Island Parent Family Resource Guide Vol 35

Family Support Classes & Programs

Health & Wellness

New Parent Resources

Family Fun & Entertainment

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years

BURNABY ONLINE

Learn where you want, when you want

August Completion Courses

COURSES OFFERED:

Career Life Education 10

Éducation au Choix de Carrière et de Vie 10

Physical and Health Education 10

Spanish 10, 11, 12 • French 11

Intro Spanish 11 • Intro Italian 11

Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12

20th Century World History 12

Physical Geography 12

BC First Peoples 12 Photography 12 • Art 11

Visit our website, listed below, for registration information

BURNABY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE PROGRAM

Open to all residents of British Columbia online.burnabyschools.ca

Registration: online.burnabyschools.ca/registration

Ministry approved BC curriculum

Kindergarten to Grade 12 program

Contemporary Indigenous Studies and BC First Peoples 12 available for enrollment

Full time or part time available Grade 10 to 12

Adult Learning options

Grade 8 to 12: over 50 course options

Innovative Learning Management system

Experienced Online learning teachers

Opportunities for self-paced, flexible, convenient learning

Direct teacher support available

Develop communication and technical online skills registering full-time or for a single course

Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Camping, Stargazing, Naturalist Programs & Exploring.

Winter Camping, Snowboarding, Downhill Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating & More!

Summer & Winter

& Restaurant Pub Pool, Hot Tub,

Camping, Lodge & Cabins, Steam & Sauna /

Family Friendly Vibes

We’re so excited to get back into the swing of things this year—and there’s no better way than to check out everything Vancouver Island has to offer. We love to support island businesses and find some new favourite things along the way.

Island Parent’s Family Resource Guide gives you a comprehensive list of new parent resources, educational opportunities, camps and classes, local family businesses and everything else you need to keep your family healthy and active. You’ll also learn ways to create those important family memories, an age-appropriate guide to money, why creating the mind-body experience in children is so important, an ultra-helpful walk-through puberty, ways to successfully add a pet to your family and how to re-connect with your own interests while parenting.

Keep a copy of this issue close by, or bookmarked on your computer, because no matter how old your kids are you’ll want to refer to it all year long for the important resources you need. For a continually updated list of local family events as well as links to our Facebook and Instagram pages, please visit islandparent.ca

Inexpensive Ways to Create Family Memories

Iknow how it is, you scroll through social media and see happy families on epic vacations in sunny locations and feel that familiar pang of jealousy. But with the price of groceries and everything else these days, for a lot of families it’s hard to even be able to take the whole family to the local movie theatre, let alone on a trip! Your FOMO is taking over, and you worry about being able to provide exciting, memorable experiences for your family.

Sure, vacations are fun, but you can make happy family memories in your own way, without having to spend a fortune. Here are some budget-friendly things you can do with your family to create incredible memories, and hopefully some new traditions.

Plant a Vegetable Garden. Have each family member pick out a small vegetable starter or pack of seeds and plant and nurture a family garden. If you have little to no yard space, or if it’s too cold outside, this is easily something you can do on a patio, or even indoors. Your kids will love to eat the vegetables they grew themselves!

Get out into Nature. We’re so lucky to live on Vancouver Island where you can explore a different park or beach almost every day—pretty much yearround! Make a point to explore every green area or beach access in a local neighbourhood or plan a day trip once a month to explore one that’s in an area you don’t visit often. Visit certain areas at different times of the year to see how the foliage changes.

Weekly Movie Nights. Choose a family-friendly movie and make a night of it. Make, or order, pizza and have popcorn and other snacks. Unroll your sleeping bags or make forts out of pillows and blankets to create a fun, cozy atmosphere.

Bake or Cook Together. Getting the whole family into the kitchen to bake or cook together is not only fun but helps your kids gain important skills they’ll need in the future. Even toddlers can pour ingredients into bowls, so make sure

everyone has a job to help put your meal together. If your kids are older, you could even have a cookie bake-off or find out who can make the wackiest cupcakes!

Family Games Night. A little friendly competition between family members teaches kids about sportsmanship and helps kids learn important skills such as counting money. Buy or borrow a variety of games that the whole family will enjoy. Have a Tea Party. Make or buy some fancy treats, dress up in your fancy

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town. Once a month find a day for your family to go exploring in your town. Watch out for specials on local tourist attractions during the off-season. If you’re not finding any deals, or it’s the high season, simply head to areas you rarely visit and check out the local shops and have lunch in a new-to-you restaurant.

Start a Family Book Club. If your family can all read the same book, say a Young Adult Adventure novel, then

clothes and use the fancy teapot! If your kids are young, you could assign everyone a fun character, or if your kids are older you can come up with an inspiring theme. This is a fantastic way for your family to bond and create memories on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Volunteer Together. Volunteering together is a fantastic way to give back to the community and teach kids about the importance of helping others. Most cities on Vancouver Island have volunteer databases you can look up online, or call around to your local pet shelters, homeless shelters, literacy foundations, hospitals or any other organization your family would like to help.

read it together and discuss your book together at certain intervals. If you have younger kids or simply enjoy different genres, have everyone pick out a book and take a turn discussing what your book was about, your favourite parts and important lessons. On rainy days when everyone is home, curl up with blankets and pillows and have a family read-athon.

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.

NEW PARENT RESOURCES

DOULAS Victoria Doula Directory V doulasofvictoria.ca

VIDA Doulas V 250-661-2544 | vidadoulas.ca

MIDWIVES

Access Midwifery & Family Care V 208-2951 Tillicum Rd | 250-380-6329 accessmidwifery.ca

Born Healthy N 630 2nd Ave, Ladysmith | 250-245-3079

Community Midwifery Care G 164 Kings Lane, Salt Spring | 250-537-2243

V Victoria & Area P Peninsula W Westshore G Gulf Islands

CV Cowichan Valley N Nanaimo & Area CX Comox Valley PR Pacific Rim

Cook Street Community Midwives V 101-1005 Cook St | 250-386-4116 cookstmidwives.com

Cowichan Midwifery Group CV 164 Station St | 250-709-2040 cowichanmidwifery.ca

Dandelion Midwifery V 709 Connaught Rd | 250-590-7770 dandelionmidwifery.com

Midwifery Care V 547 Michigan St | 250-592-5407

The Midwives Collective V 107-1120 Yates St | 250-590-7605

Mid-Island Midwifery N 2506 Maxey Rd | 250-741-1294 or 350 Stewart Ave | 250-716-1366

Sooke Midwifery W 2050B Townsend Rd | 778-425-0780 sookemidwifery.com

Victoria Midwifery Group V 35 Cambridge St | 250-381-1977

West Coast Midwives V 2823 Dysart Rd | 250-384-5940

Western Communities Midwifery W 287 Stewart Ave | 250-589-3417

PRENATAL SERVICES

Aboriginal Prenatal Support V 231 Regina Ave | 250-384-3211

Birthright Victoria V 515-620 View St | 250-380-0305 birthrightvictoria.org

Camosun College V 250-370-3550 | ce.camosun.ca

Crossroads Crisis Pregnancy Centre N 1717B Kerrisdale Rd | 250-714-2191

Gulf Islands Early Years G 250-653-4465 | giearlyyears@shaw.ca

Mothering Touch Centre V

112-733 Johnson St 250-595-4905 | motheringtouch.ca

Sooke Family Resource Society W

Prenatal Program

250-642-5152 | sfrs.ca

BEST BABIES PROGRAMS

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House V 250-385-2635 ext. 203

Peninsula Best Babies P 2410 Malaview Dr | 250-655-5300

Saanich Neighbourhood Place V Best Babies

250-360-1148 | saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Sooke Family Resource Society W

Best Babies Program

250-642-5152, ext. 237 | sfrs.ca

Victoria Best Babies V

1240 Gladstone Ave | 250-381-1552 fernwoodnrg.ca

Victoria Native Friendship Centre V 250-384-3211 | vnfc.ca

WestShore Best Babies W 250-217-6787 ext. 204 | bgcvic.org

PUBLIC HEALTH (Island Health)

Campbell River Public Health CX 200-1100 Island Hwy | 250-850-2110 islandhealth.ca

Duncan CV 675 Canada Ave | 250-709-3050 | islandhealth.ca

Esquimalt V 530 Fraser St | 250-519-5311 | islandhealth.ca

Gulf Islands G 250-539-3099 | islandhealth.ca

Ladysmith Health Unit N 224 High St | 250-755-3342 | islandhealth.ca

Lake Cowichan Health Unit CV 58 Cowichan Ave | 250-749-6878 islandhealth.ca

Nanaimo Health Unit N 1665 Grant Ave | 250-755-3342 | islandhealth.ca

Nanaimo Princess Royal Family N Centre 80 Chapel St | 250-739-5845 | islandhealth.ca

Parksville/Qualicum Health Unit N 249 W. Hirst Ave | 250-947-8242 | islandhealth.ca

Peninsula P 2170 Mt. Newton X Rd | 250-544-2400 islandhealth.ca

Port Alberni Health Unit N 4201 6th Ave | 250-731-1316 |

Saanich

Come Dance Wit h Us

Sooke

Tofino & Ucluelet Public Health PR & Coastal Family Place

265 First St | 250-725-4020 | islandhealth.ca

Victoria V

1947 Cook St | 250-388-2200 | islandhealth.ca

West Shore W 345 Wale Rd | 250-519-3490 | islandhealth.ca

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

La Leche League of Greater Victoria V

250-727-4384 | lllc.ca/victoria-central

NEW PARENT SUPPORT

Aboriginal Infant Development V Program

231 Regina Ave | 250-384-3211 | vnfc.ca

Aboriginal Infant Development CV Program

5768 Allenby Rd, Duncan | 250-746-6184 cowichantribes.com

BC Association of Family V Resource Programs

250-590-5706 | frpbc.ca

Central Vancouver Island N Crisis Society

Nanaimo | 250-754-4447

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome V Society

250-479-7450 | gvdss.org

Hands On Prevention & G Education Centre

790 North Rd, Gabriola Island | 250-247-8730 hopecentre.yolasite.com

Healthy Beginnings N Ladysmith, Nanaimo | 250-755-6230

Infant Development Program V 3970 Haro Rd | 250-477-1826

La Leche League N 409 Belmonte Place, Nanaimo 250-754-5853 | lllc.ca

La Leche League N Parksville | 250-954-2922 | lllc.ca

Ladysmith Family & Friends N Resource Program

250-210-0870 | familyandfriends.ca

Margaret Moss Health Centre CV 675 Canada Ave, Duncan | 250-709-3050 islandhealth.ca

Nanaimo Infant Development N Program

1135 Nelson St | 250-753-0251 | nanaimocdc.com

Peninsula Best Babies Program P 9860 Third St, Sidney | 250-656-0134 beaconcs.ca

Sundrops Centre for CV Child Development

5856 Clements St, Duncan | 250-746-4135 clementscentre.org

Vancouver Island Multiple Birth Association vimba234@hotmail.com

Victoria Pregnancy Centre V 112-826 North Park St | 250-380-6883 victoriapregnancy.org

Y Young Moms Program V 250-382-1004 | vancouverislandy.com

ADOPTION SUPPORT

Adoption Support Program V 2400 Arbutus Rd | 250-721-6751 | islandhealth.ca

Adoptive Families Association of BC 1-877-236-7807 | bcadoption.com

Victoria Pregnancy Centre V 112-826 North Park St | 250-380-6883

victoriapregnancy.org

Origins Supporting People V Separated By Adoption

250-419-1200 | originscanada.org

Family Sunday: Curiosity, Creativity & Community Building

AGGV’s new Family Sunday Coordinator, illustrator, designer, and art educator, Apr il Caverhill, has been working with a range of artists to bring engaging online content to our Family Sunday community. “Knowing our virtual format makes Family Sunday accessible to an even wider audience than our in-person gatherings is an unexpected side benefit of our digital iteration”.

Since October, our guests have included guerilla gardeners, opera singers, improv artists, and eco-warriors. All of these dynamic guests have given us entertaining insight into what they do, while offering up delightful interactive activities for our viewers. Our line-up of Family Sunday guests for the next several months is equally exciting, so please check out our website for upcoming video releases every third Sunday of the month (October-June): aggv.ca/ events

Of course, we’re all looking forward to when that time comes to gather in the Gallery once again for some fabulous hands-on family fun! We wish you all a new season filled with hope and artistic abundance.

