June 2012

Island Parent The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

June 2012

Frogs, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails Exploring the World of Boys Have an ‘Ugly’ Picnic

Summer Programs Yo Papa!

Tips, Advice & Ramblings Steps & Stages of Math Why Meditate? Three Reasons for Parents Airport Travel Tips Stillbirth is Still Birth How Green Is Your Grass?

Summer Learning Camps

June is Community Support Month!

June 1 – 15, 10% of Your Purchase will be donated to Success by 6 Victoria www.successby6victoria.ca

children’s boutique Shoes • Clothing • Toys Newborn to 12 years

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

Reduce summer learning loss while having fun!

Campers will create a summer memory box and fill it with games, hands on activities and stories linked to learning language arts or mathematics.

Locations: Sidney, Sooke, Victoria, Westshore Hours: Two hours per day, Monday through Friday Cost: $150.00 Register early as spaces are limited!

See: Times, locations and camp focus:

www.readsociety.bc.ca/programs/ children-summer-learning-camps.htm Call: 250-388-7225 for more information and to register

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

www.scallywags-island.ca

Registration now open for

S u m mer C a m ps

At City Centre Park for ages 5–15!

Activities will include sports, playzone, crafts and much, much more

$160 for 1 week or $150 per week for 2 or more weeks!

Dates available:

July 2–6 July 9–13 July 23–27 July 30 – Aug 3 Aug 13–17 Aug 20–24

early drop off, late pick up and lunch available!

July 16–20 Aug 7–10 Aug 27–31

Ask about transportation to and from City Centre Park

250-391-1738 or www.citycentrepark.ca for info and to register

Summer Recreation Programs

Hang out with us this summer!

July 1 – September 2, 2012

Contents: June 2012 Feature

Frogs, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails.................................................................................12

Articles

Yo! Papa.......................................................................................................................9 How Green is Your Grass?..........................................................................................10 Ready, Set, Camp!.......................................................................................................16 Why Meditate?............................................................................................................18 Green Apples...............................................................................................................20 Stillbirth is Still Birth...................................................................................................22 Registered Disability Savings Plans..............................................................................24 Summer Programs.......................................................................................................26 Have an Ugly Picnic....................................................................................................42 Children & Multiple Allergies.....................................................................................50 How Learning Styles Shape Your Child.......................................................................52 Tips for Air Travel.......................................................................................................54 Family Packing Strategies............................................................................................55 Sun Sensitivity Test......................................................................................................56 Summer Job & Savings Tips........................................................................................57 Tips for Limiting Screen Time.....................................................................................58 Get Up & Get Moving................................................................................................59 Gender Assumptions...................................................................................................60 Sightseeing in Seattle...................................................................................................61 Steps & Stages of Math...............................................................................................62 Earth to Table.............................................................................................................64 Going Throught It.......................................................................................................66

Columns

Editor’s Note.................................................................................................................3 Dadspeak....................................................................................................................68 Healthy Families; Happy Families...............................................................................70 Just Eat It!...................................................................................................................72 Is There an App for This?............................................................................................74 Book Nook.................................................................................................................76 New Parent Pages........................................................................................................80 Maternity & Beyond...................................................................................................84 Nature Notes..............................................................................................................86 Cut It Out...................................................................................................................88

Departments

IPM Notes.....................................................................................................................4 Party Directory......................................................................................................40, 41 Family Calendar..........................................................................................................44 Around the Island.......................................................................................................48 Family Services Directory......................................................................................78, 79 Preschool & Child Care Directory.........................................................................82, 83 Business & Professional Directory...............................................................................85 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (HST included) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Toll Free: 1-888-372-0862 Website: www.islandparent.ca

1-888-760-2008 www.beachclubbc.com 2 Island Parent Magazine

Partner Website: www.kidsinvictoria.com On the Cover: Photo by Sarah Booth Photography, 250-882-0172 or www.sarahboothphotography.com

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: Rod Holt Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Jump into June A One-A-Day List of Things to Do 1st. Discover something new about a creature that lived millions of years ago when you visit Royal BC Museum’s Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries.

2nd. Watch the 50th Annual Oak Bay Tea Party Parade, leaving Windsor Park at 10:30am. Children’s activities at Willows Park from 1-3pm, and fireworks at 10pm.

3rd. Create your own fish fashion at SeaShirt Sunday from 1-3pm at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. BYOT-shirt.

Admission rates plus $2 for fabric paint.

4th. Take a ride on the Rose Carousel—the only one on Vancouver Island—at Butchart Gardens. The wooden menagerie includes 30 animals ranging from bears, to horses, to ostriches, to zebras.

5th. Bake cookies, put them in containers and deliver them to your friends.

6th. Stay cool at the Glow-in-the-Dark Skate at the Cliff McNabb Arena in Nanaimo from 6:30-8pm where the rink lights will be dimmed and the glow lights will be glowing. Phone (250) 756-5200.

7th. Explore a new area—even if it’s just another neighbourhood.

8th. Get dizzy on a ride at Buccaneer Days (June 7-10) in Esquimalt.

9th. Celebrate Hometown Tourist Weekend in Ladysmith, Cedar, South Nanaimo, and Chemainus with harbour boat tours, free guided mining history tours, and other activities. Visit take5.ca/hometowntourist.

10th. Enjoy an afternoon of fishy fun at the Maritime Museum of BC’s Salty Sunday: Celebrating Our Oceans from 1-5pm.

11th. Paddle Elk/Beaver Lake at Early Evening Canoeing from 6-9pm with a CRD naturalist. Pre-register at 250-478-3344.

12th. Release a book into the wild. For details, visit www.bookcrossing.com.

13th. Go for a bike ride along Dallas Road and stop at Ogden Point Cafe for an ice cream cone. Walk the breakwater.

14th. Build a fire in the Goldstream Park picnic area fire pits and make S’mores.

15th. Visit the library and sign up for the free Summer Reading program.

16th. Drop by the North Park Neighbourhood Festival at Franklin Green (Cook at Mason St.) from noon-5pm. Visit npna.ca.

17th. Enter the Safeway Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer at Royal www.IslandParent.ca

ing inspyirou th into tion games s p i r t ac field car

swim ming grow food

Roads University, starting at 10 a.m. There’s a 3km walk or an 8km run. Visit www. theprostatecentre.org.

Editor’s Note Sue Fast 18th. Write a one-sentence story. For examples, visit www.onesentence.org.

19th. Document a day in photographs.

Print a few photos for a summer scrapbook.

20th. Drop by the Oak Bay Village night market (the third Wednesday of June, July, August and Sept) from 4-8pm.

21st. Celebrate Aboriginal Day with artists, musicians, dancers and food in the Pacific Rim National Park and the Tin Wis resort on Tofino’s MacKenzie Beach.

22nd. Sommersault. Cartwheel. Roll down a grassy hill. Climb trees.

23rd. Build a birdhouse at Wildlife Family Day from 11am-4pm at the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington. By donation.

Phone 250-248-8534.

24th. Peddle by the Island Savings Family Bike Festival from 10am-4pm in front of the Fairmont Empress where you’ll find a bike rodeo, a bling-your-bike contest, bike polo, bike art and more. Visit www.vicf.ca.

25th. Buy a stack of old comics from a used bookshop and read them in the sun 26th. Skim board at Witty’s Lagoon. Low tide is at 2pm, so 11am onward will be ideal.

27th. Buy dinner ingredients at the Bowen Road farmer’s market in Nanaimo, Wednesdays from 4-6:30, and then cook together.

28th. Celebrate the start of summer holidays by hosting a pizza party in the park.

BYOLemonade.

29th. Discover how families lived 100 years ago when you visit the Miner’s Cottage from 1:30-3pm in Piper Park (at the former museum site) in Nanaimo.

30th. Pre-celebrate Canada’s birthday at Sidney Days (continuing over the Canada Day weekend) with a community barbecue from 4-6pm in Beacon Park. $5.

Happy Summer.

lar d so buil

eco- ship r leadeps cam

regi s on-l ter i n $175 e /wee k

FUN friends uniting for nature

CAMPS www.funsociety.ca

Summer 2012 Theatre Camps Young Fun Drama Camp

Ages 5–8 • July 3–6, July 16–20 & July 30 – Aug 2

The Play’s the Thing

Ages 9–12 July 9–13 & Aug 7–11

Shakespeare in the Park

Ages 12–17 • July 16–21

Teen Acting Intensive

Ages 12–17 • July 30 – Aug 3

• Professional teaching staff • Fun, supportive environment • Small class size for quality instruction

Registering Now for Summer Programs

250-386-8593

845 Fisgard St.

katerubin@telus.net www.katerubintheatre.com

June 2012 3

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Dinosaurs Roam the Royal BC Museum The massive open jaw of a cast T. rex skeleton creates a huge toothy shadow. Perfectly positioning his head between the projected teeth, he hangs limp as if being swallowed.

His mom captures the perfect shot.

From now until September 16 families are learning together at Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries. This exhibition, from the American Museum of Natural History, explores how paleontologists are using new technologies to challenge long-held beliefs about dinosaurs. What did they really look like, how did they move and behave, and why, or even whether, they became extinct.

Two hundred years ago, 14-year-old farm boy Pliny Moody was plowing a field when he found three-toed imprints in sandstone.

At that time, no one knew about dinosaurs, they were thought to be bird footprints.

Those original fossilized tracks and other dinosaur remains are displayed under glass; some have little openings so you can touch a dinosaur that’s millions of years old. Interactive computer simulations and presentations include a variety of dinosaur animations and extinction scenarios. Nudge the Apatosaurus on the monitor and see how it reacts.

A model of a Microraptor with wings on both its arms and legs glides between trees in a life-size model of the 130-million-year-old Liaoning forest in northeastern China. Fossil remains provide compelling evidence that today’s birds are living descendants—that birds are dinosaurs. See dozens of accurate, life-size models of more than 35 different dinosaurs, reptiles, early birds, insects, mammals and plants in the forest. Or look up to the “trophy wall” of massive skulls, ranging from the three-horned Triceratops to the dome-headed Pachycephalosaurus.

For more information visit dinosaurs. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Scallywags & Success by 6 Scallywags Children’s Boutique is proud to partner with Success by 6 to help raise funds for some of their amazing initiatives.

Having been part of the Victoria community for nearly two decades, Scallywags understands that community is an important part of any healthy business. Scallywags works with several Greater Victoria organizations to support arts, education, sport and just plain fun for kids. As part of the Community Support Initiative, from June 1-15, Scallywags will be donating 10 per cent of all 4 Island Parent Magazine

sales proceeds to Success by 6. Scallywags carries an amazing selection of shoes, clothing, educational toys and accessories from newborn to 12 years. So come shop at one of two convenient locations: downtown at the Bay Centre and at Broadmead Village in Saanich, get cool stuff and support your community!

Annual Boat for Hope The 8th annual Variety Boat for Hope provides children who have special needs with a fun-filled day on the water. On Saturday, June 2 in Victoria’s Inner Harbour kids can live out their best pirate fantasy. Kids of all ages hunt for treasure, fill their loot bags, and experience life as it’s meant to be…fun and exciting. The day is capped off with a land party that features a hearty barbecue, children’s activities and live entertainment.

Due to lifejacket sizing, only children between the ages of 4-18 years of age can go on the boat trip and must be accomanied by one or two adults. Siblings of participants under the age of 4 must provide their own CSA-approved lifejacket.

Local skippers volunteer their time and their boats, and they collect pledges from the community to raise funds for Variety while also providing a one-of-a kind experience for children and their families. You can help by visiting your local Pharmasave until June 24 and adding $2 at the till or by donating online.

The event is from 9am-2pm with sailings at 10am, 11am and noon. For information and registration, visit www.variety. bc.ca/boatforhope or e-mail louise.duffy@ variety.bc.ca.

Wild About Whales Cheer your whale down the Gorge for a chance to win incredible prizes at a free family event on June 9 supporting Boys & Girls Clubs’ out-of-school programs in Greater Victoria. Bring the whole family to enjoy the race and the other activities, including ocean-themed games, concession, bouncy castles, face-painting, voyageur canoe and dragon boat rides, and much more.

You can “adopt” a whale for a chance to win one of six prizes. Tickets are on sale now from Boys & Girls Clubs. Single whales cost $5, a Pod Pack costs $20 (for 5 whales) and a Leviathan Pack is $100 for 25 whales.

There are great prizes for the top six whales in the race. The first prize is return flights for two anywhere WestJet flies. You can also win a patio set and heater, a sports bike, an iPad2, $500 cash, or a guitar with lessons. www.kidsinvictoria.com

All proceeds from the raffle and the event support Boys & Girls Clubs’ out-of-school programs that provide safe, supportive places for children and youth in Greater Victoria when they need them most.

Find out more at www.bgcvic.org/ wildaboutwhales, at www.facebook.com/ bgcvic, or on Twitter @VicWhaleDerby.

Anyone can join in at the park to enjoy the festivities and cheer on the whales. Bring the whole family down to Esquimalt Gorge Park on Saturday, June 9 from 11-3pm. You’ll have a whale of a time!

Happy Kids, Healthy Kids!

The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) invites kids from across Canada to participate in the Happy Kids, Healthy Kids! art contest. Contest deadline is June 15.

What do kids draw?

Health and happiness go hand in hand.

Encourage kids to draw a picture of something they like to do that keeps them happy and healthy. Have them show why the activity is fun and why it is good for us.

Who can enter?

The contest is open to all children and youth under the age of 18 who live in Canada.

What can kids win?

They could win one of four Chapters gift cards and their artwork could be one of 12 drawings featured in the 2013 CPS member calendar.

When is the deadline?

All entries received before June 15 will be considered for the calendar. Three of the drawings chosen for the calendar will also receive a gift card.

Mail your entry to: “Happy Kids, Healthy Kids!” Art Contest c/o Canadian Paediatric Society, 2305 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J8. For contest rules and details, please visit www.caringforkids.cps.ca.

2012-2013

KALEIDOSCOPE THEATRE RODERICK GLANVILLE artistic director

SPEND YOUR SUMMER ON STAGE

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES! ACTING ADVENTURES TEEN SHAKESPEARE MUSICAL THEATRE REGISTER TODAY

ANNOUNCING OUR 38TH SEASON PAN

inspired from the work

by J.M. Barrie

WAR OF THE EAGLES World Premiere Play Based On The Novel By Eric Walters

FAMILY THEATRE FESTIVAL Featuring Urban Arts, Suddenly Dance, Puente Theatre, & Kaleidoscope!

www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca 3130 Jutland Road, Victoria, B.C., V8T 2T3 ! ph. 250.383.8124

Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser

Science Works ScienceVictoria’s Works Hands-On

Calling all truck lovers—here is an event for you! Bring the family to Western Speedway on Saturday, June 16 from 10am-2pm for the third annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser, hosted by the Sooke Co-op Preschool.

Fire and police vehicles, concrete mixers, • Educational Toys Kids dump trucks and buses will beFor among the dozens of trucks on • display.

Families will Educational Toys Science•Kits have a unique opportunity to examine these • Science Kits super machines up close, touching, asking • Capsela questions, and even sitting in the cab.

Ad• Capsela Kites mission prices are 5$•for individuals, $10/ • Kitesunder family of 4, $15/family of 5+ (babies • Stomp Rockets 1 are free). Enjoy face-painting, crafts, • Stompfood, Rockets

Victoria’s Hands-On Science & Nature Store

Science Works Science Works Science NatureStore Store Victoria’s Hands-On Science &&Nature For Kids For Adults

www.IslandParent.ca

• Telescopes For Kids For Kids For Adults • Educational Toys • Capsela Educational •Kits Telescopes Toys• Kites • Guide Books ••Science ••Stomp Science •Rockets Guide Kits Books • Chimes For Adults • Capsela • Chimes • Microscopes • Telescopes • Chimes KitesBooks • Microscopes ••Guide • Crystals • Crystals ••Microscopes Stomp• Crystals Rockets

Hundreds of Gift Hundreds Gift Ideas Items forof Science for Nature Hundreds of &Gift Victoria’s Hands-On & Science Nature Lovers Lovers of All Ages Store Items for Science Science & Nature of All Ages & Nature Lovers

For Adults of All Ages

• Telescopes • Guide1889 BooksOak Bay Ave 1889 Oak Bay Ave • Chimes 1889250-595-6033 Oak595-6033 Bay Ave Ph: Ph: Open 10am–5:30pm • Microscopes Open595-6033 10am–5:30pm OpenMonday–Saturday 10am–5:30pm Monday – Saturday • Crystals Monday–Saturday June 2012 5

bounce houses, and more. All proceeds will go toward funding programs at Sooke Co-op Preschool. Touch-A-Truck is sponsored by CTV, Kool FM, CFAX 1070 and What’s Up Media. For more information, please visit www.sookepreschool.ca, email sookepreshool@gmail.com or phone 250642-6364 ext. 235.

Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride Theatre SKAM’s annual summer project Bike Ride—running June 16, 17 and 23, 24—is a presentation of short outdoor performances set within locations along a 4km stretch of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. Audiences travel from venue to venue by bicycle to enjoy performances by some the region’s most recognized and versatile performers. Offerings include comedic, dramatic,storytelling, musical and dance performances.

Cecelia Ravine Park (475 Burnside Road East) is The Hub, where audiences buy or pick up tickets, decorate their bicycles, purchase refreshments and depart for Bike Ride tours. Performances are divided into groups (tours). Tours depart from the Hub

every 20 minutes, starting at 3:30pm. The last tour departs at 6:30pm. Audiences may see up to 12 short shows on one admission.

For those who wish to split up their Bike Ride experience, a two-day pass is available.

Between tours, audiences enjoy food and entertainment at The Hub. Tickets are $15 for a single day or $25 for a two-day pass and are available at ticketrocket.org or at the onsite box office. Twelve short shows by professional performers along the Galloping Goose Trail and Cecelia Ravine Park. Audience travels from show to show by bicycle. All shows are family-friendly. Details at www.skam.ca.

Comox Valley Parents’ Conference The Comox Valley District Parents Advisory Council invites parents and guardians with preschool or school-aged children to an exciting conference, The Power of Parents, on Saturday June 16 from 8:30am-4pm at Mark Isfeld Secondary School in Courtenay.

The conference will focus on what parents need to know about the evolving education system, and on encouraging parental involvement.

Dr. Allison Rees will be on hand to speak about parenting, and her two books, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The

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Give your dad the gift of health this Father’s Day by taking part in the Safeway Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer on Sunday June 17. Everyone can participate. It is not about how far or how fast you run/walk, it is about the commitment

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Celebrating the growing family 2012

Father’s Day Run

S BIE • BA PREGN ANCY • BIRTH

6th annual

Parent Child Connection, will be for sale at the conference.

Teachers Avi Luxenburg and Alissa Pratt will co-present “What the Heck is 21st Century Learning?” and will discuss some related projects undertaken in the Comox Valley School District.

Participants will learn about and discuss how parents have a voice in the B.C. school system, and will hear from a representative of the BC Confederation of PACs who will speak about the roles, relationships and responsibilities of the Parent Advisory Council. Other topics will include nutrition, digital citizenship (cyber-bullying, sexting, etc), aboriginal education programs, and green initiatives.

People from outside of Comox Valley are welcome to attend. The cost is $10 ($20 after June 5) and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit www.sd71cvdpac.webs.com.

Vivian Kereki Photography

IPM Notes

Young Parents Support Network

VancouverIslandBabyFair.com

exhibitor registration on now!

6 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

to supporting the men we love. Too many family members and friends have fought this disease—let’s remember and celebrate them. Join a team, start a team, join as an individual. Adult $35 (or collect $125 donations and entry is free); Youth 12 and under free. Royal Roads, 10am. Visit www. theprostatecentre.org/2012/fathersdayrun or phone 250-388-0214.

Funds raised support the ongoing delivery of programs and services for the one in seven men diagnosed with the disease and to promote prostate health awareness right here in our own community. Did you know that prostate cancer represents 34 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in B.C. men, making it the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men? If caught early, prostate cancer has a 90 per cent success rate for a cure. Join the Walk/Run on Father’s Day, June 17, at 10am at Royal Roads University for the annual 3km and 8km Walk/Run with lots of great food, prizes and entertainment.

This year’s fundraising goal: $108,000. Who are you running for? Sign up today at www. fathersdayrun.ca and click on “Victoria” to get started. All participants receive a Father’s Day Walk/Run t-shirt.

Victoria,

support the men you love.

Take the first step...

Register today and join the fight against prostate cancer!

Sunday, June 17, 2012 Royal Roads University

Relay for Life 2012 Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is Canada’s biggest cancer fundraiser, giving you and your community the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember and honour loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back for a future without cancer.

Relay For Life 2012 Victoria is on Saturday, June 23 from 6pm-6am at the Juan de Fuca Centre, field 3. Funds raised help the Canadian Cancer Society save lives by investing in outstanding cancer research, offering caring cancer support services, and leading prevention initiatives.

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

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

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

www.IslandParent.ca

To register, fundraise or donate, visit

FATHERSDAYRUN.CA and click on the ‘Victoria’ link.

All funds raised support Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands programs and services of The Prostate Centre.

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Send Us Your Stories!

Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting.

Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

June 2012 7

Heritage Dancefest Come celebrate Victoria’s ethnic energy as over 400 dancers take to the stage with vibrant costumes, traditional music, and exquisite choreography on Saturday June 23 at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. With such diverse groups participating as Chinese, Norwegian, Punjabi, Ukrainian, Irish and more, this event promises to be a feast for the senses and a celebration of the multicultural communities within Victoria.

The performing begins at noon and runs continuously until 5pm. Pack a lunch, a picnic blanket, a hat and a sweater and come for the day. Heritage DanceFest is a free event for the whole family.

Thanks to all of the local sponsors, especially Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, Toes’n’Taps Dance Shoppe and OT Fitwear for their continued support of this event.

For more information, visit www. veselkadancers.com or e-mail heritageday@ shaw.ca.

Family Bike Festival 2012 The Island Savings Family Bike Festival invites the whole family out for fun events geared towards family cycling on Sunday June 24 in front of the Fairmont Empress.

Events throughout the day include a bike rodeo, training wheel freedom, family bike equipment showcase (come see what’s available in bikes, gear, accessories, and more), on site bike mechanic, helmet fitting, learn to play bike polo, mini races, ‘bling your bike’ contest and much more.

In addition to the kids activities, families can enjoy a variety of entertainment, meet professional athletes and fill their bellies with samplings from local food vendors.

Local bike clubs, bike shops and community initiatives will be set up to educate and increase our cycling awareness.

For a full list of all events taking place during the Victoria International Cycling Festival, visit www.vicf.ca.

2012 Hartland Open House On Sunday June 24, the Capital Regional District (CRD) will host the 2012 Open House at Hartland Landfill from 10:30am3:30pm. Come for a look behind the scenes at your award-winning landfill and check out educational displays, play with minimachines in the giant sandbox, and take a guided tour of the landfill. Hot dogs, hamburgers and juice will be available. To ensure your spot on a tour, register by calling 250-474-9613 or e-mail hartland@crd.

bc.ca. Registered tours leave from Camosun College Interurban Campus. For more information and schedules, contact the CRD Hotline at 250-360-3030 or visit www.crd. bc.ca/hartlandhappening.

Summer at the Library Reading Club 2012: Strange…But True?

Read your way through the summer with GVPL’s Summer Reading Club from June 28 to September 1! Whether you’re reading at home or on holidays, you can keep track of your reading and enjoy incentives along the way. Staying in town? Kids 12 and under are invited to join us for a selection of amazing library programs at branches throughout Greater Victoria. Online registration for special programs begins June 15. Beginning June 28, drop by your local library to pick up a self-paced reading record. For more information, or to register for programs, check our website at www.gvpl.ca.

Summer Reading Buddies Reading Buddies pairs children who need extra practice reading with teen volunteers for fun literacy-based activities. Little Buddies and Big Buddies meet for an hour daily for one week. The program runs weekly at different branch libraries throughout the summer. Sessions are available between July 9 and August 17. For children in Grades 2 to 4. Space is limited. Registration for this free program begins June 15 online at www. gvpl.ca or in person at all branches.

Teen Volunteers Needed Be a GVPL Big Buddy! If you like working with children, enjoy reading, and want to help struggling readers, we need you. Volunteer for one or two hours per afternoon for one or more weeks this summer. The program runs weekly at different branch libraries from July 9 to August 17. For ages 13-18. For more information, email teens@ gvpl.ca. Registration begins June 15 online at www.gvpl.ca or in person at all branches.

Summer Teen Writing Contest Get your creative juices flowing: the teen writing contest is back. Enter your original short story or poem based on this year’s theme: Timing is Everything. Win a prize pack or $100 gift certificate for the store of your choice. For details, contest rules, and online entry form, see www.gvpl.ca/audiences/teens/teen-writing-contest or email email teens@gvpl.ca beginning June 15. For ages 13-18. Contest runs June 15-August 11.

SportStart: Supporting Children in Sport

be playing? Most of us remember our parents nagging at us to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But according to statistics from the Public Health Agency of Canada, childhood obesity continues to rise. In B.C., our children tend to be more active, which leads to a more active and healthy adult population. But, according to the federal government’s 2007 statistics, over 10 per cent of B.C. youth were reportedly obese.

Technology certainly plays a part in childhood inactivity. Our kids seem to be more interested in playing video games than in exploring the great outdoors. That’s why it’s crucial for us to introduce our kids to sports.

There are other barriers to physical activity. That’s why the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) and its partner, Island Savings, offer the SportStart grant. Through the SportStart program, registration fees to sport programming are not a barrier.

This summer PISE will offer over 20 sport camps and sport-specific programs for youth on the Island. While your child may already be registered for one of the camps, there are other children whose parents may not have the financial resources available to give their child an opportunity to play. With your help to spread the word, we can ensure any child interested in sports can play…and money doesn’t have to be a barrier.

To learn more about SportStart, visit www.piseworld.com/sportstart.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Give Back The Big Give Back is a community fundraising challenge that invites you to make it possible for boys and girls aged 7 to 10 to get a mentor, play hockey, and build confidence, self-esteem, and life skills. Teams made up of family members, friends, colleagues, or corporate partners set a fundraising goal (anything between $1 and $10,000) and then plan an activity or event and seek and collect pledges or donations.

You decide how and when you want to donate, participate or volunteer. Teams may vary in size from one to 20 members. Team activities can take an hour, an afternoon, a day or longer to complete. You choose the activity, you choose the time and day that suit you. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will support teams and provide fundraising ideas, information, pledge sheets, brochures, challenge updates and mentoring stories to share with team members and supporters.

For more information visit www.bbbsvictoria.com or call 250-475-1117.•

Summer is on its way. Will your children 8 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Wisdom, Tips, Advice & Ramblings

Photo: Erin Wallis Photography, www.erinwallis.com/blog

Yo! Papa “It is a wise father that knows his own child.”

– William Shakespeare

The High Life

Presenting the Ultimate in Elevated Sloppy-Eating Seating

I

t’s easy to find a safe high chair. Or an affordable high chair. Or even a sophisticated model conceived by a renowned Ferrari designer. But try finding a high chair that satisfies all the top concerns of today’s discriminating parents.

Not easy. Here’s a sneak preview of the many advantages of the X90Q56, a prototype that comes quite close.

1. Stable. Reinforced with granite flying buttresses inspired by Gothic architecture.

2. Adaptable. Includes four interchangeable tray options—basic, subdivided, butler’s, and embalming.

3. Distinguished. Has been personally autographed by noted chef Mario Batali.

4. Comfortable. Upholstery is stuffed with swan’s down from descendants of the original Ugly Duckling 5. Educational: Discreet micro-speakers expose Baby to cuisine-related vocabulary phrases such as “béchamel sauce,” “Bibb lettuce,” and “Sorry, I’m a vegan.”

6. Expressive. Overhead sauce dispensers equip the miracle to squirt a selection of colourful fruit purees relatively near his food.

7. Safe: Equipped with side air bags (not employed here) in the unlikely event the chair tips over in gale-force winds.

8. Portable: Includes an ox that will willingly haul the 750-pound chair into other rooms.

9. Decorous. Incorporates a sleek, stainless steel-lined bud vase.

10. Detoxing: A footbath scented with therapeutic juniper and pointless patchouli soothes Baby’s aching arches.

From The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi.

