet a Pony
Ponies & Pipsqueaks’ Meet the Ponies program runs year round and is a great way to introduce kids to the responsibilities of ponies and experience their first ride. Go on a barn tour, learn to
the Sooke River. Enjoy the views, explore the trails, camp under the stars or take a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. You can access the potholes at different points. crd.bc.ca
Shawnigan Lake’s Mansons Beach Park and Old Mill Park are the perfect swimming spots. The beaches are shallow and they’re on the east side of the lake so they catch the afternoon sun. West
seaplanes, helicopters and more at the
Aviation Museum
Shawnigan Lake Park is great for families. It’s quieter than the other two and there’s some shade, but there’s more of a lawn than a beach.
Millstream Miniature Llamas offers a guided tour of the farm for families and small groups. The tour includes an explanation of why llamas are special, the history of llamas in North and South America, how llamas interact with people and with each other, a discussion of the uses of llamas today, a chance to meet several llamas, experience a “llama kiss” and feel the fibre. Phone 250-4789969 to arrange a tour. millstream-minis.com
Welcome to the amazing world of insects, arachnids and their many-legged relatives. See live giant walkingsticks, alien-eyed praying mantids, hairy tarantulas and glow-in-the-dark scorpions, to name a few. Discover roughly 50 fascinating species including Canada’s largest ant farm. Masks are mandatory. To guarantee your spot at the time you’d like, book online at victoriabugzoo.ca
At Wild Play Adventures you can soar through the air on six exhilarating zipline flights that criss-
cross through the treetops. A guide will attach your harness to each zipline along the way. Just lean back and enjoy the ride. Afterwards, try your hand—and eye—at axe throwing (12+). Open Fri–Mon from 10am–7pm. wildplay.com
Visit the Farm
Beacon Hill Children’s Farm is located in Victoria’s beautiful Beacon Hill Park. Enjoy the farm animal experience, from alpacas to miniature goats, tropical birds and miniature pigs. The Farm is home to all kinds of fuzzy, furry, feathered creatures and features a goat petting area and the famous goat stampedes. Open seasonally. For dates and hours visit beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca
A visit to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is a one-of-a-kind experience. The diversity of exhibits and programs is welcoming for all and there’s always something new to discover. On Thursdays from 5–9pm, admission is by donation. aggv.ca
See airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters and more at the BC Aviation Museum. Learn about BC’s aviation history from early bush planes to water bombers and beyond. bcam.net
erty, with a number of access points (a local favourite is at Industrial Way and Tuan Road). Enter from the Chattell Road trailhead and you’ll be at the suspension bridge over the river. The Information Centre at the south end of town will provide directions. rdn.bc.ca/top-bridge-regional-trail
Bowen Park Disc Golf is free and open to the public every day of the year. The par 54 course starts at a large, introductory sign that’s located across from the main complex building, near Bowen Road. For a course map and score card, visit nanaimo.ca
Hiking, biking and watching goats graze away the grassy roof in Coombs—Nanaimo and environs has it all. Follow the Nanaimo Bar Trail, play at Venture Land Playground and Splash Park, look waaaayyy up at Cathedral Grove or bike at Top Bridge. There’s something here for everyone!
Nanaimo District Museum offers guided and selfguided tours that encourage visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the history and heritage of our area. The Museum Gallery is open from 10am–4pm, admission is by donation. The Bastion remains closed, and cannon firings have been cancelled until further notice. nanaimomuseum.ca
Coombs Old Country Market is along Highway 4A, on the way to Port Alberni from Parksville or Nanaimo. Wander the market, unique shops, galleries and studios for gifts, groceries and great food. There’s lots to see. Be sure to look up when you’re outside the market—the goats on the sod roof live there throughout the summer and “mow” the lawn. The Market is open from 9am–6pm. oldcountrymarket.com
Sink some putts at Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park (paradisefunpark.net) featuring two worldclass mini-golf courses complete with a mini lighthouse, pirate ship and Victorian mansion. Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf (riptidelagoon.com) will whisk you away to another land filled with mini mountains, rapids and a research station.
Lions Venture Land Playground and Splash Park is a landmark in the Parksville Community Park. Kids love the brightly coloured slides and sea creatures, swings, jungle gyms, in-ground trampolines and the ever popular Zipkrooze. Not only that, but there are horseshoe pits, a skate park, kite field, lacrosse box, sports field, ball diamonds, picnic shelter and gazebo.
Explore the beauty and mysteries of Vancouver Island’s Underworld in a subterranean adventure at Horne Lake Caves. A wide variety of tour options offers many levels of experience for families and adventurous park visitors. To reserve a tour, visit hornelake.com
The Top Bridge Trail in Parksville links Rathtrevor Beach with Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park on the scenic Englishman River. The trail is 5km each way and winds through public and private prop-
At WildPlay Nanaimo, you start with a training session on the ground to get comfortable using the ziplines and continuous belay system. Then you’ll climb up a ladder and start making your way from tree to tree by walking across tightropes, climbing up cargo nets, sliding down ziplines, flying through the air on rope swings and leaping onto swinging logs and balancing on wobbly bridges. There’s a Kids Course, too. Feeling really brave? Then give bungy jumping and the primal swing a try. wildplay.com/nanaimo
Cathedral Grove–MacMillan Park is a day-use park just past Cameron Lake on Highway 4. View some of the largest and oldest trees on Vancouver Island, including over-800-year-old giants and lush vegetation on the interpretive trail system that winds through the park. Cathedral Grove is approximately 20 minutes from Parksville. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/macmillan
Stamp River Provincial Park near Port Alberni is over 327 hectares of forests, rivers and waterfalls.
Explore the 2 kms of hiking trails along the river, past fish ladders and crashing waterfalls. Starting in late August, spawning Sockeye salmon begin making their way up the Stamp River. The park is a 20-minute drive from town on Beaver Creek Road.
