The Local Guide for Active Urban Families
from our family to yours
This is one of my favourite issues of the year! Not just because it’s Mother’s Day (although that doesn’t hurt) but because there is so much to look forward to. It’s Spring, the sun is shining more, and gardening is on my mind. It’s also the time I start thinking about Summer plans and programs for kids. It’s amazing how we all survived childhood without registrations and sign-ups, but there are so many options available now for kids to explore everything from cooking and fashion to hockey and animal care.
Summer Day Camps are a great opportunity to let your kids try a variety of experiences without the huge commitment. We invite you to look at the Day Camp listings here, and even more online at www. westcoastfamilies.com/listings to see what may suit your kids.
A frst for WestCoast Families, this issue we’re also exploring Kids Getting Active. We’re giving you lots of ideas for how to keep kids active – even the ones who don’t like competitive or team sports – and how to get involved as a parent too.
With Preschool and Daycares such a hot topic for parents on the west coast, we’ve got that covered too, with listings, advice, and lots of great local advertisers.
Speaking of advertisers, we appreciate all of ours! They allow our team at WCF to fnd all this great information each issue and get it out to you, and we encourage you to support them and other local businesses.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Publisher
Socialettes www.socialettes.com
EarthFest
Learn about local wildlife at the WRA community event and open day. May 3, 11am-3pm www.wildliferescue.ca/event/earthfest
Global TV BC
Watch Andrea Vance from WCF on Global TV BC Monday Noon News Hour. Check our website for dates www.westcoastfamilies.com/global
westcoast families westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Payable Jennifer Brule fnance@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising sales@westcoastfamilies.com
604.249.2866
Published by National Families Network Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com
To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributors
Karina Alibhai, Jennifer Bruyns Mairi Campbell of Olive Fertility Jennifer Hood of Jump Gymnastics Krysta Furioso, Jodi Iverson Dean Pogas of YMCA
Kelly S. Thompson, Andrea Vance
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families
Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802
Ride the Rails With Thomas!
14th/15th
Saturday & Sunday
Want to take a ride with your favourite train, Thomas and his friends? Come to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park for a Day Out With Thomas! WestCoast Families is ofering a family four pack of tickets, plus a $50 credit towards Thomas merchandise! Thomas will visit June 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. www.wcra.org
Deadline to enter: May 23, 2014 Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
8:30 am to 6:00 pm West Coast Railway Heritage Park 39645 Government Rd, Squamish, BC A frst for WestCoast Families magazine, where we highlight the amazing programs available for kids in dance, singing, theatre, and music. Filled
Tea Sparrow Subscription
Pebble Creations
Want a piece of art that is both local and beautiful? Look no further than Pebble Creations. Made right in Delta, local mom, Leanne Rob, creates beautiful pieces of art that represent your family. She also does custom work and awesome jewellery pieces too!
www.pebblecreations.com | $10-$95
For $20 a month, you get a subscription to Tea Sparrow! Each month, they will mail a new bundle that allows you to try new tea blends each month. Tea Sparrow has teamed up with special blenders to create products that help with detoxing, aid digestion, and help a myriad of other issues.
www.teasparrow.com | $20
Urbanista Bike
Want to be active but simultaneously stylish? Check out the Urbanista bike, which delivers you to your pedaled destination with old-school charm while incorporating impressive technology behind their designs. Best of all, these beautiful bikes are made right here in Canada.
www.opusbike.com/en/bikes/urban/urbanista | Prices Vary
Claudia Alan Sunglasses
Southill Designs Jewellery Lockets
Moms will cherish these charming lockets, with a ton of styles that will refect any personality and special charms that speak to the special woman in your life. They have an equally fantastic price point that will delight any woman in your life.
www.SouthHillDesigns.com/FamilyNco | $25-45 US
Looking to protect your peepers from UVA and UVB rays but still want to look trendy? Claudia Alan sunglasses ofers bang for your buck, with reasonable prices and fantastic styles that will fatter a wide range of faces.
www.claudiaalan.com | $35-45
MoGo Mouthguard
Protecting your child’s smile is always a priority, so the next time they play sports, try a MoGo mouthguard. MoGo mouthguards are available in youth (ages 11 and under) and adult (ages 12 and up) sizes and come in a variety of favours such as blue raspberry, fruit punch, bubblegum, mint, orange, and lemon. www.mogosport.com | $20
Balloon Buddies
These cool fabric “buddies” wrap around any balloon to make it near indestructible, creating a fun toy that you can safely toss around the room for hours of bouncing and jumping. Kids will have endless fun with these cool creations.
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ KidsLoveLetters | $14
Mountain Machines and Sounds of the Ferry
We all know that reading to your children heightens literacy, so why not read to them from local writers and illustrators? These books, written by Sara Leach and illustrated by Steven Corvelo, will delight your children as they read about machines and sounds from their local area.
www.poppyproductions.ca | $9.95
by Andrea Vance
w
hile making dinner one night, my six-year-old daughter, Olivia, blurted, “I want to go to Mexico, Mom.” We had never talked about Mexico, so when I asked her why, she surprised me with “Because I want to see where you & Daddy got married!”
We started our research on the Mayan Riviera because of the beautiful waters, white sand beaches, and amazing all-inclusive resorts. There are many to choose from, but the Karisma Hotels stood out as front-runners. We agreed on the Karisma Azul Sensatori resort near Puerto Morelos, because they catered to young children. Our fight to Cancun was easy – no stops, and only about six hours. The Azul Sensatori resort was only ffteen minutes from the airport, which was a huge relief with tired and excited kids. Back home, Olivia had seen a promotional video where kids at the resort were given a chocolate milkshake in a fancy glass with an umbrella on check-in, and we were so impressed when the exact same drink showed up on a tray within minutes of arrival.
The room was beautiful, with water and pool views, a Jacuzzi tub big enough for the whole family, and a separate sleeping section for the kids with a sitting area too. A trip to the oceanfront found us in the middle of a weekly beach party with live music, food, and drinks. My husband Greg, and daughter, Olivia splashed in the water while I had my frst real dance with my three-yearold son in the sand.
The pools are amazing! For families, there was a quiet wading pool beside the kids club with a small water park and waterslide, but we preferred the circular end of the winding river pool with shallow sides and a barrier to the deeper water. This was often the most “happening” part of the whole pool! The parents had a great opportunity to relax and socialize here while kids played, and we all made some fun holiday friendships with families from all over the world. The kids loved the easy access to the free-fowing ice cream cone station nearby!
Olivia took great advantage of the Azulitos Play House kids club, which is perfect for ages four to eight, and spent many hours with them on lizard hunts, cooking, Spanish lessons, crafts, beach games, and movies. I could even take our three-year-old to the club to play on the indoor gym equipment or do some art.
Kidstennisandmakingfriendsfromaroundtheworld.
This was the best experience we’ve ever had in an all-inclusive for food and drink: fast room service with a large menu, no reservations required for dinner, a quality bufet, and premium beverages and wine. There was always a kids menu, but don’t be in a hurry. We were eating at 6 or 6:30 most evenings, so we never encountered a line-up although, we did hear of some waits up to forty- f ve minutes later in the evening. Nighttime entertainment was plentiful – shows and performers in the Rooftop Lounge, beach parties, and craft markets.
We did notice only a couple of things that you should consider with the Azul Sensatori resort. The beach sand is beautiful and the ocean water is warm, but the water was flled with reed grass and some garbage and was quite murky. Luckily, the plentiful pools provided lots of swim time. For daytime, there were no snack options around the pool, which was hard sometimes with hungry toddlers, although we learned to stockpile snacks
from the bufet. It never really bothered us, but the designated family buildings were next to the Mojitos Bar, which could get quite loud with music and voices late at night. The resort is a bit secluded, although Puerto Morelos is only ten minutes away and there are many excursions.