In response to COVID-19, the AGGV has introduced a new way for families to explore the AGGV collection: Meetups. Don't miss Parent and Tot, every third Thursday of the month from 10am-10:45am. Adults $2.50, children free. Please sign up in advance: aggv.ca/meetups-at-the-aggv

Image and illustrations courtesy of April Caverhill

FAMILY SUPPORT

COMMUNITY CENTRES

Beacon Community Services P 9860 Third St, Sidney | 250-656-0134 beaconcs.ca

Braefoot Community Association V 1359 McKenzie Ave | 250-721-2244

Burnside/Gorge Community Centre V 250-388-5251 | burnsidegorge.ca

Central Vancouver Island N Multicultural Society 101-319 Selby St 250-753-6911 | cvims.org

Cherry Creek Community Centre N 3720 Moore Rd, Port Alberni | 250-724-1660

Child Development Centre N 1135 Nelson St | 250-753-3521 | nanaimocdc.com

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House V

511 Constance Ave | 250-385-2635 | enh.bc.ca

Fairfield Gonzales Community V Association

250-382-4604 | fairfieldcommunity.ca

Fernwood Neighbourhood V Resource Group

1240 Gladstone Ave | 250-381-1552 fernwoodnrg.ca

French Community Centre V 2-1218 Langley St | 250-388-7350 sfvictoria.ca

Gabriola Community Centre G 250-247-9291

Inter-Cultural Association V 930 Balmoral Rd | 250-388-4728 | icavictoria.org

James Bay Community Project V 547 Michigan St | 250-388-7844 | jbcp.bc.ca

Ladysmith Parks, Recreation N & Culture 810-6th Ave | 250-245-6424

Ladysmith Resources Centre N Association

721 First Ave | 250-245-3079 | ladysmith.ca

Oaklands Community Association V

1-2827 Belmont Ave | 250-370-9101 | oaklands.life

Quadra Village Community Centre V 901 Kings Rd | 250-388-7696 quadravillagecc.com

Saanich Neighbourhood Place V 3100 Tillicum Rd | 250-360-1148 saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Shawnigan Lake Community Centre CV 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd 250-743-1433 | cvrd.bc.ca

Sooke Family Resource Society W 250-642-5152 | sfrs.ca

Victoria Immigrant & Refuge Centre V 1004 North Park St | 250-361-9433 | vircs.bc.ca

Victoria West Community Association V 521 Craigflower Rd | 250 590-8922 victoriawest.ca

YM-YWCA of Greater Victoria V 851 Broughton St | 250-386-7511 vancouverislandy.com

COUNSELLING

Canadian Mental Health Association CV 371 Festubert St, Duncan | 250-746-5521 cowichanvalley.cmha.bc.ca

Cowichan Valley Youth Services CV Society 554 Trunk Rd | 250-748-0232 | cvyouth.ca

Cowichan Family Life CV 250-748-8281 | cowichanfamilylife.org

Discovery Youth & Family Substance V Use Services Island Health 2nd Flr, 530 Fraser St | 250-519-5313 islandhealth.ca

Dr. Allison Rees V 250-595-2649 | lifeseminars.com

Duff Psychological Services V 250-580-1690 | duffpsychological.com

Duncan Mental Health & CV Addiction Services

250-709-3040 | islandhealth.ca

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House V 511 Constance Ave | 250-360-0644 | enh.bc.ca

Life Dances Counselling V lifedancescounselling.com

Maxine Fisher, M.Ed., RCC, MTA V 250-686-7582 | victoriafamilycounselling.com

Men’s Therapy Centre V 250-381-6367 | menstrauma.com

South Island Centre for V Counselling & Training 250-472-2851 | southislandcentre.ca

South Vancouver Island CV Assessment & Resource Service 305–394 Duncan St | 250-746-6900 vancouverislandcounselling.com

Thaiss Psychological Services V 209–2186 Oak Bay Ave | 250-516-6692 | thaiss.ca

Torchlight Counselling V 321–1095 McKenzie Ave | 250-889-9502 torchlightcounselling.ca

Vancouver Island Child, Youth V & Family Counselling Services  1830 Oak Bay Ave #303A | 250-812-7829

Vancouver Island Crisis Society N 1-888-494-3888 | vicrisis.ca

Vancouver Island Psychological V Services

218-284 Helmcken Rd | 250-727-7060 202-4420 Chatterton Way | 778-440-8880 vipsychology.ca

Victoria Counselling Service V 420-1105 Pandora Ave | 250-418-0550

GRIEF SUPPORT

Compassionate Friends of Canada V 250-478-9270 | tcfcanada.net

Compassionate Friends of Canada CV

250-510-4360 | tcfcanada.net

Compassionate Friends of Canada N

250-714-4995 | tcfcanada.net

Learning Through Loss V

250-413-3114 | learningthroughloss.org

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society N 1080 St George Cres | 250-591-8811 nanaimohospice.com

Origins: Supporting People Separated by Adoption

416-400-5730 | originscanada.org

Rainbows, Nanaimo N 250-751-7888 | rainbowsnanaimo.ca

Rainbows, Parksville (4–12 yr olds) N 345 N. Pym St | 250-248-3927 | kucparksville.ca

Spectrum, Parksville (13–18 yr olds) N 345 N. Pym St | 250-248-3927 | kucparksville.ca

Victoria Women’s Transition House  V 3060 Cedar Hill Rd #100 | 250-592-2927

Victoria Hospice Bereavement V Services

250-370-8868 | victoriahospice.org

Victoria Hospice Society V 1952 Bay St | 250-370-8715

PARENT EDUCATION

Children’s Health & Human Rights V Partnership CHHRP.org

LIFE Seminars Parenting Programs V Dr. Allison Rees | 250-595-2649

PARENT SUPPORT

1UP Single Parent Resource Centre V 104-4489 Viewmont Ave | 250-385-1114 singleparentvictoria.ca

Dr. Allison Rees V 250-595-2649 | lifeseminars.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters V 230 Bay St | 250-475-1117 victoria.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Big Brothers Big Sisters CV

1–60 Ingram St, Duncan 250-748-2447 | bbbscowichan.ca

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Nanaimo N 2030 Northfield Rd | 250-756-2447 cvi.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Boys and Girls Club of Greater V Victoria Parenting Programs

1195 Esquimalt Rd | 250-384-9133 ext. 222 bgcvic.org

Bridges for Women Society V 1809 Douglas St | 250-385-7410 | bfws.ca

Child Abuse Prevention/ V Mary Manning Centre

210-1175 Cook St | 250-385-6111 | vcapcc.com

Child Care Resource & Referral gov.bc.ca/ChildCareResourceReferralCentres

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000

Sooke: 250-642-5152

Westshore: 250-217-7479

Duncan: 250-746-4135 ext. 231

Child Development Centre N 1135 Nelson St | 250-753-0251 | nanaimocdc.com

Children Who Witness Abuse G Counselling & Support Salt Spring Island | 250-538-5569 | iwav.org

Cowichan Family Life CV 250-748-8281 | cowichanfamilylife.org

DRS Dialogue & Resolution Services W 102-2220 Sooke Rd | 250-383-4412

datanyze.com/companies/drs-dialogue-andresolution-services/414081286

Dragonfly Child Care & Family G Resource Centre Pender Island | 250-629-3039 | dragonflycentre.ca

Family Caregivers’ V Network Society 6-3318 Oak St 250-384-0408 familycaregiversbc.ca

Family Place Community Services G Salt Spring Island | 250-537-9971 saltspringcommunityservices.ca

Family Services of Greater Victoria V 1004 N Park St | 250-386-4331 | fsgv.org

First Metropolitan United Church V 250-388-5188 | firstmetvictoria.com

First Unitarian Church of Victoria P 5575 West Saanich Rd | 250-744-2665 victoriaunitarian.ca

Foster Parents Support Services W 145-735 Goldstream Ave 1-888-922-8437 | fosterhope.ca

Foster Parent Support Services N 102-6421 Applecross Rd | 1-888-922-8437 fpsss.com

GIFTS Family Consulting Services V

250-590-4114 greaterislandfamilytransitionservices.com

Hulitan Family & Community Services V

902A Caledonia Ave | 250-384-9466 | hulitan.ca

Help Fill a Dream

250-382-3135 | contact@helpfilladream.com helpfilladream.com

Home Instead Senior Care V 222-1595 McKenzie Ave | 250-382-6565 homeinstead.ca

Island Parent Magazine

250-388-6905 | islandparent.ca

Island Women Against Violence, G Transition House Salt Spring Island | 250-537-0735 | iwav.org

Kw’umut Lelum Child & N Family Services

544 Centre St | 250-591-0933 kwumut.org

Legacy Caregivers Inc

250 595-8123 | legacycaregiver.com

Lighthouse Church V lighthousechurch.ca

Mayne Island Early Childhood Society G 250-539-2402 | mayneislanddaycare.ca

Military Family Resource Centre V

250-363-2640 | esquimaltmfrc.com

Nanaimo Family Life Association

1070 Townsite Rd | 250-754-3331 | nflabc.org

Nanaimo Mental Health

& Addiction Services

250-739-5880

Nanoose First Nation

209 Mallard Way, Lantzville | 250-390-3661 snawnawas.org

NARSF Programs Ltd. N

201–170 Wallace St | 250-754-2773 | narsf.org

NIŁ TU,O Child & Family Services V 250-544-1400 | niltuo.ca

Nutsumaat Lelum N

3947 Shell Beach Rd, Ladysmith | 250-245-0994

PacificCare N

250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 vancouverislandccrr.ca

Pacific Centre Family Services W Association, Colwood & Sooke

250-478-8357 | pacific-care.bc.ca

Parent Support Services Society of BC

1-877-345-9777 | parentsupportbc.ca

GRG/Kinship Information: 1-855-474-9777

GRG/Kinship Support Circles:

Victoria | 250-468-9658

Duncan | 250-468-9658

Nanaimo | 250-468-9658

Parksville | 250-468-9658

Parent Support Circles:

Victoria | 250-468-9658

Duncan | 250-468-9658

Nanaimo | 250-468-9658    Parksville | 250-468-9658

Parents Together Parents Line N Nanaimo | 250-754-9661 | bgccvi.com

Princess Royal Family Centre N 80 Chapel St | 250-739-5845 | islandhealth.ca

The Representative for Children V & Youth

1-800-476-3933 | rcybc.ca

Salvation Army Meal Program N 505 8th St | 250-754-2621

Snu Ney Muxw First Nations N

668 Centre St | 250-740-2300 | snuneymuxw.ca

Sooke Family Resource Society W 250-642-5152 | sfrs.ca

SOS Community Services Centres N 245 West Hirst Ave, Parksville | 250-248-2093 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach | 250-752-2040 sosd69.com

SOS is a volunteer-supported, non-profit organization meeting the needs and improving the lives of residents in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region since 1968. Free and subsidized programs for all ages are provided thanks to community support.

Sooke Options for Community V Living Association

250-642-6364 | socla.ca

St. Barnabas Anglican Church V 1525 Begbie St | 250-595-4324 stbarnabaschurch.ca

Strong Start BC, Early Learning G for Families

Galiano Island | 250-539-2261

Mayne Island | 250-539-2371

Pender Island | 250-629-3711

Saturna Island | 250-539-2472

Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre N 927 Haliburton St | 250-753-8291 tillicumlelum.ca

UVic Family Centre V 39208-2375 Lam Circle | 250-472-4062 uvic.ca/familycentre

Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre V 1004 N Park St | 250-361-9433 | vircs.bc.ca

Victoria Native Friendship Centre V 231 Regina Ave | 250-384-3211 | vnfc.ca

Victoria Sexual Assault Centre V 201-3060 Cedar Hill Rd | 250-383-3232 | vsac.ca

Young Parents Support Network V 3100 Tillicum Rd | 250-384-0552 | ypsn.ca

WIN Administration Office V 812 Cormorant Ave | 250-480-4006

SPECIAL NEEDS & DISABILITY SUPPORT

Autism Services, V Community Living Victoria

250-477-7231, ext. 237 | communitylivingvictoria.ca

BC Lions Society for Children V with Disabilities

250-386-0668

BeConnected Support Services V 250-727-3891 | beconnectedsupport.ca

We are a multi-service organization offering a full spectrum of residential, community inclusion/school replacement, and contracted support options in South, Central and Upper Vancouver Island. We provide individualized meaningful choices for the 160+ children, youth, adults and their families we currently serve.

Canadian Children’s Therapy P canadianchildrenstherapy.ca

Canadian Children’s Therapy provides a wide range of pediatric occupational therapy services in person and online. We offer families in the Greater Victoria area, a wellequipped clinic space in Saanich. We also serve families throughout BC, Yukon, NWT, Ontario and Alberta via Online Pediatric Occupational therapy.

Canucks Autism Network

604-685-4049 | canucksautism.ca

Child & Family Counselling Association (Autism Program)

5-230 Menzies St | 250-595-4423

Child Development Centre

1135 Nelson St | 250-753-0251 | nanaimocdc.com

Clements Centre Society CV

5856 Clements St | 250-746-4135 clementscentre.org

Community Options for Children V & Families

1595 Bay Street | 250-380-6363 | cocf.ca COCF offers 1:1 supports, quality programming for families with children facing disability or chronic illness in the community. Supports or Services include but are not limited to, resources and referrals, parent support groups, SibShops and other sibling support groups.

Cowichan Therapeutic Riding CV Association

250-746-1028 | ctra.ca

CP Support Canada

cpsupportcanada.ca

CP Support Canada supports families caring for a child with cerebral palsy by providing monthly bursaries (#CPSmileProject), reliable medical and legal information to help empower parents and community support.