HarperCollins, 2009.

www.IslandParent.ca

Top Ten Dad Blogs according to Babble.com

1. Cry It Out (Babble Best), Mike Adamick (mikeadamick.com) 2. Lesbian Dad (Most Groundbreaking), Polly Pagenhart (www.lesbiandad.net) 3. Sweet Juniper (3rd Best Design), Jim D. Griffioen (herbadmother.com) 4. Matt, Liz and Madeline (Most Confessional), Matthew Logelin (www.mattlogelin.com) 5. Fighting Monsters (2nd Best Written), Rob Rummel-Hudson (schuylersmonsterblog.com) 6. Laid-Off Dad (2nd Funniest), Doug French (laidoffdad.typepad.com) 7. Single Dad Laughing (5th Most Useful), Dan Pearce (www.danoah.com) 8. Stay at Stove Dad (Most Useful), John Donohue (www.stayatstovedad.com) 9. Metro Dad (Best Written), Pierre Kim (www.metrodad.com) 10. Gaddy Daddy (4th Most Groundbreaking), Jacob Drill (gaddydaddy.blogspot.ca)

How to Save for College

A four-year public college education (including room and board, excluding taxes and activity expenses) in the U.S. will cost approximately $155,000 in 2020. A four-year private college education (including room and board) will cost approximately $335, 000. Here are some ways to pay for your newborn’s education.

• Save money. Squirrel away $23.60 a day for public school or $51 a day for private school.

• Recycle. At 5 cents a can you will need to recycle 3,100,000 cans to pay for public school and 6,700,000 cans for private school.

• Sell lemonade. At 20¢ a cup your lemonade stand will need to sell 775,000 cups to pay for public school and 1,675,00 cups for private school, • Hold a bake sale. At $1.75 for a (cranberry-walnut) muffin, you will need to bake and sell 88,571 muffins to pay for public school and 191,429 muffins for private school. (Cost of ingredients not included).

From Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook

by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht and Sarah Jordan. Chronicle Books, 2003.

Salt & Pepper Oven Fries 4 or 5 large russet potatoes, cut into 1⁄2"-wide wedges 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil Coarse salt and ground pepper Preheat oven to 450˚, placing racks in top third and middle. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets and toss each with 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, crisp, and soft, roughly 40 minutes, flipping potatoes halfway through.

June 2012 9

Summer is almost here and children are really excited about having fun without thinking about school.

This is particularly true for students who have difficulty with academics. It is very important to give them a break and let them play and learn things other than “school stuff.”

But the holidays can also be an important time to gain some ground. Without any practice these children tend to forget more of what they learned last year than “average” students. This may negatively impact their self-esteem. It means they are further behind in the fall than they were in the spring and they have even greater difficulty catching up.

One solution can be to build in some positive, effective tutoring during the break.

Struggling students can take a small amount of their time to work on areas of difficulty.

This is particularly true if the method is specifically designed for the child’s learning needs. Therapeutic tutoring works wonderfully for these children.

It has focused outcomes and the lessons are taught to ensure success.

Such an individualized approach can have a huge impact on how they feel about themselves in the fall when the focus is on reviewing last year’s work. If the tutoring has been effective, it can set them up so that the first months of school feel quite comfortable.

If you feel your child may benefit from some constructive help during the summer vacation, give Karen a call for a free, no obligation, assessment.

If your child is struggling at school, don’t wait.

Call Karen.

10 Island Parent Magazine

Rachel Dunstan Muller

How Green is Your Grass?

I

t took me years to talk my husband into buying a reel (or push) mower to cut our half-acre of grass. For years he resisted, arguing that a human-powered mower would be all but useless in our uneven, heavily-treed yard. Since he was the one mowing, I didn’t insist. But every spring we had the same discussion. Eventually he caved in and bought a second-hand reel mower he spied in someone’s driveway, believing that I would try it, see how impractical it was, and finally put the subject to rest. That wasn’t quite what happened. Not only did the reel mower work, but I enjoyed using it.

The noise level was tolerable, it didn’t spew foul-smelling exhaust into the air, and it was a satisfying form of exercise. So satisfying, in fact, that I voluntarily took over the chore of mowing and have continued to be the primary grass cutter in our family for three years. It was probably the best $60 my husband ever spent!

Having made this switch, we continued to look at ways we could green our yardcare practices. If it were up to me, we’d fill the lower half of our yard with native trees and shrubs, allowing it to turn back into forest. That’s my bias showing. As much as I appreciate a soft carpet of grass underfoot when the days get warm, as much as I agree that healthy lawns are attractive and make good play spaces, I’ve always had reservations about devoting large areas to grass.

But while native-plant landscaping and/or an organic vegetable garden may be the “greenest” options for a yard, it turns out that lawns do offer many earth-friendly benefits. They prevent soil erosion, filter contaminants from rainwater, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, and absorb many air pollutants. Lawns are also natural air conditioners in the summer: an expanse of grass can lower the temperature by up to 18 degrees compared to a similar area of asphalt, or 7 degrees versus bare soil. And the best news? While lawns can be chemical and resource guzzlers, they don’t have to be. It’s possible to have healthy, well-cared

for grass without a hefty environmental footprint.

As we discovered for ourselves, switching to a greener mower is one of the easiest ways to reduce a lawn’s footprint. Gas mowers are terrible polluters. Depending on the age and model, a two-stroke gas mower operated for one hour can produce as much air pollution as a car driven an astonishing 320 km. Four-stroke gas mowers are 70 per cent more efficient than two-stroke models, while electric mowers reduce pollution by 90 per cent. A reel mower is the greenest option, with no emissions at all. As an added bonus, reel mowers with sharp blades may be healthier for your lawn, since they shear rather than tear the blades of grass.

Tearing can cause injury to plants, resulting in browning.

Ditching the use of “cosmetic” chemicals in your yard is another significant thing you can do to protect the environment—and the children and pets who play on your grass.

Many governments around the world are responding to the significant health hazards posed by chemical herbicides and pesticides by banning them entirely. Healthy grass should be able to hold its own against insect attacks and weed invasions, and the weeds that do appear can be manually removed if they become a problem.

How frequently you cut your grass can have a dramatic effect on its health. Ideally it should be mowed often and left relatively high (between 6.5 and 9 centimeters, depending on the variety). Longer grass has more leaf surface to take in sunlight, which allows it to grow thicker and establish a deeper root system. Deeper roots in turn give it more resilience against drought, disease and insect damage. Longer grass is also better able to compete with weeds, and the shade it creates helps trap dew and prevent moisture from evaporating.

In a perfect world your lawn would be watered slowly, deeply and only as necessary to encourage deep root growth. Since watering restrictions are an inevitable part www.kidsinvictoria.com

of summer in many parts of the Island, you may be discouraged from watering your lawn at all. But take heart—while your grass may turn brown without irrigation, it will green up again once the rains return.

In addition to allowing grass to grow to an ideal length and watering it appropriately, you can help ensure the health of your lawn by feeding it the nutrients it requires. While synthetic fertilizers are quick and easy to apply, they have disadvantages. Lawns need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but

What grass variety you choose to grow in your lawn may be as important as how you care for it after it’s planted. too much can “burn” grass, and/or result in heavy thatch, which prevents water and nutrients from penetrating the soil. Improperly applied fertilizers can also pollute ground and surface water. For an organic option, lawns may be fed with a suitable combination of compost, manure, or short grass clippings. It may also be helpful to check your soil’s pH level periodically. Garden lime can be sprinkled over lawns whose soil is too acidic, while soil that isn’t acidic enough can be “soured” with sulfur.

What grass variety you choose to grow in your lawn may be as important as how you care for it after it’s planted. Depending on your situation, you may want a mix that is drought, shade, pest or “wear” tolerant.

You might also consider adding white clover to your lawn: it outcompetes weeds, grows well in nitrogen-poor soils, and survives the heat of summer.

I’ll be the first to admit that my own lawn is far from a manicured putting green.

My time as a mother is precious, and this simply isn’t the season for perfect grass.

There may be more dandelion-pulling in my future, but in the meantime I’m content in the knowledge that our lawn is a safe and healthy place for everyone: our children, our pets, and all the creatures big and small that travel through our yard.

The South Island Distance Education School (SIDES) is a K - 12 public school specializing in distributed learning.

A proud part of the Saanich school district, SIDES offers BC school curriculum to students through online and print courses, on-site activities and outings. Parents partner with SIDES teachers to support students as they explore and learn at home.

For more information, check our website (www.sides.ca) or call to speak with one of our counsellors or our teachers (250-479-7125 or 250-704-4979).

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

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012

11

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Exploring the World of Boys

R

ecently, my son’s preschool teacher pulled me aside. “Your son has been using violent language which has been frightening the other children.” Mortified, I asked, “What has he been saying?” She replied, “I’m going to chop your head off.”

I was devastated. Hearing the word “violent” I immediately went to that place in my head that says “What have I done wrong?” I felt a sense of shame and wondered how his language reflected on me as a parent. Above all, I was simply baffled. In our home we try to speak and act in gentle and peaceful ways—exposure to violence via television and video games is non-existent.

While I was initially upset, after giving myself some time to reflect, I had to chuckle. Recently, there had been a lot of “head-chopping talk” in our house. One day, the subject of King Henry VIII arose and how he beheaded his wives. We had also been reading the story of Sir Gawain, the Green Knight. My son found both of these stories captivating because they appealed to his interest in knights, kings and dragons. When I realized that my son’s words were a reflection of his healthy imagination, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The whole incident started me thinking; the world of boys can be outwardly aggressive in its way of thinking, its language and its behaviours. Many aspects of it appear to work against efforts towards non-violence in our world. When it comes to the type of play that is typical, although not exclusive to boys, what is healthy and normal and what isn’t?

12 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Rough and Tumble Play One of the things I love about being a parent is that I am always stretched to see life in new ways. My most recent challenge is thinking like a boy, which is hard for the obvious reasons, but more so because our household is female dominant and as such, the rules of play reflect a particularly feminine way of being.

Lately, I have been noticing that my fouryear-old son has been craving engagement of a different kind—more physical and aggressive. The other day, being mindful of his needs, I gracefully tackled him to the ground, and then imagining what a wrestler might do next, I leaned into him, put him in a headlock and poked him in the ribs a few times. After less than five minutes, I’d had enough. I then noticed an oversized blue parrot stuffie lying on the ground nearby.

“Why don’t you go and tackle that bird?”

Perplexed, my son pounced on the bird, then looked to me for approval. Though he was confused, I could tell that wrestling with the stuffie felt good. I was acknowledging my son’s need for rough and tumble play which I hadn’t appreciated up until now.

In his book Play, Stuart Brown defines rough and tumble as “friendly or playfighting that can be extended more broadly to any active play that includes body contact among children.” He further elaborates, “all done with a smile between friends who stay friends.” Being the worrier that I am, I have a hard time watching rough and tumble play. I feel anxious that at any moment, bones will be broken and blood will spill. But I am beginning to understand that rough and tumble play is developmentally important, particularly for boys. Socially, this form of play helps boys to control their emotions, to interpret body language, solve problems and develop a sense of fair play.

It also provides them with the opportunity to explore boundaries as well as face the consequences of crossing those boundaries.

Physically, rough and tumble play helps boys to explore the scope of their bodies as well as develop coordination and gross motor skills. Beyond this, it helps them to blow off extra energy. Here are some parameters for rough and tumble play with young children.

• Parental supervision is a must.

• Make sure the environment is safe.

• Establish rules for the play, for example: bodies only, stop means stop, and when someone is down, wait for them to get up and check that they are okay before resuming play.

• Teach your child to read body language www.IslandParent.ca

PRODUCED BY KOBA ENTERTAINMENT

© 2012 Echo Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

September 13 Cowichan Theatre in Duncan September 15 Port Theatre in Nanaimo September 16 Royal Theatre in Victoria

ON SALE JUNE 1!

Visit www.ToopyAndBinooOnTour.com for tickets!

Come visit

Rose Carousel Boat Tours Summer Saturday Fireworks Family Discovery Walk Birthday packages

butchartgardens.com 250.652.5256 June 2012 13

CaMP In The CommunItY

Program Cost Day Camps (ages 6-12) Saanichton Free Metchosin $125 Gulf Islands $125 Cadboro Bay $125 Alert Bay Free Cowichan Valley $125 Nanoose Bay $125 Wilderness Camp (ages 12-14) $250 Leadership Training (ages 14-18) $575 Choose a stream: Music, Theatre or Justice National Youth Event (ages 14-19) $550 Family Weekend $75/Fam. Family Camp Varies

Dates

Location

July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 August 7-10 August 13-17 August 20-24 August 27-31 July 30-Aug. 3 July 4-13

St. Stephen’s Saanichton St. Mary’s Metchosin All-Saints-by-the-Sea, Salt Spring St. George’s Cadboro Bay Christ Church Alert Bay St. Peter’s Duncan St. Mary’s Nanoose Bay Strathcona Park Pine Lodge Farm, Mill Bay

August 12-21 July 6-7 August 5-11

Coach bus trip to Saskatoon St. Stephen’s, Saanichton Sorrento Centre, Shuswap BC

Register at antikipper.com

Hat’s Off to 145 Years SAANICH FAIR Sept. 1- 3, 2012 Catalogues out end of May Visit our website www.saanichfair.ca

ANYONE CAN ENTER! Kids see page 49 – Junior Department

Saanich Fairground 1528 Stellys X Rd Saanichton BC 250-652-3314 Midway Ride All Day Wristbands: Now at Fair Office $32, At the Fair $40 14 Island Parent Magazine

and facial expressions. For example: what is their face telling you? Are they enjoying the game and having fun? Are they looking you in the eyes and wanting to play?

• For parents, don’t be too quick to step in—stand back and supervise unless there is clear risk of serious physical injury or emotional dominance.

Superhero Play Stuart Brown extends his definition of rough and tumble to superhero play. When it comes to superheroes, it is not only the black and white of good versus bad that can be concerning but also the more physical interactions and the make-believe aggression that we as parents fear might extend into adulthood.

What makes superheroes so attractive beyond the shiny costumes and super-cool gadgets? From a Jungian point of view, the life of Spiderman, Superman, even Pokemon or King Arthur speaks to the archetypal quest of the hero. Preschoolers really do live the life of a superhero. Every day they are overcoming limitations and insecurities and tackling life with new abilities. Playing the role of a superhero can give them a sense of control, help them to safely explore boundaries, and provide them with the power to take on a big world in which they feel so small. The superhero’s battle between good and bad, depicted in very black and white terms, is reflective of the stage of moral development in which the preschooler finds him/ herself, an important stage that they must go through as they progress towards more abstract understandings. Also, superheroes embody many of the virtues that children aspire towards. My son, who is enamoured

by Sir Gawain the Green Knight, is often troubled by nightmares. For Christmas, a friend of mine made him a green sash with the word “courage” embroidered on it.

My son was thrilled to be like Sir Gawain and now, with his green sash by his pillow when he sleeps, he has the courage to face any dreamland dragon. It is important not to dismiss the rich value of superhero play, which beyond the psychological benefits, can be a wonderfully creative and imaginative form of pretend play.

War Play Take rough and tumble, combine it with superheroes, and invariably the weapons emerge—swords, daggers and guns. When my son came along, I instituted a no guns, no weapons policy in our home. Inevitably, however, when we go for a walk in the www.kidsinvictoria.com

woods, for example, he will without fail pick up a stick and wield it like a sword or point it like a gun.

I realize that not only can I not bubble wrap my son’s world, it really isn’t healthy to enforce an all-out ban on his interest in swords, axes and bows and arrows.

Often, when faced with play that feels aggressive and violent, we either react with anger and anxiety or we shun and shame.

However, this type of response can be more confusing for children. One of the best approaches is to let children play out their fantasies safely in an environment that is open to dialogue and discussion.

“I want to go to war,” my son announced the other day. My first reaction was to snap and say “You shouldn’t talk like that.” But instead, I paused. I refrained from projecting my own fears, assumptions and adult understandings onto my son and instead pulled out my magical word, “What?”

“What would you do at war?”

“What would happen if you shot bad guys?”

“What could happen to you?”

After reflecting on the answers to my questions, my son decided that he didn’t really want to go to war after all. War play can offer valuable teachable moments and

www.IslandParent.ca

the opportunity to talk about violence and related issues that might not otherwise emerge in a context that is relevant and meaningful to children.

In their book, Who’s Calling the Shots?

How to Respond Effectively to Children’s Fascination with War Play and War Toys, Nancy Carlsson-Paige and Diane Levin further suggest that there is potential for tremendous growth and learning in war play that has creative and dramatic qualities. They emphasize the distinction between imaginative play and imitative play. While imitative play, such as running around with a single-purpose toy such as a plastic gun, involves repeating actions and scripts and focuses on being violent, imaginative play builds in more variety, addresses deep interests and needs (for example, courage, control and independence) and often involves more elaborate plot and character development.

With the latter, a child brings his own ideas into the play.

Consider the role of stage director and become involved in your child’s war play. Make use of household items to create props. Help your children to develop a story line that they can play out. Use your child’s interests as a jumping point to develop their social, emotional and cognitive development.

Rough and tumble, superheroes, war play—these types of considerations always bring me face to face with the ultimate parenting question for me, which is: What is my role as a parent? The answer always comes down to the same thing. It is not to control my children but instead to help them to achieve self-regulation over their emotions and their behaviour. When it comes to my son, I realize that I can do this in a number of ways. First, by creating a safe and unstructured space with reasonable boundaries within which he can explore.

Second, by owning my perceptions, releasing the reigns and refocusing my vision to see the playfulness in his interactions with his world. And last, by supporting curiosity, nurturing understanding and seizing teachable moments and opportunities to engage in valuable dialogue. In these ways, I am able to handle the fact that life with a boy will not always be sugar and spice and everything nice and that’s okay.

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” at CFSI 107.9 FM or online at www.cfsi-fm.com.

June 2012 15

Come Join the Fun

Ready, Set, Camp!

Finding the Right Camp for Your Child

Y

ou are considering a summer camp, but how to choose? There’s a camp that is suited for almost every child, providing a summer of growth and fun whether your child attends a day or overnight camp, a specialized or traditional camp.

As summer approaches, parents and kids can look forward to the opportunities for exploration and discovery that arrives with summer camp.

Register Now for Summer Camps & Lessons • Year round lessons for children and adults • Safe well schooled lesson horses with qualified instructors • Indoor and outdoor riding facility

250-652-1462

www.westsidestables.ca

Read Island Parent Online!

It’s as easy as clicking on the magazine image on our websites!

Visit kidsinvictoria.com or islandparent.ca to read the magazine, enter our contests and discover community events.

16 Island Parent Magazine

How to Decide When Your Child is Ready for Camp Children are ready for new experiences at different stages. Parents know their children best and these questions can help gauge whether this is the summer your child will start camp.

What is your child’s age? Children under age seven may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.

How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?

Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?

What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

A Camp for Every Child—the Perfect Fit Camp can last for just a few days or stretch to all summer long. It’s well worth the trouble to investigate the variety of choices offered by camps before your child packs a backpack. These questions help you consider the options.

Near or Far? Where do you want your child to go to camp? Locally or far away? While each camp experience has something unique to offer your child, this is an opportunity for families to assess what they value for their campers.

Benefits of Camp Nearby Easier to evaluate and visit Friends and family are likely familiar with camp Minimal travel costs Likely contact with classmates or children from same region Benefits of Camp Far Away More choices Different experiences, different geography, for example, mountains or oceans— even different languages Promotes independence, particularly for early and late adolescent campers Diversity of campers Chance for family to visit and vacation at close of camp

Session Length Offers Another Choice Camps offer widely varying options to help parents and children reach their goals for summer fun and exploration. Talking with your child about the goals you both share helps determine which choice is right for you.

Benefits of Short Sessions (1-3 weeks) First-time or younger campers have a chance to learn new skills Bonds develop with other campers and staff Great exposure to camp experience with less expense Minimizes homesickness Benefits of Longer Sessions (4-12 weeks) Strong sense of belonging to camp community Chance to learn new skills Development of specialized skills Multiple opportunities for learning and enrichment Lifelong friendships Opportunities to contribute to camp culture

Boys Only, Girls Only, or Co-ed?

Now may be the opportunity to explore the choices and benefits of all boys, all girls, or co-ed camps.

Benefits of Single Sex Camps Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in position of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers More opportunities to “be yourself” www.kidsinvictoria.com

Joseph

without impressing or competing with the opposite sex Camp philosophy may be tuned into gender strengths and weaknesses Brother or sister camps may share activities Benefits of Co-ed Camps Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in positions of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers Mirrors and prepares campers for everyday living in a co-ed world Allows families with a boy and a girl to attend the same camp Offers diverse points of view Breaks through divisions set up in school when campers participate in equal footing

A Camp for Every Child—Traditional, Specialty, and Special Needs Choices abound when it comes to camp programs. One may highlight a wide variety of activities geared to campers of all ages and skill levels, others, because of their setting and expertise, may concentrate on one or two activities while providing traditional activities as well. Parents of children with special needs are pleased to learn about the range of camp activities that help kids be kids first.

Benefits of Traditional Camps Wide variety of activities Chance for campers to try new activities Exposure to more campers and staff at varying activities Benefits of Specialty Camps One or two specialized activities (often combined with traditional offerings) Expectation for increased proficiency during camping session Deepens knowledge and skill in particular area of interest or ability Benefits of Special Needs Camps Activities geared to campers’ abilities Knowledgeable staff with expertise to understand campers’ strengths and challenges Supportive and fun atmosphere to share with others

The Value of Camp for Every Child

Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association, www.acacamps.org.

www.IslandParent.ca

AMAZING

Technicolor®

Animal Tales

by Mark

DuMez

Dreamcoat

lyrics by

music by

Tim Rice

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on tales by Aesop, Brothers Grimm, and Hans Christian Andersen

JUNE 15 TO SEPTEMBER 1

JULY 20 TO AUGUST 25

BROADWAY MUSICAL

PARTICIPATION KIDZPLAY

1.800.565.7738 chemainustheatre.ca Colin Sheen, Giovanni Mocibob, Holly Pillsbury u SeaShine Design u David Cooper Photography

Bioregional Themes Wilderness Skills

Oak and Orca Summer Program

Multi-age Experiential Learning Twice-weekly Cycling Field Trips

(250) 383-6609 oakandorca.ca

A bioregional program encouraging children to connect with the natural spaces and cultural heritage of our home place.

July 3rd to Aug. 31st Located in Victoria at 2738 Higgins St. Oak and Orca School offers three certified options for children: Kindergarten to Grade 10 School Hands-On Home-Learning (K-9) Pre-primary School (ages 3-5)

oakandorca.ca (250) 383-6609 1-888-383-6619

What happens when you make the decision to choose camp? You open up a world of discovery and learning for your child, a world that values children for who they are and who they will become. To find a camp in B.C., visit www.bccamping.org.

and the

June 2012 17

Neil W. McKinlay

Why Meditate?

Three Reasons for Parents

W

e all have lots of reasons for not meditating. We’re busy. Our homes are noisy.

We don’t know how. We feel lousy. We feel great. We’re tired or anxious. We’ll do it tomorrow. The permutations on this theme are—in my experience as a longtime meditator, a meditation teacher, and the parent of a grade-school child—limitless.

That said, however, many of us do think about meditating from time to time. The practice occasionally draws our attention as a good idea. “I really need it,” is something many people say to me. “How about taking a class?” I’ll ask. The mood between us shifts with these words. “Maybe,” my companion will hesitate. “Maybe once we’ve finished renovating.”

We all have lots of reasons for not meditating—and many of these seem pretty darn convincing. What, then, might be some reasons for engaging in this practice? What sort of benefits can meditation offer? What

can meditation give that might keep us going after that initial exposure?

Off the top of my head I can think of three reasons for parents to meditate. This is far from an exhaustive list, though it does touch upon a few benefits whose presence I suspect most of us would deeply appreciate.

1. Stress. Meditation is a wonderful tool for helping us relax with the stress of our lives. The key word in this sentence is “with.”

The practice does not remove stress from our lives. It does not magically pay our bills or remedy our workplace troubles. Meditation does, however, help us develop a certain ease with our difficulties.

The practice of meditation asks us to simply be with what is happening. Feeling excited?

Just be there. Confused? Just be there. Over time, this sense of presence strengthens and radiates into our everyday lives. We become more accommodating of the joys and sorrows, uncertainties and delights that are part

of being human. The more we cultivate this sort of accommodation, the less stress we feel.

Put another way, meditation helps us surrender some of our ongoing fight with life—‘Things should be different!’—and this has far-reaching effects. We become a little more able to be with our families through all the challenges and wonder they offer.

2. Seeing. A second benefit of meditation is the gift of insight. With practice we begin to see our actions and behaviours with greater clarity. An example might highlight just how this clarity manifests and why it might be of benefit in our lives.

Several days ago, I returned home in a sour mood. The moment I walked through the door, my daughter approached all bright-eyed and excited. “Dad! Dad!” she exclaimed, jumping from foot to foot and pulling at one of my arms. My skin tightened and my jaw seized under this onslaught. I drew breath, intending to yell at her.

Then, in an instant, I saw that the main reason I wanted to scream was the abovementioned mood. I wasn’t really angry at my daughter, though her exuberance did offer a very tempting target. I let the breath escape. “Just give me a sec,” I eventually said. “Then you can show me whatever has you so excited.”

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18 Island Parent Magazine

14/03/2012 5:25:35 PM

www.kidsinvictoria.com

This sort of insight is a natural consequence of meditation. With practice our minds settle. Imagine a glass of water cloudy with sediment. Stop moving the glass and the sediment sinks to the bottom, leaving the water relatively clear; we are able to see more.

When we meditate, the same thing happens.

Mental chatter subsides and we see things that previously passed unnoticed, things that perhaps obscure our ability to be the kind of parent we aspire toward.

3. Setting an example. Like most parents, I want the best for my child. Among other things, I want her to enjoy the best possible quality of life. With this in mind, I recall an exchange from many years ago.

I was at a meditation program and the teacher was taking questions. “How can we get our kids to meditate?” someone asked.

One could feel all the attention in the room focus on this inquiry. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to know how we might avail our children of the benefits of this practice. The teacher smiled and let the moment stretch out before giving an answer. “Make certain you meditate yourself,” he said.

A picture is worth a thousand words; it all comes back to that common phrase. When we meditate we are setting a powerful example for our kids. We are showing them that it is possible to deal with stress in a healthy way, to see our behaviour with enough clarity and understanding that we are able to defuse the kind of “kick the dog” moments outlined above. Through developing our own familiarity with this practice, we are providing an example that is far more likely to be emulated than any admonition to “Meditate because it’s good for you!”

All this said, however, it’s still not easy.

We’re still going to be busy and our homes are still going to be noisy and we’re still going to say to ourselves, “Maybe tomorrow.” The good news is we can meditate anyway. Even if it’s only for five minutes in the midst of a crazy day, we can—with a lot of patience, gentleness, and self-understanding—do it.

As this happens, we’ll find these three benefits coming into our lives with everincreasing frequency: reduced stress, clear seeing, and the experience of offering our children a positive role model. And the more these appear, the more we’re going to feel motivated to find a little room in our lives for this practice. At least, that is, some of the time.

Wanted:

Children to see their brains in action!

Dr. Holroyd and colleagues at the University of Victoria Department of Psychology are currently looking for children between the ages 8 and 13 who have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to participate in a study of ADHD. Participants will engage in game-like computer activities, paper and pencil tasks, and “brainwave” experiments where we will record the electrical activity of the brain!

The procedure is entirely safe, non-invasive, and most children enjoy being involved in a scientific experiment!

Scheduling is flexible and there is a small monetary compensation.

Thank you for your participation!

For more information, please contact Akina at 250 472 5014 or uvic.adhd@gmail.com

BIG Summer Savings! toys gifts books clothes maternity groceries diapering and more!

Neil McKinlay is a parent, meditation teacher, and personal coach. He manages to meditate (almost) every day.

www.IslandParent.ca

Publication

Island Parent Magazine

Insertion Date

May 2012

Size

4.75 x 2.125

Colour

BW

Make the Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book your go-to-guide this Summer!

Pick up your Spring 2012 edition at participating stores or online.

Family Focused, Local Savings.

Client Contact

Moms & More Productions: Savvy Squirrel thesavvysquirrel@gmail.com June 2012

Design Contact

Amy Rutherford, Rather Good Design amy@rathergood.ca

19

Moira Chaudhry

Green Apples

A

s a stay-at-home mother with an infant and two school-aged children to take care of, being green isn’t always easy. I’m definitely no purist, but I do aspire to treading lightly on the earth. Somehow, between junk food cravings, staying within the family food budget, and dealing with picky eaters, environmental sustainability finds its way onto our dinner table.

Buying local helps. I used to think organic was always best, but after hearing a talk by Sooke Harbour House’s Sinclair Philip, a Slow Food Canada advocate, I’m now convinced that it’s better to buy a conventional local apple than an organic imported one.

Why? It’s a complicated issue—but for me supporting local farmers and avoiding the long journey imported organic goods have to make along with the accompanying impact on taste and global warming tips the balance.

Farmers’ markets are a lovely way to support small farmers, and my favourite is Victoria’s Moss Street Market, with Granville Island being a close second if you’re over

in Vancouver. This is a great place to buy unusual varieties of fruits and veggies that don’t always make it into the supermarkets.