Rathtrevor Beach is a three-mile stretch of sandy seaside, perfect for families craving a day at the beach, with water warm enough not only for wading, but for swimming, too! Stick around for the sunsets, often some of the most spectacular on the Island. The nearby BC Parks campground is also a family favourite. bcparks.ca/explore/ parkpgs/rathtrevor
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is just north of Parksville. Wander LQC’s Morningstar Farm, meet the small herd of Holstein, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss and Canadienne dairy cows and see how yummy, artisanal local cheeses are made. You can take your own self-guided tour around the 90 acres of beautiful working farm. Open daily 9am–6pm. 403 Lowrys Road. morningstarfarm.ca
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) in Coombs is a rehabilitation facility, especially for raptors and black bears. The goal: to care for these animals and eventually reintroduce them into their natural environment. See eagles through one-way glass in the largest flight cage of its kind in Canada. View bears, owls, falcons, hawks, swans and ravens. NIWRA offers activities and educational programs for the whole family. Open daily 9am–4:30pm. niwra.org
Looking for the ultimate Nanaimo Bar? Look no further than these top three options: Red’s Bakery, Hearthstone Artisan Bakery or Vault Café. Or follow the self-guided tasting trail (tourismnanaimo.com/what-to-do/sip-andsavour/nanaimo-bar-trail) where you’ll find everything from the classic Nanaimo Bar, the organic/vegan/raw/gluten bar and ice cream versions to maple bacon topped and deep fried Nanaimo Bars.
Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long family-oriented festival runs from mid-July to the third week in August and includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition and Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures. parksvillebeachfest.ca
Travelling with kids is like taking your work on vacation. You still have to meet all the usual needs (food/sleep/ laundry) while throwing in a bunch of extra jobs (cleaning sand out of the back of the car, ice cream highs, entertaining everyone during the long-distance drives).
A little prep-ahead food goes a long way towards keeping everyone happy. Whether it’s lunch on the side of the road or just giving everyone enough calories to make it to your final destination, having a bag of go-to snacks is necessary.
Here are a few prep ahead recipes that are perfect for packing into your lunch bag or cooler. They are easy to make, simple to serve, and packed with nutrition.
This recipe is based on my go-to sandwich filling as a teenager. However, it is much nicer as a Tex-Mex alternative to hummus. A perfect dip for vegetables and corn chips at a road side lunch stop. Best of all...it’s ridiculously easy to make!
1 can of refried beans (14 oz can)
11⁄2 cups of salsa (mild, medium, or spicy)
Optional 1 cup of finely shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Simply mix the salsa into the refried beans. For a bit of added creaminess, stir in 1 cup of finely shredded cheese. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Like hummus, this dip can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Bonus tip: Frozen dips work great as ice packs for your cooler. A two-cup container will take about 1 day to fully defrost in the fridge or cooler.
Hummus is SOOO cheap and fun to make, I really don’t understand how grocery stores can justify the price of pre-made hummus. It’s also the perfect road trip lunch. Skip the soggy sandwiches and have this dip instead!
I’ve written this recipe as a larger batch. This way you have enough to feed a bunch of hungry kids. Hummus also freezes really well, so if 4 cups is too much for your family, freeze smaller portions so you can enjoy your hummus all summer long!
2 cans of chickpeas (2 x 14 oz cans)
1 cup tahini roasted paste (raw tahini can taste bitter)
1⁄2 cup lemon juice
2 cloves of garlic
1 to 2 tsp salt, to taste
1⁄2 cup cold water
1⁄4 cup olive oil
Optional Flavour Additions:
Roasted red peppers
Pesto
Chopped olives
Toasted pine nuts
Za’atar spice mix
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic in a large blender or food processor. Blend until it starts to form a paste. Add a 1⁄2 cup of water. Then add more water 1 tbsp at a time until you have a smooth and creamy dip. The flavour additions can be pureed into the hummus at this point or added on top afterwards. After adding any additional flavours, taste the hummus and add salt. The exact amount of salt required will depend on the saltiness of the chickpeas. Scrape the hummus into an airtight container. Top with olive oil and any additional flavour toppings. Hummus will last in the fridge for up to 4 days, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
Having a good supply of snacks is a road trip necessity. It’s hard to eat well while travelling, so start with some healthy snacks and save the chips, cookies and ice cream for the road side cafes and diners.
This list of snacks focuses on everything you need to feel good: fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and fiber.
Vegetable Sticks: Stick with firm vegetables like carrots, celery, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and sweet peas. Cucumber and coloured peppers just don’t last well on a long road trip. To add a bit of flavour to your vegetables, toss them with some fresh herbs (mint, basil, parsley or chives) and a pinch of salt.
Fruit: Chopped fruit doesn’t last very well in a hot car. If you don’t have a cooler, stick with whole fruits instead. Better yet, stop off at a roadside fruit stand to pick up some fresh seasonal fruit!
Nuts and Seeds: I love serving nuts and seeds because they are so good at filling kids up. The fat and protein are really sustaining. Make
your own mixes with dried fruit, pretzels, cereal or candy-coated chocolate pieces. I don’t recommend chocolate chips because they’ll melt in a hot car. Also, don’t give nut mixes to young kids, as it is a choking hazard.
Wholegrain Chips and Crackers: Wholegrain crackers (like flax crackers or brown rice cakes) and chips (like low-salt corn chips) are also hearty snack options. They tend to have more fibre and protein than other crackers, which means they’ll keep everyone full for longer.
Salty Snacks: There are lots of snacks that seem to be healthy, but really are just an alternative potato chip. These include things like pea snacks, vegetable chips, etc. While these sometimes contain more fibre and protein than a typical potato chip, they are usually quite high in salt and fat, and are more of a treat than a snack. Choose homemade popcorn instead.