The Cridge Respite Resource Service V

1307 Hillside Ave | 250-995-6412 | cridge.org

Early Intervention Team CV 202-394 Duncan St | 250-709-9022

Family Support, V Community Living Victoria

3861 Cedar Hill X Rd | 250-477-7231, ext. 236 communitylivingvictoria.ca

Come on in and see our incredible live animals in this unique mini-zoo. Tour guides are always available to answer questions and show o our adorable critters! Virtual tours and outreach programs are available for larger groups and birthday parties. Masks and vaccines required. Thank you!

victoriabugzoo.ca

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 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

Footholds Therapy Centre N

250-585-4411 | footholds.ca

Greater Victoria Down Syndrome V Society

250-479-7450 | gvdss.org

HeadWay Victoria Epilepsy V & Parkinson’s Centre

250-475 6677 | acaciahealth.ca/about/community/ headway-victoria-epilepsy-parkinsons-centre

Help Fill a Dream

250-382-3135 | contact@helpfilladream.com helpfilladream.com

HME Mobility & Accessibility

hmebc.com

Island Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre N

205-55 Victoria Rd | 250-753-0999 | idhhc.ca

Lifetime Networks V

250-477-4112 | lifetimenetworks.org

Little Steps Therapy Services V

250-386-1171 | mylittlesteps.net

Nanaimo Brain Injury Society N

285 Prideaux St | 250-753-5600 | nbis.ca

Pivot Point Family Growth Centre V

778-410-2319 | pivotpoint.ca

Power To Be V

250-385-2363 | powertobe.ca

Queen Alexandra Centre for V Children’s Health

2400 Arbutus Rd | 250-477-1826 | islandhealth.ca

Ronald McDonald House rmhbc.ca

BC Schizophrenic Society V

941 Kings Rd | 250-384-4225 | bcss.org

Special Olympics V

250-477-7106 | specialolympics.ca/britishcolumbia/communities/victoria

Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of BC

4480 Oak St, Vancouver | 604-878-7000 sbhabc.org

Victoria Brain Injury Society V D & E, 830 Pembroke St | 250-598-9339 | vbis.ca

Victoria Society for Children V with Autism

778-557-7749 | VictoriaAutism.ca

The War Amps waramps.ca

Since its founding in 1918, The War Amps programs have grown from assisting war amputees—whom we still serve—to all amputees, including children. A charitable estate donation in your will honours the legacy of war amputees and funds our essential programs for all amputees across Canada, including CHAMP for

child amputees. CHAMP provides comprehensive support, including financial assistance for artificial limbs, to allow children to lead independent and active lives. With your help, our vital programs will carry on long into the future. The War Amps does not receive government grants.

Westshore Child & Youth W Family Centre

345 Wale Rd | 250-391-4320

YOUTH SERVICES

Cowichan Valley Youth Services CV Society

554 Trunk Rd, Duncan | 250-748-0232 cvyouth.ca

Island Sexual Health Society V Clinical Services: 250-592-3479

Community Ed: 250-388-2202 islandsexualhealth.org

Nanaimo Youth Services N 290 Bastion St | 250-754-1989 | nysa.bc.ca

PFLAG of Greater Victoria V 250-385-9462 | victoriabc@pflagcanada.ca

Youth Clinic V 533 Yates St | 250-383-3552

547 Michigan St | 250-388-7841

Young Parent Support Network V 2541 Empire St | 250-384-0052

Youthspace

Text to 778-783-0177 | youthspace.ca Chat based intant messaging service on website, or through text.

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society V 533 Yates St | 250-383-3514 | vyes.ca

OTHER

Family Caregivers of BC

Toll free BC Caregiver Support Line 1-877-520-3267

familycaregiversbc.ca

Family Caregivers of BC offers free education, practical/emotional support, assistance with navigating the health system, virtual and in-person caregiver support groups and other resources for family and friend caregivers.

I Wish I Was Taught This in School!

The majority of adults I speak with have a similar experience to share with me about their lack of education on money throughout their school years. After 13 years in school, they graduated with a passing grade on Pythagoras’ Theory but feeling completely in the dark on how to file their taxes, invest in the stock market and choose a mortgage.

Every once in a while I hear about a wonderful career education or math teacher who clearly had a passion for financial literacy and taught lessons on these day-to-day adult tasks—those teachers are worth their weight in gold for the difference they made!

For parents raising children in this generation, we have some good news in that there have been valuable changes to our current curriculum which include many of these areas. In order to graduate high school, students will cover personal budgets, compound interest and credit card amongst others.

However, we all know that learning starts at home. There are many topics that you can broach to provide your child with a greater understanding than what they will get from their classroom alone. Here are some age-appropriate ideas:

Preschool Aged:

1. Sharing and donating toys teach generosity

2. Putting away toys before a treat teaches responsibility and work ethic

3. Saving birthday money to spend on a favorite toy

Elementary Aged:

1. Begin allowance using a clear jar “piggy bank” so they can see how much they have saved

2. Start long term savings goals

3. Track savings with a sticker chart or coloring sheet

Middle School Aged:

1. Open bank accounts and teach how to use it online safely

2. Discuss their favorite brands and show their stock market charts

3. Choose a chore-based or automatic allowance method and discuss a budget for spending and saving

High School Aged:

(Change the numbers for privacy if that is important to you.)

1. Show your paystub and discuss income and deductions

2. Explain your investment statements

3. Set guidelines for saving a portion of their income (I suggest at least 50%)

4. Discuss credit cards and teach how interest works

These suggestions are only meant as inspiration for all the great ideas you’ll come up with on your own. Day to day activities will give you many more topics to cover if you are wanting to teach your kids what you wish you had been taught in school.

Lindsay Plumb is an Accredited Financial Counsellor (Canada) and founder of Pretty Money Club, Black Is the New Red and MOOLA Financial Coaches & Advisors.

EDUCATION

PRESCHOOLS, CHILD CARE & OCCASIONAL CARE

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre V

3905 Haro Rd | 250-477-3731 | arbutusgrove.ca

ArtsCalibre Academy V

3220 Cedar Hill Rd | 250-382-3533 | ArtsCalibre.ca

Centennial Day Care V 250-386-6832 | centennialdaycare.ca

Children’s Discovery Centre N Qualicum Beach | 250-752-4343

Ciara Early Childhood Centre V 846 Phoenix St | 250-386-7369

Cordova Bay Preschool P 250-658-3441 | cordovabaypreschool.org

Island Kids Academy V 542 Fraser St | 250-381-2929 286 Island Hwy | 250-727-2929 islandkids.ca

Island Montessori House P 250-592-4411 | islandmontessori.com

“The Art of Preschool”—an engaging, comprehensive program infused with music, dance, theatre and visual arts, giving children confidence and the social and academic skills to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Excellent staff and outstanding facilities within the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.

Aspengrove School N 250-618-2201 | aspengroveschool.ca

Camosun College Child Care Services V 250-370-4880 | camosun.ca/childcare

Carrot Seed Preschool V 813 Claremont Ave | 250-658-2331 carrotseedpreschool.com

Castleview Child Care V 250-595-5355 | castleviewchildcarecentre.com

Cathedral School Childcare V & Junior Kindergarten

1670 Richardson St | 250-383-5132 1806 San Juan Ave | 250-388-4550 cathedralschool.ca

Full day, licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds.

Countryside Preschool P countrysidepreschool.ca

Duncan Christian School CV 250-746-3654 | duncanchristianschool.ca

Duncan Christian School is an interdenominational school educating students from preschool to Grade 12. Our school property includes an elementary campus (preschool – Grade 7) and a secondary campus (Grade 8–12). The first steps in your child’s education. Building on Faith, Family and Community.

Emmanuel Baptist Church Childcare V 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd | 250-598-0573

Full o’ Beans Preschool V 250-360-1148 | saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Glenlyon Norfolk Preschool V mygns.ca

International Montessori Academy CV 2375 Koksilah Rd, Duncan | 250-737-1119

Children have the natural desire and ability to learn. Our childcentered program is committed to providing a rich, safe, developmentally appropriate and caring environment that promotes a sense of well-being, confidence and independence.

JLC Victoria Japanese Preschool V jlcvictoria.com

John Paul II Catholic School N Port Alberni | 250-723-0637

Kingfisher Preschool W 250-642-5152 sfrs.ca/programs/kingfisher-preschool

Lambrick Park Preschool V 250-477-8131 | lambrickparkpreschool.ca

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree V Preschool 250-479-0292 | prematernelleappletree.com

Lexie’s Little Bears Child Care Inc. W 1931 & 1927 Millstream Rd | 250-590-3603 lexieslittlebears.ca

Little Phoenix Childcare Centre V 1004 North Park St | 778-269-2273 littlephoenixchildcare.ca

Licensed child care facility with spots available for children aged 3–5 years. Contact us to book a tour today!

Little Star Children’s Centre N Qualicum Beach 250-752-4554 | littlestardaycare.ca

For Over 40 Years, No One Else Gets Results Like Sylvan

Could your child use a boost? Our students typically see up to two times more growth in their math and reading scores than other kids. (Other tutoring companies just can't say that!) An hour of Sylvan offers so much more than an hour of private tutoring. When you choose Sylvan, you get the best in teaching and technology, including:

• Sylvan Insight™ — our proven, four-step process that helps your child succeed and increases motivation

• SylvanSync™, our innovative instructional system, in which our teachers lead adaptive lessons on iPads®

• Expert teachers who know how to engage your child

Get the best tutoring. Start today!!

Lulu’s Child Care Centre P 9830 Fourth St, Sidney | thisislulus.com

Metchosin Cooperative Preschool W 250-478-9241

Nightingale Preschool & Junior V Kindergarten Ltd.

250-595-7544 | nightingalepreschool.com

Oakcrest Preschool V

3738 Cedar Hill Rd | 250-472-0668 doncaster-oakcrestchildcaresociety.com

Oak Bay Preschool V

250-592-1922 | oakbaypreschool.com

Pacific Christian School Preschool V

250-479-4532 | PacificChristian.ca

Pacific Heart Childcare P 1720 McTavish Rd | pacificheartchildcare.com

Parkside Academy CV Duncan | 250-746-1711

Queen of Angels Early Learning CV Centre

250-701-0433 | queenofangels.ca

Queen Margaret’s School CV 250-746-4185 | qms.bc.ca

Rainbows & Dreams V 4184 Keewatin Pl | 250-479-1966

Ready Set Grow Preschool V

250-472-1530 hillcrest.sd61.bc.ca/programs/out-of-school-care

Recreation Oak Bay V 1975 Bee St | 250-370-7200 | oakbay.ca

The River Preschool V stbarnabaschurch.ca

The Sir James Douglas Playschool V 250-389-0500

St. Christopher’s Montessori School V 2619 Currie Rd | 250-595-3213 stcmontessori.ca

Offering an enriched and nurturing Montessori program. Competitively priced independent school education. Half day for 3 and 4 year olds. Full day kindergarten. Now receiving the new CCFRI.

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre V

757 Burnside Rd West 250-479-1237 | stjosephschool.ca

St. Margaret’s School Jr. Kindergarten V 250-479-7171 | stmarg.ca

Sunrise Waldorf School Preschool CV

2148 Lakeside Rd | 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Vancouver Island Co-operative Preschool Association

250-598-2667 | vicpa.org

Victoria Montessori V 250-380-0534 | victoriamontessori.com

Westmont Montessori School W 4075 Metchosin Rd | 250-474-2626 west-mont.ca

Westshore Parks & Recreation

1767 Island Highway | 250-478-8384 westshorerecreation.ca

West Shore Parks & Recreation’s vision is to inspire its community to Move, Learn and Play for life! Starting September 2021, WSPR is excited to offer a wide variety of programs to suit the child care needs of families in the West Shore, kick starting children’s journeys on an active, curious and healthy lifestyle. 24 new full-time daycare (30 mos–5 years), 30 new preschool and 40 new afterschool care spaces open September 2021. The registration process begins in February.

Willowbrae Childcare V 722 Johnson St | 604-366-7080 willowbraechildcare.com

Wiseways Preschool & Daycare V 250-477-1312 | wisewaysvictoria.com

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Chemainus Crofton Community CV Schools Association 3172 Garner St | 250-246-3588

Conseil scolaire francophone de la Columbie-Britannique

180-10200 Shellbridge Way, Richmond 1-888-715-2200 | csf.bc.ca

School District #61 Victoria V 556 Boleskine Rd | 250-475-3212 | sd61.bc.ca

School District #62 Sooke W 3143 Jacklin Rd | 250-474-9800 | sd62.bc.ca

School District #63 Saanich P

2125 Keating X-Rd | 250-652-7300 | sd63.bc.ca

School District #64, Gulf Islands G 112 Rainbow Rd | 250-537-5548 | sd64.bc.ca

School District #68 N (Nanaimo-Ladysmith)

395 Wakesiah Ave | 250-754-5521 | sd68.bc.ca

School District #69 (Qualicum) N 100 Jensen Ave | 250-248-4241 | sd69.bc.ca

School District #79 CV 2557 Beverly St | 250-748-0321 | sd79.bc.ca

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Arrowmith Independent School N 861 Hilliers Rd, Qualicum | 250-752-2722

arrowsmithindependentschool.ca

ArtsCalibre Academy V 3909 St. George’s Ln | 250-382-3533

ArtsCalibre.ca

Imagine a school where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. Academic excellence is achieved in a dynamic, engaging and safe environment. Small class sizes, individualized education plans, highly skilled and dedicated teachers, excellent facilities and location.

Aspengrove School N Nanaimo | 250-390-2201 | aspengroveschool.ca

Brentwood College School CV 2735 Mt. Baker Rd, Mill Bay 250-743-5521 | brentwood.bc.ca

Brookes Westshore W 1945 Sooke Rd | 250-929-0506 westshore.brookes.org

Christ Church Cathedral School V 912 Vancouver St | 250-383-5125 cathedralschool.ca

Discovery School V 250-595-7765 | discoveryschool.ca

Evergreen Independent School CV 3515 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill 250-743-2433 | evergreenbc.net

Secure a Bright Beginning for Your Daughter with JK+!