It’s fun to go home with a bag full of garlic scapes (the curly green tops) or Russian Blue potatoes. I also feel a warm glow of virtue knowing that I’m aiding the cause of food security and helping keep heritage seed varieties in circulation.

Did you know that eating vegetarian food at least occasionally makes a big difference to the planet’s health and your own? Livestock farming accounts for about 20 per cent of carbon emissions contributing to global warming according to the United Nations.

Going veggie one day a week is the latest craze, and in my household we usually opt for a meat-free option at least that often.

When we do eat meat I prefer to buy free range or organic meat from one of the excellent butchers in Victoria. I made the mistake of reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s insightful Eating Animals while pregnant and will never feel the same way about factory farmed

meat again. (It wasn’t a mistake to read the book, just a mistake to do so when I had morning sickness!) Organic meat is healthier and more environmentally sustainable than factory farming in terms of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and waste. It is also much more expensive, which is why I’ve chosen to eat less meat, but of better quality.

I also eat free range or organic eggs, which are less likely to carry salmonella.

(My children like to eat raw cookie dough.)

At my local Thrifty Foods you can buy the wonderful Rabbit River Farms eggs which are certified by BCSPCA. As for milk, we balk at the price, but we drink organic.

We also like to eat fish at least once a week. In addition to choosing dolphinfriendly tuna, I also only buy wild salmon.

Salmon is usually farmed using open net pens within which the fish are crawling with sea lice. These lice are then passed on to young salmon with devastating consequences. Joyfully, closed containment farmed salmon (for example, the pens are not open to the sea) is becoming available.

I am enormously enthusiastic about growing my own fruit and vegetables. Having been inspired by the likes of Barbara Kingsolver (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle) and B.C. locals Alisa Smith and JB MacKinnon

Take your summer “staycation” with the new Playmobil Harbour & Ferry Boat.

Come visit either of our stores this month and enter our draw to win it all!

Draw Date: June 1st to 30th

Discover Buddies… a great little toy store!

2533 Estevan Avenue Victoria Tel 250-595-6501 20 Island Parent Magazine

2494 Beacon Avenue Sidney Tel 250-655-7171 www.kidsinvictoria.com

(The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating), every spring I plant rows of lettuce, carrots, potatoes, peas and the like. Predictably by late spring the weeds have outgrown my ability to keep up with them. Fortunately we usually still manage to salvage some of our very own “100-metre diet” foodstuffs.

There is nothing quite as satisfying as rinsing off a freshly harvested carrot under the garden hose and giving it to an impressed toddler to munch on.

This year was a bumper crop for the strawberries, raspberries, currants and rhubarb in my back yard. One of my chief pleasures is making a summer pudding with fruits from the garden. If you don’t know how to make this traditional British dessert then follow the simple recipe below. If you have extra fruit you can freeze some in baggies so that you can revisit the delights of summer during the cold winter months.

Foraging is another summer joy, with blackberries being the main attraction.

Armed with gloves, long sticks with a hook on the end and empty ice cream tubs, a family outing to our favourite blackberrying spots is a sticky, sweaty, happy affair. And there is the thrill of free “wild” food!

It would be lovely if making environmentally sound choices when it comes to what my family eats was always that easy—it’s sometimes expensive or means researching a plethora of confusing labels—and yes, you might spot me occasionally in a fast food restaurant line up…but I’ll have a locally grown apple in my pocket.

SUNFUN 2012 K–7 Summer Day Camp Program

Registration Forms available at www.cridge.org or call 250•995•6407 for more information 1309 HIL L SID E AV E NU E, V I C TO R I A , B C V8T 2B3

Summer Pudding Take a glass bowl (the size will depend on the amount of people you have to feed) and line it with white bread. Simmer your berries with a little lemon juice and sugar to taste. (It doesn’t matter what berries you use but common garden fruits include currants, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.)

Place your bowl on a plate to catch any fruit juices that escape. Now pour the fruit into the bowl and cover with bread so that it is completely encased. Put another plate over the top of the bowl with something heavy on top of it. Put it in the fridge overnight to set. The next day, turn it out onto a plate to serve and cover with any juices caught in the plate underneath. Delicious with local organic cream!

Moira Chaudhry is a mother of three and works with environmental charity Sierra Club BC. She loves to sing and drink tea, though not at the same time. www.IslandParent.ca

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

saanichdentalgroup.com 119–1591 McKenzie Ave, Victoria

250 477 7321

info@saanichdentalgroup.com June 2012

21

Summer Art Classes • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation

• One or Two Hour Sessions • Technique Oriented • Fabulous Results • Portfolio Preparation ages 14 & up • Day & Evening Classes

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art Call Joan in the Oak Bay Monterey Mews, #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave

250-383-0566

www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com Now offering Art lessons on SKYPE for those unable to make it to the studio

Fun Acrylic Stain Painting Workshop for Children

(Supplies Included.) Saturdays 10am – Noon

22 Island Parent Magazine

Jody Carrow

Stillbirth is Still Birth

M

y son, John Geoffrey Robert Carrow, was born just three days shy of his sister’s second birthday. Ruby never met her brother and never will because he died of an umbilical cord problem at nearly seven gestational months. When I revisit those long hours from first sensing something wasn’t right to leaving the hospital without my son, I sometimes move through the memories in the same state of shock I felt on that day, as if no time has passed. Shock, in many ways, is a mercy because it allows me to go there without feeling, which I need to do once in a while. But then I need to feel because healing cannot happen when you are shut down.

I try to refrain from defining my grief in “stages.” This is not to say that maybe, in the big picture, we all grieve in the same way in relatively the same time, but the rigid application of the grief timeline and grief process is a break we need to make.

What death tried to teach me 17 years ago when my father died, what I am finally beginning to learn through the death of my son, is: 1. Ranking experiences is an irrelevant and violent practice. Grief is grief. Joy is joy. Pain is pain. Love is love. We live in a hierarchical society and that need to place ourselves in relation to everyone else—better or worse, richer or poorer, healthier or sicker—robs us of being truly in our own experience. And when we apply that ranking system to others, we snatch away the validity and integrity of their experience.

Trying, I suppose, to make me feel better, I had more than one person tell me I should be grateful I was not my friend who lost her baby at 40 weeks. At the other end of the spectrum, another friend expressed her discomfort at sharing with me the loss of her third baby at “only” 18 weeks.

We need to stop doing this to ourselves and to others—we can all claim our experiences and live them fully without trodding on anyone else’s. In ego-free grief (yes, our egos will demand space even here) there is room for everyone. Comparing ourselves is neither comforting nor is it a healthy way to count our blessings. I am certain what I felt when I held Johnny in my arms is similar to what every mother who has lost a child feels—how we came to that loss will be

different, but I believe that when a heart breaks, it breaks. When it sings, it sings.

2. There is no protocol for how you should be when you are grieving: laugh, cry, dance, punch pillows, scream at the dog, go on a shopping binge (we bought a new car); it need not matter to anyone but you.

If you can live with the person you are in grief—and I mean truly that you can sleep at night—everyone else can (and should) too.

3. I used to believe losing a child was the worst grief a person could carry. Everyone said it was because babies, children, teenagers, young people are not supposed to die.

Well, if that’s the case, then I have survived the “worst.” But, is it? No, it is not the worst experience, it is simply an experience. What makes it hurt so terribly are the rules we have invented for Life, rules I freely applied to my own situation. Babies are not supposed to die. They’re not? Mine did, so where does that leave me? Losing a child in utero is not as bad as losing your teenager whom you have had that many more years to love. It’s not? Why isn’t that a relief?

Clinging to notions of a right and a wrong order to life and then parsing appropriate levels of emotion according to this order is to live a long life of frustration because you are forever seeking security on ever-shifting ground, bitterness because the depth of your feeling is constantly scrutinized and evaluated by yourself and others, robbing you of any real honest moments with it, resentment because something will inevitably come along to usurp your tenuous claim to the “best” or “worst,” and alienation because all of this makes you so alone—the last thing we truly want to be.

4. Silence is toxic. Enough said.

5. Being the person who got to house the little body and spirit of my son for his entire life is a great gift to be given. There was absolutely nothing horrific or terrifying about delivering him. This is not to say it was easy. For me, Johnny’s birth taught me stillbirth can be beautiful if we will meet it and give it the dignity it is due. I did not go into the delivery of our son with this wisdom, or rather, I did not choose to be graceful about it. Grace chose me and I was too devastated to put up a resistance.

A sense of reverence is now what I describe that night with—the awesome stillness and www.kidsinvictoria.com

love he was born into, the wonder of holding him, the pride and joy that rushed as I gazed at his perfect form. This is not to paint over the heartbreak, the bottomless sadness, or how every cell in my body raged against what was happening. It is to say the

To anyone going through, about to go through, or recovering from a stillbirth, I wish you peace, community, love, and all the strength you already have. least I could do for this precious being was to meet him in his death with all the love every child deserves.

6. Stillbirth (and forgive the word play here) is still birth. It is awesome, it is devastating, it is powerful beyond measure, and yes, it can even be joyous. I was not prepared—because no one talks about stillbirth this way—for how I could be smiling.

I could not reconcile my deep grief with the desire to call everyone I know and love to come and see him. I did not understand

I was now one of the women who get to know this secret and will mostly keep it to myself because it only takes one horrified face to turn the Tap of Sharing off. When talking to my friend who also lost her son this way, we both agreed that if someone had prepared us for what to expect emotionally during those long hours of waiting to say goodbye to our babies, we would have benefited from the prospect of joy, rather than the specter of only fear and sadness.

To anyone going through, about to go through, or recovering from a stillbirth, I wish you peace, community, love, and all the strength you already have. Gather it all around you and use it to hold yourself, and your baby, up. While ultimately solitary, meaning you are the only one who can literally do this, know that you are not alone. At the very least, all of the women like me who have gone before you will be there in spirit.

Jody Carrow lives and writes in Victoria.

She is the mother of two mighty girls and teaches creative writing workshops for children and youth. She is a graduate of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Victoria.

Oak Bay PRESCHOOL

SPACES AVAILABLE REGISTER NOW FOR 2012/2013 A nurturing environment where children expand their social skills and learn through play.

1701 Elgin St. 250-592-1922 www.oakbaypreschool.com

Capital Regional District 2012 Hartland Open House Sunday June 24th, 2012 10:30am to 3:30pm, Hartland Landfill, #1 Hartland Avenue Where learning at the landfill meets fun!

So come for a look behind the scenes at your award-winning landfill and check out educational displays.

To ensure your spot on a tour, register by calling 250.474.9613 or email hartland@crd.bc.ca. Registered tours leave from Camosun College Interurban Campus.

For more information visit www.crd.bc.ca/hartlandhappening *Accepting donations for United Way.*

Proudly supported by

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 23

Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar

Reading Study Skills

Writing Homework

Fran Kirby

Math French

Learning doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop just because school is out Brains need stimulation all year long.

Over the summer, kids can lose academic ground.

Oxford Learning programs will stimulate brains all summer. The result is better grades in the fall. A summer at Oxford Learning is all it takes.

Registered Disability Savings Plans R

CALL TODAY at 250.477.5550 or visit oxfordlearning.com

egistered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) were introduced by the federal government in 2009 to help children and adults with disabilities, and since then, there has been a slow uptake of these financial tools, both by the potential recipients and by financial institutions.

Here is how they work. The parent or legal guardian (or the person with the disability if they are an adult) will open a plan for a beneficiary at a financial institution that offers RDSPs. In order to qualify as a beneficiary, the child must be approved to receive the disability tax credit, as defined by the income tax act. This means that they have a disability that is both severe and prolonged and they will be markedly restricted in the activities of daily living or require life-sustaining therapy.

Once the plan is opened for a child, family or individual income testing is applied to determine the amount of federal government contributions to the plan. Low income families may receive up to $1000 annually (no contributions are required) and up to 300 per cent matching contributions by the individual or contributor. High income families also benefit as a $1000 grant is received for the first $1000 contributed. These plans are intended for long-term savings and therefore, grants have to be repaid if they are withdrawn prematurely.

RDSPs have the potential to accrue significant wealth in the long term for children and adults living with disabilities.

Fran Kirby is a Certified Financial Planner with Assante Capital Management Ltd. in Duncan, 250-748-6631. This article is provided solely for general information on RDSPs.

24â&#x20AC;&#x192; Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Saturday, June 9 2:00pm

Nanaimo German Cultural Hall

Sunday, June 10 2:00pm

Gabriola Island Community Hall

Tickets $10 (kids under 2 free) Available Kool & Child Nanaimo and Gabriola Artworks

DVD Release Parties!

Sabrina

Award winning children’s music!

Rebecca

future Minister of the Environment

Isabella

future commercial pilot

going to make difference a in the world

great

Girl Greatness Starts Here!

Triptych_7.125x2.125.indd 1

SUMMER PROGRAMS Summer Camps & Outdoor Soccer now available online for registration.

1-800-565-8111 girlguides.ca 5/26/2011 8:57:10 AM

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

SPORTBALL KIDS - Junior (16-24mos) PARENT & CHILD/ME & MY DAD (2-4yrs) MULTI-SPORT (4-7yrs) SPORTBALL FITKIDS (6-12yrs) OUTDOOR SOCCER (2-12yrs) BIRTHDAY PARTIES (2-12yrs)

Soccer | Hockey | Football | Volleyball | Baseball | Basketball | Tennis | Golf

van.island@sportball.ca www.IslandParent.ca

www.sportball.ca

250.590.4625 June 2012 25

Summer Programs H

ere it is! Victoria’s most comprehensive listing of summer programs for families.

Included you’ll find information on everything from Art to Science & Nature and much, more. Check out the advertising in this issue for more details.

ART I love 4Cats in the summer time! Registration is open for summer camps at 4Cats Arts Studio. Mixed Media, Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Robert Bateman, Abstract Expressionism, Stop Motion Animation and Star Force. We have summer workshops,

V I C TO R I A’ S

U N D E RWAT E R

A Q U A R I U M

AN AUTHENTIC UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE !

Live Dive Show every hour Aquatic-themed 490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA Gift Shop 250-382-5717 www.pacificunderseagardens.com

490 BELLEVILLE ST. VICTORIA 250-382-5717 • www.pacificunderseagardens.com 26

Island Parent Magazine

too. Contact your local 4Cats Art Studio and get creative with us. www.4cats.com, or call Langford 778-430-5422, Oak Bay 250598-0300, or Royal Oak 250-590-7233.

Art classes at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria—the ideal place for children to explore visual culture and express their own creative vision. Register now for innovative studio workshops for ages 2-12 that introduce new skills and techniques, build confidence, and encourage the creative process. Four- and five-day sessions run through July and August exploring painting, drawing, sculpture and more. Classes range from $75-$90 + HST. Members save $10.

For full details, visit www.aggv.ca. 1040 Moss Street. 250-384-4171, ext 0.

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art offers fun and educational courses all year round for children ages 4-14 in drawing, painting, sculpture and cartooning in a variety of mediums, including pastel, acrylic, water colour, pencil and charcoal. At 14, children go into adult classes and have the opportunity to enrol in the Portfolio Preparation session to prepare for college or University entrance in a variety of degree programs. Regular classes are one hour per week throughout the year. Summer session offers one- or two-hour sessions, two or three times per week. Emphasis is placed on technique and everyone works at his or her own level. Call Joan at 250-383-0566. www. artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com.

Fiddlesticks Studio of Fine Arts for Young Children. Summer camps and lessons for young music makers and artists.“I often describe walking into Fiddlesticks as walking into a fairytale—where the kids are inspired to dream, discover, imagine possibilities and become exactly who they are. The sparkle in my son’s eyes at pick-up time says it all!” – parent of a Fiddlesticks student. OPEN DOOR Wednesday June 6th 1-2pm 250.858.7034 fiddlesticks.studio@ shaw.ca www.FiddlesticksChild@shaw.ca.

Fired Up Ceramics is the place for unleashing your creativity. Paint on pottery that has already been formed so it is ready to be transformed. You pick it and paint it, we overglaze it and fire it in a kiln that makes it into a vibrant, shiny show piece and functional item. Get Fired Up! about summer camp this year. We are offering camps for kids ages 6-10 and 11-15. Phone 250-818-4543, drop in to 1636 Cedar Hill www.kidsinvictoria.com

S T A G E S Su m mer Pro g ra ms 2012

Cross Road, or check the website at www. firedupceramics.ca.

Summer Art Workshops at Island Blue.

Island Blue offers a series of morning and afternoon art workshops for kids ages 6-7, 8-11, 12-14 and 15-17 during July and August. Students will be introduced to printmaking, sculpture, painting, drawing, multimedia and many other creative activities. The instructors have had lots of experience teaching art techniques to children, and bring with them a wealth of enthusiasm and experience to the classroom. For details on the summer program, visit www.artstore. islandblue.com or call 250-385-9786.

32nd A n nual

Da nce I ntensive Aug ust 20 th - 31st

Part-day program for dancers 10 years old & up in Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop & Lyrical

Plus

CHURCH CAMPS

Week-long, part day

Youth Da nce Ca mps

Emmanuel Baptist Church is offering camps all summer long. We have two Vacation Bible School programs, two PreschoolGrade 1 camps, and two Grade 1-5 camps.

These camps are action packed, with lots of volunteers, so the camper to adult ratio is very low. We have two full-time workers.

The preschool camps are limited to 20 children so they are not overwhelming. Contact Ingrid White or Genevieve Lisik for more information. 250-592-2418.

A nd Week-long, morning

Preschool Dance Camps Throughout July & August for 3-5 years olds in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre & Tap plus

Little Dancers Classes are running through the summer for those 15 months to 3 years old

photo by D Haggart

The Forge Camps. Come to summer camp in the Westshore! We offer affordable camps throughout July and August for children ages 7-11. All camps take place at the Forge (church) from 9am-3pm. We offer art camps (July 9-13 and August 7-10), sport camps (July 16-20 and August 13-17), and CREATE camp (July 23-27), all at a cost of $60 per camp. For more information, contact 250-884-1734 or summercamps@ theforgechurch.com.

Throughout July & August for dancers 6-12 years old in Jazz, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre

Come Da nce With Us

For more information call (250) 384-3267 email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca or visit us at www.stagesdance.com

COMPUTERS Byte Camp—Creative Tech Camps for Kids! Kids in our Claymation Movie Production camps create their own clay characters, sets and props, and shoot and edit their own quirky animated movies. Our Flash Video Game Design camps teach kids how to animate characters and stories, and program Actionscript to make fun, interactive video games. And our 3D Animation camp will introduce the next generation PIXAR artists to the amazing world of 3D character modelling and animation. $240/ wk, 9-14 years, www.bytecamp.ca, 1(888) 808-BYTE for more information. www.IslandParent.ca

Children/Teen Sewing Camps Children

Summer ¤‚⁄¤ Classes

(aged 7 yrs & up)

July 3-6

Aug 7-10

& Teens

July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 July 30-Aug 3

Aug 13-17 Aug 20-24 Aug 27-31

(4 days)

Emphasis is on sewing clothes they can wear!

Bay/Fernwood Area Fall classes also available

Andrea’s

Andrea Bailey

21 years experience

(4 days)

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

Call 250-592-7879 aseweasy@shaw.ca

June 2012 27

DANCE/MUSIC/PERFORMANCE

CFSA Summer Sail Training Programme Learn to Sail at the Canadian Forces Sailing Association! We offer courses for Children aged 4 years and up, and Adults of all ages, from beginner to advanced. CFSA is a wonderful place to learn to sail with favourable wind and a protected harbour. As part of a working military base, there are always exciting things happening in the bay. Our one and two week programmes are a great way for kids, adults and families to enjoy their summer learning on the water!

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

Course Registration Through the Pacific Activity Centre at 250-363-1009.

CFSA Summer Dinghy Regatta 25 August 2012

Free to all graduates of a CFSA Summer 2012 Course! A fun day of racing in Esquimalt Harbour! Regardless of your racing experience, come out and put your new sailing skills to the test in a friendly and fun competition. Prizes in all categories, hot dogs and refreshments for lunch. Look for bulletins on our facebook page and website!

Cabri Creative Dance Director/Teacher Annemarie Cabri returns again for her sought after programs of dance-art-music starting July 30 for children 4-years-old up to teens. New are full-day programs, Hand Drum Rhythms with a drum for each child, and creative ballet with Annemarie. Visual art is once again inspired by Sandi Henrich using quality materials. Come find out one of Victoria’s best kept summer secrets.

Register now as places fill quickly. www.

CabriCreativeDance.com.

Dansko Studios summer camps are a great way to introduce your child to a variety of different dance styles. Come and try our full-day or half-day dance camps in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip hop and breakdance for ages 3 and up in an energetic and friendly atmosphere. Please visit our website at www.danskostudios.com for our detailed summer dance schedule and our 2012/13 dance schedule. We are located at 4814 West Saanich Road. 250-475-6606.

Kaleidoscope summer camps. Why spend your summer indoors when you could spend it with Kaleidoscope? Make your summer a dramatic one with programs by Vancouver Island’s leading theatre school. Acting Adventures: capture the flag, California kickball and water balloons collide with improv and more for the ultimate summer camp. Teen Shakespeare: perhaps Shakespeare is more your cup of tea? Working with a professional director, teens will explore, bringing the Bard to life. Information and registration at www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca or 250-383-8124.

Ph: 250 385 8873 Fax: 250 385 1873 Email: cfsatraining@gmail.com Web: http://cfsa.wordpress.com/

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio offers young people with a dramatic interest or passion a series of exciting summer camps to creatively explore and develop their skills.

Kate and her studio are highly regarded for running quality theatre programing for children and adults. This summer, experienced actors/teachers will be teaching specialized workshops for youth ages 5-17, including a camp for teen Shakespeare enthusiasts.

Groups are small for quality instruction.

For more information, call 250-386-8593 or email katerubin@telus.net. www.katerubintheatre.com.

Get updates in your Facebook Newsfeed about upcoming and ongoing training opportunities!

Join our group at: http://www.facebook.com/ groups/260909177281019/

Larsen Summer Music 2012 offers three exciting programs: Summer Band, Summer Jazz and Indie Band Bootcamp. All programs

1001 Maple Bank Rd, Victoria BC V9A 4M2

follow the links to training and sailing lessons

28 Island Parent Magazine

are designed to inspire, inform, support and encourage participants of all ages and musical backgrounds. Each program focuses on ensemble playing and student performances and is led by a faculty of world-class professionals. Join us for an unbeatable summer of musical excitement. For more information contact us at 250.389.1988 ext. 3201 and on the web at www.larsenmusic.ca.

Lighthouse Academy of Dance. Pure, pleasing, positive. Summer Camps: August 27-31 at Royal Roads, various styles. Ages: 4-6, 7-11 and 12+. Sept 1 Boys Only Dance Day. Ages 5-7 and 8+. Fall registration on now. Exam and leisure courses, age 2-adult. Beginner to advanced. Excellent staff. RAD ballet, ISTD modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre and more. lighthouseballet@gmail.com.

250-595-8705. www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com The Mary Winspear Community Cultural Centre in Sidney offers youth programs in fashion design, photography, performing and visual arts, along with performances on stage in the Charlie White Theatre and art exhibitions in the Myfawny Art Gallery.

Our creative programs are offered during July and August. The Children’s Art and Music Fund is also available for low-income family participation. Check out www. marywinspear.ca for more information and to register. Help your child develop their creativity!

In addition to our super fun-filled four-day camps during spring and summer breaks, the Screen Actors Studio (est. 1980) offers year-round programs for young actors. The Conservatory programs for age groups 8-12 and teens, are designed to develop a sense of confidence in a friendly encouraging environment from absolute beginner through to advanced auditioning programs for teens building the necessary skills for opportunities in the competitive fields of film and television. Classes take place at our spacious studios at 845 Fisgard Street. For program information, visit www.screenactors.ca, call 250-595-1339, or email screenact@shaw.ca to be added to the studio program email list for regular program updates.

Stages Performing Arts School is offering a number of different summer programs through July and August. Since 1980, Stages Performing Arts School has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, lyriwww.kidsinvictoria.com

cal, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels of experience, preschool to professional. It is our goal to promote self-confidence, self-esteem and fulfilment in each student. We believe that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive environment, which fosters self-expression, a healthy body, confidence, and encourages responsibility, discipline, inspiration, creativity and pride in their accomplishments. For more information, please call STAGES at 250-384-3267, or visit www.stagesdance.com.

The summer holiday programs at St. Michaels University School offer stimulating and enjoyable camps organized around creative themes for all children and youth in Greater Victoria ages 5-17. For 13- to 17-year-olds, check out the Summer Music Academies—week-long residential or day camps that build skills through hands-on learning with expert instructors and professional musicians in three areas of focus: voice, band, and musical theatre. For full details, please visit our website at www. smus.ca/summer or call 250-370-6120.

Tom Lee Music Learning Centre’s flexible summer lesson programs offer an ideal solution to get you started on or simply testing the waters of a musical journey.

Our famous School of Rock program, and low commitment, flexible private lessons are a perfect fit for busy summer holiday schedules. Call Elaine at 250-383-5222, or drop by the store for more information.

Victoria Conservatory of Music offers Music Discovery Camp, July 16-20 and 23-27, 9am-4pm. This camp is the perfect way to explore music in an inspiring setting with our outstanding professionals. We offer three camps for children 5-12 where kids can experiment with sounds, learn new instruments and explore chamber music.

From musical theatre to group instrumental lessons, from pots and pans to Garage Band, strum, strike, bow and blow with us this summer! www.vcm.bc.ca/musicdiscovery or 250-386-5311.

EDUCATION Preschool at Burnside Gorge. Register now for September. Preschool prepares children for kindergarten. Meet new friends, learn new skills and have fun. 9am-12pm. 2, 3 or 5 days/week enrollment options. $120-$300/ www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 29

month. Ages 3.5-5. For more information, call 250-388-5251.

sides.ca, or call us at 250-704-4979 or 250-479-7125.

Karen Murdoch, Therapeutic Tutor. Summer is a great time for students to get a “leg up” on their academics. Struggling students can learn a great deal and return to class in September with greater confidence and increased self-esteem. If your child dissolves in tears over his or her homework, if they are having difficulty with reading, writing, spelling or math, if you are having trouble getting them to go to school at all, this program is specifically developed for children like yours. To find out how Karen can help your child this summer, call 778-430-3183.

Victoria Group Perspectives Therapy Services offer a range of Social Learning Programs suitable for those with a variety of developmental disabilities, including Autism, Aspergers, PDD-NOS, NVLD, ADD/ HD and other undiagnosed social challenges. Our services include 1-1, group and summer camp social/behavioural therapy that focuses on developing social understanding and related skills, conversational skills and emotional intelligence. Register now for July and August camps. New: Transitions Programs for teens. www.groupperspectives.com. info@groupperspectives. com. 250-590-7624.

Oxford Learning Centre Victoria. Students lose their learning momentum over the summer. It’s a common phenomenon known as “brain drain,” but luckily it can be prevented. A summer program at Oxford that keeps thinking, reading, writing, math and study skills sharp is the best way to ensure that children of all ages will keep the learning momentum going all year long. Make major academic gains this summer with Oxford Learning. A few hours a week is all it takes. 250-477-5550.

READ Summer Learning Camps. READ is in the community this summer with camps to keep you learning and having fun. READ’s program designers and remedial teachers have created week-long camps that group students by grade and focus on language arts or mathematics. Every camper will take home a summer memory box full of new ideas, games and activities. Camps are small so there is lots of time for individual attention and just the right amount of time for learning together. Be creative and reduce summer learning loss. For information, call 250-388-7225. www.readsociety.bc.ca.

Summer session at South Island Distance Education School (SIDES) offers you a different way to get ahead with your high school credits and catch up with coursework you may have missed. Unlike many summer school classes, where you’re required to attend mandatory day-long classes, SIDES summer session work is completed online, at your convenience. Many of our students work over the summer and complete their coursework in the evenings and on weekends. To better support our students’ post-work study habits, SIDES is open until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, check our website at www.

30 Island Parent Magazine

GYMNASTICS Victoria Gymnastics is celebrating its 30th year of providing quality gymnastics instruction to boys and girls ages two through adult, beginner through advanced. Over this time period, Victoria Gymnastics has gained its long-standing reputation as the Island premier gymnastics club. Some of the key elements of our club’s success are our small class sizes (8:1), convenient class times (morning, afternoon and evening) and expert coaching in a well structured, fun and safe environment. 250-380-2442 or www.victoriagymnastics.com.

RECREATION Boys & Girls Clubs offer more than a child-care solution. Outdoor Adventure Camp is perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy kids ($200/week, 3 weeks July and August) with canoeing, rock-climbing, archery and more at our Outdoor Centre in Metchosin.

Urban Adventure Camp ($150/week, July and August) is a licensed camp in Esquimalt where kids discover adventures outdoors and in the city. Youth Outdoor Leadership offers a tool-box of leadership skills including outdoor recreation certifications for future outdoor careers. www.bgcvic. org/clubs-camps. 250-384-9133 ext. 201.