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
Special Guests & Activities All Summer!
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Walk among the totems or take a trip through the past, present and future at one of the local museums or discovery centres. Where else can you attend a meet-and-greet with raptors?! Explore the Cowichan River Footpath while you’re here or float down the river instead on an inner tube! What better way to spend the summer?!
Originally an oceanfront boat-building workshop, this gorgeously restored building is now a museum and home to a variety of boats on display, along with the heritage of boat-building just waiting to be discovered. Build your own tiny boat or folding camp stool in the workshop with museum volunteers, or take part in camp activities that include crabbing off the dock, arts and crafts, boat building, water safety and more. classicboats.org
Duncan, aka “The City of Totems,” has over 40 beautifully carved totems scattered throughout the city, just waiting for you to take a self-guided walking tour. Follow the yellow footprints or take a virtual tour with an interactive map. Take as long as you want; stop along the way for a drink, treat, lunch or to browse the toy shop. downtownduncan.ca
Step inside this 17,000-square-foot museum of some of the most interesting personal collections in the world. Every bit of wall space is covered with a treasure, artifact, oddity or piece of culture and history. Don’t be surprised if the owner curator Jim Shockey joins you and starts talking about his incredible world-wide adventures over the last 40 years. This museum is a rarity and treasure all to itself. handofmanmuseum.com
Take a trip through the past, present and future on 100 acres! Forestry and logging take an important place in history and our present-day-lives, all captured in the Forests Forever interactive exhibit. No visit is complete without a locomotive ride across the spectacular grounds and over the Somenos Lake trestle. Plan on lunch from the concessions or bring your own picnic. bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
Bring your bikes and ride the trails! Hundreds of kilometres of trails for all levels of ability. Enjoy the lush forests, the vistas, waterfalls, and the adrenaline. Camps and clinics for kids 8–14 are available at Next Level Riding (nextlevelriding.ca). Need a bike rental to get started? Check out Cycle Therapy in Duncan to get on a bike and start seeing the sights of Cowichan from a whole new perspective (cycletherapy.ca).
Dive into the fun of tubing down the Cowichan River with a leisurely but exhilarating floating experience. It’s Vancouver Island’s best kept secret for cooling off in the slow-moving, crystal clear waters of the Cowichan River. Rent a tube at The Tube Shack where you’ll find licensed and insured tube rentals and complimentary shuttle back to Lake Cowichan. Then sit back, and relax on this journey down the Cowichan River. cowichanriver.com
One of Ladysmith’s gems, Transfer Beach is a seaside park that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. Swimming, spray parks, playgrounds and sheltered picnic areas—all surrounded by flora and fauna, viewpoints and lookouts. Pick up a game of basketball, horseshoes or sand volleyball then grab a bite and drink at the concessions and food trucks. This beach has it all, and is centrally located right off Trans-Canada highway. ladysmith.ca
The Raptors, 10 minutes north of Duncan, invites you to meet some of the coolest birds in the world. Check out the flying demonstrations featuring eagles, hawks, owls and vultures. Want to get closer? Take a walk through the woods with a hawk, hold a falcon on your glove, meet an owl face to beak or spend an entire day immersing yourself in the world of raptors. pnwraptors.com
This gentle waterfall is situated just north of Chemainus in the seaside community of Saltair. Part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, this easy path to the waterfall is full of wildlife, birds, trees, flowers and fresh air. Pick a salmonberry along the way and count all the owls in the tall trees. Enter Stocking Creek Park from Chemainus Rd. cvrd.bc.ca
The lower stretch of the footpath, from the Cowichan Fish and Game Association clubhouse to Skutz Falls, is a well-maintained trail, beautiful at any time of the year. You’ll also find many excellent picnicking spots. There is a 2.4-km circle route to Holt Creek and a 6.4-km circle route with good picnic spots. Maps can be picked up at Duncan Visitor Information Centre.
Explore Merridale’s 20-acre apple orchard in Cobble Hill and learn about apple trees, indigenous plant life and little known facts about Cowichan. This tour also highlights “Merri and Dale”—the magical apple blossom fairies living on the property. Pick up a “Mystical Orchard Adventure Map” to search for fairies, dryads, hobgoblins, gnomes and elves or download it at merridale.ca
The Family Resource Directory is designed to highlight the caring community that we are a part of. This directory showcases organizations and businesses that provide services and support for families and children.
Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike one of the many raiforest trails through Pacific Rim National Park. Bookeneded by Ucluelet on one side and Tofino on the other, the area offers a wealth of natural wonders.
Throughout the summer until mid-October, you can experience something truly local—the Market’s motto is “ake it, bake it, grow it and gather it.” The festive atmosphere is fun for the whole family with live music, delish food and unique local products.
the administration office. The Mill will also be offering guided tours in limited group sizes. Dates and times to be confirmed. Gift shop and Steam Pot Cafe are open daily, hours to be confirmed. Campground is open, with online booking available. mcleanmill.ca
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: the stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-TofinoPort Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca
Navigate is an award-winning school, recognized nationally and internationally for our innovative approach to blended learning. We’ve implemented the new BC curriculum and built unique, flexible learning options for every student. This allows us to meet a diverse range of student needs, abilities and learning styles.
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Thriving Roots provides hands-on, wilderness education and counselling services for youth and adults. Our year-long programs and summer camps are immersive in nature, fostering connection to land and community through earth-based skills, play, music and more. thrivingroots.org info@thrivingroots.org
Tofino has a 7km long paved bike path that runs from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing by several beaches along the way. This is a multi-use path (MUP), so you could be sharing the route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and the occasional surfer with a board tucked under their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com
Hang 10 in Tofino
Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right place. Here are three rental places and surfing schools In Tofino:
Surf Sister surfsister.com
Pacific Surf Co pacificsurfschool.com
Tofino Surf School tofinosurfschool.ca
A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters, bald eagles and more. Discounts available for youth and children, with kids 3 and under being free (one/booking).