Give your daughter a bright beginning to her school journey with our Junior Kindergarten Plus (JK+) at St. Margaret’s School. This unique preschool program runs all year (September to August) for the same cost as a 10-month program. We offer two options to meet the needs of your family—a full school day and an option to support the modern working parent, offering care and activities until 5:30pm. We provide hot lunches daily so there is no need to pack a lunch.

This girl-centred program introduces STEM education through play, collaboration, problem-solving and exploration, all taught by qualified Early Childhood Education experts. Our JK+ students thrive in our supportive environment, learning in our Montessori-inspired classrooms and on our spectacular 22-acre wooded campus and gardens. Invest in the future of your daughter or granddaughter by contacting us to secure one of the limited spots in Bright Beginnings JK+. We look forward to welcoming your girl into our empowering learning environment.

CAMP FUN!

stmarg.ca/camps/summer-camps

250-479-7171

*except Coder Girl Camp

TENNIS LOVE

LITTLE ARTISTS CAMP

LEGO® EV3 ROBOTICS

Glenlyon Norfolk School V

801 Bank St (Admissions) | 250-370-6801

801 Bank St (Middle Years) | 250-370-6803

801 Bank St (Senior) | 250-370-6802 1701 Beach Dr (Primary) | 250-370-6854 mygns.ca

John Paul II Catholic School N Port Alberni | 4006 8th Ave | 250-723-0637

Lakeview Christian School P 250-658-5082 | lcsvictoria.ca

Maria Montessori Academy V

1841 Fairburn Dr | 250-479-4746 mariamontessoriacademy.net

Oak & Orca Bioregional School V 2738 Higgins St | 250-383-6609 | oakandorca.ca

Pacific Christian School V

671 Agnes St (Elementary) | 250-479-9365

654 Agnes St (Secondary) | 250-479-4532 pacificchristian.ca

Queen Margaret’s School CV 250-746-4185 | qms.bc.ca

Queen of Angels Catholic School CV 2085 Maple Bay Rd | 250-746-5919

Selkirk Montessori School V

2970 Jutland Rd | 250-384-3414 selkirkmontessori.ca

St. Andrew’s Regional High School V

880 McKenzie Ave | 250-479-1414 standrewshigh.ca

St. Joseph’s Catholic School V 757 West Burnside Rd | 250-479-1232 stjosephschool.ca

St. Margaret’s School V 1080 Lucas Ave | 250-479-7171 | stmarg.ca Confident girls. Inspiring women. Junior kindergarten to Grade 12.

St. Michaels University School V 3400 Richmond Rd | 250-592-2411 | smus.ca Jr. School | 820 Victoria | 250-598-3922

St. Patrick’s Elementary School V 2368 Trent St | 250-592-6713 | stpatrickselem.ca

Shawnigan Lake School CV 1975 Renfrew Rd | 250-743-5516 | shawnigan.ca

Sunrise Waldorf School CV 2148 Lakeside Rd | 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org

Vancouver Island School V of Innovation and Inquiry admin@visii.ca | visii.ca

Inquiry learning for Grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 in a small centre where interdisciplinary questions engage all dimensions of a child’s life.

Victoria School for Ideal Education V 2820 Belmont Ave | 250-383-6654 | vsie.ca

Westmont School W 4075 Metchosin Rd | 250-474-2626 | west-mont.ca

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING

CEAP School District #69 N Home Learning Program 250-954-3043 | SD69.bc.ca

Hands-On Home-Learning for a V

Sustainable World 2738 Higgins St | 250-383-6619 | oakandorca.ca

Individual Learning Centre P Broadmead | 250-744-1174

Saanichton | 250-656-4042

ilc.sd63.bc.ca

Juan de Fuca Distributed Learning W 814 Goldstream Ave | 250-391-9002

jdfdl.web.sd62.bc.ca

Navigate Heartwood N Learning Community

1-800-663-7925 | navigatenides.com

North Island Distance Education CX

2505 Smith Rd, Courtenay 1-800-663-7925 | navigatenides.com

LEARNING CENTRES & TUTORS

Alliance Française de Victoria V afvictoria.ca

KUMON Math & Reading V 1560 Fort St | 778-746-3185

214-3965 Quadra St | 250-479-1800 kumon.com

KUMON Math & Reading W

115-963 Langford Pkwy | 250-516-2991 kumon.com

KUMON Math & Reading P 10091 Resthaven Dr | 250-656-6696 | kumon.com

KUMON Math & Reading N 5–6421 Applecross Rd | 250-390-2411 2753 Charlotte Rd | 250-743-3510 kumon.com

LDABC The Learning Curve V 250-370-9513 | ldasvi.bc.ca

LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed. ldsociety.ca

LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed. offers accessible, innovative learning support to individuals with learning differences, like dyslexia and ADHD, aged 3 to adult. Our 17 specialised programs are offered in person or online.

Literacy Central Vancouver Island N 250-754-8988 | literacycentralvi.org

Pivot Point Learning Centres Inc. 1-866-531-4544 | pivotpoint.ca

School Is Easy In Home Tutoring

1-877-ITSEASY | schooliseasy.com

Smart Tutor Referrals

250-544-1588 | SmartTutorReferrals.com

Sylvan Learning Centre

1623 McKenzie Ave | 250-477-3212

3145 Jacklin Rd | 250-590-6211

sylvanlearning.com

N

Sylvan Learning Centre N

3260 Norwell Dr | 250-758-1526 sylvanlearning.com

V

Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

Sylvan Learning Centre CV 215-80 Station St | 250-746-0222 sylvanlearning.com

Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

Proven results. Digital tablet technology. Innovative teaching techniques, motivational programs and the Sylvan Insight assessment continue to make Sylvan Learning the leader in personalized learning from K-12. Call today to find out more.

Total Learning Services V

778-440-0997

totallearningservices2014@gmail.com

Victoria German School V 250-886-1420 | victoriagermanschool.org

Victoria Literacy Connection V A10-830 Pembroke St | 250-385-0014 victorialiteracyconnection.ca

family literacy, English and French language and basic computer skills through 1:1 or group tutoring. Volunteer tutors support most of our programs to offer free services.

POST SECONDARY EDUCATION

Camosun College V 250-370-3550 | camosun.ca

Royal Roads University W 250-391-2511 | royalroads.ca

University of Victoria V 250-721-7211 | uvic.ca

Vancouver Island University N 900 5th St | 250-753-3245 | viu.ca

OTHER

CISV Victoria V CISVvictoria.ca

Victoria Literacy Connection helps children, youth and adults improve their reading, writing, math,

Children & Pets

Tips for bringing a pet into your home

Pets can be a lot of fun if your family is ready for the responsibilities that come with them. They can help teach children values and social skills. Most relationships between people and pets are positive.

There are some important health and safety considerations to remember when bringing a pet into your home. Both your children and pet will be happier and healthier if they know and understand the rules. It’s important to take the time to prepare and understand the realities of having a pet.

If you decide to adopt a pet, make sure it is healthy.

Adopt your pet from someone you trust. Your veterinarian (vet) will be able to offer suggestions.

Consider the final adult size of your pet when deciding which kind to adopt. Don’t forget that they grow and might get bigger than you are prepared to handle.

Make sure your pet sees the vet every year and has all vaccinations.

Have your cat or dog spayed or neutered.

Get veterinary care when your pet is sick.

Watch for any contact your pet has with other animals that might carry disease.

When you have a pet in your home.

Teach your children to treat animals gently and with respect.

Never leave a young child alone with an animal. Accidents can happen when children tease pets or touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

Involve your child in the care of your pet. This helps children learn a sense of responsibility.

Make sure your pet has a quiet and comfortable place to go.

Don’t allow your pets to sleep with children.

Don’t allow your pet to roam alone in a baby’s room.

Don’t allow your pet to lick your child’s face or any cuts or scratches.

Pets and allergies.

If you have a child with allergies, think carefully about whether a pet is a good idea. If their allergies get worse, it can be hard to find a new home for your pet. If you get a new pet and your child starts to show signs of allergies, consult your doctor for advice.

Dogs.

Look for a dog with a gentle nature. Older dogs are a good idea only if they have been around children.

Puppies can be a lot fun but tend to have lots of energy. They need a lot of time and patience for proper training. Involve all family members in the training so that the commands used are easy for both your children and the dog to remember.

Don’t leave your dog alone in the house for long periods of time. If you have to be away for long periods, a dog might not be the right pet for your family.

Keep your dog secure in a space that they can be comfortable in. Expose your dog to different types of people and situations.

Dogs need lots of exercise. Encourage your children to join you on walks with the dog. Remember to use a leash when walking your dog.

Cats.

Keep your cat indoors to protect them from harm or disease. Keep the litter box clean. Wash hands thoroughly when done. If a dog or cat is not the right type of pet for your home, there are other choices. Talk to your vet for ideas and tips on care.

Reptiles, wild or exotic animals.

Reptiles, such as turtles, lizards and snakes, often carry Salmonella, a kind of bacteria (germ) that can be

very hard to kill. Always wash your hands after handling a reptile.

Exotic animals, such as sugar gliders, hedgehogs or monkeys, are not good pets for children. They can be dangerous, or they may need special care that young children can’t give.

Wild animals should not be kept as pets.

Ferrets are not a good pet for homes with young children.

The Canadian Paediatric Society is the national association of paediatricians, committed to working together to advance the health of children and youth by nurturing excellence in health care, advocacy, education, research and support of its membership. caringforkids.cps.ca

Proud to Be Supporting Families on Vancouver Island through:

• Investing in the School Affordability Fund to ensure youth have access to reliable, nutritious food.

• Increasing $10-a-day child care centres spaces across the Province, including over 406 in my community of Oak Bay-Gordon Head alone.

• Upping the BC Family Benefit, plus up to $500 to help families with cost-of-living.

• Reducing rates for Hydro and freezing rates for ICBC insurance, to keep money in the pockets of families.

Constituency:

MLA Murray Rankin

219 – 3930 Shelbourne Street Victoria, BC V8P 5P6 murray.rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca

CLASSES & PROGRAMS

ART PROGRAMS

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria V

Children’s Studio

250-384-4171 | aggv.ca

Artistic Statement Gallery & V School of Fine Art

107-2250 Oak Bay Ave | 250-383-0566

Fired Up Ceramics V firedupceramics.ca

McTavish Academy of Art P 1720 McTavish Rd | 778-351-0088 McTavishAcademy.ca | create@mctavishacademy.ca Offering a ranges of classes and camps for kids and adults in art, dance, yoga, music and much more. Birthday parties and rental spaces available.

Poppet Creative V poppetcreative.com

Robert Bateman Centre V Junior Nature Sketch Club

250-940-3630 | batemancentre.org

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Boys & Girls Club, Victoria V

1233 Clarke Rd | 250-652-3021

521 Craigflower Rd | 250-686-9108

410 Macaulay St | 250-686-9107

626 Hoylake Ave | 250-478-0721

345 Wale Rd | 250-216-9583 bgcvic.org

Boys & Girls Club, Chemainus CV

3172B Garner St | 250-246-5421

Boys & Girls Club, Duncan CV

2471 Beverly St, Duncan | 250-748-1171

Boys & Girls Club, Ladysmith N 730 3rd Ave | 250-245-8921

Boys & Girls Club, Lantzville N 7-7221 Lantzville Rd | 250-390-4001

Boys & Girls Club, Nanaimo N 20 5th St | 250-754-3215

Girl Guides of Canada V 938 Mason St | 250-383-1712 | girlguides.ca

Girl Guides of Canada CV 321 Cairnsmore St | 250-748-1052 | girlguides.ca

Maple Bay Yacht Club CV 250-746-4521 | mbyc.bc.ca

Nanaimo Navy League & Sea Cadets N 750 Fifth St | 250-753-3797

Navy League Cadets V 250-565-3344 | navyleague.ca

Royal Canadian Air Cadets V canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/ services/cadets-junior-canadian-rangers/cadets/ what-we-do/air

Royal Canadian Air Cadets N 205 Collishaw Rd, Nanaimo | 250-754-0076

Scouts Canada V 1-888-726-8876 | scouts.ca

Victoria Sea Cadets V 250-363-0864 | vicseacadets.ca

DANCE

Arabesque Dance Studio V 250-595-3107 | dancearabesque.ca

Ballet Victoria Conservatory V 643 Broughton St | 250-380-6063 bvconservatory.org

The Ballet Victoria Conservatory is a not-for-profit school operated by the Ballet Victoria Society. The BVC students train directly under BC’s top professional dancers. We provide the fun of learning and the satisfaction of seeing young dancers reach artistic excellence.