We highly recommend this resort to families and we’ve heard that some Azul resorts in the area are even better! On more than one occasion, we witnessed a staf member step in when a child ran ahead of a parent or seemed to be alone. When we asked why the staf always went above and beyond, we were told that the Azul resorts staf positions are coveted by locals as a great place to work. It certainly showed!
Rates start at about $250/night/adult with discounted rates for kids, including accommodations and food and beverage.
Package deals including fights can be found at Signature Vacations too.
www.karismahotels.com
Going on an Iguana Hunt with Azulitos kids club
The amazing kids pool at the end of the fowing river.
teen self-esteem fyi
have you ever looked in the mirror and analyzed your body, criticized your looks, or wished some part were slimmer, longer, or leaner? For teenagers, this scrutiny is especially common since our bodies seem to change constantly throughout puberty. Teenagers, especially girls, base their self-worth on their appearance. This is not just limited to what is refected in the mirror, but also how we compare ourselves to others.
The terms “self-esteem,” “body image,” and “self-worth” are used widely in the media today. They pop up in magazines, blogs, and on television as celebrities and journalists recognize the unattainable standards created by popular culture.
Body image is de f ned as the thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions one has of their body. It also includes personal experiences, behaviour, and sociocultural factors. One’s body image is infuenced by one’s self-esteem and vice versa. A person with high self-esteem is comfortable with who they are, is confdent to infuence decisions, can express their individuality, and is likely to fnd success in life. Moreover, a person with high self-esteem is less likely to compare themself to others. On the contrary, a person with low self-esteem does not place much value on themself. This can lead to feeling helpless and often is the result of poor body image. A person can therefore feel incomplete, not in control of their life, and will likely not realize their full potential in life.
In 2005, Dove completed a global study entitled “Beyond Stereotypes.” The study found that over 70% of girls avoid certain activities because they feel bad about their looks. These activities include joining clubs, going to social events, participating in class and being physically active.
Body image has a direct efect on participation in physical activity. Teens who feel good about their bodies are more likely to be physically active and are confdent to pursue extracurricular actives that involve physical activity. By doing so, teens often have increased self-esteem, since being active makes them feel better. It’s a positive feedback cycle that should be encouraged.
Here are some tips to help your teen increase their self-esteem:
Encourage positive body talk
Banish the word “fat” from your teen’s vocabulary. Encourage your teen to focus on the good things he or she sees in the mirror. If it helps, write little notes to your teen and post these on the mirror so that when your teen looks at their refection, they will also see words of encouragement and positivity.
Focus on what your body CAN do
Low self-esteem can derive from not being able to live up to our ideal self or to the expectations of others. Especially when engaging in physical activity, tell your teen not to compare themself to others.
Accept yourself
by Karina Alibhai
As parents, you need to help your teen accept who they are. You need to help your child understand that there is more than one defnition of athletic and beautiful and much of that comes from accepting yourself.
Set SMART goals
SMART stands for specifc, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Your teen probably does not need much handholding in goal setting, but encourage your teen to share their goals with you and work together in achieving them.
Know the diference between healthy and skinny
Healthy by no means equals skinny. Although this is what we are told by the media, this is not the case. However, many girls and boys have developed eating disorders as a result of perpetuated media stereotypes of beauty. To avoid this, try to have open conversations with your teen about what healthy really means.
Karina Alibhai is our teen correspondent, giving both parents and fellow teens her unique insights on the issues and concerns confronting today’s teenager. We’re very happy to have her perspectives in WestCoast Families in hard copy and also online! Feel free to contact her with questions through this magazine, and read her excellent blog, BTW, which can be found at www.btwgirls.com
1) Choose a program with well-trained staff that demonstrate a genuine interest in your child.
2) Choose a program that allows your child to explore and be creative. 3) The first days of preschool/daycare are always hardest on the parent…it gets better.
Tova Wolinksy, Shalom Preschool Program
Choose a preschool that is both fun and that teaches valuable skills. Look for low student teacher ratios, and staff that genuinely like children and understand their differences in personalities and learning styles. The facility should have a good variety of toys and equipment for learning and play. Prepare children for preschool by reading books about school and visiting the facility before the frst day to meet the staff and become familiar with the environment.
Naima Amalou, Burnaby French Language Preschool
It is in the children’s nature to take risks without knowing if it is dangerous or not. Look for a daycare or preschool that is in compliance with the safety regulation of Vancouver Coastal Health. The best food to pack is the one your child likes most and you are sure he will eat.
Ana Romay, Montessori Mes Petits
Any preschool program is only as good as it’s teachers. When visiting, observe to see if teachers are happy and enthusiastic or overwhelmed. Do they spend time with children individually and in small groups in addition to whole group activities? Are they actively engaged with children or are they just passively observing or supervising children’s play? Do they readily attend to children and model appropriate language and problem solving skills?
Anna Matchneva, Smilestones Junior Kindergarten
Our advice to parents is to take the time to meet with your child’s teacher; get to know her/him and introduce her/him to your child. Also, set up a gradual entry schedule. When saying goodbye to your child, do not sneak out of the classroom when your child is not looking. Be frm and loving in your departure. Give your child a hug and wish him/ her a good day. Always reassure them of your return.
Oana Nistor, Willowbrook Montessori
We encourage parents to talk to their children and their caregivers on a daily basis in order to be well informed on their child’s daycare experience. We value the importance of building meaningful and trusting relationships with both children and their parents in a loving, caring and stimulating environment. When each child’s best interest is at heart, endless possibilities and a love for life can be reached.
Anna Cuomo, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
When choosing a preschool or daycare, visit all types and ask questions. Do the children look happy? Are the staff engaged? Go with your gut feeling! In order for your child to be happy and feel safe the parent must also feel that way.
Don’t stress about toilet training - your child will be ready when they are ready.
Sarah Gatiss-Brown, Westside Montessori Academy
Trust your gut feeling. Despite what anyone may say, you are the parent. You need to listen to your own guts about your child’s schooling and feelings. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. There are many different preschools out there and there will be one that will ft you.
Peggy Lee, Little Sunshine
Summer programs are a good time for your school-age child to branch out, try new things, and make new friends. Look for age appropriate programming choices, opportunities for group activities, outdoor time, and down time. Is there an area for reading, or to play a quiet game? Is there balance between indoor and outdoor activities? If you choose a licensed program, you will be assured that it is regularly inspected for health and safety.
Astrid Visscher, Spare Time Childcare Society
The key to getting children ready for daycare lies in the proper transition from a small setting to a group. Parents must talk to them about the “great adventure” way before they enter the daycare. Parents need to make sure they have the daycare’s parents’ guide for the routines, circle time, snack time, and especially sleeping time. Nap time can be quite challenging for many reasons (No prior nap, sleeping with a group rather than alone). Also a good communication with the staff is essential.
Roseline Celier, la Garderie et Prématernelle Les Moussaillons
There is so much to choose from, and we’re lucky to be faced with a wide selection of preschools and daycare options here in the Lower Mainland. Here is just a partial list of facilities in your area.
preschools
Westside Montessori
Vancouver www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca
Beth Tikvah Synagogue Richmond www.btikvah.ca
North Star Montessori Elementary School North Vancouver www.northstarmontessori.ca
SV Academy Vancouver www.lsvacademy.com
Burnaby French Language Preschool Burnaby www.bfp.org
Little Koala Montessori Academy Richmond & Surrey www.littlekoalamontessori.com
Sunfower Academy
Vancouver www.sunfoweracademy.com
Vancouver Montessori School Vancouver www.vancouvermontessorischool.com
Montessori Mes Petits Academy North Vancouver www.ourpreschool.com
Vancouver Bilingual Preschool Vancouver www.vancouverbilingual.com
Reach for the Stars Montessori Vancouver & Burnaby www.montessoristar.com
JCC Preschool Vancouver www.jccgv.com
La Garderie et Prematernelle Les Moussaillons Richmond www.lesmoussaillons.ca
Smilestones Junior Kindergarten Burnaby, Surrey, Langley www.smilestones.ca
Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com for more Preschool & Daycare listings!
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
Vancouver www.froghollow.bc.ca
Willowbrook Montessori Daycare Langley www.willowbrookmontessori.com
Burnaby Neighbourhood House Burnaby – 3 locations www. burnabynh.ca
Meta Montessori House Preschool Vancouver www.metamontessori.com
Elite Montessori Academy Vancouver www.elitemontessori.ca
childcare
Summer Time Spare Time Child Care Society Vancouver – multiple locations www.sparetimesociety.org
La Garderie et Prematernelle Les Moussaillons Richmond www.lesmoussaillons.ca
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House Vancouver www.froghollow.bc.ca
Willowbrook Montessori Daycare Langley www.willowbrookmontessori.com
tales from
My frst experience at summer camp was when I was 12 at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, during the frst BC Day. The frst days of camp were full of activities and are mostly a blur, until the evening when I got a stomach ache. Our cabin counsellor took me to the nurses’ cabin and I was taken the next morning to Chemainus hospital, where they said I had appendicitis. Dad was fnally contacted at work and was there when I awoke from surgery. My appendix was removed that morning and would have burst if left any longer. I spent the very frst BC Day long weekend in the hospital in Chemainus, rather than at summer camp!
Maurice Brule
When I was frst leaving for camp, I was a little scared but when I got there, I forgot all about it. We slept in cabins with bunk beds. My cabin’s name was Squamish. My favorite activities were hiking and archery. On my frst try at archery, I even got a bulls eye! When I was on the hike at the very top of the hill it felt like I was on top of the world. I recommend this camp for adventurous kids. This is the best camp I have ever been to.
Emma Loken, 9
In 2012, when our daughter Olivia was four, we enrolled her in bike camp. They promised within a week, she’d be riding. Day one, we watched her rely on the training wheels, so those came off. Day two, she loved balancing the bike down a little grassy hill but refused to pedal. Day three, same. Day four, all but one other kid was off and riding and here was Olivia, happy as pie, cruising down her little hill and coming to a stop, spending most of her time chasing butterfies and picking fowers. Not quite what we had expected, but at least happiness prevailed. Each day, she came home with a smile on her face. Day fve, I dropped off and returned three hours later to an elated bike coach who surely had a sore back after a week of holding Olivia’s little bike—she was fnally a bike rider! The week helped me learn to let go of my own expectations and just witness the natural joy that comes with a day outdoors for kids.
Andrea Vance
Camp Potlatch is a really good camp to experience the outdoors. It is only fve nights. I got scared on the frst night but it was awesome after. We got there at lunchtime.
After lunch, we had a swim test. Then we had to get a lice check. My favorite thing was the rope course and archery. The camp directors are nice, and you get nice meals too. When my friend, Emma, and I walked into the cabin, we got a surprise! It was sandy on the foor but if you brought slippers it would help, but then we got used to it.
Caitlin, 8
I went to an all girls fashion camp for one week during the summer. I had so much fun and was able to make a whole new group of friends. We tie-dyed shirts, made covers for our new sketch books, practiced yoga, and had a guest speaker come in and teach us about self-esteem and inner beauty. We also got to make our own upcycled clothes! At the end of the week, we invited our parents to come watch us in a fashion show where we modeled our new wardrobe and had our hair and nails done! Every day, we got to help make lunch for our group. This day camp has a party room full of balloons, a “sleepover” room, and a design room where we could go to draw up our ideas.
Camryn Bryuns, 10
2014
Advertisers listed in red
Animal Adventure at Cinemazoo Surrey www.cinemazoo.com
BC SPCA Kids Camp
Various Locations www.spca.bc.ca/kids
Beehaven Kids North Vancouver www.beehavenkids.com
Camp Pringle Shawnigan Lake www.camppringle.com
Eagle Awareness Vancouver www.eagleawareness.org
Extra Steps Vancouver www.extrasteps.ca
FUN Camps Vancouver & Victoria www.funcamps.ca
Grouse Mountain Vancouver www.grousemountain.com
Little House Tutoring Kerrisdale www.littlehousetutoring.com
Little Rae Kids Club Vancouver www.littlerae.com
Sasamat Outdoor Centre Belcarra www.sasamat.org
SPCA
Various Locations www.spca.bc.ca/kids
The Little Gym of Langley Langley www.thelittlegym.com
Timberline Ranch Maple Ridge www.timberlineranch.com
UBC FarmWonders Vancouver www.farmwonders.ca
Vancouver Aquarium Kids Camps Aquarium, Vancouver www.vanaqua.org/education/camps
VanDusen Botanical Garden Vancouver www.vandusengarden.org
Wetlands Summer Daycamps Delta www.burnsbog.org
YMCA Camps of Greater Vancouver Various Locations
science/tech/education camps
Byte Camp Various Locations www.bytecamp.ca
Digital Media Academy Vancouver www.digitalmediaacademy.org
GEERing Up! Vancouver www.ubc.ca
High Touch Science Made Fun Vancouver & Victoria www.sciencemadefunbc.net
Pear Tree Vancouver www.pear-tree.ca
Science Camps at Science World Vancouver www.scienceworld.ca
St John Ambulance Vancouver www.sja.ca/BCYukon
UBC Phenomenal Physics Vancouver www.ubccamps.ca
Whistler Film Festival Whistler www.whistler flmfestival.com
Camp Spirit
Various Locations www.campspirit.ca
Camp Squeah Hope www.squeah.com
Burnaby Village Museum Burnaby www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
CEFA
Various Locations www.cefa.ca
Finnegan Summer Vancouver www.vc.bc.ca/Vancouver-College/Finnegan-Summer
Jericho Kids Club Vancouver www.jerichokidsclub.com
Mulgrave Camp West Vancouver www.mulgrave.com
PJs Kids Clubs West Vancouver www.pjkidsclub.com
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co Vancouver www.rockymountainfatbread.ca
Urban Promise Vancouver www.urbanpromise.ca
Westside Montessori Academy Vancouver www.wmasummercamp.com
Bridge Church Vancouver www.bridgechurch.ca/camps
Capilano University North Vancouver www.capilanou.ca
City of Surrey Surrey www.surrey.ca
Hello World Day Camp Vancouver www.southvan.org
Highlands United Church
www.highlandsunited.org
JCC Camps Vancouver www.jccgv.com
Southridge Summer Camps Surrey www.southridge.bc.ca
Summer at St Georges Vancouver www.summeratstgeorges.ca
Resort Municipality of Whistler Whistler www.whistler.ca
sports camps
Canlan Sports Burnaby www.icesports.com
Cartwheels Gym
hanger Climbing
Richmond & Surrey www.cartwheels.ca
Vancouver, Coquitlam, Richmond www.clifhangerclimbing.com
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak North Vancouver www.deepcovekayak.com
Dojang
Vancouver www.dojang.ca
Elements Academy of Martial Arts Vancouver www.elementsacademy.com
Endless Biking North Vancouver www.endlessbiking.com
First Steps Archery New Westminster www.boormanarchery.com
Gateway Academy for Performing Arts Richmond www.gatewaytheatre.com
Genome Vancouver www.genomebc.ca
Gord Haukas Tennis Camp Vancouver www.gordhaukastennis.com
Hive Climbing Vancouver www.hiveclimbing.com
Jericho Sailing Centre
Jump Gymnastics
www.macsailing.com
www.jumpgymnastics.ca
My Gym Childrens Centre Maple Ridge www.my-gym.com
North Shore Equestrian Centre
Phoenix Gymnastics
Pedalheads Bike
Pony Pals Riding Stables
www.wecreateriders.com
Various Locations www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Various Locations www.pedalheads.ca
www.ponypalsstables.com
Roman Tulis European Soccer School Various Locations www.romantulis.com
Royal Soccer Club
Twisted Mat Yoga
Various Locations www.royalsoccer.com
North Vancouver www.twistedmatyoga.com
UBC Gymnastics Summer Camp UBC www.kin.educ.ubc.ca
Ultimate Soccer School Burnaby www.ultimatesoccerschools.com