See the Sawmill McLean Mill National Historic Site will be open for self-guided tours with maps available outside
The Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park: follow cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the sights from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections: Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. wildpacifictrail.com
Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 2.6 kms long, can be walked in a 30–45 minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail includes frequent viewpoints and benches for watching whales, birds or catching the sunset. The Bog Interpretive Trail is open, a 300m interpretive loop (within the Loop!). wildpacifictrail.com for maps and descriptions of sections. wildpacifictrail.com/lighthouse.html
Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-andrelease aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail from June 1–Aug 30 with five self-led learning experi-
ences between Tofino and Ucluelet. Open every day, including holidays, from 10am–4:30pm. uclueletaquarium.org
The idea of the garden is that it can be both a basic introduction to the natural and cultural history of Clayoquot Sound, and a place where the relationship between culture and nature can be explored. A COVID-friendly way to spend a day in Tofino “just to set the heart free.” Now open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. tofinobotanicalgardens.com
Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built and powered by the determination of local residents. The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding area for the young and old, those who are learning or the experienced skateboarders. tourismtofino.com/plan-your-trip/businessdirectory/tuff-city-skatepark
This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition to its outdoor playground. The park is located beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a pump track, table top jumps, a learning area, ladder planks and other natural obstacles. The park is “use at your own risk” so think safety first when biking in the park.
Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours including Dutch Chocolate, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Hammerhead—a secret recipe—“Kookville” and Lavender Honey, to name a few. With a menu that’s “sometimes seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never know what you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com
It is a wonderful time to enjoy the feel of sand beneath our feet and the smell of the ocean as the breeze wafts it over us. Or to feel warm rain drops as they splash on our cheeks and listen to them plinking off of roofs and windows as we enjoy the smell of petrichor rising from the grass. If the last few years have taught us anything at all, it’s that small moments are worth relishing. It’s good to be outside no matter the weather. And that we can accomplish great things when we work together.
The first story really highlights those truths. The Great Global Pause by Maggie Reidy and illustrated by Andrew Sharp (Self-Published/FriesenPress, 2021) looks back over the pandemic through
Another book that takes place in the ocean is Whales to the Rescue by Adrienne Mason and illustrated by Kim Smith (Kids Can Press, 2022), which is a non-fiction book all about whales and the unique ways they help us save the environment. Unlike many non-fiction books about whales, Whales to the Rescue doesn’t feature photographs. But the phenomenally detailed illustrations are rich with colour and vibrant with life. They are fantastic, and it is worth getting the book just to look at the pictures. For ages 8 to 12.
wouldn’t help him and the government was too busy to do anything except give him a bag of bamboo seedlings to plant on his own. Returning home, he picked an abandoned sandbar and began his lifelong work of growing a forest. Once again, the illustrations in this book are stunning. They’re warm, colourful and filled with enough details that your children will be able to look at the picture over and over again and notice something new each time. For ages 4 to 7.
The second book about trees is Elinor Wonders Why: Forest Giants by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson (Kids Can Press, 2020). This graphic novel, which is based off of the TV show by the same name, is bright, colourful and filled with
the eyes of Grandmother Turtle and a young child. They talk about how this pause helped humans learn to love and appreciate each other and work together, and how it helped the environment rebalance itself. As an added bonus, Reidy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, so she wrote different coping tools and advice throughout the story without pulling the reader out of the tale. For ages 5 to 9.
Now it’s time to move on to stories about trees. The first is a The Forest Keeper by Rina Singh and illustrated by Ishita Jain (North South, 2023). This true story happened in India. Every year during the monsoon season the river spills over its banks wrecking havoc on the plant life and taking the soil with it (before depositing new soil as it recedes). One year, in 1979 a 16-year-old boy decides to do something to protect the land he loves. However, his elders
Christina Van Starkenburg lives in Victoria 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 Twitter: @Christina_VanS.
facts about trees as Elinor and her friends go on a field trip to learn about sequoias. If your child is a budding forest ecologist, or even just a bit curious about how tall trees can grow and why they don’t fall over like a tower of blocks (which is also a question they answer in the book), they will enjoy this story. For ages 4 to 7.
Finally, to round it out is Our Green City by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and illustrated by Colleen Larmour (Kids Can Press, 2022). The point of this book is to show
children that living green doesn’t just have to happen in the wild spaces like the ocean or deserted riverbed, it can also happen within our cities. Our Green City teaches children the many ways that cities can be green from using wind power to community gardens to safe active transportation. Each page ends with a question for you and your child to discuss or a clue for something to find within Larmours illustrations. For ages 4 to 7. And there you have it: five new books for you to enjoy this summer to remind your children that learning and fun can happen together. I hope you find something to inspire you in the pages of these five books. I really enjoyed learning about plants, animals and city planning as I was reading them.
• Daily Summer Skills at 4pm or 5pm (register by the week)
• 1/2 day camps 9:00 noon
Aug 8 11 and 14 18
Swimmers must be able to complete 25 metres unassisted
Want to see wildlife? You’ve come to the right place. You’ll find black-tailed deer, seals, whales, song birds, sea birds, sea lions and porpoises. Biking, hiking and kayaking are some of the best ways to explore the islands. So choose your mode of transport—be that on your feet or seat—and get going!