Summer camps at Burnside Gorge. Enjoy a summer packed with fun, friends and new adventures. Fun n’ Sun Licensed Day Camp for children 5-11 ($35/day, $145$165/week). Camp Survivor Adventure Day Camp for youth 11-15 ($39/day, www.kidsinvictoria.com

$149-$159/week). For more information, call 250-388-5251. Register now, space is limited.

Summer camps at Braefoot. We have many camps to choose from this summer for children 6-17 years old. EcoQuest Camp, Watersports Camp, Ocean River Kayaking Camp, Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp, Fun Days Camp, All Girls Camp, Road/Roller Hockey Camp, and Soccer Camp. Full program details are available at www.braefoot. ca. To register or for more information, please call 250-721-2244.

Grow in Love: Camp in the Community.

Seeking a Vancouver Island camp that provides a safe and inclusive environment where your kids can make friends, develop leadership skills, and deepen their spirituality? Camp in the Community, a new program of the Anglican Diocese of BC, is what you’re looking for! Locate a day-camp or leadership camp near you by visiting www. antikipper.com. Immersed in crafts, songs, team-challenge games, beach time, bible study, and nature education, campers will make memories to last a lifetime.

Mini-Golf Mattick’s Farm

2 CHALLENGING 18 HOLE COURSES Fun for All Ages • Groups Welcome

Birthday Parties Family Reunions Church Groups Clubs/Teams

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

Summer sailing lessons at Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt for kids and adults. Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) certified instructors. One- and twoweek courses, all skill levels, ages 4 and up.

Mondays-Fridays 9am-4pm. Learn to sail in a safe fun environment. Schedule and prices at cfsa.wordpress.com/ (follow the link to Training and Sailing Lessons). 1001 Maple Bank Road, Victoria. 250-385-8873 Email: cfsatraining@gmail.com. Course registration through the Pacific Activity Centre at 250-363-1009.

Christ Church Cathedral School’s summer program, Lux Mundi, is all about providing a safe and exciting summer for your child.

We have a high supervision ratio, energetic and experienced staff, excursions every day, opportunities for new friendships and lots of laughs, plus all the facilities of Christ Church Cathedral School. We offer theme days, soccer camps, scavenger hunts, and many more exciting activities where children learn and grow in a safe and enjoyable environment. The program runs from June 25-August 30. Full- and part-time spaces still available. Contact us at 250-383-5125 or email luxmundi@cathedralschool.ca. www. cathedralschool.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012

31

City Centre Park. Located at 1089 Langford Parkway, we’re a family-friendly place for everything from birthdays to roller blading. Our facilities include 18-hole mini-golf, splash park, Playzone, concession, dry floor and ice arenas, and if you enjoy watching sports, check out Canada’s national rugby teams as they take on competitors from around the world on our two turf fields. For more information, see us online at www. citycentrepark.ca.

At the Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre, we know there are lots of summer camp choices out there for your kids. We understand that parents need safe, fun options for their kids over the summer. When you sign up your child for a City of Victoria summer camp, you can rest assured that we have incorporated both our own expectations and yours into planning our camp program. We’ve got everyone covered, from preschooler to teen, so register today at 250-361-0732. For a complete camp listing, visit www.victoria. ca/recservices.

Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada remains true to its 100+ year-old ideals as a dynamic organization reflecting the needs

and interests of today’s girls and women.

Through imaginative and innovative activity choices, girls are empowered to reach their potential, and become independent, confident and caring as they develop decision-making and life skills. Join online today and help your daughter connect with her community and with the wider world.

Call 250-383-1712 locally or visit www. girlguides.ca.

Panorama Recreation is pleased to offer over 50 exciting camps this summer. Interested in geocaching but also want to improve your golf skills? Are you an aspiring lifeguard but also want to try something new?

Wait…there’s more! Panorama Recreation has created partnerships with local organizations to bring variety and excitement to our program selection. To learn more about our summer camps or to register, please visit our website at www.panoramarecreation. ca. Live well. Have fun.

Recreation Oak Bay has summer fun.

Offering a wide range of camps for all ages, including theme and sport camps for preschoolers; sports, arts & crafts, theatre, dance and theme camps for school-aged

children and Aqua Adventures, Sailing and Junior Lifeguard Club for water enthusiasts.

There are also a variety of traditional day camps for 5- to 12-year-olds including Skidaddle, Explorers (a licensed day camp) and Summer in the Park. Visit www.recreation. oakbay.ca, or call 250-595-7946 for details.

Recreation Oak Bay summer camps—where the fun lasts a lifetime!

Royal Victoria Yacht Club offers public sailing for ages 4 and up in all levels of sailing. Awarded top sailing program of the year in 2011 by the Canadian Yachting Association, we use certified instructors and low student to instructor ratios. Sailors will work towards CANSail accreditation, and will enjoy on-water training, games and a beach day party. For more info, call 250-592-6113, email sailing@rvyc.bc.ca, or visit rvyc.bc.ca. Come and join us on Cadboro Bay. Saanich has been operating children’s summer camps for over 60 years. With summer right around the corner, we know you’re looking for safe, very affordable and quality activities for your family and children.

Saanich Parks & Recreation has packed tons

Register Today!

250-595-7946

Join the Recreation Oak Bay Summer Camp Leaders!

Free ʻCelebrate Canadaʼ Party • Friday June 29 Noon to 2pm on the Oak Bay Municipal Hall lawn

Free BBQ • Entertainment • Jumping Castle • Face Painting • Crafts • Games 32 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

of fun for everyone into our summer lineup for 2012. Our hugely popular summer daycamp and summer playground programs have been revised and updated with many new twists and offerings. Make sure you check us out online at www.saanich.ca for complete details and information on over 130 summer camps and playground programs. There’s sure to be something to pique everyone’s interest. And with camps starting as low as $85/week ($17/day), we have something to fit your budget too!

So you wanna ‘Go for Gold’ or be a ‘Water Warrior…,’ well ‘Boom-Boom-Pow,’ we put the fun in summer! West Shore Parks & Recreation summer programs offer a variety of fun-filled daily and weekly camps for little ones and big ones. Whether you are an aspiring artist, a super sports star, or somewhere in between, we have a camp for you. Visit www.westshorerecreation. ca, or call 250-478-8384 for information.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/westshorerecreation.

RIDING Alpine Stables offers a variety of equestrian opportunities. Unique summer riding camps are offered. Parents can choose from weeklong overnight riding camps, full-day and half-day camps. Camps involve the students in the responsibility of caring for a horse. Camps also include riding lessons, trail rides, feeding, grooming, show & games day. Alpine Stables also offers Family Trail Riding through spectacular West Coast scenery. For camp dates and costs, call 250743-6641. Located in Cobble Hill, 40 minutes from Victoria. www.alpinestable.com.

Westside Stables is located only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria. If you have a horse-crazy kid, we have a program for you.

Register now for our summer riding camps or one of our spring/summer riding lesson programs. We have many well-schooled, wonderful lesson horses and ponies to choose from. Our programs are all run with safety and fun in mind following the Horse Council of BC guidelines for advancement.

We have a large indoor and outdoor riding ring offering year-round riding lessons and riding camps. Come join the fun. Call 250652-1462 or visit www.westsidestables.ca.

“My kid could paint that.”

Great, bring them down.

We have awesome kids’ programs starting in July.

Summer Studio Classes registration begins May 26, 10 am aggv.ca | Love your art gallery.

2012

VCM Summer

Music Discovery Camp July 16-20 and/or July 23-27

VCM Summer Academies Piano July 2-13 String July 2-13 Theory July 2-Aug 3 Guitar July 16-20 Vocal July 27-Aug 10 Flute Aug 14-24 Visit our website for summer music programs for all ages!

Join us in a musical adventure! For kids ages 5-12, these summer camps are the perfect way to explore music in a fun and inspiring setting with fantastic musicians and educators. From musical theatre to group instrumental lessons to Garage Band and more...come sing and play with us this summer!

Spaces are limited – Register before June 18.

Emily Nagelbach, Artistic Director

FUNDING PARTNERS:

900 Johnson • 250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 33

Victoria Gymnastics

all ly F tion r a E a istr s Reg entive th c 0 In e1-3 Jun

Summer Programs

Week Long 1/2 Day Camps — OR —

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

Through Advanced

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

380-2442 Or Register Online At www.victoriagymnastics.com

SCIENCE, NATURE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION GRUBS Summer Camp. This summer, LifeCycles and the Greater Victoria Compost Education Center are again teaming up to host an exciting urban farm day camp. With the expert guidance of farm camp facilitators, kids will learn through hands-on outdoor educational activities. Together they will explore urban farms, build compost, learn about local food, plant seeds, grow food, go on field trips and much more. July 1620, $150 (bursaries available). education@ compost.bc.ca or 250-386-9676.

FUN Camps is an award-winning environmental education and leadership summer camp for 6- to 16-year-olds. Camp activities include swimming, bike workshops, gardening, building solar powered cars, eco-city building, baking brownies in solar ovens, outdoor games, sports, hiking and much more. Campers will also have the opportunity to plan and implement an environmental project in their own schools or communities. Cash awards and mentorship will be awarded to the best project ideas. For more information, visit www.funcamps.ca.

Since 1995 the Marine Adventure Program at Glenlyon Norfolk School has specialized in running 5- to 6-day sea kayak camps for teens and youth. Our day camps for 11to 12-year-olds feature instruction, games and activities specially geared towards the unique and specific needs and interests of this energetic age group. The two leaders are qualified kayak instructors and they create an ideal, safe, fun learning environment for the children, and an opportunity to gain skills and boost their confidence.

Contact the Marine Adventure Program at 250-370-6852 or dtyrell@mygns.ca.

Mad Science camps spark children’s interest in science. From bugs to the vastness of space, launching rockets, testing the science in sport and art, children participate in scientific exploration and create a variety of projects to take home every day. Our indoor and outdoor activities are so much fun, they forget they are learning! All camps run from Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Our mixed classes are suitable for children 5-12.

Locations, details and registration available online, or call 250-391-1814.

Camp Dinosaur at the Royal BC Museum.

The Royal BC Museum’s weekly summer

34 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

camps run from July 16 to August 31.

Budding paleontologists will discover how dinosaurs looked and moved, lived and died. Campers will spend lots of time in our feature exhibition as well as get outdoors to explore some of Victoria’s geological wonders. Ages 6-12. Sign up today, www. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Are you 9-13 and ready for fun and adventure? Scouts Canada’s Wilderness Camp series will be at Camp Bernard the first two weeks of August. Our travelling Summer Camp Team consists of uniquely skilled university/college outdoor enthusiasts who will teach, inspire and make you laugh until your sides hurt. Our camp program specializes in the science behind well-known wilderness skills. Due to the nature of our hands-on experience of wilderness skills, registration is limited to a 6-1 youth/counsellor ratio. If you are looking for excitement and new challenges, register at www.adventurecamps.ca or call Kay at 250-384-3494.

SPORTS Summer golf camps at Highland Pacific Golf. Combine outdoor exercise with golf instruction and learn to golf in a fun, exciting way. Camps include five days of instruction, snacks, HP academy hat, and completion certificate. For girls and boys aged 5-9 and 9-14. HP junior camps are led by PGA of Canada golf professionals with extensive experience teaching young golfers. Check out instructor bios and camp schedules at www.highlandpacificgolf.com.

The GBC Golf Academy at Olympic View, summer golf camps for golfers aged 7 to 13 years. Camps run Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30am-1pm all summer long, starting July 3. Pricing for camps is $199 and includes golf instruction and lunch every day. Our award winning coaches are dedicated to inspiring youth in the area.

For details, contact Director of Instruction Jeff Palmer at 250-474-3673, ext. 241, or email jpalmer@golfbc.com.

Play Registration now open!

2012 Summer Camps

Register online at

VikesCamps.com or call 250.472.4000 for more information

Basketball Dance Girl Power Hockey Mini Vikes

(full and half day)

Multi Sport Racquet Sports Run Jump Throw Soccer Speed & Agility Swimming Swim & Sport Tennis Track & Field Vikes Adventurers Vikes Summer Fun Volleyball Youth Leadership Development Before and after care is available.

250.472.4000 · VikesCamps.com

Are your kids physically literate? Can they run, jump, throw, catch, kick, and strike?

The Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) is committed to teaching your kids physical literacy. PISE Sport Star camps will help improve your child’s agility, balance, coordination, stability and sport skill development to ensure that they will excel at all of www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 35

City of Victoria Recreation Services Summer 2012

Hang Out With Us This Summer!

Arts & Crafts Flash Video Game Design Girls Only!

Summerscope Jet’in Beacon Hill Explorers Swim n’ Splash Step Up Teen Leadership Camouflage Camp Jr. Lifeguard Sailing, Kayaking & More!

Call Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre at 250.361.0732 for program & registration information.

Visit www.victoria.ca/recservices for a complete listing of all programs and services.

Fun, reusable cloth napkins for kids.

FunkinsTM are ideal for school lunch boxes, and mealtime ... at home, in restaurants or on the go.

FunkinsTM make fantastic, unique gifts.

Check out our full range of cheerful patterns online — your kids will thank you, our earth will thank you!

t• en environ m

36 Island Parent Magazine

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www.myfunkins.com

• loved by

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www.kidsinvictoria.com

Passion Sports offers basketball and volleyball camps for kids of all ages and current skill levels. Our programs are designed and coached by current and former college and university players, providing participants with a fun and relatable learning opportunity. This summer, we have camps for ages 5-17 in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and Salt Spring. We hope to see you on the court this summer! info@ passionsports.ca.

Sportball. What a fantastic experience for a child! Available in full-day sessions as well as morning or afternoon half-day sessions.

Sportball camps focus on the eight core Sportball sports including hockey, soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf and football as well as arts & crafts, snack time, stories, music, co-operative games and theme days. Camps are run indoors and outdoors, depending on the location and weather. Visit us online at www.sportball. ca for a list of locations and registration information.

Discover the Power of Play with the UVic Vikes summer camps. Vikes camps include basketball, hockey, Youth Leadership Development, Girl Power!, Mini Vikes (full- and half-day), racquet sports, soccer, multisport, swimming, tennis, track & field, field hockey, speed and agility, Run/Jump/ Throw, Vikes Adventurers, and volleyball.

Participants are provided with t-shirts and a camp certificate, and swimming is included in most full-day camps. Visit www.vikescamps.com to register.

Langford Velox Rugby day camp is for 8to 14-year-olds interested in having fun in the sun and learning the game of rugby, or taking their skills to the next level. No experience needed. All levels welcome. For more information, visit www.langfordrugby.com.

Westshore Motocross Park is a familyorientated dirt bike riding facility. Dirt bike rentals and our Learn to Ride programs are offered weekly with all safety gear and riding lessons available. Our entry level dirt bikes suit the whole family, ages 4 and up.

Birthday parties and private group riding sessions are also a big hit. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 2-8pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm. Or call and www.IslandParent.ca

reserve times. Located at 2207 Millstream Road, Langford. www.westshoremx.com or call 250-893-9547.

enhance their skills. Discover how much fun competitive swimming can be! For more information, visit www.islandswimming.com.

SWIMMING/DIVING

OTHER

Boardworks. Join one of Canada’s most successful springboard and platform diving clubs this summer at Panorama Pool and learn how to dive in a fun and safe atmosphere. Boardworks OlympicGarten Camps (5-8 years) combine dryland training, gymnastics and time in the water for a fun introduction to basic diving skills.

FunDive Camps (9-12 years) teach beginner to advanced participants basic and advanced introductory diving skills using dryland training and gymnastics as well as time in the water. Visit www.boardworks.ca to register or for more information.

Andrea’s Sew Easy. Can you imagine how excited your child would be to make their own clothes? Andrea Bailey has been teaching children from the age of 7 up to teens for over 21 years. Small classes, maximum of 4, allow students to work at their own speed. One-week camps are held during July and August from Monday to Friday, either morning or afternoon sessions. For more information, call Andrea’s Sew Easy at 250-592-7879, or email aseweasy@shaw. ca. During the school year, classes are held after school and on Saturdays.

Island Swimming’s 2012 Summer Skills Programs are ideal for young swimmers looking for a new challenge. Camp locations are at Crystal Pool, Seaparc Pool and Juan de Fuca Rec Center, with many attendance choices. Island Swim Skills are open to all levels of ability and offer athletes the opportunity to maintain their fitness and

BCSPCA. Many kids love animals, whether being influenced by stories, the family pet or an innate desire to help those who are most vulnerable. Learning ways to take this interest to the next level is what young people can experience at SPCA camps. What a great way for kids to spend a week this summer, sharing the experience with other animal lovers and fostering their passion to make

Nicholas Fairbank Artistic Director

Gotta Sing!

! n u ng f

avi

their sporting and lifestyle activities. Camps are offered in July and August with four age group options. www.piseworld.com.

Ages 7–17 www.vivachoirs.ca

kids h

For a placement interview or audition viva@vivachoirs.ca 250.472.2655

Viva Youth Choirs are supported by: Capital Regional District Province of BC

June 2012 37

the world a better place for animals. For more information, visit www.spca.bc.ca/ camp or call Melinda at 604-599-7209.

The Cridge Sunfun Day Camps are packed full of exciting experiences. Our young staff enthusiastically connects with kids of school age. The schedule includes group games, crafts, singing, tours, Bible stories and field trips to community events, beaches and parks on the Island. Many kids return year after year and look forward to some of our events such as The Cridge Olympics, swimming in Lake Cowichan and a camping trip for the older children. Contact 250-9956707, or visit www.cridge.org to register.

Mid-Island Programs It is music to your ears! Summer music camps at Arbutus Music in Nanaimo. Do something different this summer…for kids ages 5-14 from beginning musicians to practiced players. Choose from: Beat it! Drum Camps, Summer Jams, Video Game Creator Camps and a whirlwind of fun with The Big Mess, or sign up for the Summer Sunday Songwriting Sessions. 1to 3-day camps from $33 to $169. Details at www.arbutusmusic.com. Email: info@ arbutusmusic.com or call 250-933-1900 to sign up today.

The Beach Club Resort is excited to offer the Kids at the Club Recreation program from July 1 to September 2. Kids Club is available Monday-Friday and we have planned some amazing indoor and outdoor activities such as a tidal pool walk, where kids experience hands-on learning about the sea creatures and habitats on Parksville Beach. The Recreation program is available for kids from 5-12 years old. Call 1-888760-2008 for more details.

Horne Lake Regional and Provincial Parks.

Treat yourself and your family to one of the most beautiful campsites on Vancouver Island. Relax on the beach or fill your days with action and adventure. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards are waiting on the beach. Explore the crystal filled caverns and try rock rappelling a short walk away. Want to stay above-ground?

Then take in Canada’s only Cave Theatre and Museum with a fossil collection. Or combine all the above with all-inclusive Family Adventure Camps. All meals, activi-

38 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

ties and a teepee to camp in! 250-248-7829 or www.hornelake.com.

Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture— the place to find fun-filled summer camps.

Enjoy crafts, games, outings, and attractions with Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp at Transfer Beach. Action-packed aquatic challenges await those who love the water in our Junior Lifeguard Club. Mini games and fun competition make learning a breeze at our World Cup Soccer Camp. Run Jump Throw Camp offers fundamentals of many skills including track & field. For information on camps, please call 250-245-6424.

One week camps designed to introduce 5-8 year olds to the sport of diving using dryland training, including gymnastics and games in addition to time in the water.

One week introductory diving camp for 9-12 year olds who want to learn basic and advanced diving skills in a fun and safe environment. Dryland training included

The Raptors offers a unique learning experience for all ages that will never be forgotten. Our safe, exciting and educational summer camps keep participants’ minds and bodies busy all day. Activities include practical and safe hands-on experiences, and flying demonstrations with many different raptors such as hawks and owls. The children, working in small groups with our fun and experienced staff, learn about the birds’ unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. www.pnwraptors.com, 250-746-0372.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville offers the most extensive recreational programs on Vancouver Island. Enjoy a wide variety of programs including Kid’s Club and activities the whole family can enjoy together. Tigh-Na-Mara’s summer recreation program includes Build Your Own Bear workshops, off-site excursions to area attractions, Dinner & Movie nights, Mother & Daughter Mini Manicures, a special Canada Day celebration, and more.

Our summer recreation program offers something for everyone. Call 1-800-6637373 for details.

Vancouver Island University. Create lasting memories while doing something that’s a little out of the ordinary. This isn’t your regular summer camp—it’s a chance to make learning fun while spending time together on VIU’s beautiful Nanaimo campus. Take part in GrandKids University on July 4 and 5. Kids aged 7-12 and their grandparents can earn “degrees” doing fun activities involving sports, science, chemistry, field biology, fisheries & aquaculture, and art.

Find out more at viu.ca/grandkids or by calling 1-866-734-6252.•

Or call 479-0330 Turning Victoria’s Youth Into International Champions

Dance Music Art

Annemarie Cabri

Summer programs ages 4 & up at Glenlyon Norfolk School Info at www.CabriCreativeDance.com

Glenlyon Norfolk School Marine Adventure Program Teen Marine Kayak Camps – Summer 2012 Ph 250-370-6852 Email dtyrrell@mygns.ca Day Camps: July 23–27, Aug 13–17

These popular camps (9:00–4:30) for children ages 11 to 12 cover all the basics in sea kayaking, with plenty of fun for the younger paddler. Cost: $255.00 + HST

Teen Barkley Sound: July 1–6 Teen Johnstone Strait: Aug 19–24 Two exciting sea kayak camping expeditions for teens ages 15–17.

Cost: $625.00 + HST

Discovery Camps: July 9–13, Aug 6–10

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

Cost: $285.00 + HST

Offering marine adventure since 1995! www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 39

Party Directory HASSLE FREE PARTIES for kids & families You provide the space and food…

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

250 472 3546

Paint4Splatter4Parties4and

much,4much4more4at44Cats.com!

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

250-383-FLIP

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M N A S T I C S

FALCON

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Birthday Parties

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GYMNASTICS Celebrate your birthday with us!

Newly Renovated Birthday Party Rooms

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

• 2 large decorated birthday rooms • Free T-shirt for birthday child, invitations for up to 10 children • The ONLY Inflatable Climbing Mountain with trampoline in town • Party Time now offered for many different groups (schools, daycare centres) Book Early: 250-479-6424

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N A S T I C S

Birthday Parties!

musical

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birthday parties Kids love to sing and dance, play instruments, and listen to stories.

Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-6... and let the fun begin!

6

250.386.5311 • www.vcm.bc.ca

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

Call 250-370-7200

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

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

40

Island Parent Magazine

ACTION-PACKED BIRTHDAY PARTIES Supervised • 2–8 Yrs

IT’S ABOUT SKILLS, NOT SCORES.

go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 email: van.island@sportball.ca

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory

Horse Play Parties Par-T-Perfect

Birthday Parties

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

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ctoria Gymnastics Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

What’s included?

Our Cowgirl Slumber Parties Rock!

Pony Rides, Farm Animals, Facepainting, Games, Hay Rides

Cowboy Campouts u Cowgirl Slumber Parties Family Farm Getaways A party you’ll never forget!

www.horseplayparties.ca Duncan, BC 250-701-9116

• We supply hats, napkins, table cover, streamers and balloons • Two Certified Instructors • Invitations • Trampoline • Foam Pit Fun • Gymnastics Games • Fun Music • NEW: 40 Foot Long Trampoline!

Saturday & Sunday Afternoons

380-2442

Corner of Store & Pembroke www.victoriagymnastics.com

Funtime Inflatables 250-474-0597

Largest selection of inflatable fun onVancouver Island Ask about our Referral Program • 18 bouncy castles to choose from, detachable raincovers available • Obstacle courses • 10 interactive games for youth and adults • Combo bouncers • Carnival games and party packages • Fully insured Professional balloon decorating service now available

Unforgettable theme parties, girl time packages or just some fun with your friends

New soft serve ice cream truck available for events and ice cream socials

visit our website at

www.funtimeinflatables.ca

3655 Shelbourne Street, Shelbourne Plaza

250-590-5568 www.lizzyleeandme.com

Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor & Family Fun Zone • 30 family oriented redemption games • huge prize counter • 2 fully decorated party rooms • foot-long hot dogs • 32 flavors of Island Farms Ice Cream

10% P Off Booarty k if yo ing u in th bring is ad

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@ Western Speedway 2207 Millstream Road 250-590-4369 mrtubbs.com www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 41

Derek Peach

Have an ‘Ugly’ Picnic T

he weekend is gloomy. It’s raining—or threatening to rain—and if you all have to be in the same space for another hour, well, it won’t be a pretty sight. You need to start preparing for an ugly picnic. The destination can be simply the nearest schoolyard or park. You can go by car, of course, but driving any distance with grumpy people is not recommended.

You can create any home-made holiday for your family—this is just the one that came to me on one gloomy spring Sunday afternoon. It can celebrate anything, anytime and provide that special event to bring you closer together or to give you all some distance. I was once a single dad with three youngsters under 10 and we created some of our own special holidays, ugly picnics being one of them.

Although you have to plan the events for an ugly picnic, they can be any version of more traditional events that your own or your kids’ imaginations can dream up.

Drown-the-rock occurs as a possibility.

Take felt pens or crayons and draw faces on rocks and give them names—not names of eal people such as teachers, classmates or siblings. Use flat rocks if you want them to skip a few times and then throw them out into the water. It uses up lots of energy.

Take food. Eat dessert first. For that matter, take only desserts. Make ugly cookies, with ugly faces, decorating them with icing made from some butter, icing sugar and food colouring. Eat some before you go.

And then, there’s June Bug Day. When I was a child, I invented June Bug Day as a family celebration. It lasted a few years until fading into the more exciting experiences of teenage years, and although it was unique to our family, I always thought it deserved wider appreciation.

At the time, I was being raised by those three energetic kids I mentioned. One Saturday morning, June 13 as it happened, I decided to rouse them with the very loud invitation to “Come see what the June Bug brought” and herded them out for a special

breakfast of pancakes with a side order of a visit from their mom.

The following year, I prepared everyone for June Bug Day. It would be the day when The Great June Bug would come to our home to reward these special kids for being so wonderful at looking after Dad. Over the next few years, we developed the mythology so that it turned into the time when TGJB rose out of the lawns of the nation and carried summer toys to all the good little boys and girls who had taken their single parent breakfast in bed the previous year. It became a time to provide small gifts of tennis balls or baseballs or swim suits or goggles, and to capitalize on the kids’ natural desire to do nice things for me. Besides, they could all put together a pretty tasty breakfast and so I also stood to gain.

In a couple of years, we were cutting up magazines to make cards and having a pretty good time of it. We used all the standard gimmicks such as providing sets of envelopes which led the recipient on a round-the-house search for the June Bug gift or attaching a lure to a fishing line which they had to follow to find the rod. The kids got into the spirit of the celebration too, even penning little ditties such as this one by my youngest to the eldest (though much

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42 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

to his disgust) which went: “Because you haven’t been naughty/Look by the camper’s port-a-potty” It was a masterpiece of poetic scansion if not hygienic discretion.

There was some good-natured grumbling from neighbours, of course. You can’t have kids explaining the new badminton game they were setting up as a June Bug Day present without creating a bit of upset in the immediate community. Fortunately, no one but us remembered the event from year to year.

I don’t know just when we stopped celebrating June 13 as June Bug Day. I think at some point after the kids were in high school and we weren’t spending summers together on the road or camping, it just stopped happening.

Now, what will your special family holiday be? Will it have a mascot such as a June Bug or a plant or a family pet? What will be the mythology on which it is based? Simple is good. Moon festival in China is celebrated in the fall when family members or friends who have been separated can look up at the full moon and know that the absent one is also gazing at the same moon and so feel connected. Ideally, the event should involve recognition of family members for being who they are, not because they have done something far beyond their normal range of performance. Favourite foods are a good way to emphasize that recognition.

Don’t forget the possibility of making cards for your special event. Glue sticks, magazines, cardboard and scissors should be the only accessories your children’s imaginations will need, but you can give them a boost if you like. If you have a sentimental attachment to greeting cards and have kept an ever-growing stash of them, this is the chance to use them up. Cut out all the fronts and all the insides, mix them up and use any of the pieces to create a new card.

There are some months that just seem to call out for a special holiday, July and August being among them, but don’t overlook poor old November and January when a little lightness would go far towards offsetting winter’s gloom. If you can’t think of one, you could always consult your resident experts.

Derek Peach is a former teacher at Parkland and the University of Victoria and now uses up his kids’ inheritance travelling, and his wife’s patience retelling stories at parties.

To keep himself in their good graces, he also writes—letters to the former and love poems to the latter.

www.IslandParent.ca

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June 2012

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Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com SAT 2 What’s That? Ask a Nat at Island View Beach Regional Park. Come explore low tide and all the marine critters it reveals. Borrow dip nets and ask a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to identify your treasures. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd any time between 10am and noon.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Open-Air Band Jamboree in Market Square.