Dance Unlimited V 250-361-3267 | danceunlimited.ca

Leap Forward Dance School W 2758 Peatt Rd | 250-818-9225 or 778-265-5955 leapforwardlangford.com

Maple Leaf School of Ballet V 310 Henry St | mapleleafballet.ca

Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet N ncballet.ca

O’Brien School of Irish Dance N 250-340-2370 | obrienirishdance.com

Stages Performing Arts School V 301-1551 Cedar Hill X Rd | 250-384-3267 stagesdance.com

Victoria Academy of Ballet V 2713 Quadra St | 250-590-6752 victoriaacademyofballet.ca

Victoria School of Irish Dance V 250-888-9421 | victoriairishdancers.com

Westcoast Academy of V Performing Arts

250-415-1477 | wapa.ca

DAY PROGRAMS

Airhouse N 4381 Boban Dr | 250-585-8888

Autism Services, V Community Living Victoria 250-477-7231 | communitylivingvictoria.ca

BC SPCA N 250-388-7722 | spca.bc.ca

Bear Mountain Academy Programs W 250-744-2327 | bearmountain.ca

Boys & Girls Club V 250-384-9133 | bgcvic.org

Byte Camp V 250-661-3358 | bytecamp.ca

Christ Church Cathedral School V 250-383-5125 | cathedralschool.ca

Easter Seals, British Columbia & Yukon Camp Inquiries: 604-873-1865, 1-800-818-4483 camp@eastersealsbcy.ca | eastersealsbcy.ca

FUN Camps V 600 Richmond Ave | 778-712-2267

Glenlyon Norfolk School V

Summer Camps

250-370-6800 | mygns.ca/summer-fun-at-gns Glenlyon Norfolk School offers a variety of fun summer camps for students aged 4 to 17. Arts, athletics, field hockey, kayaking, cooking, baking, magic and more—our summer programs offer something for everyone!

Nanaimo Art Gallery  N 150 Commercial St | 250-754-1750

Oaklands Equestrian Unicorn Club V 879 Dooley Rd | oaklandsunicornclub@gmail.com

Rogers Society V 765 Rogers Ave | rogerssociety.org

Royal Victoria Yacht Club V 250-592-2441 | rvyc.bc.ca

Seedlings Forest Education V/N 250-880-0660 seedlingsforesteducation.com

SMUS Education Extension V

Holiday Programs

250-370-6120 | smus.ca

YM/YWCA V 880 Courtney St | 250-475-3777 vancouverislandy.com

DRAMA PROGRAMS

Four Seasons Musical Theatre V fsmtheatre.ca

Kaleidoscope Theatre V 250-383-8124 | kaleidoscope.bc.ca

SKAM School of Performing Arts V 250-386-7526 | skam.ca

Spotlight Academy V 250-714-2555 | spotlightacademyvictoria.com

Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts V 250-580-2588 | vadarts.com

GYMNASTICS

Falcon Gymnastics Centre V 208-721 Vanalman Ave | 250-479-6424 falcongymnastics.com

Flipside Gymnastics N 250-756-9102 |

Island Circus Space V islandcircusspace.com

Nanaimo Gymnastics School N 1975 Bollinger Rd | 250-740-0330

nanaimogymnastics.ca

Nanaimo Gymnastics School is a not-for-profit society dedicated to the teaching of artistic gymnastics at all levels. Our mission is to develop physical literacy through gymnastics in a fun, safe and structured environment, while also teaching important life skills for the future! Our programs include Preschool, Recreational and Parkour structured classes, and a successful Competitive Artistic Gymnastics Program. For additional programs, visit our website! Come Learn With Us!

Victoria Gymnastics V 2051 Store St | 250-380-2442

victoriagymnastics.com

Victoria Gymnastics W 520 Mt View Ave | 250-265-6414

victoriagymnastics.com

BRIGHT BEGINNING

West Coast Rhythmic Gymnastics V 778-817-0366 | westcoastrhythmics.ca

LIBRARIES

Greater Victoria Public Library

250-940-4875 (GVPL) | gvpl.ca

Bruce Hutchison Branch | 4636 Elk Lake Rd

Central Branch | 735 Broughton St

Central Saanich Branch | 1209 Clarke Rd

Emily Carr Branch | 101-3521 Blanshard St

Esquimalt Branch | 1231 Esquimalt Rd

KINDERGARTEN

Goudy Branch | 119-755 Goldstream Ave

Juan de Fuca Branch | 1759 Island Hwy

Langford Heritage Branch | 102-1314 Lakepoint Way

Nellie McClung Branch | 3950 Cedar Hill Rd

Oak Bay Branch | 1442 Monterey Ave

Saanich Centennial Branch | 3110 Tillicum Rd

Vancouver Island Regional Library virl.bc.ca

Campbell River Branch

Full

Lunches provided September - June

1240 Shopper’s Row | 250-287-3655

Chemainus Branch

2592 Legion St | 250-246-9471

Cowichan Branch

2687 James St | 250-746-7661

Hornby Island Branch

1765 Sollans Rd | 250-335-0044

Ladysmith Branch

3-740 1st Ave | 250-245-2322

Lake Cowichan Branch

38 King George North | 250-749-3431

Nanaimo Harbourfront Branch

90 Commercial Dr | 250-753-1154

Nanaimo Wellington Branch

3032 Barons Rd | 250-758-5544

Parksville Branch

100E Jenson Ave East | 250-248-3841

Port Alberni Branch

4245 Wallace St | 250-723-9511

Qualicum Beach Branch

101-660 Primrose St | 250-752-6121

Sidney-North Saanich Branch

10091 Resthaven Rd | 250-656-0944

Sooke Branch

2065 Anna Marie Rd | 250-642-3022

MUSIC

BC Music Teachers’ Association V bcrmtavictoria.webs.com

Let us find you a private music teacher. The BCRMTA assures you qualified and professional instruction on every instrument at every level. Find your local teacher today.

Comox Valley Youth Music Centre CX cymc.ca

Island Show Choir V islandshowchoir.com

Long & McQuade V/W 756 Hillside Ave | 250-384-3622 3108 Jacklin Rd | 250-800-0943

Mary Rogers Music Studio V 250-744-9049 | maryrogerspianostudio.ca

Music for Young Children V 250-380-1189 | mycvictoria.com

Providing the best quality music education to young children by blending the pleasure and the joy of music making with sound instruction. Classes available for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children!

Nanaimo Conservatory of Music N 250-754-4611 | ncmusic.ca

Sage Piano Studio W Sooke | 250-213-7883 | sagepiano@gmail.com In studio and online lessons

Tom Lee Music W 105-2401D Millstream Rd | 250-838-5222 tomleemusic.ca

Victoria Children’s Choir V 250-721-0856 | VictoriaChildrensChoir.ca

Victoria Conservatory of Music V info@vcm.bc.ca | 250-386-5311 | vcm.bc.ca

A non-profit organization founded in 1964, the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) has earned an outstanding reputation of quality in education, performance, and music therapy. As a music school for the whole community, the VCM welcomes students of all ages and musical abilities and teaches in all musical genres from classical to contemporary and music technology. The Victoria Conservatory of Music currently has two beautiful locations in Downtown Victoria and Langford (Westhills YMCA-YWCA building).

RECREATION CENTRES

Archie Browning Sports Centre V 1151 Esquimalt Rd | 250-414-7103 | esquimalt.ca

Beban Park Social Centre N 2300 Bowen Rd | 250-756-5200

Bowen Park Complex N 500 Bowen Rd | 250-756-5200 | nanaimo.ca

1080 Lucas Avenue Victoria, BC

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre V 3220 Cedar Hill Rd | 250-475-7121 | saanich.ca

City Centre Park W 250-391-1738 | citycentrepark.ca

Cowichan Aquatic Centre CV 2653 James St, Duncan | 250-746-7665 northcowichan.ca

Cowichan Lake Sports Arena CV 311 South Shore Rd | 250-749-6742 | cvrd.bc.ca

Cowichan Sportsplex CV 5847 Chesterfield Ave | 250-746-5666 cowichansportsplex.com

Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre V 2275 Quadra St | 250-361-0732 victoria.ca/recservices

Swimming lessons for all ages and abilities; 50m pool with waterslide, two kids’ pools and sauna/ steam rooms; full fitness facilities and wellness programs.

Esquimalt Parks & Recreation V 527 Fraser St | 250-414-8500 | esquimalt.ca

Frank Crane Arena N 2300 Bowen Rd | 250-756-5200 | nanaimo.ca

Gordon Head Recreation Centre V 4100 Lambrick Way | 250-475-7100 | saanich.ca

Henderson Centre V 2291 Cedar Hill X Rd | 250-370-7200 | oakbay.ca

James Bay Community School Centre V 140 Oswego St | 250-389-1470

jamesbaycentre.ca

James Bay Community School Centre offers affordable child and youth recreation programs such as karate, Kindergym, art and dance classes, music lessons and youth evening activities as well as summer and spring break camps.

Kerry Park Recreation Centre CV 1035 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd 250-743-5922 | cvrd.bc.ca

Kinsmen Park Pool N 5799 Alderlea St | 250-746-1018

Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture N 810-6th Ave | 250-245-6424 | ladysmith.ca

McGirr Sports Complex N 6185 McGirr Rd | 250-756-1173 | sd68.bc.ca

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre N 741 Third St | 250-756-5200 | nanaimo.ca

Nanaimo Ice Centre N 750 Third St | 250-756-5200 | nanaimo.ca

North Cowichan Parks & Recreation CV 2876 Fuller Lake Rd, Chemainus | 250-246-3811 northcowichan.ca

Oliver Woods Community Centre N 6000 Oliver Rd | 250-756-5200 | nanaimo.ca

Panorama Recreation Centre P 250-656-7271 | panoramarecreation.ca

Pearkes Recreation Centre V 3100 Tillicum Rd | 250-475-5400 | saanich.ca

Ravensong Aquatic Centre N 737 Jones St | 250-752-5014 | rdn.bc.ca

Recreation Oak Bay V 250-595-7946 | recreation.oakbay.ca

Saanich Commonwealth Place P 4636 Elk Lake Dr | 250-475-7600 | saanich.ca

Salt Spring Island Parks & Recreation G 145 Vesuvius Bay Rd | 250-537-4448

Save On Foods Memorial Centre V 1925 Blanshard St | 250-361-0732 victoria.ca/arena

Passport to skating lesson programs for all ages and abilities; special events and theme skates; youth and sports programs; rental opportunities for ice/dry floor/meeting rooms.

SEAPARC Leisure Complex W 2168 Phillips Rd, Sooke | 250-642-8000 crd.bc.ca/seaparc

Shawnigan Lake Community Centre CV 2804 Shawnigan Lk Rd | 250-743-1433 | cvrd.bc.ca

West Shore Parks & Recreation W 250-478-8384 westshorerecreation.ca

Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and Centennial Centre offer a variety of programs for preschoolers, school age and teens, plus drop-in swimming, skating, child minding and more.

RIDING

Alpine Stables CV 250-743-6641 | alpinestable.com

Cowichan Therapeutic Riding CV 250-746-1028 | ctra.ca

SCIENCE/NATURE

BC SPCA V 250-388-7722 | spca.bc.ca/kids

Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre CV 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd 250-597-2288 | cowichanestuary.ca

CRD Parks Programs

250-478-3344 | crd.bc.ca

Cedar Coast Field Station N cedarcoastfieldstation.org

Friends of Uplands Park V 250-595-8084 | friendsofuplandspark.org

Gorge Waterway Nature House V Gorge Park | 778-265-5119 | gorge.ca

Mad Science V 250-391-1814 | madscience.org/vancouverisland

Morell Nature Sanctuary N 787 Nanaimo Lakes | 250-753-5811 morrellnaturesanctuary.ca

Swan Lake Christmas Hill V Nature Sanctuary 250-479-0211 | swanlake.bc.ca

Thriving Roots Wilderness School V 778-554-4741 | thrivingroots.org

SKATING

Oak Bay Figure Skating Club V oakbayfsc.ca

Juan de Fuca Skating Club W jdfskatingclub.com

SPORTS

Boardworks Diving P 4636 Elk Lake Dr | 250-479-0330 | boardworks.ca

Capital Region Female V Minor Hockey Assoc. VictoriaGirlsHockey.ca

Central Saanich Little League P cslittleleague.com

Elevate Ultimate V

victoria@elevateultimate.com

778-715-0037 | elevateultimate.com

Gorge Soccer Association V

240 Hampton Rd | info@gorgesoccer.ca gorgesoccer.ca

Join a champion! Join one of Victoria’s oldest soccer clubs and become part of our tradition of soccer excellence and development. Youth soccer 4–17 years old including winter, spring, recreational and competitive leagues. Holiday and Pro D Day camps and academy programs. Winter league adult soccer 17–70+ years old

Greater Victoria Horseshoe V Pitching Association

250-727-2543 | vichpa.org

Highland Pacific Golf W

450 Creed Rd | 250-478-4653 highlandpacificgolf.com

Island Circus Space V

3-625 Hillside Ave | 250-532-8282 islandcircusspace.com

Island Swimming P

250-744-5536 | islandswimming.com

Let us teach your child to be a great swimmer!

Island Swim Skills Team for swimmers 6–11 who can swim a length of the pool on their own. Programs at Commonwealth and Juan de Fuca pools. We emphasize skill development and endurance in a fun and welcoming environment. See our website for more info. Lessons programs at Crystal and Commonwealth Pools for kids 3 and older who are learning to swim. Our specialized lessons program teaches movement and confidence in the pool. Four sessions per year, register with Saanich or Victoria as a swimming lesson.

Kids At Tennis Society V

250-412-1406 | kidsattennis.ca

Navigate Performance Athlete CX Custom Education (P.A.C.E.)

2505 Smith Rd, Courtenay

1-800-663-7925 | navigatepace.com

Operation Trackshoes V

3100 Foul Bay Rd | 250-721-2233 | trackshoes.ca

Pacific Cheer Empire W 210-314 Wale Rd | 250-516-0507 pacificcheerempire.com

Pacific Coast Swimming V/P/W

250-727-9243 | pacificcoastswimming.com

Pacific Coast Swimming is a coach-owned, athletecentred, parent-supported organization that operates out of most of the pools in the GVRD. Our Lightning Fast Swim Series is now up and running at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre! The program focuses on a specific progression of skills that teaches the sport of swimming safely and effectively. We’ll have your child swimming in no time!