Salt Spring Saturday Market on the waterfront in Ganges is famous for a reason: there’s lots to see and do. Oh, yeah…and the Salt Spring fruitsicles! You’ll find 140+ stallholders who, between April to October from 9am–4pm, sell what they make, bake or grow. saltspringmarket.com
See the Seashells at the Seashore Montague Harbour was declared the province’s first marine park in 1959 and the area has been home to Coast Salish people for over 3,800 years. You’ll find middens made of discarded clam, oyster and abalone shells. Crushed by storms and bleached by the sun, the shells have created beautiful white beaches, perfect for exploring. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/montague
Visit Big Tribune Bay on Hornby Island, dubbed “Hawaii of the North” for its crystal-clear blue waters and sweeping sandy beach. With lots of tidal pools to explore at low tide, this Hornby favourite provides a day’s worth of to-dos so pack a picnic and beach toys and kick off your shoes. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/tribune
Commandeer a Kayak
Go kayaking on Galiano Island with a kayak from Gulf Island Kayaking and see the sandstone shoreline and maybe even a whale or two. As the original kayak outfitter in the Southern Gulf Islands, the owners chose Galiano Island as its base because of the exceptional beauty of the island’s undeveloped coastline, the abundance of diverse wildlife and the reliable tranquility of its sheltered waters. For rates and tours, visit seakayak.ca
Find the Mountain Fairies
Follow the Fairy Door Trail at Mount Erskine on Salt Spring. A good, stiff hike up the 488-metre mountain takes you past twisted trees, mossy
forest floors and an assortment of fairy doors. Be forewarned: the first door is further along the trail than you might expect. For details and a map, visit travelingislanders.com/enchanted-fairydoor-trail-on-salt-spring-island
Explore Helliwell Park on Hornby Island and take in some incredible views. This 5km hike is stroller friendly, with an all-terrainer. The expansive grass
fields mean lots of room to roam, but beware of the steep cliffs! bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/helliwell
Ramble on the Ridge
Hike along Galiano’s 75km+ of trails. One of the best hikes is the 90-minute roundtrip hike in Bodega Ridge Provincial Park. At the top, 328 metres above sea level, you’ll have a spectacular view of Trincomali Channel. Watch for endangered peregrine falcons in this safe critical habitat. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/bodega_ridge
Roam at Roesland
Walk the trail to beautiful Roe Lake on North Pender Island and take a dip. Roesland Park is another outpost of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve; while you’re here, explore the Pender Island Museum.
Visit Vesuvius
Vesuvius Beach on the northwest coast of Salt Spring Island has the warmest swimming waters and stunning sunsets. Another place to swim on Salt Spring is at St. Mary’s Lake where you’ll find a small public beach and, not too far from the beach, a rope swing popular with locals. Cusheon and Stowell Lakes are also popular with families. discoversaltspring.com/vesuvius
Say Cheese!
Visit the Salt Spring Island Cheese Company and take a peek through one of the viewing windows into the cheesemaking facility. Stay for lunch at the café and choose from housemade soups, pizza, salad and a delicious goat cheese cake for dessert. saltspringcheese.com
In Ganges and set amidst the trees, this quaint and quirky restaurant is a local favourite, one that Lonely Planet called “the kind of place where a hobbit would feel at home.” treehousecafe.ca
Scream for Ice Cream
To cool down, drop by Lix Ice Cream & Espresso on Hornby Island. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the building at Ringside Market, painted with as many colours as there are ice cream flavours. 7am–3pm. facebook.com/LixHornby
Find out why the Comox Valley, past and present, is one of the most plentiful places on earth. Take a fossil tour and travel 80 million years back in time; browse the galleries to delve into the stories that make our history come alive. Open Tues–Sat from 10am–4pm. courtenaymuseum.ca
Campbell River Museum’s Sybil’s Students: A Local Legacy exhibit is a stunning example of the comradery of the classroom and how the expertise and mentorship of Sybil shines brightly in the work of her students. Open daily during the summer from 10am–5pm. crmuseum.ca
Surrounded by rolling mountains, lush forests and gorgeous beaches—not to mention parks galore!—the Comox Valley is the perfect place for outdoor recreation activities and kicking back. Feel like ziplining through the trees at Mt. Washington? You can. Rather keep your feet on the ground with a trip to a museum, fish hatchery or aquarium? You’ve come to the right place!
The water park is located at Lewis Park, next to the Lewis Centre parking lot at 489 Old Island Highway. Other nearby features include the outdoor pool, wading pool and playground area at Lewis Park. Open daily throughout the summer: 10am–7pm.
Splash around in the Comox Valley’s newest splash park complete with a pirate ship. Open between 10am and 8pm daily, throughout the summer season. The park is a popular destination for families taking in the warm weather while visiting Marina Park. Nearby are food trucks, playgrounds, washrooms and a boat launch.
Walk, grunt, squeak and squawk with the animals! Hands-on Farm is Comox’s very own petting zoo for animal lovers of all ages. Located in Filberg Heritage Park. Open daily throughout the summer, 10am–4pm. filberg.com
Look up at the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove and you’ll see the 18-metre skeleton of a fin whale hanging from the ceiling. Walk between the jawbones of a blue whale or check out the skull of a sperm whale with giant teeth. Housed in an old freight shed, the interactive museum’s goal is to increase public awareness about whales and other local marine mammals and the threats they face. killerwhalecentre.org
Cast a line from Discovery Pier and see what you catch. Or pack a picnic and sit at one of the tables on the pier for dining al fresco. There’s a concession stand nearby that sells ice cream and rents fishing rods in the summer. campbellriver.travel/attractions/discovery-pier
Unfold your wings and fly on Mt. Washington’s “Eagle’s Flight” ZipTour. This dual-line, four-span zip line offers an adrenaline-filled and scenic adventure down the terrain of the Mt. Washington Alpine Resort. The total tour length is 1.44-milelong with a vertical drop of 1,364 feet! Or skip the zip and take a chairlift ride to the summit to see breathtaking mountain and ocean views. Open weekends, book in advance at mountwashington.ca
The Saratoga Speedway provides family-friendly entertainment and activities. Get a ride in a monster truck, race a go-cart or watch the action at a Crash to Pass race featuring everything from travel trailers to boats! For a current racing, schedule visit saratogaracing.ca
Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Just a 30-minute walk from the parking lot, the suspension bridge gives a bird’s eye view of Elk Falls, cascading 64 metres to the canyon below. The high wire sides mean you can relax and enjoy the view without worrying about any climbing kids. The area is well signed. bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/elk_falls
The Discovery Passage Aquarium features local marine species and habitats from the Discovery Passage. The Aquarium offers education and fun hands-on experiences that are suitable for all ages. With a focus on conservation and education, the Aquarium will re-open this summer with the species that are collected in the spring being released in the fall.