Enjoy some lunch while listening to the sounds of an open-air band jamboree, hosted by Greater Victoria Concert Band. 12:30-3:30pm.

560 Johnson Square. www.gvcb.ca.

SAT 2 & SUN 3 50th Annual Oak Bay Tea Party at Willows Beach. Kayak rides, Floating Tea Cup Challenge, Mad Hatter Fun Run, parade, amusement rides, dance floor and more. Check out oakbayteaparty.com for special events for the 50th anniversary.

SUN 3 What Have You Seine Today? at Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park. Our marine environment is full of surprises. Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists to use a seine net and see what creatures live in the deeper reaches of the ocean. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at grassy area adjacent to main beach at 10am. All ages.

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

Back

Lovely Lone Tree Hill at Lone Tree Hill Regional Park. You can climb a mountain with a young family. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist for a guided walk to the top of this accessible peak. We’ll make lots of stops. The views are spectacular. Bring a snack, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet in parking lot off Millstream Rd at 1pm. 5+ years. 250-4783344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 4 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Meet a new author and a new illustrator in the Canadian Children’s Literature scene. Sara Cassidy is the author of Windfall and Slick, two environmental mysteries in the Orca Current series. Eva Campbell, painter, visual artist and educator, is the illustrator of The Matatu, a picture book by Eric Walters. Sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts. Doors at 7pm.

Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public.

Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student. For more info, call 250-598-3694.

THURS 7 Norden the Magician: I Love to Read at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. Join Norden and Q-tip the rabbit puppet for a one-of-a-kind magic show. Be entertained with wacky jokes, wowed by fantastic magic tricks, and inspired by Norden’s love of reading. Norden won Children’s Magician of the Year for six years, Comedy Magician of the Year twice, and has performed

at over 130 BC schools and libraries. For more info on Norden see magicshows.ca. For Grades K-5. 6:30-7:15pm. Register online at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more info.

FRI 8 Norden the Magician: I Love to Read at Central, Oak Bay and Nellie McClung Branch Libraries. See THURS 7 for details. Central: 10:30-11:15am, 250-413-0365; Oak Bay: 3:30-4:15pm, 250-592-2489; Nellie McClung, 6:30-7:15pm, 250-477-7111. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call for more info.

SAT 9 Canadian Diabetes Association Educational Event at Mary Winspear Centre. Keynote Speaker Patricia Chuey speaks on “Healthy Eating for Good.” Special presentation “Dancing with Diabetes.” Exhibits and refreshments.

Register by June 4. 8:45am-12:30pm. 2243 Beacon Ave. 250-382-5454.

Victoria German School’s Medieval Summer Fair at Goward House. Learn about traditional basket making, pottery, wooden sword making, hair braiding, felt paper and leather crafts.

Entertainment for all ages including fairy tales, a magic show and live traditional music.

Traditional German lunch available, as well as freshly baked pretzels and homemade bread.

Silent auction. Come in Medieval costume if you can. 11am-2pm. 2495 Arbutus Rd. 250886-1420. info@victoriagermanschool.org. www.victoriagermanschool.org.

Beat the heat with tasty treats!

« for the »

Summer

44 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Wild About Whales at Esquimalt Gorge Park. Racing horses, racing ducks, racing… whales? Yes, the Boys & Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria is racing rubber whales down the Gorge, giving you a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Ocean-themed games, concession, bouncy castles, face painting, voyageur canoe and Dragon Boat rides and much more. 11am-3pm. Be the first to “adopt” your whales—order tickets online at www.bcgvic. rog/wildaboutwhales, or call 250-384-9133.

under 1 are free). For more info, visit www. sookepreschool.ca, email sookepreschool@ gmail.com, or phone 250-642-6364, ext. 235.

North Park Neighbourhood Festival at Franklin Green (Cook at Mason St). Local musicians, cultural entertainment, food vendors, children’s play area, art market, local produce, crafts and more. Features heritage walks through North Park, one of Victoria’s oldest neighbourhoods. Noon-5pm. npna.ca.

TM

SAT 16 & SUN 17

SUN 10 Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes at City Centre Park. This family day will include a walk at Langford Lake, entertainment, an obstacle course race, opportunities to go bowling, skating or play at Playzone and more. And an indoor space if it rains. Registration starts at 8:30am. For more info, 250-857-7326.

Information Session at Choices Adoption. A great way to start learning about adoption.

Find out about the process and programs available, both locally and internationally. A family will also be there to share their adoption experience. 2-4pm. 100-850 Blanshard St. 1-888479-9811 or choices@choicesadoption.ca.

MON 11 Stories at Fern. Featuring Victoria Storytellers and guests. For people who love to tell stories, and people who love to listen. All welcome.

7:30-9:30pm. 1831 Fern St (please park on Begbie). $5; $3/students (includes tea and goodies).

250-477-7044. www.victoriastorytellers.org.

SAT 16 Touch-A-Truck Fundraiser at Western Speedway. Bring the family to this fundraiser hosted by the Sooke Co-op Preschool. Fire and police vehicles, concrete mixers, dump trucks and buses will be among the dozens of trucks on display. Families will have a unique opportunity to examine these super machines up close, touching, asking questions, and even sitting in the cab. Face painting, crafts, food, bounce houses, and more. 10am-2pm. $10/family of 4; $15/family of 5+; $5/individuals (babies

Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. A presentation of short, outdoor performances set within locations along the trail. Audiences travel from venue to venue by bicycle to enjoy performances by some of the region’s most recognized and versatile performers. Cecelia Ravine Park is the Hub, where you can pick up tickets, decorate bicycles, purchase refreshments and depart for Bike Ride tours. $15/single day or $25/two day pass. ticketrocket.org or at the onsite box office.

SUN 17 Between a Rock and a Hard Place at Island View Beach Regional Park. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to peek under the rocks to get a glimpse at what is often hidden by the ocean. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes). Meet at picnic shelter on Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd at 10am.

All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Family Fun Day at Camp Thunderbird. Canoeing, rock climbing, archery and more. Take a guided tour to find out what it’s like to be a camper. Bring a lunch to enjoy outdoors. Free.

10am-3:30pm. 5040 Glinz Lake Rd.

MON 18 Day of the African Child at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Local Victoria children will have the opportunity to visit a child-sized African hut and experience a day in the life of a Ugandan child. Video footage and photos will show how children in Ugandan villages make their own toys from banana fibre. Experience what

Homestyle Potato Salad Our delicious Homestyle Potato Salad is made in our own Thrifty Kitchens using the freshest ingredients with no added preservatives.

it is like to carry water in a jerrycan on their heads, and the chores that a typical Ugandan child does. Traditional Ugandan food and marketplace, arts & crafts, drum lessons, silent auction, and displays. Noon-4pm. 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road. 250-721-0445. www. jnfcanada.org.

FRI 22 & SAT 23 Horticultural Event at Government House.

Beautiful flower displays, judged flower and vegetable show, garden lectures, tours, historic costume museum, face painting, seed planting, and veggies and plants for sale. Fri: 1-6pm; Sat: 10am-4pm. 1401 Rockland Ave. FernFest in Fernwood. Musicians, performers, dancers, food, artists, magic and much more.

Free. Fri: 5-10pm; Sat: 9am-10pm. www. fernwoodnrg.ca.

SAT 23 & SUN 24 Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. See SAT AND SUN 16 and 17 for details. $15/single day or $25/ two day pass. ticketrocket.org or at the onsite box office.

SUN 24 Family Bike Festival at the Fairmont Empress.

Bike rodeo, training wheel freedom, family bike equipment showcase, on-site bike mechanic, helmet fitting, learn to play bike polo, mini races, “bling your bike” contest, entertainment and more. Free. 10am-4pm. www.vicf.ca.

PE

for pic RFECT nic - you’l s & BBQ’s l love it Take so . me hom e today !

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June 2012 45

Arts & Culture Programs at the Winspear “Inspiration” Painting Program

“Photography Fun for Kids”

July 16–20, Age 8–14 9:30am – 12:30pm

July 30 – Aug 3, Age 10–15 9:00am – 12:00pm

“Expressions” Youth Art Exhibition

“Fashion Design” July 23–27, Age 10–16 1:30 – 4:30pm

July 21 – Aug 3

Family Events

“Tropical Jam” August 17 & 18 Music by the Brimacombe Family – Direct from Tobago

Triple Threat Musical Theatre July 9–20, Age 11–18 Theatrical Performance

“Starlight Cabaret” July 20, 7pm July 23–27, Age 6–10 Theatrical Performance

“Twinkle Light” July 29, 2pm

Info & Registration www.marywinspear.ca 250 656 0275 Proud Supporters

46 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

What Has the Tide Brought In? at Albert Head Regional Park. Discover the treasures of the sea with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist.

Snoop on the strand, peer into the lagoon for birds, and explore the rocks. Be prepared to get your feet wet (bring sandals or beach shoes).

Meet in parking lot at end of Delgada Dr, off Park Dr at 12:30pm. All ages. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Going Batty at Swan Lake Nature House.

Join us as we celebrate our best source of natural mosquito control—bats! Explore their weird and wonderful world and find out how to encourage bats to visit your neighbourhood. Noon-3pm. Admission by donation.

3873 Swan Lake Rd. 250-479-0211. www. swanlake.bc.ca.

Dirt, Dogwoods and Dragonflies at the Royal BC Museum. You don’t need a green thumb to take part in this garden event. Tour the Native Plant Garden, do some drawings, plant a seed and discover more about the insects who inhabit our province. Suitable for children 3-12 years old. 1-3pm. Free with admission or membership. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

SAT 30 Diversity Health Fair at the First Metropolitan Church Hall. A family-friendly event that provides Victoria’s multi-ethnic community members with information about health, wellness, recreation, nutrition and healthy living.

Exhibitors, health and dental screenings, live multicultural entertainment, kid’s activity area, food cafe and more. 932 Balmoral Rd. 250-388-4728. www.icavictoria.org.

SAT 30 & SUN JULY 1 Canada Day Celebration at the Inner Harbour. Children’s events on the Legislature Lawns, featuring the Juno Award winning children’s entertainer Norman Foote. Flavour of Canada food villiage, activity tents, family performances at Ship Point and more. Free. www.VictoriaCanadaDay.ca.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Parent and Tot Drop-in at CPAC. An active group for fun and socialization. Program includes an open and interactive playtime, craft time, and story time. Mondays 9-11am. $3.50/military; $4.50/non-military. 250-3631009 to register.

Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays

www.IslandParent.ca

10am-noon. More info, call the church office at 250-477-4142 or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

Kindergym at the Burnside Campus Gym. Join us for a half-hour of free play in the gym using child sized sports equipment, balls, hoops, climbers and slides. Following free play is 15 minutes of organized game or physical activity based on LEAP/HOP and then 15 minutes of circle time. For toddlers (walking) to 5 years, their parents or caregivers. Drop-in program; parents do not need to register to attend. Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Parent Tot Drop-in at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and enjoy a nutritious snack (coffee and tea for the parents) and free play and time to socialize in the family centre. We have lots of toys, books, dress-up clothes, puzzles and more. For infants birth to 5 years and their parent/caregiver. Parent participation required. Free. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:30am-noon and Thursdays 6-7pm. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Toddler Art at the Burnside Gorge Family Centre. Come and get creative in the family centre.

Crafts are designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. We provide the supplies, smocks and lots of soap—your child provides the creativity. Parent participation is required.

Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am. For toddlers up to age 5 and their parents/caregivers. $2/family.

471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251.

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover. For children ages 0-4. Wednesdays 3:30-4:45pm.

1468 Ryan St. 250-595-5223. www.lansdownepreschool.com.

Children Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm.

250-665-7511.

YOUTH Youth Choir 61 Auditions. Official Honour Choir of School District #61 will be holding auditions for students aged 11-17 who are enrolled in public middle and high schools in School District #61. Call 250-477-5569 for an audition time and location or for more details.

Friday Night Drop-In Night at “The Scene” Youth Centre. Come and register for a planned activity with old and new friends. Bring your ideas, and we will help you carry them out.

6:30-9pm. Free. For more info email youthrecbgca@shaw.ca or call 250-388-5251 ext. 254.

471 Cecelia Rd.

FAMILIES Press>Play in Downtown Victoria. Intrepid Theatre invites you to experience Victoria’s past and present with new eyes. Press>Play is a series of four free site-specific audio monologues accessible by mobile phone or digital music. This unique theatre experience draws you into a new, interactive dramatic world to explore Victoria’s hidden treasures and mysteries. www.intrepidtheatre.com. 250-383-2663.

Geocaching Adventures with the Geocaching Families of Victoria. Join us at www.meetup. com for details of our upcoming meetups and to RSVP. There is a small annual membership fee to help cover costs.

Gorge Waterway Nature House is open to the public Sundays 11am-4pm until August.

Aquarium touch-tank, microscopes, interactive displays and friendly staff. All ages welcome. Admission by donation. 250-380-7585 or education@worldfish.org.

Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca.

Cook Street Village Sing-a-long at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre. Lyrics on-screen and a piano/sax duo support the fun of singing for all. Tuesdays 10:30am-noon. $1.75 for members and $3.50 for non-members (memberships available). 380 Cook St. Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday noon-3pm.

Moss Street Market. A great place to meet local farmers, buy local food and crafts, and connect with your community. 10am-2pm every Saturday until October. Corner of Moss St and Fairfield Rd. Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

An original, one-room school house built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd. Hillside Partners with Women in Need. Pick up a complimentary Women in Need (WIN) clothing bag at Customer Service and fill it with your gently worn clothing or fashion accessories. At your convenience, return your WIN bag to Hillside Customer Service. As a proud supporter of WIN, Hillside offers this donation service 365 days of the year.

Genealogy in the Classroom is a web-based resource filled with student activities, teacher notes, charts and forms that can be used online or downloaded and printed. Free. www. victoriags.org/school.•

June 2012 47

Around the Island

Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino SAT 2 Surplus School Furnishings Sale at the Hub, Cowichan Station. Wooden teachers’ desks, student desks, chairs, tables and file cabinets.

Miscellaneous shelves and cabinets, and computer consoles. Great for independent schools and daycares. 9am-1pm. 2375 Koksilah Rd, Cowichan Station. 250-701-3338 or sue. wells@shaw.ca.

Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool Spring Fair & Garage Sale at Brechin United Church. Bring the kids for a fun time with face painting, pony rides, balloon pop, cake walk and other fun stations. Prizes for all kids. Concession with hot dogs and hamburgers along with vegetarian options. Huge family garage sale with lots of children’s, baby and household items. 11am-2pm. 1988 Estevan Rd.

SUN 3 Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes at Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo. An outdoor celebration where families, friends and organizations can raise funds and awareness and make a difference

in the lives of Canadians living with type 1 diabetes. Info, www.jdrf.ca/walk.

WED 6 Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. Skate in our atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. 6:30-8pm. Regular admission rates. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

FRI 8 Aquatic Special at the Beban Park Pool. A movie and games in the leisure pool. 2-4pm.

250-756-5200.

SAT 16 Bowen Park Stream Workshop at Bowen Park Duck Pond. Do you know the Bowen Park is an almost untouched Douglas Fir rainforest?

Come and learn among the huge fir trees and the mountain stream that flows between them. You will catch your own small fish and examine the species before releasing it back into the creek. $12. 10-11:30am. 250-756-5200.

Have an Ice Day. Iced Mocha, Italian sodas, Smoothies and more...

Aquatic Special at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. A session of games and other special themed activities. 2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

SUN 17 King for the Day at Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

Go fishing, golfing, and do guy stuff while your children enjoy the pool, then meet them in the hot tub and leave the entertaining to us. Admission free for all those hard-working fathers. View swim and skate schedules at www.rdn.bc.ca. 250-752-5014.

WED 20 Glow in the Dark Skate at Cliff McNabb Arena. See TUES 6 for details. 6:30-8pm.

Regular admission rates. Glow necklaces available for $2. 250-756-5200.

SAT 23 Ole Time Country Fair at St. John’s Anglican Church, Cobble Hill. Come dressed up in your Pioneer Day clothes, your vintage hat or outfit appropriate to the 1800’s onward, and meet some of the people who may have lived in this area at the time. Churchyard tours, ice-cream and cupcakes, games, wandering minstrels, storytelling under the trees, bouncy castle, ball room, face-painting, games and races, scavenger hunt and many other fun things to do. 9am-2pm. 3295 Cobble Hill Rd. 250-7433095. www.stjohncobblehill.ca.

FRI 29 School’s Out and You Survived at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Celebrate your first day of summer vacation in style. The Ravensong team will keep you busy with an action packed afternoon full of games and fun, including raft building and crocodile wrestling. Everyone welcome. Regular admission. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca.

SAT 30 Aquatic Special at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. A session of games and other special themed activities. 2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any of one our 25 Serious Coffee® locations.

48 Island Parent Magazine

LaFF at the Aggie is a drop-in family & friends resource program for children ages 0-6 and their parents, grandparents or caregivers. Play area, free clothing exchange, food programs, free coffee and tea. Monday to Friday, 9:30amnoon. $2 suggested donation (punch cards available). 250-210-0870, laffcoordinator@ shaw.ca, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Children Waterparks in Nanaimo are open to the public

www.kidsinvictoria.com

June to September, 9am-8pm. It is strongly recommended that all children use the parks under adult supervision.

Bowen Park Kin Outdoor Pool is open to the public June 2-Sept 1. Come swim in the outdoor heated pool Saturdays and Sundays 1-3pm. $3. 250-753-8176 or kin_pool@hotmail.com.

Parent & Child Hockey at Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo. A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children and their parents.

Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required.

Sundays 2:15-3pm. $4. 250-756-5200.

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

YOUTH Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo is the ultimate place to be, a supervised space to hang out and chill. For youth 12-17, offering regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more. Free, but you must register. 7-9pm. Mondays, Nanaimo District Secondary School; Tuesday, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesday, John Barsby Community School. 250-756-5200.

Rec Room at Frank Jameson Community Centre. Play pool, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, surf the net, watch TV or listen to music. Tuesdays 3-6pm feature interactive events and Fridays 6-10pm are drop-in with different activities planned. For 13-18 year olds. 250-245-6424.

FAMILY Cowichan Summer Festival in City Square, Duncan. June 29-Aug 6. An incredible schedule that celebrates the Centennial of the City of Duncan. Beach Volleython Tournament, performers and artists representing a large and diverse range of music, and much more.

Free family fun. www.cowichanfestival.com Free Sewing Classes at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Nanaimo. All skill levels welcome, from beginner to expert. Experienced volunteers are invited to come along to help newbies or just sew in a fun, friendly group.

Lots of materials and ideas. Info, email Val at vfroom@shaw.ca or search Facebook for Nanaimo Sewing Mamas. Mondays 6-9pm.

4235 Departure Bay Rd. Spring Sundays at Milner Gardens & Woodland. Come and watch the blooms as they unfold and stop in for a cup of tea or hot bowl of soup. Enjoy the woodland trails, and check out the ocean activity and the view to the islands and mainland with the viewing scope. By donation. 2179 West Island Highway, Qualicum. 250-752-6153.

Parksville Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Free Family Skate at Oceanside Place, Parksville.

Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pond hockey is not available during Family Skate sessions. Sundays. 250-248-3252.•

www.IslandParent.ca

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province.

Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

Nos écoles publiques daNs l’île de VaNcouVer Campbell River École Mer-et-montagne École secondaire Phoenix École secondaire Carihi

250-923-3359 1102 South Alder 250-923-3359 400, 7th Ave. 250-923-3359 350 Dogwood St.

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

École Océane 250-714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd. M - 7 École secondaire de Nanaimo 250-714-0761 355 Wakesiah Ave. 8 - 12

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

csf.bc.ca

June 2012

49

Cheryl McKinnon & Colleen Irwin

Children & Multiple Allergies A

ll children want to feel included and part of their peer group, including those with multiple allergies. As parents, we want our children to embrace all that life has to offer while still knowing how to keep themselves safe. From our personal experiences—our families combined include people who are allergic to gluten, dairy, refined sugar, preservatives, dyes, colour, yeast and sulphites—here are a few tips that we have found useful in balancing life with allergic children.

Plan, Plan & Plan Ahead Always carry safe snacks and treats with you. If your child is in a situation where they want to participate in an event and

not have to explain to yet another person why they can’t eat a certain related food, here is one suggestion. Getting the candy cane from Santa, for example, is always an exciting end to the visit but might not be safe. Have your child still politely take the candy cane and then quietly exchange it once you have left Santa.

On the Go Many grocery stores offer cookies for the children when their parents are shopping.

But did you know that many also offer an allergy-friendly option? Ask ahead of time (preferably when you are not with your child) if they offer another treat, for example fruit leather, a box of raisins or a balloon.

Birthday Parties Let’s be honest, birthday parties are an important part of life! As a child, though, it’s hard to watch friends eat cake and ice cream that you so desperately want to have but cannot.

Talk to the host ahead of time and explain your child’s allergies. Ask what food will be served to determine first if there is anything your child can eat from the party menu. Then decide what additional food you need to send along with them—for example, allergy-friendly pizza or cake. This will help your child fit in with their peers.

In the case of a younger child, it is a good idea and safer for you to also attend the party to help them learn how to safely navigate this situation. If cross-contamination is a concern, discuss alternatives with your host prior to the event.

Playdates/Sleepovers Yes, this is possible with a little bit of preparation. Discuss with the host your child’s allergies and what food to send along.

It’s a good idea to also include an allergyfriendly treat to share with everyone. If your child needs medication for their allergies (for example, an epi-pen), show the host where it is located in your child’s bag and

outdoor environment has

Our

always piqued the curiosity of our students.

This fall, it becomes part of our Kindergarten program.

Come visit us for a sneak peek.

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7171 50 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

how to use it in an emergency. Also, include multiple numbers where you or another family member can be reached.

School We may not think that food is a big part of school but the reality is that it really is.

Communication with your child’s teacher is key to dealing with allergies. You are your child’s best advocate and you will need to help and show them how to be their own advocate during school hours.

Treats. Arrange to leave a bag of treats with the teacher so your child will always have safe options. For example, if surprise birthday cupcakes show up at school for Sara’s birthday, your child can have an alternate treat from their own bag of goodies.

Teachers often hand out special food treats.

So having a bag of safe treats will give them something to have on hand for your child.

Recess and Lunch time. Depending on their age, kids may eat a recess snack outside or at a desk inside first. If eating at a desk, then include something that can be used as a placemat for your child (they will certainly need this for lunchtime). With a placemat they will have something safe to put under their food and avoid possible cross-contamination. You can use a cloth napkin, make or decorate a special placemat that stays with them at school.

School Activities. Talk to your child’s teacher and find out what baking, science projects or other special classroom activities they have planned. You and the teacher can decide together how things can be best accommodated with your child’s needs. For example, maybe you supply alternative items such as dairy-free milk. If your child is old enough to be participating in cooking classes you can ask for a list of baking supplies and send in your child’s safe supplies as needed.

If at all possible, arrange for either yourself or another adult in your child’s life to be a volunteer at school during the first few activities. That way the teacher, your child, and you will know exactly what is required to keep your child safe. Remember that your child is only one of the many children that a teacher is teaching, so you want to make this as easy and stress free as possible for everyone involved. With planning and creative thinking, your child can participate in all that life has to offer.

Cheryl McKinnon and Colleen Irwin are allergy lifeskills coaches. For information about their webinars, workshops and individualized coaching, e-mail info@ balancewithinallergies.com. www.IslandParent.ca

• • • •

miles of safe sandy beaches warm and safe swimming may–oct. explore the reef and tidepools comfy seaside cottages

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KYE BAY GUEST LODGE & COTTAGES Comox, B.C., Vancouver Island www.kyebay.com 1-866-658-6131

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250 383 6619 (1 888 383 6619)

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609 June 2012 51

Dayna Mazzuca

How Learning Styles Shape Your Child A

s a home educator, I’ve had many opportunities to decipher my children’s learning styles first-hand. I’ve found our styles fit into three child-friendly shapes.

Yes, shapes. Specifically, a line, a circle and a triangle.

Shapes are easy to understand. This is helpful when navigating moments of difficulty, whether tackling a long addition problem, a two-day trip up Island, or a lost game of checkers. Knowing each others’ learning styles, and how to communicate, means fewer disconnects, and less frustration all around.

My son, for instance, is a linear learner.

He’s a line. This means he likes to know and follow rules, or instructions. He likes order and predictability. As a line, he measures

success by how much progress he’s made, or how far along the line he is. For him, charts, reward systems and knowing how many pages he has to go in a text book or reader is important.

The line, however, does not like blank pages with open-ended instructions such as “draw a map of your home town in whatever style you like.” He does not like to get in the van and be told his destination is a surprise.

He doesn’t enjoy games of chance like the card game UNO. He likes rules, strategy and things he can measure, weigh, build and visibly accomplish. As a linear learner, he thrives when things are clear, consistent and contained. He’d rather run around the house five times, than run around the house “until he gets tired.”

He is a goal setter, but will stall if confused or given too many options. This means, when he’s frustrated, he needs time to clear his head. Then he needs to know exactly what the next step is, and how to tell when he’s finished, or succeeded at his task. He wants to go long, to succeed. To count, to measure up.

By contrast, my daughter is not a linear learner. She is a circle, a communal learner.

She doesn’t need to know the rules or the limits. She needs to know the context and the community. Who’s involved and what are we doing right now? Are we doing art?

Is this a fun time to goof off and be silly, or are we working on a science experiment and should she put on her smart hat? “How should I act, or what role am I playing?” is her driving question, versus the linear learner who asks, “What do I need to accomplish?”

This means my daughter, a circular learner, needs a hug when she feels frustrated.

I don’t tell her what she’s done wrong or how she can do it better. She needs to hear that we’ll get through the problem together.

I am in her circle. The circle is not broken.

This is key to a circular learner.

Where my son, the linear learner, needs precision, my daughter, the circular learner, needs to hear about possibilities. The circle

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes!

Prizes include:

• Family Getaways • Gift Certificates • IMAX Passes • Books, CDs and More

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com Also playing

To The Arctic Opens June 8

Rocky Mountain Express Tornado Alley

250-480-4887 • imaxvictoria.com 52 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Book now for a tour!

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

Summer

Fun

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preschool to grade 2

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before and after school care

•

small class sizes

•

supportive and caring staff

•

excellent academic foundation

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Kodaly music program

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lovely rural location connecting children to nature

for

Everyone!

Holiday Programs for all kids in Greater Victoria, ages 5–18 including: • Passion Sports Basketball & Volleyball • Byte Camp • A Musical in a Week

• Tacky Tourists • Detective Kids CSI …And Many More!

For more information on our programs and to register online, visit www.smus.bc.ca/summer or call 250 370 6120

Programs Summer Holiday Challenge Programmes

Summer programmes for all kids in Greater Victoria ages 5 to 18, inc

• Claymation movie production • Kayak b • Musical theatre • Summe

For a complete list of programmes and to register, visit our web www.smus.bc.ca/campus/extension/chlg_summe or call our Education Extension office at 37

Dayna Mazzuca is a local writer and enjoys teaching (and learning from) her children at home. Each day brings its own challenges and joys, but it’s amazing how each other is “shaped” makes it easier.

www.IslandParent.ca

Accepting Enrollment for September

SMUS Admissions bw ad Island Parent May 2007 4.75” x 3”

reber creative Victoria BC Canada (250) 383-5255

likes messy projects, cross-discipline work, surprises and variation. What are her options? The more the better. Could she do this section on long vowels tomorrow and read a Clifford book today? Could she paint instead of colour? Can she use the Jenga blocks to build a rambling farmhouse instead of a rectangular tower?

She measures success by the amount of input she had in the final outcome, or project, or event. Her voice and creative fingerprint are important to her. Progress is not measured in steps or degrees, but by the amount of activity and acceptance within the circle. She seeks to expand the circle—to make it bounce if she can!

That leaves the triangle. This learning style is logical but innovative, respects hierarchy and won’t challenge an authority figure unless there’s a good reason. But the triangle is not just a top-down affair. This style likes angles. Likes to take a concept or idea and see it from different perspectives.

This learning style can spend a month on one topic, learning about it through handson experiments, storytelling and field trips.

The triangular learner easily puts pieces together, not in an overlapping way like the circular learner, or in a list like the linear learner, but in a holistic interconnected way.

This style thrives on making connections, connecting the dots, and getting her point across. This learning style, which is my style, likes to find the most salient points in a lesson, or a story, or an outing. The triangle asks, “What was the best part about today?” or “What was the worst?” This is the most formal learning style of the three shapes and most needs to “debrief” to learn.

This style measures success not by everyone participating and feeling good about it, like the circular learner. And not by how much progress was made in reaching a set goal, like the linear learner. This style likes to know if the knowledge “base” was expanded, thus widening the triangle and creating room for more “layers” within it.