Pacific FC V PacificFC.ca

PISE (Pacific Institute for V Sport Excellence)

250-220-2510 | piseworld.com

Royal Soccer Club V 1-800-427-0536 | royalsoccer.com

Royal Victoria Yacht Club V 250-592-6113 | rvyc.bc.ca

Sooke Horseshoe Pitching W Association 778-352-1222

sookehorseshoes.weebly.com

South Island Youth Cricket League V siycl.ca

The Rising Centre for Circus Arts V 250-857-1785 | therisingcircus.com

Triangle Baseball W trianglebaseball.ca

Tyee Aquatic Club V tyeeaquaticclub.com

Victoria City Rowing Club V vcrc.bc.ca

Victoria Judo Club V 250-886-0056 | victoriajudoclub.com

Victoria Junior Field Hockey V VictoriaJuniorFieldHockey.ca

Victoria Sea Cadets V 250-363-0864 | vicseacadets.ca

Victoria Synchro V victoriasynchro.com

Victoria Youth Paddling Club V vypc.ca

Western Educational Adventures V westernadventures.ca

Westshore Basketball W westshorebasketball.com

Westshore Motocross Assoc. W 250-590-8088 | westshoremx.com

World Cup Soccer Camp V worldcupsoccercamp.com

OTHER

CISV Victoria V cisvvictoria.ca

Under the GUI V 778-967-2150 | underthegui.com

Mind-Body Connection for Kids

When children have a strong awareness of how they move, and how they feel in their bodies, that’s when they are starting to embody physical literacy. They’re feeling the mind-body connection.

move through the world. Not numb, not sleepwalking, not oblivious to our physical surroundings, our balance or the activity of our arms and legs—but really feeling connected to every instance of movement or non-movement in our bodies.

But it is possible to grow unconscious or develop a “disconnect” between our body and mind. This tends to happen with busy modern lifestyles, as we train our minds to deny or ignore what we’re feeling in our bodies for the sake of getting through the day.

For example, we study all night for an exam and ignore our body’s demand for sleep. We disassociate from our discomfort in a cramped seat to endure a longdistance flight. We compete with muscle injury in a mini-triathlon because we want to say we finished the race.

It might make sense or feel acceptable to do these things in short instances, so we can accomplish a particular shortterm goal. We are choosing to make a relatively small sacrifice. However, if we make a habit out of ignoring our bodies and stifling our feeling awareness on a daily basis, we can slowly lose touch with ourselves. We can lose touch with our own embodiment.

Learning to Be Disconnected

Much of modern life in technological society teaches us to be disconnected. When it comes to children, we have many cultural practices that teach them to ignore the sensations in their bodies.

We train them to sit still in desks all day long at school, even though their bodies are screaming to move. We let them watch videos or play on their smartphones for hours at a time, where they learn to ignore the need to eat or go to the bathroom. We don’t give them opportunities to explore movement and active play from an early age, indoors and outdoors, when so much of their body-mind connection should be developing.

There’s a lot of talk in popular health books and videos about connecting mind and body. This is exactly what embodiment is about. It means having conscious awareness of how our bodies feel as we

The Importance of Embodiment

All of us have a body and a mind, and they are not separate things—they’re inextricably woven together.

This is the opposite of how most children grew and developed prior to the twentieth century, or for that matter through countless millennia of human evolution. Prior to the advent of mass industrialization and the increasing migration to cities, most children were outdoors and physically active on a daily basis, often in natural environments with trees to climb, hills to scale, forests to explore and even lakes and rivers to

swim. All of this had a huge impact on developing their awareness of being in their bodies.

Cultivating Embodiment

We can do better to help children today to develop their mind-body connection. We can start by making sure that they get plenty of opportunities to play actively from a young age, whether it’s through early years centres, physical activity and recess in schools, quality sport programs or simple activities at home.

Any physical activity is good, but some types of activity are arguably better. For example, outdoor play is becoming increasingly recognized as essential in healthy early child development.

Any activities that demand we practice mindful individual attention to wholebody movements and coordination are also useful, such as gymnastics, dance, yoga. tai chi and other martial arts.

Sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding and parkour also rank highly. These activities emphasize the development of proprioception, or the ability to feel our movement and body position as we move through space.

The simple act of walking through a forest or swimming at the beach is also valuable if we apply our mindful attention.

There Is Hope for Embodiment

In recent decades, the idea of the mindbody connection and body-as-self has steadily gained recognition for its importance. Now the concept is referenced in everything from physical education to personal counselling (see somatic therapy).

But the sense of embodiment is a delicate thing. It needs to be cultivated through real activity and mindful attention, not just talk.

It’s important that we do this for our children. To the degree that we help them to develop their own embodied awareness from a young age, we do more than simply develop their ability to move well. We bring them into a fuller, richer experience of being alive.

Active for Life is a Canadian not-for-profit social initiative founded by B2ten. We are a national initiative created to help parents give their children the right start in life through the development of physical literacy. activeforlife.com

Victoria Westhills, Langford

Discover the power of music! Students of any age, any instrument, and any level are welcome.

“Awesome community, positive vibe!”

FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

ANIMALS

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm V 250-381-2532 | beaconhillchildrensfarm.ca

Ponies & Pipsqueaks P

6044 Oldfield Rd | 250-812-2008 poniesandpipsqueaks.com

Costumes, Ponies, Unicorns and Endless Possibilities! At Ponies and Pipsqueaks we offer a variety of one-of-a-kind programs to peak imagination, educate and of course, develop a love for all things horsey. Pony parties and programs for 3+.

Tiger Lily Farms Barnyard N & Trail Rides

1692 Errington Rd | 250-248-2408 | tigerlilyfarm.ca

Victoria Bug Zoo V

631 Courtney St | 250-384-2847 victoriabugzoo.ca

The Victoria Bug Zoo is an incredible mini-zoo dedicated to educating people about the wonders of some of this world’s most misunderstood inhabitants. Come see giant walk ing sticks, fuzzy tarantulas, glowing scorpions, enormous beetles and so much more!

FAMILY FUN

The Boulders Climbing Gym

1627 Stelly’s Cross Rd | 250-544-0310 climbtheboulders.com

Boulder House – Langford W 1109 Langford Parkway | boulderhouse.ca

Boulder House – Victoria V 2829 Quesnel St | boulderhouse.ca

City Centre Park, Playzone W Langford | 250-391-1738 | citycentrepark.ca

Esquimalt Farmers Market V 501 Park Pl | esquimaltmarket.com

Galey Farms Corn Maze V Market & Railway

250-477-5713 | galeyfarms.net

Highland Pacific Golf W 450 Creed Rd | 250-478-4653 highlandpacificgolf.com

Langford Lanes

W 250-391-1738 | citycentrepark.ca

Mattick’s Farm Mini Golf P 5325 Cordova Bay Rd | 250-658-4053 matticksfarm.com

McNab’s Corn Maze N mcnabscornmaze.com

Miniature World V 649 Humboldt St | 250-385-9731 miniatureworld.com

The Tube Shack, Cowichan River CV 250-510-RIDE (7433) | cowichanriver.com

WildPlay Element Parks W 250-595-2251 | wildplay.com

WildPlay Element Parks N 35 Nanaimo River Rd | 1-888-716-7374

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

Festival de la francophonie V

Rifflandia Festival V rifflandia.com

Saanich Fair P 250-652-3314 | saanichfair.ca

Shakespeare Festival V vicshakespeare.com

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival V 250-704-2500 | victoriadragonboatfestival.com

Victoria Film Festival V 250-389-0444 | victoriafilmfestival.com

MUSEUMS

Alberni Valley Museum N 4255 Wallace St | 250-723-2181 | portalberni.ca

BC Aviation Museum P Sidney | 250-655-3300 | bcam.net

BC Forest Discovery Centre CV 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan | 250-715-1113 bcforestdiscoverycentre.com

Black Nugget Museum N 12 Gatacre St, Ladysmith | 250-245-4846

Filberg Festival

1-866-898-8499 |

Come on in and see our incredible live animals in this unique mini-zoo. Tour guides are always available to answer questions and show o our adorable critters! Virtual tours and outreach programs are available for larger groups and birthday parties. Masks and vaccines required. Thank you! victoriabugzoo.ca

Fringe Festival

250-383-2663 | intrepidtheatre.com

Gabriola Theatre Festival artsgabriola.ca

Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival

250-386-9223 | gvpaf.org

Islands Folk Festival

Duncan | 250-248-8975 | islandsfolkfestival.ca

Pacific Rim Whale Festival V pacificrimwhalefestival.com

Parksville Beach Festival N parksvillebeachfest.ca

Known to locals as Beachfest, this 5½ week long family-oriented festival runs from July 14 to August 20 and includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition, weekend concerts, daily buskers, an artisan market and a special weekend evening light up of the sculptures.

Craigflower Schoolhouse & Manor V 2790 Shoreline Dr | 250-383-4627

Comox Air Force Museum CX comoxairforcemuseum.ca

Courtenay Museum CX

Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse W National Historic Sites of Canada 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd | 250-478-5849 parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/gulf

Come run, climb and go underground at Fort Rodd Hill. Then steer a ship, sound the fog horn and master the games inside Fisgard Lighthouse. Free admission for youth 17 and under.

Hatley Park National Historic Site W 2005 Sooke Rd | 250-391-2666 | hatleycastle.com

Maritime Museum V

250-385-4222 | mmbc.bc.ca

McLean Mill Historic Park N

5633 Smith Rd | 250-723-1376 | mcleanmill.ca

Nanaimo Museum N 250-753-1821 | nanaimomuseum.ca

Royal BC Museum V

675 Belleville St | 250-356-7226 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Saanich Historical Artifacts Society, P Heritage Acres

7321 Lochside Dr | 250-652-5522

NATURE

Butterfly World N 1080 Winchester Rd, Coombs | 250-248-7026 butterflyworldcoombs.com

CRD Parks

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

Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park CX 61 Filberg Rd | 250-339-2715 | filberg.com

Galey Farms Corn Maze & Market V 250-477-4450 | galeyfarms.net

Goldstream Nature House W 250-478-9414 | naturehouse.ca

Gorge Waterway Nature House V Gorge Park | 778-265-5119 | gorge.ca

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve G 250-654-4000 | pc.gc.ca

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park N Qualicum Beach | 250-248-7829 | hornelake.com

Horticultural Centre of the Pacific P 505 Quayle Rd | 250-479-6162 | hcp.ca

Morrell Nature Sanctuary N 787 Nanaimo Lk Rd | 250-753-5811 morrellnaturesanctuary.ca

North Island Wildlife Recovery N 1240 Leffler, Errington | 250-248-8534 | niwra.org

Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours 250-248-3667 | rainforestnaturehikes.com

Parks Canada parkscanada.gc.ca

The Raptors CV Duncan | 250-746-0372 | pnwraptors.com

Seaview Game Farm CX 1392 Seaview Rd, Black Creek | 250-337-5182 seaviewgamefarm.com

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea P Sidney | 250-665-7511 | salishseacentre.org

Swan Lake & Christmas Hill V Nature Sanctuary 250-479-0211 | swanlake.bc.ca

Tiger Lily Farm N 1692 Errington Rd | 250-248-2408 | tigerlilyfarm.ca

Ucluelet Aquarium PR 180 Main St | 250-726-2782 | uclueletaquarium.org

Victoria Butterfly Gardens P 1461 Benvenuto Ave | 250-652-3822 butterflygardens.com

THEATRE & ART

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria V 250-384-4101 | aggv.ca

Belfry Theatre V 250-385-6815 | belfry.bc.ca

Chemainus Theatre CV 1-800-565-7738 chemainustheatrefestival.ca

Port Theatre N 125 Front St | 250-754-8550 | porttheatre.com

Sooke Fine Arts Show W sookefinearts.com

Theatre One N 250-754-7587 | theatreone.org

University Centre Farquhar V Auditorium

250-721-8480 | uvic.ca/farquhar

See

airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters and more at the BC Aviation Museum

Learn about BC’s aviation history from early bush planes to bombers and beyond!

Cinecenta V Student Union Building @ UVic 250-721-8365 | cinecenta.com

Civic Orchestra of Victoria V 250-426-9048 | civicorchestraofvictoria.org

Cowichan Theatre CV 2687 James St | 250-748-7529 cowichanpac.ca

Four Seasons Musical Theatre V 250-478-0329 | fsmtheatre.ca

Intrepid Theatre V 2-1609 Blanshard St | 250-383-2663 intrepidtheatre.com

Kaleidoscope Theatre V 2780 Richmond Rd | 250-383-8124 kaleidoscope.bc.ca

IMAX® Victoria in the V Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville St | 250-480-4887 | imaxvictoria.com

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.