As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, the Quinsam River Hatchery plays a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers during the fall. Check out the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive centre, a glass floor covering a re-creation of the nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native aquatic species. Check for re-opening and hours. pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/hatcheriesecloseries/quinsam-eng.html
Islands Folk Festival resumes live performances at Providence Farm in Duncan on July 21–23. With on-site camping, a “Wee Folks” kid zone, shuttle service, beverage garden and food and craft vendors, this family-friendly event will feature great music and performers, craft vendors and family fun. For a full list of performers visit islandsfolkfestival.ca
This all-ages weekend festival is BC’s largest Bluegrass and old-time music festival. Grab your tickets now and head out to Lake Cowichan from June 16–18 to enjoy a weekend filled with music, food and fun. Campsites are available to book. Anyone under age 17 is FREE if they’re with an adult and there will be on-site performance workshops and musical education to increase your music appreciation. cowichanbluegrass.com
This Father’s Day (June 18) all fathers and father figures should head to Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo to be celebrated! There will be free food, activities, exhibits, classic cars, live music, face painting and lots of opportunities to make fun family memories. themenscentre.ca
Buy your tickets now to see Campbell River’s best dancers as they show off their moves on June 16 at the Tidemark Theatre. These award-winning CR DanceXtreme Inc. students have competed on stages around our province and are next headed to LA in July to compete! tidemarktheatre.com
Have a fun filled family day at Heritage Acres the weekend of June 16–17! Not only will you get to see the agricultural demos, the heritage museum, field tours, tractor pulling and everything else Heritage Acres is known for, you’ll also be treated to family entertainment and refreshments! heritageacresbc.com
Sooke: 250-642-5152 ext 239 West Shore: 250-940-4882
Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231
PacificCare (Ladysmith North): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273
Licensed child care facility with spots available for children aged 3-5 years. Contact us to book a tour today! Victoria Social Innovation Centre: 1004 North Park St littlephoenixchildcare.ca director@littlephoenixchildcare.ca 778-269-2273
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
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Where nature becomes the Teacher! Seedlings Forest Education is a Nature based program that includes After School Care, Nature Preschool, Parent Workshops, Saturday Seedlings, Summer Camps and more! 250-880-0660 seedlingsforesteducation.com
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While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day. Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the trees from our forest. Come take a virtual tour on our website! lexieslittlebears.ca Waitlist: 250-590-3603
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Are you ready to explore Vancouver Island’s nature playgrounds this summer?
It is wonderful to see families spending time in nature and taking advantage of the many seasonal activities that Parks Canada places have to offer. As you guide your family in appreciating the outdoors, it is important that they be equipped with the essential tools to do so responsibly and safely. Technology is now a part of our daily life, and there are three apps that will help you plan a safe and memorable adventure.
Booking a campsite ahead of time is one of the most important steps to avoid disappointment when planning your summer holiday. Many accommodations, like Green Point Campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, sell out months in advance. Since unauthorized camping is not permitted in national park reserves and surrounding communities, if you do not have a reservation you may have to travel far to find somewhere to stay overnight. The Parks Canada National App is a great one-stop shop to access Parks Canada’s reservation system, learn more about the area you will be visiting and find out about how to visit respectfully, such as always keeping your dog on a leash and never leaving food unattended. Download it at parks.canada.ca/ multimedia/apps
Beautiful beaches like the one on Sidney Spit in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve or the iconic Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve may seem like a vast sandy playground, but there are many hazards to be aware of to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The CoastSmart App provides helpful information on how to safely explore the sea and beaches. Plan your family beach time by downloading the CoastSmart App at CoastSmart.ca.
When spending time in nature, one of the most important things you can do to is make a trip plan and tell someone where you are going and when you are planning to return. However, this simple task can be overwhelming for many parents as they are busy planning activities for the kids or packing the right clothes for the weather. The Adventure Smart App is an excellent tool that simplifies creating a trip plan. To learn more, visit the Adventure Smart website at adventuresmart.ca/trip-plan-app.
Teaching our children to enjoy nature’s playground safely and respectfully is essential for us as well as the planet. Let’s all do our part to protect and preserve these special places while we are out there enjoying nature. Remember be #ParkSmart and always plan ahead!
Elvis’s gyrating hips. Madonna’s cross-adorned bodice. Nikki’s ode to the anaconda. Decades apart yet these media moguls all share the same thing: a real-time illustration that oversimplifies and objectifies the complexities of sexuality. Who receives the bulk of this exposure? Our youth. Day in and day out, they’re bombarded with images and messages that often depict sexuality as a simple act or performance. Exposure to these messages happens at the same time their natural awareness of and curiosities about sexuality also begin to occupy more of their time. For years, I have watched as the media has taken up more and more space in shaping the sexuality of our youth. Many of the questions I hear in workshops and through our youth texting line can be traced back to the influence of the media on sexuality. Questions and concerns about the size, appearance, and function of genitals and whether everyone else is actually “#netflixandchilling.”
that most adults have developed maturity and the skills to understand, accept, challenge or as the youth often say “un-see” these messages.