Vancouver All Stars Summer Baseball Camp Vancouver www.vancouverallstars.ca
Vancouver Giants Hockey School South Delta www.vancouvergiants.com
Vancouver Hockey School Vancouver www.vancouverhockeyschool.com
West Van Soccer West Vancouver www.westvansoccer.com
Whitecaps Soccer Camp
www.whitecapsfc.com
Windsure Adventure Watersports Vancouver www.windsure.com
Sol Camp Vancouver www.solcamps.com
performing/visual arts camps
Art Space
Burnaby www.artspaceforchildren.com
Arts Umbrella Vancouver www.artsumbrella.com
Bricks 4 Kidz Delta www.bricks4kidz.com
Camp Monarch North Vancouver www.campmonarch.ca
Christianne’s LYCEUM of Literature and Art Vancouver www.christiannehayward.com
Cir Kids Vancouver & Surrey www.circuswest.com
Dance Co Vancouver www.danceco.com
Dance Matrix New Westminster www.dancematrix.webs.com
Decor4Teens Vancouver www.decor4teens.com
Evergreen Cultural Centre Coquitlam, Pt Moody, Poco www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Gabriela’s Movement Studio Richmond www.movementstudio.ca
Haney Summer Music Camp Maple Ridge www.haneysummermusiccamp.ca
Jean Lyons School of Music Vancouver www.jeanlyonsmusic.com
Leigh Square Community Arts Village Coquitlam www.portcoquitlam.ca/leighsquare
Michael’s Various Locations www.michaels.com
North Vancouver District Public Library North Vancouver www.nvdpl.ca
Pacifc Dance Arts Vancouver www.pacifcdancearts.ca
Place des Arts Coquitlam www.placedesarts.ca
School of Groove Vancouver www.schoolofgroovevancouver.com
Staccato Burnaby www.staccatostudios.com
Stagecraft Theatre School North Shore & Vancouver www.stagecraft.ca
Summer Improv Camp Granville Island, Vancouver www.vtsl.com
Taiken Manga! Burnaby centre.nikkeiplace.org
The Drama Class Surrey www.thedramaclass.com/classes.html
The Gulf Islands Film and Television School Galiano Island www.giftsflms.com
Tom Lee Various Locations www.tomleemusic.ca/learningcentre
Westside Church Vancouver www.westsidechurchvancouver.com
Canadian Camping Association
Information, how to choose at camp, listings, videos, and more.
www.ccamping.org
Kids Camp Expo online version
Online expo with information and links on local BC camps for kids.
www.kidscampexpo.com/online
My Summer Camp website
Information on summer camp jobs, FAQ’s for parents, ads, and more. Search for kids camps from all over BC and North America. www.mysummercamps.com
BC Camping Association
Information and articles for parents considering camp for their kids, job postings, blog, and more. Listings and live weblinks to BC kids camps.
www.bccamping.org
Check out our website at www.westcoastfamilies.com for a full listing and live links to Day Camps and Overnight Camps of all kinds in the Lower Mainland and BC.!
as a mom of three, I know that it can be exhausting to get kids ready for the outdoors while keeping them active. Instead of always putting on cartoons, try hosting some indoor games instead–perhaps the “Living Room Olympics” just came to your neighbourhood!
With a little thought and some interesting game ideas, you can have fun indoors that is active, safe, and cost efective! Indoor play is also an excellent opportunity to develop physical literacy in children. Physical literacy is the practice and understanding of both fundamental movement skills and sport skills. Kids who are physically literate will be confdent to explore various sports as they grow and are far more likely to fnd one that they can excel at.
Here are a few of my favourite indoor game ideas: Peek-a-boo
This is the best game for kids under two. It helps children understand the concept of object permanence and the notion that after you disappear, you always come back!
Try: behind the couch, with a scarf, over a chair, behind a door, hiding just your face or hiding your whole body.
In and out
Any activity where kids can climb through small spaces helps them learn about the size of their body in relationship to the world around them.
Try: using laundry baskets, shoe boxes, couch cushions, or an empty kitchen cupboard.
For older kids: build a fort! Use pillows, blankets, and sheets.
Laundry basket bobsleigh
Younger kids can climb right into the basket and you can push them around on the foor. Try some gentle spins to stimulate their vestibular system and help with balance.
Older kids can fll it with stufed animals and push them around. The bent leg pushing position develops lower body power and agility.
Try: making motorboat sounds or following a course of set obstacles and trafc signals.
Obstacle course
Get kids to build their course using pillows, low furniture, skipping ropes, bath mats, yoga mats,
stufed animals, and towels. Most of the fun (and activity) happens during set up, so encourage this creative time.
Animal walks
Have your kids attempt to walk like their favourite animal as a way to move using new motor pathways (one of the keys to physical literacy). I like to hide objects around the house and say, “Hop like a bunny to fnd all the cards with the number four on them.”
Try: bear walk on all fours, slither like a snake, scurry like a mouse, stomp like an elephant. Older kids can add simple sports equipment.
Sock toss
Set up a laundry basket or recycling bin. Have kids throw a pair of rolled up socks in. This is an excellent (and safe) way to introduce young kids to throwing and to start to introduce accuracy, speed, and aim for older kids.
Try: Give them challenges such as how many they sink in a row, distance, overhand, underhand, two hands above their head or backwards.
Bubble catch
Blow bubbles and have your little one poke, grab and “catch” them. This is a great way to build hand-eye coordination. Don’t forget to encourage them to try with both hands. I love playing this game in the bathtub!
These are but a few of the many games that will add variety to your indoor tournament. And while these games are underway, take a moment to understand the skills they’re learning and what sports and activities require those skills. Observe what they do well naturally and what takes them a little more time to master. Always be encouraging and feel free to lend a hand when they need it.
Of course don’t limit these “Living Room Olympic” games to the indoors. Whenever possible get kids outside to play! All of these game suggestions work just as well outside once our coastal rains give way to the summer sun.
Jennifer is the owner of Jump Gymnastics in Vancouver, a Physical Literacy gym for 0-8 year-olds. www.jumpgymnastics.ca
By Dean Pogas, YMCA
not all kids enjoy team sports and that’s perfectly okay. Just because some children are not competitive by nature, there’s still many ways they can stay active and be healthy.
According to Vinh Truong, General Manager of Healthy Child Development at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, kids who are engaged in physical activity tend to shine in all areas of their life. “We fnd that when kids jump in and get involved doing something they love, they thrive. It’s not just about exercise. It’s about kids having the space they need to be in the moment and play freely.”
Never has it been more important for kids to get engaged. In fact, this is the frst generation in modern history where kids have a lower life expectancy than their parents. Here in BC, 26% of kids are overweight or obese. It goes without saying that being physically active is essential for kids to grow up strong and happy.
So what can kids do this summer when they dislike sports? Here are some ideas:
Go to camp!
From sleeping in cozy cabins to waking up to sunshine and smiling faces, camp is a special part of childhood. It’s also a great way for kids to get ftter while having tons of fun. Many camps in the Lower Mainland ofer sailing, canoeing, archery, swimming, and much more to keep young people engaged with nary a team jersey in sight. Or for outdoor adventures closer to home, many organizations ofer day camps at hundreds of locations across the province.
Take swim lessons!
Swimming is a critical life skill. The sobering reality is that drowning is the number one cause of death in children under ten, so it makes sense to get kids water safe. Throw in a beach ball or some dive rings and it’s practically a party.
Play outside
Staying active doesn’t have to be complicated. Encourage your kids to play outdoors, explore their backyards, or check out some nearby parks. You can also play hide and seek or plant fowers together, as long as you’re moving!
Ride a bike
Most kids don’t even consider it “exercise” to hop on their bikes and start pedaling. Why not go on a family bike tour through your neighbourhood? Or pedal down to the beach? Feeling a bit of wind on the face is an amazing energy boost for everyone!
Dance
Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways to get the body moving. Why not see if there’s any dance lessons available through your local community centre or dance studio? Another option is to skip lessons all together and simply turn up the music at home. With the right music, your home could become a great dance foor!
Go on a nature walk
Another way for kids to stay active is to go exploring. Why not pack a lunch and hit the
nearest trail? Walking under a canopy of trees or trolling for shells on a beach is an idyllic way for kids to enjoy summer and it’s sure to boost their heart rates as well.
Nurture their leadership skills
Being involved in the community is another way kids can stay active. There are a range of volunteer and leadership programs available to help youth develop employment and leadership skills. It also enables kids to work together and fnd mentors in a social setting.
Needless to say, your kids don’t need to become star athletes in order to be healthy. It’s all about providing them with enticing options to stay active. Luckily for us on the west coast, there’s no shortage of things to do, and that’s defnitely worth cheering about!
For more information, visit the Vancouver YMCA website at www.vanymca.org/camps
>> Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run
If you’re looking for a way to stay active with your family, look no further than the Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run on Saturday May 10, 2014. The run has been organized in support of StreetFront, an alternative high school program run out of Britannia Secondary School for youth who have struggled in the traditional high schools. StreetFront emphasizes physical and outdoor education, in addition to core subjects, to motivate students. These students have learned to make goals and achieve them with marathon and half marathon training, keeping them motivated and focused on their graduation. This year, the goal for StreetFront is to take eighteen students to Tanzania in March, 2015. Due to fnancial impact, these students might otherwise never have the opportunity to explore diferent cultures and languages. The Street2Peak run starts at the Jericho Beach Concession Stand with warm up at 9am. You and your family can choose between distances of 1km, 4km and 6km. And after all that activity, make sure you take part in the post-race snacks from Rosemary Rocksalt Bagels. The run is by donation and tax receipts are available. www.street2peak.com/events/street2peak-charity-run
>> 2014 PARKit Design Challenge
Ever wanted to try your hands at design or engineering? The City of Surrey is calling for submissions in the 2014 PARKit Design Challenge, a competition to design and install a summertime pop-up park in Surrey City Centre, allowing residents to create a park that matches their very own needs! Submit your unique ideas for a creative, sustainable, outdoor public space that also has the potential to host food vendors in the North Surrey Recreation Centre parking lot. The winning design team will receive $15,000 to fabricate and install their design. There is also a $500 second prize and $250 third prize. Enter by May 16 as the winner is announced May 26 and will be installed by July 7. www.surrey.ca/parkit
This three phase, $680 million project seeks to improve services and infrastructure for the BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, especially in providing a new Acute Care Centre. Enhanced and more modern facilities are badly needed to improve healing and allow access to better care. Space has been previously limited, meaning parents weren’t able to spend the night
with their sick child, but the new renovations will allow kids the comfort of having a parent in their room and gives parents the peace of mind that their child is safe. Groundbreaking will be sometime this May, and is a result of all the important suggestions from patients and staf newcw.phsa.ca/default.htm
>> BC Children’s and BC Women’s Redevelopment Project
>> Safe Longboarding Site in South Surrey
Longboards are often seen cruising around the Lower Mainland, however, these boarders have few spaces to practice their sport, which means they sometimes take to the roads. This can be dangerous for the boarder and local trafc, so South Surrey Athletic Park, specifcally designated a safe longboarding area, will open this spring! The park was created after consulting with RCMP and the boarders themselves and will provide a fun track for this cool sport. It also ofers a great and safe place to learn for those interested in trying out their own longboard.“We recognize the growing popularity of the sport of longboarding among today’s youth,” says City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, “In developing this site we want to ensure the safety of both the participants and the public.” So come out soon to try this sport where you can be sure safety and fun are the main concerns.
>> Empowered By Horses Heart Centered Leadership Academy for Girls
Carla Webb of Empowered By Horses sought to solve some of the problems young girls face today. Young girls experience high rates of anxiety, bullying, and self-esteem issues, so Carla teaches leaderships by allowing young women to interact with horses and their community. Girls hone their leadership and self-esteem in working with the horses, which have an innate ability to soothe and calm. Graduates of the program thae create a plan that somehow allows them to give back to their community. Carla hopes her program teaches the girls empowerment and healthier lifestyle choices. “I do not want to focus on all the messages that tell girls what they cannot do... Find out what they are passionate about, what their strengths are and how they feel they can be of service to their community,” says Carla.
empoweredbyhorses.com
by Kelly S. Thompson
being a parent is hard enough, but when you’re also dealing with an ill child, the hurdles occasionally seem insurmountable. This is the case for Faith Johannson and her husband Ian, when they discovered their son, Eli, 3, had stage four neuroblastoma, a form of cancer.
The Johannson’s had only welcomed their second son, Sully, four weeks earlier before Eli began to complain of back pain and leg aches while sufering overwhelming exhaustion. A trip to the doctor confrmed the devastating diagnosis and within 24 hours, Faith packed up her children and drove from the Okanagan to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. They have been living at the Ronald McDonald house since early November and currently, Eli is still in treatment. “It’s day by day,” Faith says of dealing with her son’s illness, “There’s routine within the chaos.” Faith is on maternity leave and Ian immediately took the special EI beneft for Parents of Critically Ill children, allowing them to be by Eli’s side while simultaneously raising Sully.
Ronald McDonald House opened their arms to Faith and her family, providing refuge to be with Eli as he went through chemotherapy and other treatments, as paying for a hotel for six months is obviously not an option for the Johannson’s. “We can’t be more than 30 minutes from the hospital,” Faith said, “I don’t know what we would have done without having this place to stay.” There are many hardships in having a sick child, especially when forced to live away from home. Sadly, reality dictates that life continues on and bills still have to be paid, but the Johannson’s made Eli’s health their sole priority. In response, their town rallied around them and held a fundraiser that sold hundreds of tickets and covered the cost of their mortgage for the year. “My faith in humanity has expanded,” Faith said.
Currently, the bursting at the seams Ronald McDonald House location in Shaughnessy houses up to 13 families at a time, however, the charity is often forced to turn families away due to lack of capacity. There is a new location that will open in June, at which time, Faith will move along with her family, allowing them to be even closer to the hospital where Eli is receiving his treatment. The new location will feature space for more than 70 families at a time.
Ronald McDonald house has been a vital part of Eli’s healing process, as he’s able to make friends and come to a safe and happy place that fosters health. Sadly, since his diagnosis, Eli has only spent nine days at home. “At home, he blossoms. He gets to just be a normal kid,” Faith says. However, Ronald McDonald House also ofers a safe space for Sully to grow and develop while also allowing Faith and Ian the opportunity to lean on the other parents with sick children. “I have friends here…they’ve seen me in my most raw moments,” Faith says of the friends she’s made at the house. Although Eli is currently still in hospital, he maintains a positive attitude, telling his mom he’s just “getting it all out.” The family takes one day at a time and hopes that new treatments will bring wellness and happiness to the Johannson family. Although times are difcult, Faith says she fnds solace in the kind of care she knows her son is receiving. “Watching the BC Children’s hospital, the nurses, the people and the children and the strangers downstairs, everyone has this respectful understanding of what we’re going through. Same thing here [Ronald McDonald House].”