Nanaimo Theatre Group N 2373 Rosstown Rd | 250-758-7224 nanaimotheatregroup.ca

Pacific Opera Society V 250-382-4944 | pov.bc.ca

Victoria Operatic Society V 10–744 Fairview Rd | 250-381-1021 | vostheatre.ca

Victoria Symphony V 610–620 View St | 250-385-6515 victoriasymphony.ca

SPORTS

Flying Squirrel Indoor V Trampoline Park 778-404-1778 | flyingsquirrelsports.ca

Harbourcats Victoria V harbourcats.com

Nanaimo Night Owls N nanaimonightowls.com

Pacific FC V pacificfc.canpl.ca

Victoria Horseshoe Club V 620 Kenneth St | 250-889-0166 | vichpa.org

Victoria Royals V victoriaroyals.com

OTHER Navy Run, CFB Esquimalt V 250-363-1008 | navyrunesquimalt.com

1910 Norseman Road, Sidney 250-655-3300 | bcam.net

Living My Best Life

My children are getting older and are evolving into exactly the type of people I hoped they would be: passionate, adventurous, kind, confident, independent and self-sufficient. As a parent, it is an absolute joy to see them grow. However, it is also a double edged sword.

As my kids become increasingly independent and selfsufficient, they need me less and less. As they began to venture out, into the world, I found myself sitting around, waiting, just in case they needed me. I began to feel lonely and without purpose. For a long time, I was the centre of their world. Now, I felt as if I were on the periphery. And, although I understood that they were exactly who I raised them to be and the periphery was exactly where I should be, it was a difficult transition.

During that time, my husband urged me to find some hobbies. He reminded me that I was responsible for creating my own happiness. I knew he was right, however the process of discovering what made me happy and of giving myself permission to engage in self-care was a surprisingly bumpy road. When I found a pasttime that I could engage in—at home— such as baking and painting, I felt at peace (for although I was indulging in my passions, I was still available when needed).

When a hobby took me out of the house, I felt guilty and selfish. Instead of reveling in the joy of a yoga class, I would rush to class and rush out afterwards, assuring my husband that I would only be gone an hour or two. Consequently, I would return home feeling as frazzled as when I had left. At home, I would find my husband and my boys perfectly happy and having a great time. The house was still intact. The children were not emotionally distraught. My husband was not pulling out his hair. In fact, they all seemed to enjoy their time together, not at all worried that I was not there.

While, at first, their lack of concern over my absence was a blow to my ego, it eventually lead to freedom. It began with countless questions about my own identity and purpose. What is my new role in this family? Do I truly want sit around and wait to be needed? How do I want to spend my time? Is it selfish to make myself happy? What type of example do I want to show my children?

After much reflection, I realized that the example I want to set for my children is one of someone who follows their passions and is true to themselves. So, I went back to school and gave myself the gift of a Master’s degree. Doing so has truly invigorated me. I am excited about my learning and my career. I have found a new purpose—in addition to being wife and mother.

Yes, I am busy. No, I am not always available and I sometimes need to rely on others to drive my boys to soccer practice or to pick them up from school. But I am happy and my chil-

Kelly Cleeve is a best-selling author and an educator. More importantly, she is the proud parent of two amazing sons. Visit kellycleeve.com or follow her on Instagram @resilient_kel and Facebook – Raising Resilient Children/Radiant and Resilient.

dren can sense that. I often share with them my hopes that one day, they will find something that excites them and inspires them to work hard.

Even though I still feel guilty every now and then, I find peace in the idea that I am offering my family moments of quality instead of quantity. I am not constantly available. However, when I am home, I am mindful to set aside my work. I put away my phone and make sure that I am truly present for them. I engage them in meaningful conversation, shower them in affection and find time to play with them.

It is true that I miss some practices and am not always around to pick them up from school. Instead, I make it a priority to attend every game and I still find time to help with their homework. I may miss dinner, but I am there to tuck them into bed, talk about their day and fill them with love as they drift off to sleep. When my children grow up, I hope they say, “My mom was passionate. She loved her family and she loved her work.”

I understand that this approach may not be for everyone. You may be shocked that I am not home every night to have dinner with my family. Regardless of your thoughts on my choices, I hope that my message to you still shines through: Find balance in your life and make yourself a priority. As your children grow older, remember that you are allowed to live your own life, whatever that looks like. Take time to care for yourself, fulfill your needs and follow your passions. You are worth it.

You can be a wonderful mother, a loving wife and an inspired woman. Think about what truly makes you happy. For me, this has created a powerful shift in my mentality and has changed the way I see myself, my role and my purpose. While I raise my children, encouraging them live their best lives, I give myself permission to do the same.

FAMILY RESOURCE DIRECTORY

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.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Cowichan Craniosacral CV 250-748-5551 | cowichancraniosacral.com

CHIROPRACTORS

Rise Health Centre V 250-381-7473 | risehealth.ca

DENTISTS

Cadboro Bay Dental V 3849 Cadboro Bay Rd | 778-433-1888 cadborobaydentist.com

Eagle Creek Village Dental V 130-31 Helmcken Rd | 877-707-2413 ecvillagedental.com

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.

Discover more at NavigateNIDES.com

Thriving Roots Wilderness School

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

Oaklands Dental V 202-1581 Hillside Ave | 250-592-7874 oaklandsdental.ca

ORCCA Dental Society P 778-351-3393 | orccadental.org

Otter Point Dental W 6689 Sooke Rd | 778-425-4140 otterpointdental.com

Saanich Dental Group V 119-1591 McKenzie Ave | 250-477-7321 saanichdentalgroup.com

Westshore Dental Centre W 152-2945 Jacklin Rd | 250-474-2296 westshoredental.com

HEALTH CLINICS

Coleman Clinic CV 186 Kenneth St, Duncan | 250-746-4102

Margaret Moss Health Centre CV 675 Canada Ave, Duncan | 250-709-3050 islandhealth.ca

Matraea Centre CV Duncan | 250-597-0085 | matraea.com

Wheelhouse Integrative W Medical Clinic 107-2349 Millstream Ave | 250-391-7554 wheelhouseintegrativemedicalclinic.com

HOSPITALS & HEALTH CENTRES

Tillicum Medical Clinic V 14-3170 Tillicum Rd | 250-381-8112 tillicummedicalclinic.ca

Valleyview Treatment Centre CV 27-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cobble Hill 250-743-9395

Bamfield Health Centre PR 353 Bamfield Rd | 250-728-3312

Chemainus Health Care Centre CV 9909 Esplanade St | 250-737-2040

Cormorant Island Health Centre CX 49 School Rd, Alert Bay | 250-974-5585

Cortes Health Centre G 941 Beasley Rd | 250-935-6718

Cowichan District Hospital CV 3045 Gibbins Rd, Duncan | 250-737-2030

Denman Island Health Centre G 3351 Piercy Rd | 250-335-2260

Gabriola Medical Clinic G 695 Church St | 250-247-9922

Hornby

Lady

1090 Marine Dr | 250-284-3555

Port Hardy Hospital

9120 Granville St | 250-902-6011

| 250-902-6008

On the shores of beautiful Cowichan Bay, in Hecate Park. Visit our interpretive centre, bi-level seawater tank, microscopes, bird tower and more! Check out our website for volunteer opportunities, Spring Break activities and out door Science and Nature Summer Camps in July–Aug for kids ages 5–9!

www.cowichanestuary.ca  email: info@cowichanestuary.ca

Port McNeill Hospital PR 2750 Kingcome Pl | 250-956-4461

Queen Alexandra Centre V 2400 Arbutus Rd | 250-519-5390

Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) V 1952 Bay St | 250-370-8000

Saanich Peninsula Hospital P 2166 Mt. Newton X Rd | 250-544-7676

Saturna Island Medical Clinic G 104 Harris Rd | 250-539-5435

Sayward Primary Health Care Clinic CX 601 Kelsey Way | 250–282–3815

Sointula Health Centre PR 25 2nd St | 250-973-2373

Tahsis Health Centre PR 1085 Maquinna Dr | 250-934-6322

Tofino General Hospital PR 261 Neill St | 250-725-4010

Victoria General Hospital (VGH) V 1 Hospital Way | 250-727-4212

West Coast Family Medical Clinic W 1300-6600 Sooke Rd | 250- 642-4233

West Coast General Hospital N 3949 Port Alberni Hwy | 250-731-1370

Yates & Quadra Health Centre V 105-911 Yates St | 250-388-3080

Zeballos Health Centre PR 500 Parkway Dr | 250-761-4274

NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS

Juniper Family Health V 314-1175 Cook St | 778-265-8341

juniperfamilyhealth.com

Sage Clinic V 250-590-7809 | sageclinic.com

OPTOMETRISTS

BC Association of Optometrists optometrybc.com

Dr. Joslin, Dr. Morin & Associates W 105-814 Goldstream Ave | 250-747-4567 5-6726 West Coast Rd | 250-642-4331

langfordoptometrists.com

Family Eyecare Centre V 749 Yates St | 250-383-2411 familyeyecarecentre.com

ORTHODONTICS

Ocean’s Edge Orthodontics N Nanaimo | 250-390-1331

Parksville | 250-248-1130 oeosmiles.com

PHARMACIES

Cadboro Bay Peoples Pharmacy V 3825 Cadboro Bay Rd | 250-477-2131 victoriapharmacy.com

Fairfield Peoples Drug Mart V 15-1594 Fairfield Rd | 250-598-9232 victoriapharmacy.com

Fairfield Peoples Pharmacy V 1282 Fairfield Rd | 250-595-5997 victoriapharmacy.com

Shelbourne Plaza Peoples Pharmacy V 3643 Shelbourne St | 250-577-1881 victoriapharmacy.com

UVic Campus Pharmacy V UVic SUB, 3800 Finnerty Rd | 250-721-3400 victoriapharmacy.com

Valleyview Peoples Drug Mart CV 26-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd | 250-743-1448

OTHER

Food Allergy Canada foodallergycanada.ca

Thaiss Psychological Services V 209-2186 Oak Bay Ave | 250-516-6692 thaiss.ca

Victoria Pilates Inc. P Mattick’s Farm | 250-727-0075 victoriapilates.ca

FAMILY BUSINESS

BABY SUPPLIES

Bellies in Bloom Maternity V 113-3531 Uptown Blvd | 250-479-0803 | bellies.ca

Momease Baby Boutique V 778-265-5651 | momease.ca

TJ’s The Kiddies Store V 3045 Douglas St | 250-386-2229 | tjskids.com

BEDS & BEDDING

Resthouse Sleep Solutions CV 126 Station St, Duncan | 250-597-REST (7378) resthouse.ca

BOOKS

Bolen Books V 111-1644 Hillside Ave | 250-595-4232 bolen.bc.ca

Coho Books CX 990A Shoppers Row, Campbell River 250-914-0051 | cohobooks.com

Laughing Oyster Book Shop CX 286 Fifth St, Courtenay | 250-334-2511 laughingoysterbooks.com

Munro’s Books

V 1108 Government St | 250-382-2464 munrobooks.com

Orca Book Publishers V 1-800-210-5277 | orcabook.com

Once Upon A Child – Victoria V 1563 Pandora Ave

Once Upon A Child – Nanaimo N 6461 Metral Dr

Russell Books

V 100-747 Fort St | 250-361-4447 | russellbooks.com

Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear N 411A Fitzwilliam St | 250-754-3933 pumpkinpiekids.com

Sailor Jack Family Consignment Store V 424 Craigflower Rd | 250-382-5225 | sailorjack.ca

Sugar Sandwich Design Studio V sugarsandwich.com

This Kid Clothing Co. V thiskidclothing.com

Thistle & Wren V 1292 Gladstone Ave | 778-265-9736 thistleandwren.com

TJ’s The Kiddies Store V 3045 Douglas St | 250-386-2229 | tjskids.com

WIN Resale Shops V 1803 Cook St | 250-389-2203 785 Pandora Ave | 250-361-9303 174-160 Wilson St | 250-412-0369 womeninneed.ca

GROCERIES

Chemainus Health Food Store CV 9738B Willow St | 250-246-9838

School House Teaching Supplies V 250-385-9030 | schoolhouseteaching.com

Volume One Bookstore CV 149 Kenneth St, Duncan | 250-748-1533 volumeone.ca

Windowseat Books N 309 C Wesley St | 250-754-6800 windowseatbooks.ca

CLOTHING Baggins V 580 Johnson St | 250-388-7022 bagginsshoes.com

Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store CV 5380 Hwy 1, Duncan | 250-597-4763

Community Farm Store CV 2-5380 Hwy 1, Duncan | 250-748-6227 communityfarmstore.ca

Country Grocer V countrygrocer.com

Fairway Markets fairwaymarkets.com

Lifestyles Market V 180-2950 Douglas St | 250-384-3388 343 Cook St | 250-381-5450 lifestylemarkets.com

Lifestyles Market P 9769 5th St, Sidney | 250-656-2326 lifestylemarkets.com

The Market Garden V 810 Catherine St | rttownsend.com

The Market on Yates V 903 Yates St | 250-381-6000 themarketstores.com

The Local General Store V 1440 Haultain St | thelocalgeneralstore.ca

The Market on Millstream W 2401 Millstream Rd | 250-391-1110 themarketstores.com

Mount Douglas Market V mtdougmarket.com

Mt. Tolmie Market V 3517 Richmond Rd | 250-590-8460

The Old Farm Market V 2585 Cadboro Bay Rd | 250-590-9260 theoldfarmmarket.ca

The Old Farm Market CV 5164 Francis St, Duncan | 250-748-7141 theoldfarmmarket.ca

The Old Farm Market CX 660 England Ave, Courtenay | 250-871-7748 theoldfarmmarket.ca

Pepper’s Foods V peppers-foods.com

Quality Foods qualityfoods.com

Red Barn Markets redbarnmarket.ca

Save On Foods saveonfoods.com

Superette Foods N 687 Albert St | superettefoodsnanaimo.com

Thrifty Foods 250-544-1234 | thriftyfoods.com

Urban Grocer V 1625 Fort St | urban-grocer.ca

Whole Foods Market wholefoodsmarket.com

HAIR SALONS

Lizzy Lee & Me V Hillside Shopping Centre | 250-590-5568 lizzyleeandme.com

HOME DECOR/FURNITURE

TJ’s The Kiddies Store V 3045 Douglas St | 250-386-2229 | tjskids.com

LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

BC Parenting Coordinators V Roster Society bcpcroster.com

Brown Henderson Melbye Lawyers V 217-2187 Oak Bay Ave | 250-595-2220 bhmlawyers.ca

Browne Associates Law V 250-598-1888 | browneassociates.ca Local, family operated law firm; specialise in Estate Planning (Wills, Powers of Attorney, etc.), Real Estate, Matrimonial matters and Corporate law. Kid- and pet-friendly office. Home visits available. Let us help clarify and solve your legal issues.

Collaborative Family Law Group V 250-704-2600 | collaborativefamilylawgroup.com

Cox Taylor Barristers Solicitors V 3rd Flr, Burnes House, 26 Bastion Sq 250-388-4457 | coxtaylor.ca

Credit Counselling Society V 1-888-527-8999 | nomoredebts.org

Dialogue & Resoultion Services V 250-383-4412

GIFTS Family Consulting Services V 250-590-4114

greaterislandfamilytransitionservices.com

Legal Services Society V 250-382-4620 | lss.bc.ca

Patricia Lane V 250-598-3992 | patricialane.bc.ca

Royal LePage, V Rosemarie Colterman & Tom Oak 250-592-4422 | homewardbound.team

Sitka Law Group V sitkalaw.ca

LOCAL ARTISANS/GIFTS

BB’s Creations CV bb2creations.ca

Honeybeezigns N honeybeezigns.com

Loops Jewelry V loopsjewellery.com

Modern Minis Apparel CV modernminis.ca

Mother Daughter Soaps V motherdaughtersoaps.com

Touchstones V instagram.com/anna.touchstones

MATERNITY

Bellies in Bloom Maternity V 104-4489 Viewmont Ave | 250-479-0803 bellies.ca

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Long & McQuade V 250-384-3622 | long-mcquade.com

Tom Lee Music N 10-6894 Island Hwy N | 250-390-2626 tomleemusic.ca

PARTY PLANNING

Tom Lee Music

W 105-2401D Millstream Rd 250-838-5222 | tomleemusic.ca

Falcon Gymnastics V 208-721 Vanalman Ave | 250-479-6424

falcongymnastics.com

IMAX® Victoria in the V Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville St | 250-480-4887 imaxvictoria.com

Lizzy Lee & Me V Hillside Shopping Centre | 250-590-5568 lizzyleeandme.com

Mad Science Vancouver Island 250-391-1814 vancouverisland.madscience.org

The Puppet Booth V 250-472-3546 | puppetbooth.homestead.com

Recreation Oak Bay V 250-595-7946 | recreation.oakbay.ca

SilverCity V 3130 Tillicum Rd | 1-888-3FAMOUS cineplex.com

Victoria Bug Zoo V 631 Courtney St | 250-384-BUGS victoriabugzoo.ca

Victoria Gymnastics V 2051 Store St | 250-380-2442 520 Mt View Ave | 778-265-6414 victoriagymnastics.com

PETS

Furever Clean Dog Wash V 602b Esquimalt Rd | 250-217-9433 fureverclean.ca

Island Pet Source W 106-751 Goldstream Ave | 250-590-4460 islandpetsource.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Marston Photography CV ashleymarstonbirthphotography.com

Chris Higginbottom Photography V chrishigginbottom.ca

Erin Wallis Photography CX Campbell River | erinwallis.com

Nicole Israel Photography V 250-889-5639 nicholeisraelphotography.com

Sophie Lecavalier Photography V sophiephoto.com

SHOPPING CENTRES

Broadmead Village

Shopping Centre 777 Royal Oak Dr | broadmeadvillage.ca

Hillside Shopping Centre

1644 Hillside Ave | 250-595-7154 hillsidecentre.com Mattick’s Farm

5325 Cordova Bay Rd | matticksfarm.com Mayfair Shopping Centre

3147 Douglas St | 250-383-0541 mayfairshoppingcentre.com Tillicum Centre

3170 Tillicum Rd | 250-381-7123 tillicumcentre.ca

Westside Village

Shopping Centre 174 Wilson St

Westshore Town Centre

2945 Jacklin Rd | 250-474-3269 westshoretowncentre.com

Woodgrove Centre

6631 Island Hwy North woodgrovecentre.com

SPECIALTY STORES

Soccerworld

831 Vernon Ave | 250-475-3777 soccerworldvictoria.com

TOYS/EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

Freya-Sophia Waldorf Store CV 5380 Hwy 1, Duncan | 250-597-4763

Kool & Child

Nanaimo | 250-585-1778 koolandchild.com

Red Balloon Toyshop

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

BC Camping Association bccamping.org

Boys & Girls Club Wilderness Camp 250-384-9133 | bgcvic.org

Camp Barnard Sooke | 250-642-5920 | CampBarnard.ca

Camp Imadene Mesachie Lake | 1-800-445-7575

Camp Narnia Nanoose Bay | 604-771-0972 | campnarnia.com

Camp Pringle Shawnigan Lake | 250-743-2189 camppringle.com

Camp Qwanoes Crofton | 1-888-99-QWANOES

Camp Thunderbird vancouverislandy.com

Coastal Bliss Adventures Cowichan Bay | 1-800-896-9525 | coastalbliss.ca

Coastal Current Adventures Salt Spring | 250-537-2571 | adventurecampbc.ca

Galiano Conservancy 250-539-2424 | galianoconservancy.ca

Outward Bound

1-888-688-9273 | outwardbound.ca

Pioneer Pacific Camp

1-800-784-1415 | pioneercamppacific.ca

UVic Vikes 250-721-8406 | govikesgo.com

IslandParent.ca

YWCAHOTEL.COM

FAMILY TRAVEL

ACCOMMODATIONS/RESORTS

Beach Acres Resort N

1-800-663-7309 | beachacresresort.com

Blue Vista Resort G Mayne Island | 1-877-535-2424 | bluevistaresort.com

Pacific Sands Beach Resort PR Tofino | 1-800-565-2322 | pacificsands.com

Strathcona Park Lodge CX 250-286-3122 | strathconaparklodge.com

The Land Conservancy of BC 1-888-738-0533 | conservancy.bc.ca

Raincoast Education Society PR Tofino | 250-725-2560 | raincoasteducation.org

CAMPGROUNDS

Pacific Playgrounds CX Black Creek | 877-239-5600 | pacificplaygrounds.ca

Park Sands Beach Resort N 250-248-3171 | parksands.com

Tigh-na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort N & Conference Centre Parksville | 250-248-2072 | tigh-na-mara.com

YWCA Hotel  733 Beatty St, Vancouver | 604-895-5830

NATURE

Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park N Qualicum Beach | 250-248-7829 | hornelake.com

Kwisitis Visitor Centre PR Tofino | 250-726-7721 | pc.gc.ca/PacRim

Weir’s Beach RV Resort W 250-478-3323 | weirsbeachrvresort.bc.ca

OTHER

Mayne Island Chamber of Commerce G mayneislandchamber.ca

Tourism Tofino PR 250-725-3414 | tourismtofino.com

V Victoria & Area P Peninsula W Westshore G Gulf Islands

CV Cowichan Valley N Nanaimo & Area

Supporting Children Who Witness Abuse

Children who witness abuse in their home are deeply affected by what they see and hear. Witnessing abuse can increase the risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder and cause behaviour issues. Research shows that children who witness violence and abuse in the home can be more likely to grow up to perpetuate the abuse—either as victims or abusers. The good news though is that professional counselling and support can help young people overcome their trauma.

Victoria Women’s Transition House (VWTH) is committed to breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse. We have developed a series of specialized, traumainformed, individual and group counselling programs and supports for children, youth and their caregivers.

The VWTH Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling & Empowerment (PEACE)/Children Who Witness Abuse team offers counselling and support for children and youth age 3–18, by providing tools to help children express emotions such as anger, hurt or fear. Counselling helps children recognize abusive behaviour, set

boundaries, learn skills to cope with their experiences and emotions and consider alternatives to violence in their own behaviour. Support is also available to caregivers.

PEACE programs include individual counselling, Boys’ Group, Girls’ Group, Day Camps as well as multi-media supports. Youth can access PEACE podcasts to listen to discreetly from their own devices; on YouTube we have a series of Violence is Preventable videos, filmed specifically for youth, as well as a series of videos for pre-school-age children with Murphy, a friendly puppet who shares age-appropriate information and coping tools. Client-caregivers can participate in a series of webinars to help navigate family dynamics and support their children.

For more information on PEACE resources for children and youth who have witnessed violence and abuse in the home, call the VWTH Community Office at 250-592-2927, Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm.

Puberty Survival Kit

One of my most favourite experiences as a “fun” Auntie to several fabulous young humans was building puberty supply kits.

The trial run happened without any prompting from me (surprising, given my day job as a sexual health educator!) when my oldest nephew came to stay with me for a hockey tournament. On our way to stock up on snacks of questionable nutritional value, we were catching up on life in Grade 5 when my nephew asked me if I thought he was going to go through puberty soon?

I responded by telling him that, given what I know from my job, he was already in the process.

Did that mean, he asked, if it was time for some “supplies?”

I asked him what he meant by supplies?

“Deodorant. Body wash. Boxers,” he replied. “Definitely deodorant. Some of the guys on my team have been using it since last year!”

I suggested that maybe we could build a puberty supply kit together over the weekend.

The kit quickly became our medium for easy and comfortable dialogue about puberty. We spent a considerable amount of time smell-testing deodorant and body wash which enabled a talk about how the “smelly” products do not replace every day showers.

We talked about how going through puberty takes a lot of energy and sleep to keep energy levels up and feelings stable. I tried to give him a heads up that his parents really aren’t out of it when they enforce bedtime, face washing and teeth brushing!

We talked about how to wash changing bodies: genitals don’t require soap on the inside (they’re not dirty!) and just a bit of mild soap on the outside with a gentle pull pack and wipe with a cloth if a penis has foreskin.

We talked about how even when we take good care of our skin, inevitably pimples will happen to most people during puberty and not just on the face but on sometimes on backs, chest and legs— especially if someone’s physically active.

We had a great yet brief discussion about feeling self-conscious about pimples and how we are often way more aware and critical of ourselves than others are! Empathy and grace work with ourselves, too.

We talked about his love of sports and how that helps him physically and emotionally reset and this led us to keeping sports equipment including skates, cleats and bags clean and aired out and how growing up also means taking responsibility to care for our stuff, for example, not leaving it to others in our families to deal with (insert wishful thinking here)! We laughed about how obvious it is when we’re not airing the equipment out because you can smell the funky socks, running shoes and gloves long before you see them!

Over the course of the weekend, I encouraged him to trust his body as it practices to be an adult through the process of puberty. Framing puberty through a practice metaphor helped to surface more personal topics like erections and wet dreams, aka nocturnal emissions.

We laughed about how bodies with a

penis practice to be adults, in the form of random and awkward erections and wet dreams. We spoke about how to manage the random erections—a) think of something else and b) physically move your body to redirect blood flow—and a firm reminder that erections aren’t always connected to sexual feelings.

There was a brief (less comfortable yet still manageable) exchange about wet dreams and how if there’s a few drops of fluid on the inside of boxers/pyjamas/ sheets from your penis in the morning simply put them in the laundry. We debated briefs vs boxers for comfort, preference and testicular health and how the scrotum needs support during sports but it’s all about the hang loose/airflow at night.

Just as importantly, we talked about the emotional supplies needed during puberty. This is often a conversation that gets most often missed with our maleidentifying youth and yet it’s vital to their well-being. What supplies/tools aka coping mechanisms are needed to manage the emotional and social changes ahead; the moments that feel too big, too hard, too frustrating or too confusing? What tools already work for him? Is it shooting hoops in the driveway when your sister annoys you? Is it going for a rip on your bike because you got a low mark on your socials test? Is it gaming because you feel you need an escape? Is it playing with the dog because you’re anxious? These are the tools that we need to be reminded of as we gather the supplies to practice to be an adult! Did we cover every facet of puberty in two days? Absolutely not but that’s what follow up visits with fun Auntie are for, right?

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.

We are a unique, local business that has the pleasure of working with fossils that are millions of years old. We restore, display and sell dinosaurs. Our specimens have found homes all over the world. Some can be viewed at The Royal Tyrell Museum, The Melbourne Natural History Museum, The Royal Ontario Museum, The Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Berlin Natural History Museum, as well as many privately-owned facilities.

Book a private tour of the facility to view some of the dinosaurs in our prehistoric gallery, witness the restoration process, and even work on a fossil yourself, using our pneumatic tools. Don’t forget to check out our gift shop on your way out…not that you will want to ever leave!

Private tours, Group tours, Birthday parties, Adult tours, School and Community presentations and Jr. Paleontology classes available. Check out our website or social media pages!

By appointment only

(must pre-book a tour online)

dinolabinc.ca

Instagram dino_lab.inc

Facebook Dino_Lab_Inc

Phone 778-966-DINO (3466)