I believe that our youth hold the same capacity, but they haven’t had the life experience yet to fully realize this. This is where our role as the supportive adults around them cannot be underestimated. Without a guide on the side of these messages, there is potential for the media to become a trusted and reliable source of (mis)information and education for youth. This is especially true for youth who lack strong connections to family, trusted adults and community resources.
So how do we work with youth to challenge these messages and help them realize the potentially joyous experience of the puzzle we know as sexuality? My experience as a sexual health educator tells me the answer lies in conversations focused on what they are not seeing in the media. They know all too well what’s not being left to the imagination! These conversations will help empower them to practice critical thinking as they begin to sort and place all of the developing pieces of their own sexuality puzzle. The four major puzzle pieces most commonly absent in the media: communication, consent, comfort and care.
Communication. Our biggest skill when it comes to exploring, understanding and sharing our sexuality is communication. Yet when sexuality is portrayed, there is often little to no communication between friends, partners or families unless it’s in the context of ridicule or humour. The very act of speaking with and listening to our youth about big life topics is role modelling engaged and active communication. Sexuality and the decision to share your sexuality with a partner require strong, assertive and intentional communication. An opportunity to practice communication not only helps youth to communicate in the relationships they may choose to have but also for their sexual health care.
Consent. An essential factor in healthy sexuality and sharing those experiences with a partner is consent. One of the articulate youth I work with recently defined consent as a “positive and free agreement to share yourself and experience physically and emotionally in a sexual way with another person.” Active and enthusiastic consent is sadly rarely ever shown between sexual partners in current media—it is implied and assumed through gestures, disrobing and action. Now more than ever, we must chat realistically with our youth about when consent is legal and how to give and receive consent in a natural and comfortable way with respect. It is too important to assume that we all have the same understanding of consent. Consent is not implication and assumption; it’s a positive and free agreement that will only work to support our positive experiences if we understand and utilize it.
These concerns are often prefaced by, “I read on this website…a movie I was watching or my friend saw….” The motivation for these questions is rooted in the media and the messages that more often than not simplify and portray sexuality through a narrow lens. Whether it’s popular media, social media or restricted content media intended for adults, aka pornography, we’re receiving information that has the potential to diminish and limit positive definitions and understandings of and experiences with sexuality, if we let it.
As adults, the messages we receive may cause us to laugh, shake our head in disapproval, flush with embarrassment and sometimes, yes, even be turned on. The key difference between us as adults and our youth is
Comfort. Very few things will require a more personal level of mental, intellectual, emotional and physical comfort with oneself throughout our lives. Youth in my workshops tell me that a major reason why young people choose to delay sex (according to the McCreary Centre Society, the majority in BC are delaying!) is because they aren’t comfortable enough.
When I ask them to explain what being comfortable means, they candidly speak of ideal body image, competing family and societal values, narrowly defined orientation and identity and privacy concerns. The images we see in media rarely represent, validate or celebrate the natural physical, emotional and cultural diversity that is us. Understanding the role of comfort in sexuality is a great opportunity to remind youth of their es-
Looking for the most current and relevant sexual health information to educate yourself and share with the youth in your life but afraid to type “youth and sexuality” into a search engine? Here’s a current listing of Safe, reputable and useful online resources for youth and their adult allies around the many topics of sexuality:
islandsexualhealth.org beyondthetalk.ca yesmeansyes.com smartsexresource.com scarleteen.com sexualityandu.ca teenhealthsource.com mcs.bc.ca nativeyouthsexualhealth.com alterheros.com
tablished self-knowledge and the value of checking in with themselves to know when they are comfortable and the power of using this knowledge as a guide in sexual decision making.
Care. We must talk about what caring means in a sexual situation. What does a person need to care for the physical and emotional components of sexuality? Why do the media rarely show methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and/or pregnancy? If a person is sharing their sexuality with a partner, are they prepared to take on the individual and shared responsibility of sexual health care? Things such as testing, consistent barrier use (condoms, gloves, dams) and, potentially, birth control.
Challenge your youth to think about how they would expect to be cared for before, during and after sharing a sexual experience with a partner. How would they show a partner that they care for them? This conversation prepares them to develop the skills to balance expectation with experience if and when the opportunity presents to have a partnered sexual experience.
While we have good reason(s) to be concerned with the multitude of explicit images and messages that our young people see in the media, it’s really what isn’t being shown which holds the materials for genuine conversations with our youth. These are the conversations that will help them understand your values, expectations and hopes for them and their sexuality and will help them more easily choose which pieces of their puzzle are the most important. So next time you’re rushing your kids to school or hockey/dance/riding/lacrosse, turn on the radio and ask them to think about what Nikki is not saying about the anaconda! Therein lies the solution to the puzzle.
Jennifer Gibson, MA, is also known as “The Sex Lady”— for close to 20 years in Greater Victoria!— to the thousands of amazing youth and adults she is lucky to educate and learn with through her job as the Coordinator of Community Education at Island Sexual Health. She’s passionate about making sexuality education as positive, fun and non-cringe-able as possible.
Glenlyon Norfolk School is offering a variety of fun summer camps for students age 3 to 17. Arts, cooking, baking, field hockey, day camps, kayaking and more—our summer programs offer something for everyone!
It’s hard to negotiate with a teen when they don’t even like the sound of your voice. Even your breathing can be annoying so how on earth are you going to get to the brainstorming phase of resolving an issue?
When my daughter was 15 she announced to me that she wanted to go to a party where there were drugs and alcohol and no adults. Gulp. At this point, after years of parenting her, I knew that this persistent young women wouldn’t go along with anything that 1) threatened her autonomy and 2) was about my fear and needs. Actually, she was completely allergic to my needs and thought I was a paranoid freak.
Thanks to having just taught a conflict resolution workshop the night before I blurted out, “What about this is important to you?” Meanwhile my heart was pounding and I felt like saying, “Are you nuts? What makes you think I’d say yes to anything like this?”
She told me about all the cool people that would be there and that she was excited to be invited. I knew I had to listen to her and do my best to hold up her needs because this really was important to her.
Any time we discuss a prickly issue with our kids, we have to connect with their feelings and needs first. For one thing, it role models respectful communication and it also takes them out of feeling defensive.
If they know you at least understand how they feel and why they feel that way, they might be interested in seeing the discussion through to the end. That doesn’t mean that they stand and listen to you pontificate, lecture or moralize! It means that you briefly explain what your needs might be and how you feel.
I told my daughter that I was concerned about the situation and how it could get out of control. I let her know that her safety and well-being were important to me. Naturally, she rolled her eyes but that I could ignore. She most likely wanted to hear some form of protest or concern from me because she knew that her annoying mother cares for her.
We stood there staring at each other. I couldn’t think clearly because it just seemed like this wasn’t going to end well until out of my mouth popped parenting guru Barbara Coloroso’s great line, “Convince me.”
Ahh yes. My daughter wanted this freedom, why did I have to do all the work? It was up to her to convince me that she was ready for this responsibility. If you can convince me that you have a plan to stay safe and that you can handle this, I’m willing to figure this out with you.
She started coming up with some ideas.
“What else?” I asked.
Never be afraid to ask that question ten or more times, it’s amazing what great ideas can be squeezed out of a person.
This was brainstorming at its finest because my determined daughter was able to be the boss of herself, the one person she wouldn’t argue with and who made sense to her. We actually came up with a plan that I could live with although I still wished she just wouldn’t go!
Parenting teens can feel a little wishy washy and it would be nice just to say “no” and have them respect our limits but in reality, it might not be that great after all. Don’t we want our kids to think for themselves? Did it work when our parents took
all the control? How did you respond to that? I just got good at lying and climbing out the basement window. I didn’t want that for my kids but it was hard, I had no solid proof that this was the right thing to do.
Looking back now I realize that this was one of the most important pieces to keeping my kids safe and helping them navigate through the toddler years of adulthood. I had to be their consultant, their coach, not the boss. This approach taught assertiveness and preserved a close relationship between us. It didn’t always feel right but what does when you go through some of these typical challenges of raising teens?
Traits: Independent, Vulnerable, Emotional, Self-absorbed, Inquisitive Tweens are engaging and interesting. This is a time when they may feel torn between the safety and security of family and the excitement of being with friends. Some kids may be more vulnerable to substance use and other negative behaviours. They may start to spend more time engaged in social media and other technology. They may become very “body conscious” and they might experience peer pressure, low self-esteem and a “roller coaster” of emotions. As parents, what we say and how we say it will have an impact on their thinking, decision-making, risk taking and choices.
• Agree on the rules as a family. Follow through if they slip up. Consistency is important, especially when establishing safe rules around substance use.
• Celebrate good choices. Be genuine with your praise.
• Find healthy activities to do together as a family.
• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching you.
Traits: Social, Emotional, Defiant, Passionate, Independent
This pivotal age is one of the most exciting and maybe even challenging for parents. Teenagers are developing their own individuality, ideals and dreams. They may be passionate about a cause, an educational endeavour, a sport or anything else that interests them.
Suggestions for talking with your teens about drug use:
• Pick a time when you’re doing something together to bring up substance use. Respect any refusal to talk calmly and let them know you’re ready when they are. “Well, when you want to talk to me, I’m here.”
• Keep your cool, and don’t use fear tactics. Encourage mutual respect and honesty in your conversations by discussing, not lecturing. You listen—they listen.
• Alcohol, nicotine and cannabis are the most widely consumed substances by teens, and the popularity of vaping has increased. Spend extra time discussing these substances. “What are their opinions about using these substances?” “Why do they feel this way?”
• Get to know their friends and express any concerns in a non-judgemental way.
• Remind them of the importance of not taking any medication that is not prescribed to them and discuss opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone. Talk with them about tainted street drugs that cause death, even the first time.
Tips that may help you connect with your tween about substance use:
• Tone is everything. Think discussion, not lecture. Ask them calmly what they know about drugs and what they see most often in their school and community, and actively listen to what they say.
• Focus on smoking, alcohol, and cannabis, as these are most often the first substances tweens try. “What do they know?” “Where do they get their information?” “How would they know if it is reliable?”
• Communicate that you are concerned about substance use and be honest if you do not know all of the information. “To tell you the truth, I’m not completely up to date on all of the harmful substances out there. Maybe we can learn more together.” Research “unknowns” or misconceptions about drugs together.
• Be aware of the impact on your own actions—your tween is watching you.
Other suggestions:
• Get to know your tween’s friends. Invite them to your home. Engage with the parents. Establish clear, realistic and attainable rules and consequences.
• Establish code words with them for any “I need help” or “Come and get me” situations that may save them from harmful conditions or negative peer responses.
Other suggestions:
• Get to know your teen’s passions and interests. Do something together to promote positive choices.
• Get to know their friends. Notice if the group of friends suddenly changes and talk to your teen about why this happened.
• Set up a volunteer experience for your teen—something they can do with you, their friends or a trusted adult. Consider helping at a soup kitchen, mission or neighbourhood community service centre.
• Talk about the experience with them.
• Work with your kids to help them develop strategies to use or things they can say to help them get out of uncomfortable or potentially harmful situations that might involve drugs and alcohol with their peers.
Drug Free Kids Canada is building a movement that encourages and supports parents to prevent and reduce the harms of problematic drug use by youth. For more information visit drugfreekidscanada.org
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