Above all, Faith and her husband want nothing more than a healthy family. The Johannson’s lean one another when times get tough and they try to enjoy time together just as any other family. In the meantime, they take pleasure time together and appreciate the small things in life. “It’s the hardest moments that bring us together,” Faith says. With that kind of faith, it is no wonder their son has turned out to be such a fghter.
by Andrea Vance
This playlist full of fun songs to get you up and moving was compiled by the amazing team at WestCoast Families! If you need a refresher on the moves, check out YouTube, where there are many videos to teach you each step.
1. “The Cha Cha Slide”
This is great for the preteens too. You can watch on YouTube to see the dance, but the instructions in the song are enough to get you moving! And the song is catchy too.
2. “Thriller”
Come on, you’ve all tried those MJ moves. Now it’s time to introduce the classic song to your kids. But can you moonwalk too?
3. “Electric Slide”
Line dancing at its fnest. You can do these steps to the “Electric Boogie,” the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” or any other fun song.
4. “Chicken Dance”
Also known as the bird dance. After all those 80s weddings, you swore you’d never do this dance again but it’s time to shake your tail feather. Little kids LOVE this one. Or maybe they just think it is funny watching Mom & Dad do it.
6. “Gangnam Style”
Even two-year-olds were dancing to this huge hit last year. It was addictive!
7. “Hokey Pokey”
Bring out your inner child for this classic. We’ve all done it. Can YOU put your left ear in and shake it all about?
8. “YMCA”
Some of us who had the privilege of dancing to this in the 70s. Put on the police hat, dress up like a cowboy, or don that tool belt from the garage. We know you want to.
9. “Bear Hunt”
A few diferent versions out there, so fnd the one you like. March around the house acting out the bear hunt with your little ones! Great for the preschool and kindergarten age groups.
10. “Macarena”
You’ve ripped up a few dance foors in your time doing the good ol’ Macarena. Time to show the kids how it’s done.
11. “The Twist”
There’s a reason this was one of the biggest hits of all time when it was introduced to millions of sock-hopping kids in the late 50s. It’s just as fun to twist today and you’ll fnd it easy to get the grandparents in on this dance party!
moms westcoast Loose Leaf TeaCrafters Isabelle Ranger
By Kelly S. Thompson | Photographed by Dylan Doubt
in the Lower Mainland, we’ve become a community passionate about sustainable products that are developed in an ethical way. Isabelle Ranger and her partner, Cédric Gervais, operate Namasthé, a tea company in Whistler in which all tea is single origin loose leaf, blended with locally foraged herbs and botanicals. Teas are harvested in micro batches, which ensures quality while also allowing Isabelle to blend specific teas for delicate, tasty intricacies.
“Sharing our passion in each cup of tea with tea lovers is the best part of my job!” says Isabelle.
She wasn’t always a purveyor of teas. Before Namasthé was created, Isabelle owned an herbal apothecary. Once she became pregnant with her son, she wanted to continue blending tisanes and teas but required a more fexible schedule to accommodate her growing family. “There was a huge gap in quality, and a lack of local, so I redirected my course, moved from one on one service to serving many and launched Namasthé in 2006,” says Isabelle. Since then, the Ranger-Gervais family has been producing high quality tea for sale at their online shop.
To keep them on their toes, Isabelle and Cédric have three children, Kalea, 15, Samuel, 8, and Xavier, 3, who are all part of the farm and foraging tea business. Kalea often helps with events while the younger kids like to help forage for herbs and fungi to assist in creating diferent blends. “Cedric and I involve the kids in some steps as an educative experience about initiative, creative problem solving, accountability, and using time wisely.” In this way, Namasthé really is a family business.
Since Isabelle’s children are active in their business, it’s easier than most jobs to accommodate time together. “We are a pretty adventurous family and passionate about spending as much time doing the things we love most, squeezed into every moment.” And it helps that Isabelle truly loves what she does for a living, as she consistently brings her passion for blending and foraging teas and delivering that passion in the form of high quality tea products. “I love tea crafting, so I never feel like I work,” says Isabelle.
When it comes to her business and the quality of tea products they produce, Isabelle insists that it’s not just about her customers, but also, producing teas that she would be comfortable feeding to her children. “Certifed organic, fair-trade, local, and sustainably foraged means a lot to me, as it afects them [the children] just as much…We wish to be part of the solution,” she says. Her herbal blends also are created to help a variety of health problems, which makes the origin even more important. Namasthé also packages, imports, and wholesales organic teas from companies she trusts. “As an herbalist, forager and organic grower, sourcing quality that is ethical is everything. That is why we go out of our way to grow in Pemberton, or to buy from partner farmers we know,” says Isabelle. It is this devotion to local and organic that maintains the quality of teas sold in her business. Inevitably, life has a tendency to get a little crazy, but Isabelle says it’s important to take time to focus on what matters and tackle projects one step at a time. “A good sense of humour, deep breath, perspective and a lot of love keeps it all somewhat balanced.”
Miyoung Lee
By Kelly S. Thompson |
when I call to interview CBC News and News Now reporter Miyoung Lee, 37, it is early morning but she is busy preparing dinner for her family, which they will eat without her later that evening while she’s at work. “My husband can’t cook at all, but he does all the laundry. He’s Mister Mom,” she says with a laugh. Although she works long hours, which occasionally prevent her from being with her family, Miyoung ensures she is present in the lives of her husband and children, no matter the time of day.
Miyoung is married to Bill, a teacher, and nine years later, they have two daughters, Lucy, four, and Ella, six. Bill and Miyoung both work full time jobs, taking equal share of the parenting duties in order to make their family function like a fne oiled machine. From Monday to Thursday, Miyoung goes to work at 12:30 and returns home 12 hours later, reporting the news four times daily on CBC. “I typically get four to fve hours sleep a night,” she says, while sounding positively perky, “I’m usually pretty tired.” Meanwhile, Bill provides endless support in raising their children and making their house a home.
A South Korean immigrant who arrived in East Vancouver with her parents and brother just weeks before starting kindergarten, Miyoung credits her hardworking parents for encouraging and supporting her to strive towards her professional career. Their hard work in raising their daughter has paid of, as Miyoung is a BCIT graduate with a Broadcast Journalism Degree, and a B.H.A. Honours degree from UBC. A segue into a job at CBC was the next step and she began to report news on the weekends.
But Miyoung didn’t always believe she would be a full time working mom. “I always imagined I would be home with my kids until they went to Kindergarten,” she says of her previous weekend news position. However, CBC was willing to coordinate Miyoung’s schedule to manage her growing family, allowing her to only work four days a week and have Fridays with her family. “It gives me one day a week to make sure I focus on my family so on my weekends, I’m not spending family time getting errands done.”
Although Bill and Miyoung maintain a busy schedule, Miyoung realized that help was necessary in moving forward both professionally and in spending quality time with her children. “My family has been supportive of my career from the get go, because they know I really love my job. It’s a blessing to say I love what I do.” With the support of both sets of grandparents, Miyoung says she manages to maintain a happy career and family life. Both her and Bill’s parents often come over to provide relief childcare and also engage and spend time with Lucy and Ella. “As a woman, it’s hard to say, I can’t do everything. But I can’t,” Miyoung says, “I’m slowly starting to admit that, although it’s been difcult for me to do.”
Although she’s a high profle news reporter, Miyoung insists life is fnally reaching a point of balance. She Skypes with her daughters from work and although she claims to have intense mommy guilt over not being with them constantly, Miyoung also recognizes that she is an important role model for her children. “I’ve never been a content person, I always looked ahead. What I’ve learned in the last year is that it’s about living in the present moment and being happy with what you have because that refects on your children.”