The line, the circle and the triangle. Three different learning styles with different approaches to life’s challenges. For our family, knowing how we’re made, or how we’re shaped, has helped us work together—and learn from each other.

June 2012

53

Tips for Air Travel The exhibition is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amh.org), in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; California Academy of Science, San Francisco; The Field Museum, Chicago; and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. © American Museum of Natural History. Image Courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology.

T

he summer months are among the busiest times of the year at Canadian airports, and delays in security screening are often caused because travellers are simply unaware of what they can and cannot bring in their carry-on luggage.

To get your summer holidays off to an easy start, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) offers a few travel tips to ensure your pre-flight screening is as hassle-free as possible.

MAY 17 – SEP 16 Media Sponsors

Lead Marketing Partner

Special thanks to

Tips for all travellers CAMP DINOSAUR Budding paleontologists will discover how dinosaurs looked and moved, lived and died. Campers will spend lots of time in our feature exhibition as well as get outdoors to explore some of Victoria’s geological wonders. Ages 6 to 12.

Monday to Friday.

9 am – 4 pm July 16 – 20 (Sold out) August 13 – 17 July 23 – 27 August 20 – 24 July 30 – August 3 August 27 – 31

$224 per person.

10% member discount.

www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca 54 Island Parent Magazine

• Have your boarding pass and ID ready to present to the screening officer.

• Remove sport coats, suit jackets or blazers and place them in the bins provided.

• Empty all contents of your shirt and pants pockets and place these in the bins before walking through the metal detector.

• Keep all phones, iPods, and GPS equipment in your carry-on baggage. They do not need to be screened separately.

• Remove laptop computers from their carry-cases and place them in the bins provided.

• Avoid wearing shoes with metal arches, buckles, steel toes or shanks.

• Avoid wearing belts with metal buckles.

• Do not wrap gifts as they may have to be opened for screening.

Tips for personal care items • Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, creams, gels, perfumes, colognes, aerosol deodorant, aerosol spray bottles, bath oils, mascara, lipstick, shaving cream and suntan lotion are all permitted in carry-on baggage providing they are in a 100 ml or less container and placed in a 1 litre transparent bag.

• One butane-operated curling iron with its gas container per person is allowed in checked luggage. The curling iron without the butane is allowed in carry-on baggage.

• Cuticle cutters measuring 6 cm or less are allowed in carry-on.

• Disposable razors and razor blade cartridges are allowed in carry-on.

• Electric hair blow-dryers, curling and flat irons, and electric shavers are allowed in carry-on.

For more travel tips, visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at www.catsa.gc.ca. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Family Packing Strategies A trip with your family is a great way to make lasting memories, but travelling with babies and kids can be challenging. Getting through airport security quickly and easily will help get your family vacation off to a great start. Here are five tips to help make your next family get-away as smooth as possible.

1. Bring snacks to keep baby happy.

For parents travelling with kids under two, baby food, formula, medications, milk, water and juice are exempt from the 100 ml liquid restriction for carry-on baggage. The amounts must be reasonable for the length of your trip and these items must be presented to the screening officer. There are no restrictions on solid food products.

2. Use the special security screening line for families, and arrive early to give yourself a little more time to clear security.

3. Reduce the likelihood of additional screening by dressing yourself and your kids in clothing and shoes that don’t have metal accents. Let your child walk through the metal detector if they can do it on their own.

4. Remove infants from their stroller or carrier and hold them while proceeding through the metal detector.

The stroller or carrier will have to be x-rayed. Never leave your baby in a carrier on the x-ray belt.

5. Pack toys in your child’s carry-on baggage that will keep them entertained on your flight. Batteries for toys, cameras, gaming devices and other personal items are allowed in carry-on baggage, but some restrictions apply.

S u m m e r Day C a m p s June 25 – Aug 30 7:30am – 6:00pm With outings every day, soccer, scavenger hunts, theme days and more, your child will build friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

Friends, Fun, Adventure!

Supervised by qualified, caring, energetic staff in a licensed facility.

Christ Church Cathedral School

912 Vancouver Street 250-383-5125 luxmundi@cathedralschool.ca www.cathedralschool.ca

For more information about packing smart, check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website at www.catsa.gc.ca. Bon voyage!

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 55

The Victoria School for Ideal Education • Daily meditation • Connecting children with nature • Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 6 2820 Belmont Ave vsie@shaw.ca

250-383-6654 vsie.ca OPEn HOUsE EvERy tUEsDAy, 1:00–2:30Pm (until June 19)

Your risk of skin cancer is related to your skin type and the amount of time you spend in the sun. How vulnerable are you?

Give yourself 10 points each time you answer YES

Y

N

I have red or blonde hair

Swing into Summer Panorama Recreation is excited to offer over 50 exciting camps this summer!

To a c c o m m o d a t e t h e interests, needs and abilities of all of the youth in our community, we’ve carefully designed our program selection so that you can customize your very own summer camp experience.

Visit panoramarecreation.ca for more camp details.

2012 Camps

Sun Sensitivity Test

www.panoramarecreation.ca

250.656.72

I have light coloured eyes (blue, green or grey) I always burn before I tan I freckle easily I have many moles I had two or more blistering sunburns before I turned 18 I lived or had long vacations in a tropical climate as a child There is a family history of skin cancer I work outdoors I spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities I am an indoor worker but I like to get out in the sun as much as possible when I am able I use tanning devices, tanning booths or sun lamps Tally up your score. Skin cancer is a highly preventable disease. That means that with small lifestyle changes, even the most high-risk person can lower their chances of getting skin cancer.

80-100: You are in the high-risk zone 40-70: You are in the increased risk zone 10-30: You are still at risk, though you are in the lower risk zone.

From the Canadian Dermatology Association. For more information, please visit www.dermatology.ca.

56

Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Summer Job & Savings Tips

Summer Job Tips

1. Job shadow for a day. There’s no better way to get a feel for what a job is like than by shadowing a friend or relative for a day.

This will provide an idea of what kind of job is the right fit.

2. Find an odd job. A neighbour’s lawn is looking a little long. How about knocking on their door and offering to mow it? Perhaps a relative’s car needs washing. Grab a hose!

Taking on odd jobs around the neighbourhood is a great way to start earning extra money and help out.

3. Get the word out. Potential customers won’t know about a kid’s skills—such as setting up a lemonade stand—unless they market themselves. For example, putting up posters around the neighbourhood to advertise the lemonade stand will help get thirsty kids lining up around the block.

4. Get creative. If the right summer job seems elusive, focus on skills. If you’re good with people, for instance, check to see if summer camps need counselors. Or, see if the local fair is hiring.

5. Start a résumé. Any work experience counts. Happy customers are a great way to land new jobs, so include references. No work experience? No problem. Volunteer work at school or community groups is a great way to show character and work ethic.

www.IslandParent.ca

Saving Tips

since 1980

-S ch o o l e r P r e m S um & C l adsuspe s s p m a C e Da n c onths an for ages

15 m

1. Establish a summer saving goal. Start by setting a clear, realistic amount. For example, aim to save $300 by the end of summer. Then, decide what the money will be used for to make the concept of saving tangible. Figure out how much to put aside each week to meet your goal.

With helpful job advice and smart saving tips, young kids and ’tweens will be wellequipped to land that first summer job, and get on the road to financial independence.

2. Set a budget. Decide how much “fun money” can be spent on immediate gratification items (like candy and movies) each week, while still allowing your summer saving goal to be met.

3. Start a bank account. A savings account at the bank not only keeps money safe and earns interest, it helps keep track of what’s going in and coming out. Plus, the account can be accessed online anytime.

4. Make regular deposits. Establishing a routine—such as every Friday—for putting money in the bank is the key to making your account grow.

5. Beware of peer pressure. Be yourself.

There’s no need to own the latest brand of expensive designer jeans, just because other friends do. If a particular item is a “must have,” make it a priority to save for.

The most important financial tool is knowledge. With helpful job advice and smart saving tips, young kids and ’tweens will be well-equipped to land that first summer job, and get on the road to financial independence.

For more summer job and saving tips for ’tweens, and to try the new financial literacy video game, Money Metropolis—a game designed to teach the basics of saving and budgeting, and encourage spending wisely— visit www.PracticalMoneySkills.ca.

Even the littlest angel can dance For more information call 250-384-3267 or email us at stagesdance@shaw.ca or visit us at www.stagesdance.com

Lighthouse Academy of

Dance

Photo: Andrei Fedorov

E

very summer, thousands of Canadian ’tweens—pre-teens aged 10 to 12—are set free from school and embark on a hunt for their first summer job.

Summer jobs are a great way to establish a work ethic at a young age and help with future job-seeking. But what summer job is the right fit? How can ’tweens find their first summer job? Once they start earning, what guidelines should they follow to manage their new-found income?

The following summer job and savings tips, from VISA Canada, will help young job seekers land that first summer job, and develop good money habits that will help them save for the future:

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June 2012 57

Abra-Kid-Abra

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Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sunday 12–4pm 58 Island Parent Magazine

Tips for Limiting Screen Time M

edia” is the term used to describe the many ways we communicate. Electronic media includes television, computers, cell phones, video games and movies. The amount of time we spend using them is sometimes called “screen time.”

Children and teens have access to more kinds of electronic media than ever before.

You can help your children develop healthy media habits by monitoring screen time and teaching them to use media safely and wisely.

How can I set limits on my children’s screen time?

Start encouraging good media habits when your children are young. Otherwise, it will get harder to enforce limits and influence their choices as they get older.

• Consider all electronic media when setting time limits for your family. Television, movies, the Internet (including social media), video games and gaming devices (whether hand-held, or played through a computer or television) all add to your child’s total screen time.

• Children learn many of their values and ideas from their parents. Be aware of your own media habits and change them if necessary.

• The Canadian Paediatric Society discourages screen-based activities for children under two. Limit television watching to less than one to two hours per day for older children. Avoid making television watching part of your regular daily routine.

• Keep television, computers and gaming equipment out of your child’s bedroom.

Keep them in common areas, where you can watch your children while they use them.

Turn off the television or computer when you aren’t using it.

• Balance screen time with sports, hobbies, creative and outdoor play, both on their own and together as a family.

• Late-night chatting online, surfing and texting with friends shouldn’t cut into important sleep time.

• Ask your child or teen to give you their cell phone at a certain time at the end of the day so they aren’t interrupted with phone calls or text messages during family time.

Talk about the importance of shutting off

cell phones and the value of being unconnected at night.

• Find out about online protection for your family. Programs that provide parental controls can block websites, enforce time limits, monitor the websites your child visits and their online conversations.

• Ask your child or teen where else he uses computers. Talk to teachers and caregivers about where and when your children are using electronic media.

Share your own beliefs and values. Preview television shows, music and video games to see if they are okay.

How can I help my child develop healthy electronic media habits?

• Get involved in your child’s media use— watch, play and listen with your child. Talk to her about it, find how what she enjoys and why. Share your own beliefs and values.

Preview television shows, music and video games to see if they are okay.

• Encourage your child to try different media experiences. Help them make good choices.

• Learn about the Canadian and American ratings systems for television, music, movies and video games. They can help you choose appropriate media with your child.

• Talk to your child about stereotypes and violent images in the media. Educate them about the strategies that advertisers use to sell products to children.

• Limit the violent content your child is exposed to. Notice whether there are any changes in how he behaves after watching scary or violent shows, or playing video games.

• Speak out. If media content strikes you as inappropriate or offensive, tell the media organization.

From the Canadian Paediatric Society. For more information, visit www.caringforkids. cps.ca. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Get Up & Get Moving P

hysicians should counsel Canadian families to reduce children’s sedentary time, such as watching television or sitting with a computer, and increase their physical activity, says the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) in a position statement released in the spring.

“We’re starting to see kids with health and obesity problems before they even start school,” says Dr. Claire LeBlanc, chair of the CPS Healthy Active Living and Sports Medicine Committee and co-author of the statement. “Parents and caregivers need to incorporate age-appropriate physical activity into their children’s day as young as possible.”

Over the last 25 years, the rate of obesity has nearly tripled among children and youth.

As many as 26 per cent of kids between two and 17 years are now overweight or obese, and that number jumps to 41 per cent among Aboriginal children. As children get older, they spend more and more time inactive: youth six to 19 years are sedentary for almost nine waking hours every day.

The CPS recommends that children ages one to four have at least 180 minutes of daily physical activity at any intensity, including both structured and unstructured (free play) activities. Older children and adolescents should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity every day, including vigorous activities and muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least three days a week.

These recommendations are consistent with the Canadian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for the Early Years, released in March by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and ParticipACTION. “It’s not just up to parents to promote healthy active lifestyles among children and youth,” says Dr. LeBlanc, a paediatrician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

“Society needs to make physical activity for children a priority because we all have a role to play, including health care teams, governments, schools, facilities and all levels of decision-makers.”

Among the CPS recommendations: • Physicians should ask about physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and should help families find more ways to be active.

• Families should reduce the number of hours per day spent on sedentary activities and keep television sets, video games, cell phones and computers out of children’s bedrooms.

• Television networks should eliminate advertisements that promote unhealthy food and sedentary behaviour during children’s programming.

• Governments and communities should create more available and affordable sport and recreation programming after hours at schools and at local facilities.

• Schools should teach the benefits of physical activity and implement compulsory daily physical education for all grades.

• Communities should maintain safe recreational facilities, parks, playgrounds, bicycle paths, sidewalks, and crosswalks.

From the Canadian Paediatric Society, a national advocacy association that promotes the health needs of children and youth. For more information, visit www.cps.ca.

RUGBY SUMMER FULL DAY CAMP: July 9th-13th!

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For more information please visit: www.langfordrugby.com www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 59

Robin A. Sams

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60 Island Parent Magazine

Gender Assumptions W

hen my daughter was a baby, I made a point of dressing her in a rainbow of colours. Besides the fact that I think a rainbow of colours is good for girls’ and boys’ clothing, I also was curious about how people would react depending on what colour clothing she was wearing. Pink got people addressing my daughter with the pronoun “she.” Every other colour seemed to get her addressed with the pronoun “he.”

I don’t like this idea of pink being the colour for girls and blue being the colour for boys.

According to “When Did Girls Start Wearing Pink?” on Smithsonian.com, “The march toward gender-specific clothes was neither linear nor rapid. Pink and blue arrived, along with other pastels, as colors for babies in the mid-19th century, yet the two colors were not promoted as gender signifiers until just before World War I—and even then, it took time for popular culture to sort things out.”

Another important factor, according to the article, has been the rise of consumerism among children in recent decades. According to child development experts, children are just becoming conscious of their gender between ages three and four, and they do not realize it’s permanent until age six or seven.

“At the same time, however,” the article continues, “they are the subjects of sophisticated and pervasive advertising that tends to reinforce social conventions.”

What about gender signifiers other than colour?

When my daughter was three and a half years old, she would twirl her hair into knots and pull it out. We would tell her to stop, but that had no effect. She seemed to realize she was doing it, but she couldn’t control it. We wondered if she had trichotillomania, an impulse control disorder that causes repeated urges to pull or twist the hair until it breaks off. The left side of her hair became noticeably thinner, so we decided to do what a friend of a friend had done with her daughter. We got her hair cut. Initially, we had gotten a stylish cut, with longer hair on the right side and short hair on the left. Unfortunately, this particular haircut didn’t work. Before long, our daughter was back to pulling out her hair. So my spouse shaved her hair to about a one-inch length all around.

Our daughter did not actually mind, as she wanted a pixie cut like one of her friends.

Having her hair cut so short, however, soon became an experiment in gender perception.

People would assume she was a boy, even if she was wearing pink or more girl-marketed clothing.

I remember one occasion during the summer when we went to the local farmers’ market and our daughter was wearing a yellow shirt with a blue skort. We were looking at cucumbers, and the vendor asked if “he” would like to taste one of the little cucumbers. Perhaps the vendor did not notice the skirt aspect of what our daughter was wearing and simply saw the short hair and the yellow and blue colours. On another instance that summer, my daughter and I were at a local playground. She started playing with a small group of children at the playground, but it wasn’t long before she came up to me and said, “Mommy, they keep calling me a boy.” She was clearly upset by this. I encouraged her to introduce herself. I admit I also suggested she tell them she was a girl. I wonder now if that was the way to go. What did it matter if she was a girl or a boy? We were at a playground, and she wanted to play.

There were numerous instances of people calling her a “he” simply because her hair was short. I found it odd, given that girls and women have long and short hair, and that boys and men have short hair and long hair. It seemed that, despite these changes in style, people still recognize one gender as having a particular length of hair.

That was a year ago. My daughter’s hair has grown in more since then, and we are only now noticing her interest in playing with her hair again. I haven’t noticed people using “he” with regards to her so much now, although I do notice my daughter will call babies “he” when they’re “she” and vice versa. Perhaps she is trying to understand gender. Gender is a complex subject, given that a lot of what we consider gender is fed to us by manufacturers, retailers, and our own cultural programming.

Robin A. Sams is a mother of one and a poet who recently published her chapbook Bea and other poems. She can be reached at her blog http://robinasams.wordpress.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Sightseeing in Seattle 1. Wander through Pike Place Market.

Watch the salmon toss (at the seafood shop by the main entrance), put a penny in Rachel the Piggybank (proceeds benefit services such as the childcare centre and the food bank), or go “down under” to the four-level labyrinth of funky shops below.

2. Drop by the Seattle Aquarium (www. seattleaquarium.org) and explore the underwater world of the Pacific Northwest and tropical Pacific Coral Reef.

3. Check out Experience Music Project, a one-of-a-kind music museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of the creative, innovative and rebellious expression that defines popular music. Phone 1-888-EMPLIVE or visit www.emplive.com.

4. Step into Pacific Science Centre where you’ll find history’s most treasured stories in Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, running until January 6, 2013. The exhibition features more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. Visit www.pacsci.org.

5. Ascend the Space Needle. Towering above Seattle, the observation deck offers a 360˚ view from 520' above the city. Phone 1-800-937-9582 or visit www.spaceneedle. com.

6. The Children’s Museum offers exhibits for kids in eight permanent galleries, one temporary gallery and three studios. For information phone 206-441-1768.

Getting There. From Vancouver Island, the easiest and quickest way to get to Seattle is aboard the Victoria Clipper. Departing twice daily (three times after June 23) from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, this passenger-only ferry will have you in downtown Seattle in less than 3 hours. Round trip tickets: adults $97-$137; children $68.50. Visit www. victoriaclipper.com.

Where to Stay. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel offers he “Family Matters” package which features nightly accommodation in two rooms or suites, if you need the extra space, with the second room at 50 per cent off. Rates start at US$219. Visit www. fairmont.com/seattle.• www.IslandParent.ca

Island Swimming

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This Spring: Seasonal Wear, Toys, Strollers, High Chairs, Exersaucers & More.

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June 2012 61

Kathryn Scheurwater

Steps & Stages of Math

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athematics. What memories does this word conjure for you? For some there will be fond memories of slotting in the right number and arriving at the correct solution.

For others there will be a shudder and a conscious move to discuss another topic.

As parents, we can help our children learn to love, appreciate and use mathematics from a very early age by understanding the developmental stages all children go through as they travel through their mathematical journey.

Research has shown that children as young as six months old are capable of recognizing “quantity” and that when something is removed or added to an amount, they will respond by looking longer at the objects.

Babies also have the ability to recognize and match numbers. Very young children can describe the varying quantities of objects by using words such as “bigger,” “smaller,” or “the same as.” They can recognize when amounts have been added or taken away (just like peak-a-boo once they realize you were there, and now you’re not). We can support and help our children build strong math concepts through games and at home play. By knowing what to engage in, our children will feel confident with their skills as they formally learn mathematics.

There are many stages children experience as they learn about counting.

Pour out a handful of Cheerios and ask your child to count them.

Stage 1. Watch how your child counts.

Each Cheerio must be touched once as the numbers are said. This will demonstrate that your child has “one-to-one” correspondence.

Stage 2. Listen as your child counts. The numbers must be said in the correct order.

Young children will mimic what they hear and will pretend to count. Gently guide them to state the numbers in the correct order.

Stage 3. Watch where your child begins to count. Do they stop once they have touched or counted all of the Cheerios? Do they count some more than once? When they have successfully counted each Cheerio only once you can then ask, “Can you count them again starting at a different place?”

Then try re-arranging the same amount of Cheerios and ask, “How many are there now?” When your child is able to state, without re-counting, the same amount,

they understand and trust the conservation of quantity.

One sharing activity that will show where your child is mathematically is to ask them to get enough spoons for the family. Many scenarios may emerge. They may grab a handful of spoons and give one to each family member. They may go to the drawer and get one spoon, deliver it and return as many times as there are family members.

They may try to count the family members and then go to the drawer but count, incor-

By encouraging a positive attitude, building persistence, reading, playing fun games, and involving your child in meaningful real life mathematics, your child will build a strong numeracy foundation. rectly, the required number of spoons. They may correctly count the family members and then go to the drawer and count the correct number of spoons. If this last scenario occurs, your child understands: a) how to count b) counting has a defined pattern c) the last number said is the total amount needed and d) that counting is used for a purpose.

Other daily activities may include counting the cans in the cupboard, setting the table, singing number songs or reading books. This supports your child’s development of mathematical counting concepts.

Another underpinning towards understanding counting is “subitizing.” Subitizing literally means, “seeing suddenly.” This concept precedes counting and can be explained as “the amount seen at a glance.”

For example, if you see pips on a dice or dots on a domino, you know without counting the exact number. This is called subitizing.

Children do not need to know this term, but parents can set up situations which will develop the idea that three is more than two, and two is more than one—without counting. This will help your child to visualize a counting sequence.

Some activities parents can do: • Roll a single die and after each turn at rolling the die, ask your child to place that same number of blocks, Cheerios, coins, etc. into a cup. www.kidsinvictoria.com

• Give your child five cards with the amount of dots from one to five on them.

Ask them to find that same amount of items in the room or in the car. For example, show the card with two dots on it. Your child may say, two feet, two hands, two pictures.

• Clap between one and five times and ask your child how many times you clapped.

First ask them to say the number; next, ask them to repeat the number of claps. You can do the same things with stomping or jumping jacks.

Parents play a huge role in their child’s development. By encouraging a positive attitude, building persistence, reading, playing fun games, and involving your child in meaningful real life mathematics, your child will build a strong numeracy foundation.

Suggested readings: Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews, Ten Little Fish by Audrey Woods, Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 by Bill Martin Jr., Ten Red Apples

by Pat Hutchins. Many more titles may be found at your local library.

Kathryn Scheurwater is a parent, educator and mathematics specialist. She is passionate about creating a numerate population that enjoys and uses math with confidence. scheurwater.kathryn@gmail.com.

Victoria Symphony Concerts for Kids

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The Snowman, november 18, 2:30 pm The Mozart Experience, january 27, 2:30 pm Lemony Snicket’s The Composer is Dead, february 24, 2:30 pm Judy & David’s Symphonic Adventure, april 21, 2:30 pm

victoriasymphony.ca or 250.385.6515 www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 63

Janet Geddie

Earth to Table

Every Week ALL SUMMER Kinder Kids Camp 5 Years

Jr. Sizzlers*

G

row it! Buy it! Cook it! Eat it!

That’s the premise behind the Earth to Table program for at-risk youth, developed

by Leadership Victoria and offered through Burnside Gorge Community Association.

In this unique program, started this spring, youth learned where food comes from and how to grow and prepare different foods.

They also grew their own food, prepared appetizers, dinners and deserts with local chefs, and visited a professional kitchen.

Earth to Table engaged eight youth, aged 12-16, by providing the tools and knowledge to access affordable, local and healthy food options that they can prepare

by a local chef from the community who generously donated their time, skills and enthusiasm to the program.

Leadership Victoria is a communitybased, volunteer-led non-profit organization committed to developing, supporting, recognizing and honoring outstanding community leaders. Over the last decade, Leadership Victoria has become the “go to” organization for community leadership in Greater Victoria, completing nearly 40 community action projects and graduating more than 200 leaders from diverse backgrounds who continue to work to improve their community.

for themselves. The team worked together with Burnside Gorge and their sponsors— Cooks Culture, Island Chefs Collaborative, Fairways, LifeCycles, AJ Organics, Devour, and Discovery Coffee—to put together a program that addresses several subject areas including health, education, at-risk youth, food security and self-sufficiency.

The Earth to Table program ran at the Burnside Gorge Community Association for six weeks. During this program, a group of eight youth traced their food from earth to table through weekly hands-on activities. The participants learned about where food comes from through the assistance from LifeCycles and by exploring their community garden at Burnside Gorge, they learned how to purchase healthy food on a budget and explored a variety of local fresh produce, and they received three sessions of basic cooking training. Each session was run

With cooperation from Burnside Gorge, the leadership Team—named Big Bad Mosaics—designed the program to help make the community a better place through action and engagement with a small, powerful and sustainable project. The goal was to engage the youth in learning about where food comes from, how to purchase healthy food on a budget, receive basic cooking training, and learn about community kitchens and their benefits. The program ran once a week from April to June. Now that it’s finished, the program model and findings will be documented and shared with other recreation centres and community groups including the Coalition of Neighborhood Houses.

6-8 Years

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MORE

summer fun SEE PAGE 34 of our GUIDE

Call to Register!

250-478-8384

westshorerecreation.ca 64 Island Parent Magazine

Janet Geddie is Island sales manager with Telus, the mother of two children, Justin, 11, and Erin, 12, and wife to Bill, a very supportive husband of 13 years. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Family-Friendly Cowichan Valley Summer

RIDING CAMPS WEEKLONG OVERNIGHT CAMPS A unique opportunity for students to participate in the responsibility and care of horses (it’s like having their own horse for a week).

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June 2012

65

Elizabeth Brimacombe

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Island Parent Magazine

recent conversation with a friend reminded me of one of the best-loved stories in our household when my children were a bit younger, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen. My kids never tired of the tale of a family’s fantastic bear hunt where obstacles along the way were met with confident determination …“What a beautiful day. We’re not scared!” Swamps, overgrown meadows and dark caves gave pause to the bear-trekkers as, with each obstacle, they realized, “We can’t go under it. We can’t go over it. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it!” And onward they boldly went, “squelch squerch” through the ooey gooey mud.

This story came to mind as I reflected on how parenting young children, working through the challenges of that terrain, has helped me gain strength beyond being a parent. My kids’ curiosities, needs, demands, questions, arguments, joys and fears repeatedly require that I “go through it.”

Take questions, for example. My children always wanted to know the answers to questions like why I was using my “angry voice,” why everything is made in China, why I over-ruled the suggestion of five bucks as a year-end gift for the teacher, why I was crying, why they shouldn’t call someone “stupid,” why you say “thank you” even if you don’t like the gift, why I might say “hold your horses” when I had not brought home a new pet pony for the backyard.

In responding to my kids’ questions, I felt compelled to give an honest explanation, to help build their understanding, and clarify what I was feeling and why. So I “went through it” time and time again.

Ironically, in responding to my kids’ questions and demands, I developed a stronger sense of maturity than what I had achieved through dealings with other adults. My replies to my kids are my best effort to be honest, self-revealing, and open-minded. I take care to find words that will illuminate www.kidsinvictoria.com

understanding, correctly label my emotions, articulate my beliefs, foster a dialogue grounded in mutual respect, and forge constructive paths to conflict resolution. I feel I owe them that.

The words have not come easily to me.

Long before my kids uttered their first “why” I had accrued lots of adult-to-adult experience with conflict and criticism. But I had not always smoothly, comfortably opted to “go through it” in those challenging circumstances. I was familiar with the paths of avoidance, retreat, disengagement, and deflection. With my kids I had to work hard

With my kids I had to work hard to suppress, ‘Because I said so,’ ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ ‘Let’s talk about something else,’ or some other words or action to take us off the ‘go through it’ path. to suppress “Because I said so,” “I don’t want to talk about it,” “Let’s talk about something else,” or some other words or action to take us off the “go through it” path.

Working through those difficult conversations with my kids has helped me forge bravely into the ooey gooey mud of conflictrife circumstances in my interactions with adults. I have become more willing to take a proactive, helpful stance and help lead the trek through the sticky situation.

It has always been easy for me to see how my kids have helped me play with words and enter the wonderful realm of curiosity and child-like perspective—that I’ve had opportunity to, as the cliché goes, rediscover my “inner child.” But it is a recent revelation for me to appreciate how my growing up has been supported by my investment in connecting with my kids at their level. It feels surprisingly satisfying to observe that I’ve managed to move upward by focusing downward.

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Elizabeth Brimacombe, a Victoria-based mother of two children, will boldly respond to any challenging “why?” that she encounters.

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out more information:

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Art Camp: July 9-13 & Aug. 7-10 Sport Camp: July 16-20 & Aug. 13-17 CREATE Camp: July 23-27

(250) 884-1734

To register or to find out more information:

summercamps@theforgechurch.com Summer Camps at the Forge (church)

Summer Camps at the Forge (church)

Summer Camps at the Forge (church)

www.theforgechurch.com

June 2012 67

Dad & Me Time

W

ith summer on its way—and a beach vacation in the works—my wife and I knew it was time to get the kids more competent and confident in the water. While searching the rec centre timetables for swimming lessons, we realized that our almost-six-year-old daughter and just-eight-year-old son are close enough in age and skill level in the pool to be placed in a class together.

The negotiations to get them to agree to be in the same class together were interesting and enlightening in the field of parentchild-sibling relations—a field I am sure to continue studying from the front lines for a long time to come. At first, my son balked at the idea of being in the same class with his little sister. I took a bit of a risk by telling him if he works hard, he’ll probably move on to the next level and leave her behind. It worked, but I’ll have a new situation to deal with if the opposite happens and the little one advances faster than he does.

The lynchpin in the deal turned out to be a major win-win. While my daughter was gung-ho to take lessons, my son, who has

68 Island Parent Magazine

always been a bit shy of the water, resisted at first. He agreed to do it in exchange for a promise that I would take them swimming every weekend in addition to the lessons.

The weekly swimming trip has become my new favourite time of the week. It’s my oneon-one time with the kids, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The kids are getting more and more confident in the water, and I’ve locked in a guaranteed time to hang out with them with absolutely no distractions.

At home, there’s always something to do—cut the lawn, fold laundry, run to the grocery store, or any one of a million other chores. Add to that the TV, video games, or other activities the kids like to do, and somehow we manage to spend many hours together as a family without necessarily connecting.

So swimming is where I get my Dad Time.

As an added bonus I also get some Me Time.

I get to sit in the hot tub and watch the kids do their lesson—time alone to just relax!

No Blackberry, no honey-do list, just 20 minutes of nothing. Then, after the lesson, I jump in the pool with them and we get to

just play. The best part is that every week, I am genuinely surprised by something one or both of my kids can do in the water.

Having Dad Time is certainly nothing

Dadspeak Mike Lowe new. As with many parents, I’ve always tried to remember to set aside some time where the pressures of life don’t get in the way and I can just enjoy my kids. When my son was just a baby, it came in the form of Sunday morning walks while my wife got a well-deserved sleep in. I would meet up with a couple of other dads who lived nearby and we’d push our strollers to the playground, coffees in hand.

Now it’s a weekly trip to the pool—just the three of us. Using time with Dad as a bargaining chip turned out to be exactly the thing we needed.

Mike Lowe is a Victoria dad of an eightyear-old boy and a five-year-old girl.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

PHYSICAL LITERACY STARTS HERE!

ACTIVE START 1/2 DAY CAMP (AGES 3 – 4)

This accessible half day camp will introduce children to a variety of different movement skills.

July 3-6 | July 16-20 | Aug. 13-17 | Aug. 27-31 Monday - Friday, 8:30am -12:00pm | *$100 ($115) (except July 3-6, Tuesday -Friday | *$80 ($95))

Sporty Kids Camps : ACTIVE ABC’s (AGES 5 – 10)

This barrier-free camp will build on the ABC’s (Agility, Balance, Coordination, Speed) that create the building blocks for future sport success.

July 9-13 | July 16-20 | July 23-27 | July 30-Aug.3 | Aug. 13-17

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm | *$200 ($215) (except Aug. 7-10, Tuesday -Friday | *$160 ($175))

Multi-Sport Camps: (AGES 11 – 13)

n tratio Regis *Early for those Fee is gister re who eek to 1 w prior urse start. tes e co g Ra befor and Testin am ge r a g o n r e wh All P + HST cable. appli

This exciting and accessible camp will introduce participants to expert training in a variety of sports by improving skills and Physical Literacy.

July 9-13 | July 16-20 | July 23-27 | July 30-Aug.3 | Aug. 13-17 | Aug. 20-24 Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm | *$200 ($215)

PISE Female Only Camp (Ages 12 – 15)

If you are interested in learning about yoga, kickboxing/self defense, weight training and other fun, healthy activities in a girls–only environment, this camp is designed for you.

July 3-6 | Tuesday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm | *$160 ($175) Aug. 20-24 | Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm | *$200 ($215)

Grand Slam Golf & Tennis 1/2 DAY CAMP (Ages 6 – 10)

The basics of these two amazing sports will be taught using exciting team games and group lessons led by qualified CPGA members and Tennis Canada Instructors ensuring effective and age appropriate instruction is given.

Aug. 7-10 morning | Aug. 7-10 afternoon | Tuesday - Friday, 8:30am -12:00pm or 1:00 -4:30pm | *$90 ($105)

ELI PASQUALE CHAMPIONS ACADEMY BASKETBALL CAMP (Ages 10 – 16) Get ready for the basketballseason with our completebasketball training program developed

by Eli Pasqauale (Two time Olympian, Five Time National Champion)!

Aug. 20-24 | Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 3:00pm | *$199 ($214)

Camosun Chargers Girls’Volleyball Camp (Ages 12 – 18)

PISE is pleased to present the second annual Camosun Chargers Summer Volleyball Camp! This camp is designed to improve the individual skills, team play, physical and mental preparation of the up and coming volleyball athlete.

Aug. 27-31| Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm | *$200 ($215)

Abstract Volleyball Camp (Ages Boys 12 – 15 & Girls 12 – 18)

The Abstract Volleyball Camp is part of the 2012 Abstract Volleyball High Performance Camp series. Each on-court volleyball session will be led by Jesse Knight who has 15 years of CIS, NCAA, and International Coaching experience

July 3-6 | Monday – Friday 8:45am – 4:15pm | *$325 ($340)

4371 Interurban Road

REGISTER TODAY!

250.220.2510 piseworld.com

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 69

Summer Safety

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

250-519-5311 250-539-3099

(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula Saanich Saltspring Island Sooke Victoria West Shore

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

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-7855 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8222 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

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

250-850-2110 250-331-8520 250-332-5289 250-974-5522 250-949-3100

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

70 Island Parent Magazine

ummer’s on the way and most of us are looking forward to those long sunny days, spending afternoons at the beach or river, going on road trips, camping and much more. And while it’s a great time to kick back and relax, it’s also important to be aware of the safety hazards that come with some of these summer activities. With a little planning, you can avoid or prevent many of the ailments and injuries of summer, keeping fun front and centre for you and your family.

Sun Safety The sun’s rays can damage skin, particularly over years of exposure. Help your child develop good sun safety habits early in life and they will benefit for years to come.

The Canadian Dermatology Association has some great information and tips for parents. Check out their info sheets at www. dermatology.ca/infosheets/index.html.

Some sun basics: • Keep skin covered as much as possible when spending time in the sun. Infants under 6 months should wear a UVA/UVB protective suit if spending time outdoors.

• Clothing made from fabric with a tight weave will provide greater protection from the sun’s rays. Clothing should be loose fitting.

• A hat with a full, wide brim will help to protect the face and neck.

• Apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to exposed skin at least 15-30 minutes prior to going out into the sun. Use it liberally and make sure to reapply often throughout the day, especially following swimming or heavy perspiration.

• Wear sunglasses, especially when driving or cycling.

• Seek out shade. The sun can burn and damage skin even on a cloudy day.

• Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours of sun (11am-4pm). Remember, your child will follow your example, so be sun safe yourself!

Water Safety Swimming is a favourite activity for many families—it’s good exercise and a great way to cool off and have fun, but remember small children need constant supervision when at the beach or the pool. Don’t rely on flotation

devices, such as water wings or even a life jacket, to keep your child safe. When at a public beach, make sure your child knows to swim only in designated areas. If you go to an unsupervised place, such as a river, an adult who can swim must watch your child at all times. Teach your child not to enter the water without first telling an adult.

Swimming lessons beginning in infancy help children develop comfort, confidence, and ability in the water. Find times and locations for swimming lessons through your city’s parks and recreation department or your local swimming pool facilities.

Whether you’re camping at a commercial campsite or backpacking to a remote location, being prepared and observing a few safety tips can keep your family safe and healthy while you enjoy the great outdoors.

Your family might enjoy boating, canoeing, or kayaking. Before going out on the water, make sure each family member is wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) appropriate for their size and securely fastened. The Canadian Red Cross has some great information about life jackets, PFDs, and general boating safety.

To find out more, visit www.redcross.ca, and look under the tab “How We Help” for “Swimming & Water Safety.” Also, someone in your boating party should be familiar with how to operate the boat, how to respond if the boat capsizes, and how to navigate around other boats. Check the weather report before departing and bring appropriate gear. Make sure you have some way to call for help (cell phone, 2-way radio, flares) if you get into trouble. And don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and water bottle.

Camping Safety Roasting marshmallows over an open fire, singing songs, and going for hikes www.kidsinvictoria.com

through the woods are summer camping rituals for many. Whether you’re camping at a commercial campsite or backpacking to a remote location, being prepared and observing a few safety tips can keep your

at

Healthy Families; Happy Families Child Y o u t h & Family Commu nity Health

Braefoot Watersports Camp

• Waterskiing • Wakeboarding • Wakeskating • Kayaking and more!

Braefoot Fun Days Camp

• Bouncy Castle • Sports • Crafts • WildPlay and more!

Braefoot All Girls Camp

• Bouncy Castle • Crafts • Drama • Dance and more!

DENISE GEIB

Braefoot Road/Roller Hockey Camp • Bouncy Castle • Road/Roller Hockey and more!

Braefoot Soccer Camp

family safe and healthy while you enjoy the great outdoors.

• Have a first aid kit with you and know how to use it. A basic first aid course is a great tool for every parent to help manage injuries in any location, but even more important when you plan to be somewhere far from medical assistance. St. John Ambulance (www.sja.ca) and the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) offer a wide range of courses.

• Observe fire bans and restrictions.

Campfires can easily get out of control and spread in the summer heat. Check to make sure campfires are allowed, and build them in a designated pit or in an open area far from trees and other combustible material.

Make sure your fire is completely out before you go to bed or leave your campsite. Douse your fire with plenty of water as you stir the ashes with a stick to make sure all the hot spots are extinguished.

• Teach your children about campfires and that it is not safe to play, push, or run close to a fire. Keep tripping hazards away from the area just around the fire.

• Check the weather before leaving so you can be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear, and have some way to call for help if needed.

• Pack enough food and water for the duration of your trip, or have some way to filter or purify water if you plan to drink from natural water sources. Moving water from a stream or river is a better choice than standing water, if available. Most outdoor stores sell water purification kits. If you are using a pump with a filter, make sure the filter is fine enough to remove harmful microorganisms.

Have fun and be safe this summer. Go to www.safekidscanada.ca for more safety tips for summer and year round.

• Bouncy Castle • Soccer (with Highlanders clinic) and more!

EcoQuest Camp To register, please call the

Braefoot Community Association

at 250.721.2244 1359 McKenzie Avenue, Victoria, BC V8P 2M1

• Science Experiments • Kayaking • Crafts • WildPlay and more!

Eli Pasquale Basketball Camp

• 1-on-1 Skills • Offensive & Defensive Skills and more!

More details on all of our camps at www.braefoot.ca

Denise Geib is a Public Health Nurse at the Nanaimo Health Center. www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 71

Brocco-Slaw

Stalking You

R

ecent trawling through restaurant recommendations and food guides has revealed a consistent trend towards using the whole beast: eating an entire animal, from stem to stern, as it were. This return to a more frugal, less fancy approach shows a respect for the creature whose life was given to provide a form of protein nourishment.

Plus, from a professionally creative standpoint, I suspect that many chefs embracing this philosophy are excited by the competitive challenge of using more of the animal, in better tasting ways.

The vegetable world fares better than the animal in this respect, generally speaking, but there are still some regularly discarded bits that move me to advocate on their behalf. I speak, friends, of the stalks. Too often do I see broccoli crowns glorified (indeed, is their name alone not an unearned homage?) in produce sections, recipes, and on veggie platters. The stalk is plainer, and needs a bit of peeling and pruning, but it offers up a nutritional bang for the buck that its showier compatriot doesn’t quite match. Dice it onto your mixed greens, sliver

72 Island Parent Magazine

it into your stir-frys and steamer baskets, and grate it into slaw.

Celery is another classic example of an overlooked stalk. We appreciate it as an aromatic addition to stocks, simmered, then scooped out and discarded before serving.

We’ve all done our time with ants on the log and other childhood delights (peanut butter, cream cheese, or other concoctions stuffing the celery stalk’s hollow, possibly topped with raisins, dried cranberries, peanuts, or the like). Celery is also a vegetable in its own right, and can stand alone as a cooked dish with the best of them.

Herbs go through a bit of an unnecessary editing in many recipes: we are called upon to procure fresh herbs, then strip the (very tiny) leaves from the stalks, and mince those leaves. Often (parsley, oregano, thyme), the stalks are also full of flavour, and only add to the end product. Throw your basil stems into your blender before whirring up your pesto, mix the parsley stalks into tabouli along with the foliage. Think outside the grocery store flyer, and consider including the stalks of these lovely vegetables.

3 stalks broccoli 1 cup broccoli florets 2 carrots 1 green onion 2 stalks celery 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sesame oil splash of hot pepper sauce, if desired salt and pepper, to taste Peel and grate broccoli stalks, and place in medium-sized bowl. Wash florets, chop into small pieces, add to bowl. Scrub and grate carrots (peel if not organically grown), and finely chop green onion, and celery stalks.

Add to other vegetables. In small bowl, whisk together oils, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Pour evenly over vegetables, toss to combine. Serve. (Cauliflower is a good addition to this slaw if desired.)

Braised Celery 1 bunch celery stalks 1 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper, to taste 1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable stock Separate celery stalks and wash well. Cut into 4" or 5" lengths. Heat medium-sized

www.kidsinvictoria.com

skillet over medium-high heat, put oil into it, then add celery. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until celery has a bit of colour. Pour stock over,

Just Eat It!

Where adventure and imagination thrive!

• Forest Adventure • Outdoor Cooking • Narnian Dramas • Mask Making

Kathy Humphrey then cover and allow to sit just below a simmer for another 5 minutes or so, shaking pan occasionally, until celery is tender. Serve.

• Archery • Swimming • Unique Programming • And so much more…

Summer registration on now!

Girls & Boys, Ages 6–15 • August 5–11, 12–18

www.campnarnia.com

Celery Soup 1 head celery 2 onions 2 apples 1–2 cloves garlic 2 Tbsp olive oil small bunch of parsley 21⁄2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 cup milk Cut top and bottom (roots and leaves) off celery. Chop parsley. Wash celery well, then chop. Peel and slice onions, peel and crush garlic. Heat oil in large saucepan, soften onion and garlic for a few minutes. Core apple and cut into chunks. Add to pan with celery and parsley. Pour in enough stock to almost cover vegetables, bring to a boil and simmer 15–20 minutes until celery is tender. Remove from flame, allow to cool a bit, then add the milk. Pour into food processor. Pulse/chop so that vegetables are coarsely chopped (not pureed). Return to the pan, heat through and thin with more stock or milk if desired.

An independent, non-denominational camp

Parksville BC

Join us this summer for an amazing experience!

Next up in our Early Childhood Education Speaker Series:

Let’s Play Featuring Dr. Werner Liedtke, University of Victoria June 7, 2012 6:15 - 7:15 pm Free event, child minding available For more info, visit: www.stmarg.ca

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL w w w.st m a r g.c a | (250) 479-7 17 1

Stewed Rhubarb 6 cups chopped rhubarb stalks 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp water Place all ingredients into medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat, allowing to settle at a gentle simmer. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rhubarb pieces have turned into a lovely pink mixture, thick enough to stick to the back of a spoon. Allow to cool. Serve with ice cream, yogurt, cake, cooked cereal, or on its own.

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet. www.IslandParent.ca

Summer Camps!

Young Actors 8–15

Mon to Thurs, 10am to 3:30pm A four day fun-filled camp working with scenes, commercials and improvisation and finding out what it means to be on-set.

Taping and playback are used to monitor the progress and provide the understanding of how to work on camera. Please bring a bag lunch Monday through Wednesday. On the Thursday and last day of camp we do a final shoot and enjoy a pizza lunch provided by the studio before presenting playback to the parents and guests on the closing afternoon. Outside locations are sometimes used. Camps are supervised at all times.

Camp 1: July 9–12 Camp 2: July 23–26 Camp 3: Aug 7–10 Camp 4: Aug 13–16 Cost $195 + 12% HST = $218.40 Limited enrolment. A copy of the final shoot is available on DVD for $12

845 Fisgard Street 250 595 1339 www.screenactors.ca screenact@shaw.ca June 2012 73

Baby Gear Has Taken Over My Life (& My Living Room) It’s clunky, it’s plastic, and I couldn’t live without it

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

hen I was pregnant with my first, I had some pretty clear ideas about what a baby actually needed. Diapers. Soft blankets. Milk. Love. A bassinet would be a nice splurge, but I wouldn’t need much else, I figured.

However, I don’t think we were home from the hospital for more than 48 hours

label reads Caution: Assembly Process May Invoke Divorce Proceedings, then you can be assured that I own it.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

How has this happened, you might ask? How does one tumble off Minimalist Mountain and fall straight onto a mountain of Legos (ouch!)?

before I sent my husband to the mall with instructions to purchase any baby swing that could confuse a newborn into thinking it was actually nestled in human arms. When we got it assembled and I placed my howling firstborn therein, well, the silence, ability to cut my own meat, and solo trip to the toilet that followed was the beginning of the end.

I was a baby gear convert.

Fast forward to four years later, and my house has been overtaken by Thomas trains, flashing musical toys, and yes, even a trampoline in the middle of my living room.

If it was made in China and the warning

Well, my original assumption about what a baby actually needs was right. Plenty of babies (the vast majority, in fact) have managed to survive without Jolly Jumpers and a stuffed giraffe that claims to lull your baby to sleep with a recording of Victoria Falls.

When I asked my Latin American friend once what she used to carry her baby she looked at me, confused, and said, “My arms…?”

But you know, I’ve come to realize that when it comes to baby gear, it’s not about what the baby needs. It’s what I need. I admit it, I am a spoiled 21st century urban working parent, operating without an extended

2207 Millstream Road Victoria, BC V9B 0J7 Tel: 250.590.8088 Cel: 250.893.9547

Learn to Ride with Us!

Bike and geartorental brought you by included SG POWER

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

74 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

family surrounding me or a partner who is home every night at 5 p.m. If there is supper to be cooked, bladders to be emptied, teeth to be brushed, groceries to be unloaded, or columns to write, well, someone is getting plunked into the Exersaucer (affectionately referred to as The Wheel of Neglect in our house), strapped into the Ergo, or ushered towards a few Hot Wheels.

Sure, this doesn’t come without a twinge of guilt and the nagging knowledge that my

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND grandmother, who without running water or electricity managed to run a farm, raise five children, have several boarders at any given time, and make her own pickles, never had an Exersaucer. But we are also talking about a woman who knit miniature sombreros from yarn scraps to grab the lids off pots, so I am quite certain that had she seen an Exersaucer, she would have gone straight to Amazon.ca and had one sent to the farm (although on second thought, she probably would have fashioned something out of an old saddle and dried tea bags, but that’s beside the point).

That being said, baby gear is not the answer to your parenting woes. The amount you spend on your jogging stroller does not correspond to the number of pounds lost postpartum, and no wipes warmer has kept either of my children from howling during diaper changes. Nonetheless, I love my baby gear. I am a sucker for the beautiful patterned fabrics of baby slings and the softness of a bamboo swaddling blanket, and I would not trade my stroller with its single pivoting front wheel for an entire month’s worth of eight-hour sleeps.

And as soon as they produce a crib that makes your baby sleep though the night, well, I’ll be putting that on my Visa.

Carly Sutherland may have been tempted, but drew the line at purchasing baby carriers to match her outfits. She cannot say the same about her diaper bag(s).

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 75

Set Sail for Summer

J

une is here! At long last we’ve arrived at that golden, glorious beginning. June is a month full of excitement, celebration and the delicious anticipation of long-awaited freedom and adventure, whether you and your kids are eagerly looking forward to the end of another semester or planning a celebration in honour of the Summer Solstice.

June also offers a first-class opportunity to delve into some truly splendid reads.

The following three books have each been chosen because they are something special.

Mysterious, magical, and downright exceptional, these titles give readers a glimpse of the world off the beaten track—the ocean of possibilities that awaits you when you set a course away from the ordinary, and dare to discover something extraordinary.

Something, perhaps, like The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict (Little, Brown, 2012) by Trenton Lee Stewart. A capering dance of a mystery novel, this latest by the best-selling author of the Mysterious Benedict Society series offers readers a look at life before the Society was formed, back when Nicholas Benedict was a nine-yearold narcoleptic genius with a strange nose and a very unusual way of looking at the world. From the first moments of his arrival at a new orphanage, Nicholas seems set to get into trouble, be it with other children or irritatingly obtuse adults; it certainly doesn’t seem like he’s about to find himself in the midst of a perplexing series of puzzles, forming secret alliances with his fellow orphans in an epic quest for hidden treasure and the secrets of his own identity. Funny, fascinating, and delightfully philosophical, Stewart has crafted a splendid coming-ofage tale for 10+.

And once you’re hooked on puzzles and perplexities, why not try Lissa Evans’ enchanting pocket book, Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms (Sterling Children’s Books, 2012)? Stuart Horten (or “Shorten” as he is sometimes known) is looking forward to a very dismal summer. His parents have decided, quite foolishly, to relocate to the tiny town of Beeton, England, where his crossword-composing father grew up, and where his serious-minded scientist mother has opportunities for important and everso-adult work. For Stuart, however, there is nothing—not, that is, until he learns of his mysterious great Uncle, Teeny-Tiny Tony Horten, a stage magician who disappeared almost 50 years ago, and who left a series of riddles and clues that, when deciphered, lead to a hidden workshop and, just possibly, the key to Tony’s astonishing vanishing act.

Add a set of troublesome amateur journalist triplets, a dastardly villain determined to discover Tony’s secrets, and a pinch of time-travel, and you have the perfect recipe for adventure. Quixotic and clever, Evans’ deft wit, quirky plotting, and sparkling characterisation is guaranteed to thrill readers young and old (especially 9+).

Finally, we come to the adventure of The Girl Who Navigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Square Fish, 2012),

by Catherynne M. Valente. Occasionally, if you’re lucky, you have the good fortune to come across a book that is unlike any other. A book that pulls you into its pages and effortlessly captures your mind, heart and soul, plunging you into a sea of story and leaving you to plumb its depths until you emerge, gasping, at its last words. This

is such a book. Not for years have I been so completely captivated by such incredibly vivid imagination and such superb use of scintillating, sumptuous language.

Book Nook MADDY SMITh It begins, as all good fairy tales must, with “Once upon a time.” In this instance, it’s the time of a strange and marvellous girl named September, who is whisked away from her Omaha home on the back of the Leopard of Small Breezes by the elegant and smooth-tongued Green Wind into the Attic Between the Worlds—and that is only the very beginning. Whether it’s a city sewn and spun of satin, linen and brocade, a crimson half-literary Wyvern (also known as a Wyverary), a wicked Marquess with an overblown Hat, or even Death herself, Valente draws a dazzling world of whimsy and wonder, filled with a host of characters that rival those of any Lewis Carroll story and scenery that would leave the Impressionists in the shade. A perfect choice for 10+ or as a read-aloud for the entire family, this is a yarn far too fine to miss.

June stands before us in all her shimmering glory: a sun-soaked sentinel at the gateway to summer, sweeping her arms wide to welcome us. Seize this opportunity to take chances, explore extraordinary worlds, and craft miracles of your own imagining.

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

GET THE MUSIC HERE

Family-Friendly Mid-Island The Power of Parents

Comox Valley Conference for parents with children in the BC Public Education System

Early Bird Fee: $10, incl lunch (After June 5: $20)

— TOPICS — 21st Century Learning The Roles of the PAC Parenting with expert Dr Allison Rees and More...

TODDLER T UNES 18 to 30 Months

Holiday Inn Express in Courtenay is providing special room rates

Saturday, June 16, 2012 8:30am – 4:00pm at Mark Isfeld Secondary School, Courtenay BC

For registration and conference information: www.sd71cvdpac.webs.com 6-12 yrs*

Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp

Action-packed, fun-filled daycamp!

Explore the world of crafts, games, local attractions, & special events Watch for details in the Ladysmith Summer Activity Guide!

FAMILY SUMMER FUN • Lakefront Camping • Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Stand-up Boards • Wild Cave Exploring • Rock Rappelling • Teepee Camping

www.IslandParent.ca

to 4 Years

ENTRE C N O I UCAT TRE THE ED LESSON CEN THE

&

Family Adventure Camps • Single Parent Camp Mother & Daughter Camp • Father & Son Camp

i 250.245.6424 | www.ladysmith.ca

FAMILY M30USIC Months

Visit Horne Lake!

www.hornelake.com

250 703 6051

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6324 Metral Drive Nanaimo June 2012

77

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

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations.

Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services, a community-based, non-profit social, employment and health services agency, serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. Providing these services: child, youth and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable, assisted living for seniors; referrals, information and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407, for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134 or visit www. beaconcs.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult ‘Bigs’, and child ‘Littles’, build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend.

Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to

TM

listen, and to be a friend and advocate—in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 250-475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com, or at our website www.bbbsvictoria.com Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for youth at four locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and run Adventure Based Learning programs at our Camp in Metchosin. For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our 4 Community Clubs please call 250-384-9133.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com.

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and

independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services.

Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250-385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees.

Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions.

Services include a public lending library, individual/ group support for parents and children, professional/ educational workshops for parents and professionals.

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1524 Fort St. 250-370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term

Do you want to raise $500 or $50,000?

Bid, Browse and Support www.gobid.ca • Information: cathy@gobid.ca We have worked with:

Strawberry Vale Preschool, Glenlyon Norfolk School, Camosun College, Capital Families, Cordova Bay Soccer, Rotary Club, BC Lacrosse, Tourism Victoria, Lions Society of BC, Victoria Children’s Choir, Santas Anonymous, Garth Homer Society, Help Fill a Dream, Curl BC, WIN - Women in Need, Vancouver Foundation - Superior Tofu Community Fund

Take your fundraising online with Gobid Online Auctions • www.gobid.ca 78 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsabilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information. www.esquimaltmfrc.com.

Parent Support Services Society (www. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available.

Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-384-8042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

1Up: Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are by donation). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday. Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-3851114 or info@1-up.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses.

For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential.

We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250475-6677.

Emmanuel Baptist Emmanuel Baptist ChurchChurch

Summer of Adventure Summer of Adventure and Fun 2012 & Fun 2012

Emmanuel Baptist Church Emmanuel Baptistof Church Summer Adventure and Fun 2012 Summer of Adventure and Fun 2012

Emmanuel Baptist - 2121 Cedar Hill Cross R Emmanuel Baptist Church - 2121 Cedar Hill Church Cross Road BC | V8P 2R6 BC | V8P- 2R6 Emmanuel Victoria, Baptist Church 2121Victoria, Cedar Hill Cross Road At the Henderson Road entrance to of Victoria At Victoria, the Henderson Road entrance to University of Vic BCUniversity | V8P 2R6 Phone: 250-592-2418 |Phone: emmanuelvictoria.ca 250-592-2418 | emmanuelvictoria.ca At the Henderson Road entrance to University of Victoria Phone: 250-592-2418 | emmanuelvictoria.ca

Date

Camp Theme

Ages

Fees

Time

July 2-6 Good Theme Time Pre.-Kind. (ages 4-6)*Ages$45.00 9:00-11:30am Date A Zoo...ming Camp Fees Date Camp Theme Ages (ages 6-10) $55.00 Fees Time July 2-6 Elementary 12:30-3:30pm July 2-6 Kites..Lego..Puppets...& A Zoo...mingmore!

Good Time Pre.-Kind. (ages 4-6)* $45.00 July July 2-6 9-13 A Zoo...ming Good Time Pre.-Kind.

9:00-11:30am Rainbow Ranch Pre.-Kind. (ages(ages 4-6)* 4-6)*$45.00 $45.00 9:00-11:30am July 2-6 Kites..Lego..Puppets...& more!

Elementary (ages 6-10) $55.00 Adventures on Promise Island Pre.-Gr. 5* $35.00 for first child 9:00am-Noon July July 2-6 16-20 Kites..Lego..Puppets...& more!

Elementary (ages 6-10) $55.00 12:30-3:30pm Rainbow $45.00 9:00-11:30am VacationRanch Bible SchoolRanch for next4-6)* two July 9-13July 9-13 Rainbow Pre.-Kind. (agesPre.-Kind.

4-6)*$20.00 (ages $45.00 Max.5$75/family July 16-20 Adventures Promise Island *$35.00 for first child $35.00 for first child July 16-20 Adventures on Promise on Island Pre.-Gr. 5 * Pre.-Gr. 9:00am-Noon July 23-27 Science & Soccer..a winning combo! Elementary (ages 6-10) $50.00 9:00am-Noon Vacation Bible SchoolBible School $20.00 for next two Vacation $20.00 for next two Aug. 7-10 God’s Champions!