Photographed by Jumping Monkeys Photography
Jennifer Schaeffers
By Kelly S. Thompson
no one will argue that being a mom is tough work, especially when also balancing a full time job that involves long hours. But Jennifer Schaeffers, Executive Director of the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, manages it all with her husband of eight years, Jeff, and her fantastic children, Ronan, 22 months, and Kaylee, 4. As Executive Director of the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, Jennifer and her team seek to assist children with physical, social, mental, and behavioural challenges through provision of therapies, medical equipment, bursaries, and camps. The CKNW Orphan’s Fund is also responsible for the Pink Shirt Day campaign of BC, which since 2008, has raised more then $830,000 to prevent bullying. To Jennifer, part of being a great mother also means giving back to others and she works hard to ensure other children have the same benefits as her own family.
Jennifer gives endlessly to her work because she firmly believes in the work done by the organization. “Giving back to me is so important and has been a part of my values system since I was a little girl. I love the fact that even if I put in a really long work week, that I can attribute those hours to children in need.” As director, Jennifer is at the helm of the CKNW Orphan Fund’s $1.9 million dollar budget. “We are a small staff and we work really hard to ensure we’re helping some of BC’s most vulnerable children,” says Jennifer. Jen claims that when it comes to being both a mom and a hardworking director of the Orphan’s Fund, she describes life not as a balance, but “controlled chaos.” Like any mother, she has days where she feels she is managing it all and other days where she feels she is stretched too thin. “I think self-awareness is really important. That, and help,” says Jennifer, “I am lucky to have a very supportive
husband, a loving care-giver for our children (when I am working) and a flexible job where I can leave early if I need to and work from home when required.”
When she isn’t running the Orphan’s Fund or spending time with her family, Jennifer writes the blog NetworkinginVan.com, which highlights professional development and networking opportunities in our area. She also strives to connect other professional women and leadership groups. “Last year, I started a community group called ‘Steveston Moms Network’ with a friend. We organize events every few months to support and connect moms raising their families in our great little community of Steveston in Richmond and to date over 200 women have gotten involved.” Jennifer also prides herself on mentoring young business women through different programs such as Women’s Executive Network, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Vancouver Board of Trade. It all comes down to her philosophy of giving back to her community.
When Jennifer and her family have free time, they pack up their children and other family member, Murray the dog, to head out to Osoyoos for a summer vacation. They also take the time to explore the Steveston area they call home, appreciating all the area has to offer. For Jennifer, giving back to her community is a vital aspect in how she raises her children, insisting that when they are old enough, she’s determined to make them little volunteers. Just like mom. Jennifer has a way of making it seem like it’s possible to have it all, while simultaneously giving back to those who might not be so lucky. This WestCoast Mom is an inspiration.
westcoast
by Mairi Campbell
many women are shocked when they fnd that they can’t get pregnant with another child when they had no problem conceiving their frst. Secondary infertility—the inability to get pregnant or to carry a pregnancy to term following the birth of one or more children—is shockingly common. According to a recent study in the medical journal Lancet, approximately 12% of women trying to have a second child will experience difculty.
“There’s a real lack of understanding about secondary infertility,” explains Dr. Beth Taylor, UBC Clinical Assistant professor and medical director at Olive Fertility Centre, “Often friends, family, and some doctors downplay it, assuming that if you have had one child, you will be able to have a second. But 30% of the patients that we see at Olive are experiencing secondary infertility.”
Misty Busch was one of those women. “I got pregnant so easily with my frst daughter,” says Misty, who is the Western Canada representative for the Infertility Association of Canada (IAAC), “I never dreamt that I would have any trouble giving her a little brother or sister.”
After trying to conceive for three years, Misty fnally saw a fertility specialist. She discovered that her fallopian tubes were blocked with scar tissue from a tubal pregnancy. Her only option was in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing a woman’s eggs outside her body and transferring the developing embryo(s) back into her uterus.
Along with the rollercoaster of fertility treatment, the social isolation can be particularly painful for women with secondary infertility. Often, they feel they don’t belong in fertility support groups or on-line forums. And they can feel guilty that they aren’t satisfed with having one child.
“The fact that you long for another baby can result in deep feeling of guilt that you don’t appreciate the child you have enough. At the same time, you see all your friends having second and third babies,” says Misty. Recognizing the gap in support for women with secondary infertility, Misty created a separate support group for women experiencing secondary infertility.
When should you talk to a doctor?
Dr Taylor advises women to seek medical advice for infertility if they:
miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, difcult C-section and/or irregular cycles
In British Columbia, consultations with a fertility specialist and most fertility testing and surgeries are fully covered by MSP, with a referral from your primary care physician.
Treatment options
“Couples shouldn’t give up hope,” says Dr Taylor, “There are a number of diferent options depending on your diagnosis and the good news is that if you’ve had one child, your chances of success with fertility treatments are higher.”
The frst step is a fertility workup to identify the underlying cause. Your fertility specialist will explore and discuss your results with you to develop a treatment plan. This could include artifcial insemination, superovulation (stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one egg and increase the chance of fertilization) or IVF. Misty became pregnant with twins after her frst IVF treatment.
information provided by Olive Fertility Centre. www.olivefertility.com
Resources
The Infertility Association of Canada
Contact Misty Busch. 604 626-4225 | aacwest@iaac.ca | www. iaac.ca
The National Infertility Association www.resolve.org
Recommended Reading
Wanting Another Child: Coping with Secondary Infertility by Harriet Fishman Simons.
Ignite!
1895 Venables St, Vancouver
May 2-10
The festival includes showcases in music, dance, and spoken word, the world premiere of three one-act plays, a visual arts exhibit, variety shows featuring improv, drag, circus arts, and much more. All of this is created by local artists between the ages of 13-24. www.thecultch.com
HyperEnsemble
May 2 & May 4, 8pm
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, Vancouver Robots! Metacreation! Live interaction of computers and large ensemble! In this groundbreaking concert, the Turning Point Ensemble is transformed into a technologyexpanded ensemble with the assistance of leading composers and researchers Arne Eigenfeldt, Keith Hamel, and David Eagle. Ticket prices Adult $35, Student $10 www.turningpointensemble.ca
Hip Hop Hurray
Fraser Heights Recreation Centre
May 2, 5-6:30pm
At this free event, the goal is to get as many youth dancing at once in one gymnasium. There will be a choreographer teaching the entire gym a hip hop routine. Get pumped because this is going to be an awesome event with DJ music! 604.592.6920 | www.surrey.ca
EarthFest Nature Festival & Open House
Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts Street
May 3, 11am-3pm
Since 1979 more than 80,000 animals have been treated by the Wild.ife Rescue Association. Learn about local wildlife at the WRA community event and open day. Free. www.wildliferescue.ca/event/earthfest
Mother’s Day Heritage Gift Making Event
Mackin House, Coquitlam
May 3, 12:30-1:30pm & 2-3pm
Volunteers assist children in making a special craft for Mother’s Day while moms enjoy tea in the parlour. Registration is required and the event is by donation. Parents need not participate but must remain in the building while their children make the craft.
www.coquitlamheritage.ca
CityFest 2014
Lonsdale Skate Park, North Vancouver
May 3, 12-4pm
Celebrate at one of the Lower Mainland’s biggest Youth Week events where there will be food booths, BBQ (with free food for youth 24 and under), live music, dance, fashion show, youth art, and a photo booth. Don’t miss the skateboard competition.
www.vancouversnorthshore.com
23rd Annual Fingerling Festival with Bobs & Lolo!
Port Moody Recreation Complex and Noons Creek
May 3, 11am-3pm
Kids help make up a bucket brigade and release 40,000 young chum salmon from the hatchery into Noons Creek for the chum’s four-year journey in the Pacifc Ocean. Bobs and Lolo in concert at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Enjoy a wide variety of children’s activities including games, arts and crafts, nature puzzles, and more.
www.noonscreek.org
Spring Carnival and Silent Auction
Nootka Elementary School, Vancouver
May 3, 10am-3pm
Help celebrate the school’s 50th Anniversary at this community event including a Bouncy Castle, games, prizes, face painting & more! Tickets will be for sale onsite, with all proceeds going to support the school.
nootkacarnival.weebly.com/
Visit www.westcoastfamilies.com/events_calendar for more family friendly events this month!
To have your event included in the WestCoast Families community calendar, please email your details to admin@westcoastfamilies.com. Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to see more local and community family events in your area.
Alice in Wonderland
The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre, Main theatre
May 4, 2pm
Follow Alice to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies, where she journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense. All tickets are $10.
604.391.7469
Salmon Send-Of
Tynehead Regional Park
May 10, 11am-3pm
Release salmon fry into the Serpentine River, enjoy a hatchery tour, take part in children’s activities and enjoy a walkthrough river habitat. Have a barbecue lunch at the concession. Allow at least one hour to complete all activities. This is a free event for all ages.
604.520.6442
May Day Parade
Beginning at Shaughnessy and Welcher Avenue, Port Coquitlam
May 10, 11am
Come out and see the May Day Royal Party and community foats, marching bands, motorcycles, antique vehicles, and much, much more. It is the perfect start to an exciting day of fun-flled events!
www.portcoquitlam.ca
Street2Peak Family and Community Fun Run
Jericho Beach Concession Stand, Vancouver
May 10, 9am
Streetfront is an alternative high school program run out of Britannia Secondary School for youth who have struggled in the traditional high school program. Streetfront emphasizes physical and outdoor education, in addition to core subjects, to motivate students. These students have learned to make goals and achieve them with marathon and half marathon run training, keeping them motivated and focused so they can graduate. This run has distance options of 1km, 4km and 6km.
www.street2peak.com
Kids Decorated Bike Parade
176A Street between 59 & 59 Ave, Cloverdale
May 15, 5:15pm
A colourful parade of kids’ bikes and wagons that are decorated in a western theme. All young cowboys and cowgirls will be entered in a random parade draw for one of three bikes donated by the Cloverdale Lions and Kearney’s. 604.576.3155
Let’s Have a Playdate
May 16- Playhouse Theatre
May 17- Terry Fox Theatre 10 & 11:30am
Featuring the music of Johannes Brahms, explore fast and slow on three playdates — at a friend’s house, at the park and at a concert. Play hide and seek, bounce the ball and other favorite games, all set to the classics. Featuring a woodwind quartet. www.vancouversymphony.ca
Cloverdale Rodeo
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
May 16-19
This four-day rodeo features games, rides, concerts, demos, a beer garden, and lots of fun! www.cloverdalerodeo.com
Forest Fairy Gathering
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
May 17, 11am-3pm
Get ready for an enchanted family adventure exploring the world of forest fairies and gnomes. Look for fower fairies in the butter fy garden. Visit the fairy market for building supplies to construct your very own fairy or gnome home! Come dressed in costume, enjoy face painting, and be prepared for a magical afternoon. This is a free, drop in event.
604.520.6442
Mother Goose
Orpheum Theatre
May 18, 2pm
Enter the fascinating world of Mother Goose with enchanting stories of your childhood: Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, the Princess of the Pagodas, and more.
www.vancouversymphony.ca
Victoria Day Teddy Bear Picnic
May 19
Bring your Teddy Bear and enjoy some tea and decorate a cookie. Activities include the dress up Tickle Trunk, a sing-a-long and crafts. www.kilby.ca
Surrey International Children’s Festival
Surrey Arts Centre & Bear Creek Park
May 22 & 23, 9am-12:30pm and 24, 10:30am7:30pm
Featuring ticketed performances from Australia, United States, and British Columbia.
$12 Saturday All Access Pass gets you into every performance (subject to ticket availability) and all the hands-on art activities. Come celebrate your artistic side!
604.501.5598 | www.surrey.ca
Spring Carnival
Happy Corner Preschool, 3434 Falaise Avenue, Vancouver
May 24, 11am-2pm
Come for the games, rafe draw, cake walk, face painting, and more!
604.433.7923 | www.happycorner.ca
Raf
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
May 24, 2pm
Children will be entertained by this singer, songwriter and founder of the Centre for Child Honouring.
604.665.3050
Celebrate Coastal Native Plants and Birds
Along the Shore
White Rock Museum
May 24, 10am-12:30pm
Learn about planting native plants and some of their uses for people and wildlife. A birding walk along the foreshore and pier will follow at 11:30am. Bring binoculars, a camera, and dress for the weather. Please pre-register with Marg. blueheron@birdsonthebay.ca
6th annual SOS Children’s Village Run and Walk
Richmond Olympic Oval
May 25, 9am
This year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before! Join the fun to support SOS Children’s Village BC. Collect pledges and participate in the 2K, 5K or 10K Walk/Run to help make a diference for over 9,000 BC children and youth in foster care. Entertainment and silent auction too.
Registration $20 for adults, $5 for kids. www.sosbc.org/news-events/Run
No Fun Fridays
Hyde Creek
May 30, 6:30-9pm
This fully supervised event will have fun carnival games, sport activities, a bouncy castle, music, and a concession to keep kids engaged and active for two and a half hours on a Friday evening. So no-fun Fridays become nothing but Fun! $10 in advance or $15 day of event. www.portcoquitlam.ca
Marine Creatures and Eelgrass Presentation
Kwomais Point Park, Surrey
May 31, 10:30am-2pm
Learn about the marine creatures and the importance of eelgrass habitat on our local beaches with a presentation, then an interpretive walk down 1001 steps to the beach. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Refreshments provided but bring a lunch. Please register with Alison. a.prentice@shaw.ca
We can deliver WestCoast Families magazine free to your event! Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com or call 604-249-2866
by Jodi Iverson
Nothing says Mother’s Day like a handcrafted gift from a child! Who remembers making salt dough handprints, handmade cards, and writing poems in HB pencils for mom? This year, we looked for something that would stand the test of time and look beautiful on the wall. Try this simple tutorial for a personalized gift Mom will surely treasure.
materials
make
it!
Step 1: Sketch out a simple tree form on your canvas (older kids can do this independently!)
Step 2: Paint your tree. Keep it simple or add detail. Be creative!
Step 3: Add fngerprint ‘”leaves” to the tree! Try using a few diferent fngers and shades of ink for an assortment of leaf sizes and colours.
Don’t forget to sign and date your work.
patterns called loops, whorls, and arches.
twins can share mostly the same DNA they can’t have the same fngerprints.
almost identical to those of human beings.
World Famous Fries™ start with… 100% Canadian grown potatoes
FOODQUALITYSTARTSAT thesource
Every one of our World Famous Fries™ is made with quality, 100% Canadian grown potatoes. Farmers, like the Desjardins family, bring generations of potato growing experience to each and every fry.
Third generation potato farmers, Gilles & Aline Desjardins, have been producing quality potatoes for over 25 years. In 2001, the Desjardins family was ofered the opportunity by McCain Foods, one of our trusted suppliers, to produce potatoes for McDonald’s® Canada for our fries. Gilles partnered with McCain and has been one of their top growers ever since.
Gilles & Aline Desjardins Drummond, New Brunswick
“This was the best decision we ever made!“ remarks Gilles, over a decade later.
“We bring our family, including our grandchildren, to McDonald’s and we know that we are eating the best fries in the world because they were produced by farmers like us who put their heart and soul into doing the best that they can.”
Golden on the outside, soft and fufy on the inside. Made with quality potatoes and cooked in our Canola oil blend for zero grams of trans fat per serving*. It’s no wonder our fries are world famous!