Pre.-Gr. 5 * $30.00 for first child 9:00am-Noon Max. $75/family Max. $75/family Vacation Bible School $15.00 for next two July 23-27 Science & Science Soccer..a& winning combo!

Elementary 6-10) $50.00 July 23-27 Soccer..a winning combo!(ages Elementary (ages 6-10) $50.00 9:00am-Noon Max. $60/family Aug.*7-10 God’s Champions!

9:00am-Noon Three year7-10 olds must beGod’s 4 yearsChampions! old by Dec. 31, 2012. Pre.-Gr. 5 * Aug. Pre.-Gr. 5 *$30.00 for first child $30.00 for first child School $15.00 for next two Please enterVacation your childBible in camps in terms their ages and grades this coming school year.

Vacation BibleofSchool $15.00 for next two

Max. $60/family

Max. $60/family *Three year olds must be 4 years old by Dec. 31, 2012. *Three year olds must in beterms 4 years old by Dec. 2012.

Please enter your child in camps of their ages and31, grades this coming school year.

Please enter your child in camps in terms of their ages and grades this coming school year.

Instead of receiving gifts for their 5th birthday, Lucy and Sophie asked their friends to make a donation to help other kids.

Your kids can also help other children and youth in need on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

From toonie birthdays and lemonade stands to ball hockey tournaments, teach your children about giving. We can help you to help other kids.

Visit www.queenalexandra.org or call 250-519-6935 for more information.

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 79

Tim

9:00 12:3 9:00 9:00

9:00 9:00

Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a state of health.

Midwives recognize what an extraordinary time this is in your life and we are available to support you through your childbearing year.

Covered by Your BC Health Care BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby.

You can self-refer to a midwife.

Quality Care Studies show that midwifery clients have lower rates of episiotomies, infection, Caesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries and newborns that require resuscitation.

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-592-0099 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

80 Island Parent Magazine

Weight Loss After Baby

D

uring pregnancy, gaining weight steadily is healthy and normal for you and your baby. If you gained between 25 and 35 pounds, you will have, on average, five to 12 pounds of maternal fat stores.

The larger the maternal fat stores at the end of the pregnancy, the longer it will take to lose those extra pounds. Be patient with yourself—it took nine months to get there, and it can take at least nine months to get back to your pre-pregnant weight.

For the first four to six weeks after delivery, repair and recovery should be the priority. This is especially true if you experienced a caesarean delivery, an episiotomy, or tearing during delivery. It is important to eat protein-rich foods so your body can heal and repair and ward off any potential infections. It is equally important to consume adequate calories so that your body can use the protein you eat to repair your body instead of using the protein as an energy source.

Give yourself until the six-week postpartum checkup before you start actively trying to slim down. If you are breastfeeding, wait until your baby is at least two months old.

Starting a diet too soon after delivery can delay your recovery, add to your stress, and make you feel more tired just when you need as much energy as possible while you adjust to life with a newborn. Cutting calories right after baby is born will actually have a negative effect on your metabolism. When you eat too little, especially during times that your body requires more energy, such as recovering from birth or while breastfeeding, your body will perceive it is starving.

Regardless of whether it is a perceived or real starvation, your body will respond by slowing your metabolism. This slower metabolism can sabotage your weight loss efforts in the weeks ahead.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how much weight you lose naturally by eating a healthy and varied diet, especially if you are breastfeeding. Instead of going on a strict, restrictive diet, eat a well-balanced variety of foods. A healthy diet along with regular exercise is the best way to shed the extra pounds.

Once you are ready to begin losing weight and you have been given the green light from your health care provider, start by

paying attention to portion sizes, eating a little less and getting more active. You don’t have to immediately enroll in boot camp or go to the gym.

Here are a few tips to help get you started: • Regular walks with baby in the stroller can make a difference. It is important to exercise while trying to lose weight to ensure that you are losing fat instead of muscle. Early in recovery, start small with 10 minutes at a time and work your way to a minimum of 30 minutes. Strollers or baby carriers provide good resistance to help you get your heart rate up. Exercise provides many health benefits over and above losing weight—it can also help with depression, sleep issues and it can ease stress.

• Pre-plan meals and snacks. It can be tough to find time to eat or plan healthy snacks when you have a new baby and schedule. Take time to prepare snacks ahead and divide food up into single portions that you can grab quickly instead of loading up on pastries and coffee from the local bakery. Snack and small meal ideas include: chopped veggies with hummus, a handful of almonds and an apple, whole wheat crackers with nut butter and a piece of fruit, half a sandwich and veggie sticks, fruit and veggie smoothies. Many moms find that having five to six small meals a day rather than three large meals fits their appetite and schedules better.

• Don’t skip meals in an attempt to lose weight, as this will decrease your energy and likely make you grab for quick fixes to stabilize your blood sugar. Keep in mind that eating breakfast can keep you from feeling famished and tired later in the morning and will also curb those sugar cravings.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Water also fills you up so that you don’t eat as much, and some research has shown that it may help speed up your metabolism. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water during every breastfeeding session.

• Sleep is an important factor in losing weight. It may be impossible to get a full eight hours of sleep with a newborn, but being sleep deprived could make it harder for you to shed the baby weight. When you are tired, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can speed up your heart www.kidsinvictoria.com

rate, slow digestion, and move blood flow to major muscle groups and away from the digestive system. This can promote weight gain. When you are exhausted, you are less likely to take good care of yourself and you may be choosing less healthy food and not

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN

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getting enough exercise. Sleep when your baby sleeps and go to bed early, until baby is sleeping longer periods at night.

What about weight loss and breastfeeding? Maternal fat stores that you gained in pregnancy are a perfect energy source to ensure that your body can produce enough milk for your baby. Breastfeeding is the most efficient way to use up those maternal fat stores. Even while embarking on a weight loss program, moms who are breastfeeding will require 300 extra calories per day for the first six months and 400 extra calories per day for the rest of the first year in order to nourish both you and your baby. For example, most women need between 1,500-2,200 calories to keep up their energy and prevent mood swings—so for the breastfeeding mom, you require an absolute minimum of 1,800 (1,500 + 300) calories per day.

The key to weight loss during the postnatal period is to do it slowly so you can maintain your milk supply and keep your energy up so you can care for your baby.

Weight loss of about a pound and a half per week is considered safe and should not affect your milk supply.

As tough as I know it is, try not to focus on numbers on the scale or how your jeans are fitting. You are busy doing the most important job in the world. Be gentle and patient with yourself as you maintain your healthy lifestyle and trust that your body will respond as it should in good time.

Gliders & Furniture

Larch St.

T.J.’S

(Under Sleep Country in the REAR)

Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, certified breastfeeding counselor has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud mama of three little ones. She can be reached at diana@hurschler.com.

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 81

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH Chrysalis Child Care..........................250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play.

Colwood/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool...250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 10 months to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Caring Touch Daycare.......................250-478-4886 A warm, loving, fun family daycare in a safe, nurturing environment. Infant/toddler care for ages 1–5 years.

Jenn’s Little Bears.............................250-478-8999 A safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. Our Infant and Toddler Program enriches each child’s development while our 3-5 Program prepares children for kindergarten. Two separate buildings allow each age group space to grow!

Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care..........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre.....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music while following a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Group care for children 2 to 6 and infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. www.musicmakerschildcare.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cordova Bay Preschool....................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

Lakeview Christian Preschool..........250-658-5082 Nurturing environment for 30 month to 5 year olds in a rural setting. Christian values emphasized. Licensed Cordova Bay facility with ECE teacher.

ESQUIMALT CIARA Early Childhood Centre.........250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12 month-5yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt.......250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool..........................250-479-0292 French immersion preschool program. Small groups 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre/ECE. Simply Fun Childcare Centre............250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience.

Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House........250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom.

The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com Oak Bay Co-op Preschool..................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

Recreation Oak Bay..........................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE Daycare and Preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

SAANICH

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 A 2 acre outdoor playground! A “Learning Naturally” interpretation. Our children explore, grow and learn from nature. Beside Bear Mountain. 12 months to 5 years. www.lexieslittlebears.com.

METCHOSIN A Growing Place................................250-391-1133 Half day program (AM or PM) for 2.5-5 yrs. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool.............250-478-9241 Come and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

Exceptional ECE Staff provide an enriching experience for 2.5 - 5 year olds. Come grow with us! Est.1960.

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am.

North SAANICH In The Garden Childcare Centre.......250-654-0306 A GREAT PLACE TO GROW. Offering preschool, full day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

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

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations through our varied learning through play environments and large natural

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre.....250-477-3731 (Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten) Play-based, creative, active-learning programs: half/ full day Preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Openings available for 3 and 4 year olds for September 2012. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca, www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

Island Montessori House..................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting. Extended day available. www. islandmontessori.com.

Lakehill Preschool.............................250-477-4141 Nurturing, warm environment for children to learn through play, with qualified, experienced ECEs. Different levels of participation available. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare............................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre celebrating 40 years. Offering morning, afternoon and all-day preschool options, flexible participation model, and allergy protocol. www. lambrickparkpreschool.ca Montessori Educare..........................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available. www.montessorieducare.com.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering 2 fall programs: “Stepping Stones” (2-3 yr. olds) 4 afternoons/wk. 12:45-2:45, focuses on learning positive interactions thru a variety of free play and group activities; Junior Kindergarten (4 yr. olds) 4 mornings/ wk. 8:50-11:30 prepares children for school, balancing teacher-directed and child-choice activities. Two fully equipped bright classrooms in Lake Hill School.

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources.

Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca 82 Island Parent Magazine

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke/Westshore: 250-642-5152 • Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/ wk. Tillicum. Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www. playtimepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Lexie celebrates 15 years as an ECE in the community.

Excellence through enriched programming. Music, art, dance and play. Montly themes and curriculum.

Supporting and encouraging your child’s individual successes.

Ready Set Grow Preschool...............250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre.................250-744-2643 High Quality Care and Educational Programs. Licensed for children 30 month to Grade 5. rogerschildcare@ shaw.ca or www.rogerschildcare.com St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool..............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

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

St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten..........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool...............250-479-4213 Children learn through play at our parent participation preschool. Programs for 3 and 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org.

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy........................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleview.ca Cedar Daycare...................................250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years.

Centennial Daycare...........................250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare in the Burnside/ Gorge area for 30+ years. Snacks, lunches, Sportball and Music programs included. www. centennialdaycare.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare.. 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS)...........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.com.

Downtown Y Child Care Centre.......250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. www.victoriay.com.

View Royal Preschool........................250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@ uniserve.com.

Footprints Academy............................. 250-590-5540 Licensed group daycare for 2.5 to 6 year olds. Open 6:30am–5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.footprintsacademy.ca.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool...........250-595-5223 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten...................250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre.....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare................250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting. Visit our website at www.rainbow-express.bc.ca.

Ross Bay Preschool..........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool......250-382-3815 A place where children learn to love and love to learn.

A warm and nurturing environment. A stimulating curriculum.

DUNCAN Angel Care Christian Preschool.........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children.

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare...............250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net..

Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre.........................250-746-1711 Offering quality, literacy focused childcare for children aged 6 mos – 12 yrs; infant/toddler; 3–5, preschool, and after school programs at Alexander, Bench, Khowhemun and Tansor Elementary schools.

Queen Margaret’s Preschool/ Junior Kindergarten..........................250-746-4185 Offering a co-ed enriched curriculum in a friendly atmosphere. Morning ECE/afternoon daycare. www.qms.bc.ca.

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery......250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Parent & Child programs also available!

Chemainus

The Sir James Douglas Playschool.250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

Cherry Tree Child Care Centre.........250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

Victoria Montessori...........................250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1. www.victoriamontessori.com.

St. Joseph’s Preschool.....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

VIEW ROYAL

Qualicum Beach

A Secret Garden Preschool..............250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@shaw.ca.

Children’s Discovery Centre.............250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre@ hotmail.com.

Island Kids Academy View Royal.....250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment.

Character development using the Virtues Project.

Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare.....................250-479-8423 “Learn through play” group childcare centre. Infants/ Toddlers/30mth–5yrs daycare and morning preschool near Knockan Hill park.

Little Star Children’s Centre.............250-752-4554 Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature.

Kinder-Prep classes. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. www.littlestardaycare.ca. littlestar@shaw.ca.

Nanaimo Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool...........................................250-753-1939 Experienced, caring and energetic ECE using learning through play in an enriched environment. www.nanaimopreschool.com.

June 2012 83

If your son or daughter has autism and is between 6–18 years old, we can help through: • Direct 1:1 Support • Behaviour Support • Social Groups • Day Camps • Account Management

For more information please call 250-477-7231 local 237

84 Island Parent Magazine

Homework

L

ast month I received an e-mail from the author of a blog on “successful career women.” Might I be interested in being the subject of a profile piece? Successful career women. Immediately my mind conjured up images of women with hairstyles that did not involve elastic bands. Women not wearing the evidence of their children: shirts splattered with sneezed-out rice cereal and grubby nut-butter fingerprints on the lenses of their glasses. I am not one of those women. And also, what is my career?

I declined. Two days before, Mike and I had decided to embark on The Year We Halve Our Income and Double Our Rent.

I had extended my maternity leave.

I never believed I would find myself here. Setting up Angus’s RESP, the financial planner wrote “homemaker” under my occupation. Is that really me? The smiling housewife who keeps a plate of fresh-baked cookies on the table? Who sits down beside a stack of flyers and proceeds to clip coupons?

Who dotes on her bacon-bringing husband and her ever-increasing brood of offspring?

I do bake. And yes, I have started to read the grocery flyers before writing our weekly shopping lists. And it’s true I spend considerably more time with Angus than in the company of adults.

A few months ago, a friend told me he was envious of my mat leave. He wished he could take a long-term paid vacation from work. The word vacation barely even raised my hackles. Yes, I said nodding, it’s great. And it is. I enjoy Angus’s company: the way something he’s seen a million times remains fascinating, how he rocks side to side when music is playing, his laugh, and that when he learns a new skill or makes a discovery, I’m usually right there to witness it. And really, what better way to spend a day than with someone you love.

I thought about daycare for Angus, considered putting his name on a number of exceedingly long waitlists. Then I subtracted the cost of childcare from my salary. Was it worth it? For me, the answer was no.

It will be hard. Neither daycare nor staying home makes good economic sense, but then having children doesn’t make good economic sense. Unless you’re counting on them bankrolling the nursing home in your later years. But we’ll make it work.

Recently another mom forwarded me an

article on Elisabeth Badinter, the French feminist and author of Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women. Badinter argues that “natural” maternalism, which celebrates breastfeeding and cloth diapering while eschewing daycare, robs women of their time and

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY freedom. It’s a step backwards, towards our grandmothers’ generation, she says, and if it continues women will never attain equality or independence. Badinter feels that a woman denied of her own desires and ambitions is not good for a child.

I’d agree with that.

But just as some women’s desires and ambitions lead them to return to work outside the home, for others it’s not so cut and dry. Home with Angus I feel like I’ve achieved a balance: time to write, time to exercise, time to be with my son. It’s not a lucrative life, but it certainly is a happy one.

Don’t you get bored? childless friends have asked me. What do you two do all day? And then: Daycare would be good for him! Angus is the kid who cries when other little people poke at him or pull away his toys. He’s easily over-stimulated. Daycare would make him social and well-adjusted!

Sometimes I start to worry: Is it selfish for me to keep Angus at home?

But there isn’t one right choice. Breast or bottle. Paper or cloth. Staying home or returning to work. Elizabeth Badinter believes that being a perfect mother is today’s form of oppression. There aren’t any, she says. But there are good moms everywhere. All of us, making choices that work for our own families. Maybe we’re not all successful career women, but hopefully we’ll all find success. After all, we’re doing the best we can.

Laura Trunkey, mother of the amazing Angus, is a writer, and a children’s writing instructor at Story Studio. She can be reached at laurajtrunkey@gmail.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Business & Professional Directory

Growth Investment

In-home Tutoring

Looking for a way to ease the stress of being Separated or Divorced with Children?

Where Kids Become Authors!

Professional Services: • arranging the visits • Supervised Access Visits • flexible hours (including weekends)

Writing and bookmaking for all ages.

Check out the website for workshops and camps.

Transition Services for Families

Smart Tutor Referrals.com Enriching Young Minds in Victoria since 2002.

Call 250-544-1588 to learn more.

Phone 250-590-4114 Email info@tsconsultingvictoria.ca or find us online at

www.tsconsultingvictoria.ca

Fernwood Yoga Den “Yoga classes for the whole family”

www.storystudio.ca or call 250-592-BOOK

Your Neighbourhood Optometry Clinic

Various Styles & Therapeutic Yoga Pre-Natal, Mom & Baby, Kids Classes and Family Yoga

www.chaostocalm.ca

Cadboro Bay Optometry Clinic

proud members

250 590 7572

Is Your Child Struggling at School?

1311 Gladstone Ave. 250-590-4664 www.FernwoodYogaDen.com

Art Classes • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Cartooning • Portfolio Preparation

3830 Cadboro Bay Road Victoria 250-360-2229

Our Family Realtor ®

Children & Adults • Day & Evening Classes Fabulous Results • Original Art for Sale

Artistic Statement Gallery & School of Fine Art

I can help your child Karen Murdoch Therapeutic Tutor

778-430-3183 karenmurdoch.ca www.IslandParent.ca

Call Joan in the Oak Bay Monterey Mews, #107–2250 Oak Bay Ave, 250-383-0566 www.artisticstatementgalleryandschool.com Now offering Art lessons on SKYPE for those unable to make it to the studio

Nancy Vieira

250-514-4750 June 2012 85

Can I eat any plants here?

Can I Ask You a Question?

W

?

orking at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary for almost four years now, I have received a wide variety of questions ranging from “Can you tell me what kind of bird this is?” to “Where are the washrooms?” While ever eager to sound brilliant, I have to admit I don’t always have the answer. I often get asked fun questions that make me do some research, ask my colleagues for help, and often make me learn something new. Here, in no particular order, are some of the most common questions for which I do have a ready answer.

When and where can I see the swans?

Trumpeter swans do visit the lake seasonally, with sightings possible from late October to mid-March, although the best chance of seeing these swans is during the coldest times in winter, when flooded farmers’ fields are frozen solid. If you are now thinking “Why in the heck is it called Swan Lake if there aren’t usually swans there?” the short answer is that the lake may actually be named after a person rather than the bird; James Swan was an early surveyor of the Saanich Peninsula.

Why can’t I feed the ducks bread?

Feeding ducks is one of those special nature activities to share with children. We do, however, want to keep our waterfowl healthy by feeding them foods that are a natural part of their diet. Roots, tubers, leaves and seeds are some of their natural foods. While bread is made from ground seeds, the processing and additives are not the best choice for ducks and by making the ducks feel full, they may then eat less of their natural foods. Flatted oats are available for sale in the nature house and provide a healthier option.

86 Island Parent Magazine

Are those snakes poisonous?

This is usually directed to the snakes that live in the Nature House but sometimes about snakes seen wild outside, sunning themselves in the grass. Happily the answer is NO! None of the four snake species found on the Island (three types of garter snakes and the rare Sharp-tailed snake) are venomous. These snakes do have small fangs but do not have venom and they use the graband-swallow method to kill their prey (usually worms and definitely not humans!). By the way, the difference between venomous and poisonous is that poison must be ingested, not injected.

Can I touch the turtle?

Sadly, the answer to this question is no. First of all, our lovely Western painted turtle, Wrinkles, is not like a domestic animal, and prefers not to be touched or petted. Secondly, while Wrinkles is quite gentle, turtles do have a sharp beak which could cut through delicate human skin. And last but not least, while we do clean her aquarium daily and have a filter on constantly, the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella is a possibility.

For anybody who has dealt with a kid with stomach flu, trust me, anything that can make your child projectile vomit should be avoided at all cost!

Was the queen bee born with a spot on her?

Really, the first question here is “Where is the queen bee?” Our much loved bee hive has so many buzzing bodies that it would be nearly impossible for the naturalists to spot the queen as many times as is requested in a day. So our beekeeper carefully painted a spot on the queen’s back. Currently we have a queen with a yellow spot.

While we do have a number of edible native plants growing on our site, we are a nature sanctuary that provides both food and shelter to our wild animals; we ask that people not harvest our plants. We recommend that if you are interested in eating native plants that you try growing your own! Possibilities include nodding onion, stinging nettle, licorice fern and Saskatoon.

Nature Notes RENEE CENERINI Our spring native plant sale is always a great opportunity to pick up some plants and find out more about them.

Can I swim/skate/canoe on the lake?

While we love having visitors to our site, being a nature sanctuary means our lake is not available for recreational use.

If you ever do see a canoe out on the lake, it is either a staff member or researchers conducting studies.

Where the heck is the nature sanctuary anyway?

Glad you asked! I’ve often heard Swan Lake described as a hidden gem, which is quite accurate. Although we are a bit hidden, it is well worth the trip to either walk the trails or visit our wonderful nature house.

We are nestled in a residential neighbourhood bordered by McKenzie Avenue, Saanich Road, the Patricia Bay Highway and the Lochside Trail. Access by vehicle to the sanctuary parking lot is off McKenzie Avenue either by Nelthorpe or Rainbow Street. If you are walking or cycling, we do have many trails that lead into the sanctuary but please remember that once you enter the sanctuary be sure to only walk your bike along the trails. Also, if you have a dog, please leave him at home as it is a Saanich by-law that dogs are not permitted in the nature sanctuary.

Renee Cenerini works as Program Naturalist at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and loves hearing your questions!

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Ad Directory Abra Kid Abra........................... 58

Horne Lake Caves..................... 77

Royal Yacht Club....................... 71

Alpine Stables........................... 65

IMAX Theatre............................ 52

Saanich Dental......................... 21

Andrea’s Sew Easy.................... 27

Island Blue............................... 51

Saanich Fair............................. 14

Arbutus Music.......................... 77

Island Farms............................. 44

Safeway Father’s Day Walk.......... 7

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria..... 33

Island Montessori...................... 53

Sailor Jack............................... 61

Artistic Statement..................... 22

Island Swimming...................... 61

Sarah Booth Photography.......... 67

BCSPCA................................... 79

JamTots................................... 24

Savvy Squirrel........................... 19

Beach Club Resort...................... 2

Kaleidoscope Theatre.................. 5

Scallywags.............................. IFC

Bellies In Bloom........................ 66

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama....... 3

School for Ideal Education......... 56

Boardworks.............................. 39

The Kerplunks.......................... 25

Science Works............................ 5

Boys & Girls Club...................... 38

KIV........................................... 15

Scouts Canada......................... 29

Braefoot................................... 71

Kye Bay.................................... 51

Screen Actors Studio................. 73

Buddies Toys............................ 20

Ladysmith Parks &

School District #71................... 77

Burnside Gorge Community Centre.................................. 22 Butchart Gardens...................... 13

Recreation............................ 77 Larsen Music............................ 38 Lighthouse Academy

Serious Coffee.......................... 48 South Island Distance Education School................... 11

Byte Camp............................... 30

of Dance............................... 57

Sleep Sense............................. 35

Cabri Dance............................. 39

Little Steps............................... 31

Sportball................................... 25

Camp Columbia........................ 14

Mad Science........................... IBC

St. Margaret’s School.......... 50, 73

Camp Narnia............................ 73

Maritime Museum..................... 87

St. Michaels University School.... 53

Camp Qwanoes........................BC

Mary Winspear Centre............... 46

Stages............................... 27, 57

Canadian Forces Sailing............ 28

Matraea Mercantile................... 65

Sunrise Waldorf........................ 65

Capernwray.............................. 72

Matticks Farm Mini Golf............ 31

Thrifty Foods............................. 45

Cathedral School....................... 55

Miles of Smiles......................... 67

Tigh Na Mara............................ 75

Chemainus Theatre................... 17

Mothering Touch....................... 81

Tillicum Centre......................... IFC

Children’s Education Fund......... 88

Karen Murdoch......................... 10

TJs.......................................... 81

City Centre Park....................... IFC

Oak & Orca School........ 17, 51, 62

Tom Lee Music......................... 53

Community Living..................... 84

Oak Bay Preschool.................... 23

UVic Department of

Compost Education..................... 4

Olympic View Golf..................... 55

Psychology............................ 19

Conseil Scolaire........................ 49

The OCEAN 98.5........................ 1

UVic Vikes................................ 35

CRD Hartland............................ 23

Operation Track Shoes.............. 84

Vancouver Island Baby Fair.......... 6

Cridge Centre........................... 21

Oxford Learning........................ 24

Vancouver Island University....... 34

Dansko..................................... 75

Pacific Institute for Sport

Velox Rugby Camp.................... 59

Emmanuel Baptist..................... 79

Excellence............................ 69

Victoria Conservatory of Music... 33

Pacific Undersea Gardens.......... 26

Victoria Group Perspectives....... 71

Group................................... 29

Panorama Leisure..................... 56

Victoria Gymnastics................... 34

Fiddlesticks................................ 4

Paquin Entertainment................ 13

Victoria Midwives...................... 80

Fired Up Ceramics.................... 66

Park Sands.............................. IBC

Victoria Recreation.................... 36

Fitness Finder........................... 66

Passion Sports.......................... 68

Victoria Symphony.................... 63

Forge Church............................ 67

Pemberton Holmes................... 42

VIHA......................................... 70

FUN Camps................................ 3

Pirate Adventures...................... 55

Vitamin Shop............................ 25

Funkins™................................ 36

Pizzeria Prima Strada................ 63

VIVA Choirs............................... 37

Glenlyon-Norfolk School

QA Foundation.......................... 79

Welcome Wagon....................... 74

Marine Adventure.................. 39

The Raptors.............................. 65

Western Speedway................... 43

GoBid....................................... 78

READ Society......................IFC, 42

Westshore Motocross................ 74

Great Little Celebration

Recreation Oak Bay................... 32

WestShore Parks &

Fernwood Neighbourhood

Company.............................. 60

Restart Computers.................... 11

Recreation............................ 64

Guides..................................... 25

Rock & Go Guitar...................... 61

Westside Stables...................... 16

Gulf Island Film School.............. 18

Royal BC Museum.................... 54

Wild Play.................................. 56

Highland Pacific Golf................ IBC

www.IslandParent.ca

June 2012 87

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

The Three Legs of the Milking Stool T

he three legs of the milking stool represent: • self care • couple care • child care All the legs should be balanced as much as possible, taking the ages of your child into consideraton. If the legs of self care and couple care are small nubs and the leg for child care is long…you really need to CUT IT OUT! Of course we need to spend quality time with our children, but as our children mature we also need to focus on our own lives and nurturing our adult relationships. We are very child focused today and we drive our children to all kinds of structured events. Many parents bend over backward to make sure their

children have all the opportunities in life.

Our personal resources are money and time and we can easily spoil children by sacrificing either one or both of those resources.

What is the message that we send to our children when we drop all the juicy parts of our life and devote too much to nurturing theirs? The message is, “Your needs matter more than anybody else’s.” If we don’t start taking back pieces of our lives and balancing them with supporting our kids’ interests, we end up with young adults who have a tremendous sense of entitlement. This will

be very hard for them to figure out as they struggle with the expectations of others in their lives.

So go out on that date, read that magazine, take that class and let your children see you living your life, too.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See www. lifeseminars.com.

Kids Grow Fast.

So Do Tuition Costs.

Before your child grows another inch, start saving with Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI). CEFI has the greatest selection of Registered Education Savings Plan offerings. It’s easy and very affordable. You can get started for under $10.00 per month! Keep saving - you’ll be surprised at how much you can accumulate. Add to your savings all the Government Grants, the “cash back” from your CEFI no fee MasterCard and the AIR MILES® reward miles.

At CEFI, we are education funding specialists!

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88 Island Parent Magazine

VISIT WWW.CEFI.CA or call 1 (800) 246-1203

“Parent Tested, Parent Approved” www.kidsinvictoria.com

If you have kids… and you like camping… try Park Sands Beach Resort this summer!

RV Park & Campground

A quiet, family place – on the beach – in Parksville.

www.parksands.com 1.877.873.1600

How will your child spend this summer?

Taking long walks and hitting things with a stick. Oh, and perfecting his putting.

Bantam For girls and boys ages 5-9

Every week this summer! 1 pm to 5 pm check our website for your preferred date $185 ($169 early registration*)

Juniors For girls and boys ages 9-14

Every week this summer! 9 am to 12 pm check our website for your preferred date $135 ($119 early registration*) Includes 5 days of instruction, snack each day, club rentals if required, certificate of completion, HP cap *Early registration discount requires payment of course fees greater than 7 days in advance of the class start date

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LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

Located on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada