from our family to yours
Spring is finally giving way to summer, which means I’ve been taking to my garden and pumping up my bike tires for leisurely cruises around my Kitsilano neighbourhood. Here at WestCoast Families, we’re thrilled to finally be out in the sun, buying up local produce at our favourite farmers markets, strolling the sea wall and enjoying some of the many festivals coming up throughout the Lower Mainland. Let us share with you our latest and greatest finds!
This month, it’s time for our annual Party Guide, full of details and tips to make sure your next party is a blast. We’ve also taken the time to focus on Father’s Day, giving you three WestCoast Dad features, with three fathers who couldn’t be more different but have one thing in common—they love their kids!
Once again, we’re grateful to our advertisers, our readers, and our staff, who all contribute to making WestCoast Families such a great publication. Until next month!
Assistant Editor
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 finance@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 Nicole Breit, Jennifer Bruyns, Krysta Furioso, Alex Iverson, Jodi Iverson, Tory Scholz, Kelly S. Thompson, Andrea Vance, Heather Van Mil
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
hotspots
Nice Shoes
3568 Fraser St, Vancouver
A growing number of people are opting out of not only eating, but also wearing animal products. Now there’s a place where you can buy footwear that not only satisfies your ethical beliefs, but also your fashion-forward side as well! This tasteful little shop has everything from heels to hikers and the variety of styles will have you forgetting that leather isn’t on the menu. Have a thing for handbags? No problem! They’ve got accessories of all types for that stylish vegan (or non-vegan!) in your life. Treat yourself to a bag of their so-good-it’s-hard-to-keep-in-stock vegan English toffee!
604-558-3000 | www.niceshoes.ca
Krysta, WCF Art Director
Dunbar Theatre
4555 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
I love this one-screen theatre for a million reasons, the main one being the insanely delicious popcorn. Unlike most theatres, there’s also a ton of leg room and a great balcony for catching a high-rise view. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and they routinely have fantastic movie options, even 3D. There’s a great vintage feel to the Dunbar but still they feature movies that will delight your whole family!
Kelly S. Thompson, Assistant Editor
Ducky Diapers
My favourite new HotSpot is inspired by a friend who is currently pregnant. Wanting a greener choice to disposable diapers, I’m loving Ducky Diapers Cloth Diaper Service, which provides parents in the Greater Vancouver area with a sustainable, environmentally friendly, high-quality alternative to disposable diapers. They offer fitted diapers made of certified organic cotton and bamboo that are laundered in non-toxic and 100% biodegradable detergents.
www.duckydiapers.com
Jodi Iverson, Sales Manager
father’s day gift guide
Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker
Need a meal in a hurry? Toss a homemade or frozen pizza into the Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker. This easy pizza cooker comes with automatic shutoff and a rotating heat plate that cooks your pie to the perfect crispness from both sides, making this a staple on any kitchen counter. www.hamiltonbeach.ca | $70
Camping British Columbia and Yukon
Sponsor a Plane at the Museum of Flight
Looking for the perfect gift for the plane-loving Dad in your family? For a fee, you can sponsor a plane, giving you a free flight on Sponsor Flight Day in your plane of choice, a certificate of sponsorship and more! www.canadianflight.org | $190-$310
RazorPit
Published by Heritage House Press, this book by Jayne Seagrave offers a complete guide to camping in our great area, and further north too! You’ll find all the info you need to discover the perfect camping location to suit your family’s needs in this well-written book that should be a necessity on any bookshelf! www.heritagehouse.ca | $20
My Mini Golf
Golf can be a fun game, but green fees get expensive quick! Why not have a golf course in your very own home? The My Mini Golf opens onto any smooth surface for a full game and training aid for the whole family to practice their putting.
www.startingtimegolf.com | $190-$330
Razor blades are expensive to buy and they never seem to last longer than a few swipes before becoming dull. Enter the RazorPit, which works like the sharpener a barber used to use. After you shave, simply apply some shave cream to the rubberized platform, swipe your razor back and forth, and you can make one razor last over 100 shaves! www.razorpit.com | $26 on amazon.ca
party guide
Personalized Spoons by Whiteococcoli
Want to cater your party cutlery to the exact celebration at hand? Whiteococcoli has you covered! Their hand drawn and personalized spoons are made of bamboo and make a great addition to any goody bag. Any child’s name can be added to the spoon and any theme accommodated. Each kid will feel special with their own personal spoon to scoop up all that cake!
www.whiteococcoli.com | $6-10 each
Colouring Greeting Cards by Lil’ Ol’ Craft Company
Sometimes you want a card that is as personal in style as it is in message. The Lil’ Ol’ Craft Company has a solution for you in their colour-yourself greeting cards with different theme packs, allowing kids to colour in their own birthday invites! Even better is $1.00 from every pack sold goes to Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life. www.lilolcraftcompany.weebly.com | $7 per pack
Three Sisters, One Bead Necklaces
The snazzy necklaces will delight that little girl in your life who loves fun jewelry. These goodies are made just for kids and are reinforced specifically for young children who are tough on their baubles. The owner, a mother herself, sources unique pieces to delight any little princess!
www.facebook.com/ThreeSistersOneBead | $18-26
Let’s Roll!
Family RV Travel
By Krysta Furioso
like most families with children, we’ve been on our fair share of adventures. We’ve done road trips, bike trips, camping trips, plane trips, and train trips, and have loved every one of them. So what’s left for the family that has done it all?
Enter: The Recreational Vehicle.
Our plans to head south to visit friends in San Francisco started out as a regular, run-of-the-mill road trip, but after doing the math and taking into account the inevitable hotels and restaurants that always come with travel by car, we discovered that an RV rental is an economically comparable way to travel.
Comfort-wise, however, there’s no comparison! A quick tour through our 24-foot motorhome rental convinced us that we’d be more than cozy whether we spent the night in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest or at the Walmart parking lot just off the I-5. Fully equipped with two double beds, a bathroom with shower, and a kitchen that would put most bachelor pads to shame, we were certain that we wouldn’t miss any of the comforts of home.
After picking up our rental, we brought it home to pack it up. The kitchen was fully stocked with all of the cooking apparatus we would need to cook and eat a gourmet meal every night. Clean, cozy bedding was also supplied, so all that was left to pack were our clothes, toiletries, and some food to stock the fridge.
We were giddy to get on the road and after setting our eight-year-old daughter up at the dining table (fully equipped with seatbelts for four), we headed south. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that not only was the vehicle packed with all of the conveniences of home, it was also easy to handle both on the highway, and as we made our way through various towns along the west coast. Our daughter wasn’t trapped in a cramped back seat for the 3,000km roundtrip, but rather, the huge windows throughout the camper provided her with a front-row seat to all of the jaw-dropping landscapes that we passed each day. When we got hungry, we stopped and cooked healthy meals. When we were tired, we napped in cozy beds, and when we had to pee… well, you get the picture.
Over the next ten days, we set up our rolling home in some of the most amazing places. Not only did this cottage on wheels double as a guesthouse as we wheeled it into the driveways of friends in Portland and Oakland, it became our oasis in the trees as we spent quiet evenings surrounded by the Redwoods of California and the mountains of Oregon. Moments after turning off the engine, we would be sitting around the table in the slide-out dining area, playing cards, listening to music, or planning dinner. No tent to set up, no rain tarp to string from branch to branch, no Coleman stove to ignite, just time to spend together relaxing.
That’s not to say that we didn’t get the full camp experience.
Photos by Dylan Doubt
Dinner may have been cooked on a gas range, but it was always served outside in the fresh air, and on most nights we made a campfire and sat under the trees like we always do when we’re tent camping. There is a certain romance to sleeping on the ground with nothing between you and the stars but a thin layer of waterproof fabric, but I have to say it was a welcome luxury to wash my face with warm water and climb into a real bed at the end of each day. The campgrounds that we visited were packed with other motorhomes, and we were always surrounded by other families who were on the same adventure as us, and with good reason. As property costs skyrocket, and weekend cottages are harder to attain, motorhomes and RVs are quickly becoming the go-to getaway for young families. A two-week RV rental is absorbed into the annual budget far easier than the mortgage on a cottage or cabin, and it doesn’t come with the pressure of always vacationing to the same place. This year it was the west coast, next year it might be Alaska, Ontario, or New Orleans. The possibilities are endless when you take your cozy cabin along anywhere your fancy takes you.
unique program offering children between the age of 4 - 15, accompanied by a parent/guardian, an opportunity to explore their community together, all summer long, doing a number of things that they wouldn’t ususally get a chance to do... and learning along the way!
As we pulled up in front of the house after our ten-day west coast odyssey, we knew our adventure was over and we had to unpack and return the camper the next morning. Instead of being happy to be home like we usually are after being away, we were more like kids on Boxing Day, dragging our feet in the door to our “boring stationary house.”
As we unpacked our clothes and collapsed into our own beds, our daughter put all of our thoughts into words when she called to us from her bedroom, “Can we sleep in the camper tonight?”
Klippers Organic Acres
our favourite vendors farmers markets
Jane’s Honey Bees
Kitsilano Summer Farmers Market
Too Much Choice!
Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium
Klippers is an organic, family farm in Cawston, BC, and they are our first stop each Saturday at the market. Not only do they have the best apple chips known to man (thrice baked!), they also sell all manner of organic root vegetables and fruits, many of which are staples in our daily meals and snacks. We never come home without at least one bag of apple chips, a squash, and a bag of carrots (ostensibly for soup, but so far they’ve never made it home without being eaten, let alone into the soup pot).
Krysta Furioso, Art Director
I eat honey with everything from greek yogurt to iced tea, so I always get excited to visit the Jane’s Honey Bees stand at the Kitsilano Farmers Market, where I’m sure to find the tastiest honey. Jane’s has a wide variety of different flavours of honey, including blueberry (my favourite!), raspberry and wildflower. The bees gather pollen from Richmond to Abbotsford, so their honies have a flavour that is unique to our area, which I love! They harvest all their own honey too, so you know you’re getting local honey at its best. Once I get my stash home, I’ve been known to eat whole spoonfuls without shame!
Kelly S. Thompson, Assistant Editor
I was born and raised on the family farm in the southern Okanagan, so it’s no surprise I’m a regular at my local market! I love being able to stock up on tomatoes that taste like tomatoes and cherries from my very own hometown! Choosing one favorite vendor is tough for me. Today I picked up bratwurst from Chefs Natural Sausage, organic produce from Klippers, a unicorn poop cookie for my mini me from Geek Sweets, and my weekly essential, two bunches of peonies from Warmerdam Flowers. I just feel lucky to have access to farm fresh goods in my backyard.
Jodi Iverson, Sales Manager
Pass the Present
The best part of this game is that it’s not just the birthday boy or girl who gets to open presents. As long as the grown up manning the sound system is paying attention, each player will get a turn unwrapping the gift when the music stops. Choose party-themed music—we downloaded the old Superman, Spiderman and Wonder Woman theme songs—or a few of your child’s favourite songs and pass the present around the circle. When the music stops, the child opens one layer of wrapping paper. Make the final gift a group gift so everyone gets a prize. At my son’s birthday, the stash of candy hidden in the box made it into everyone’s goodie bags.
Broken Telephone
classic birthday party games
by Nicole Breit
old school games to keep the party hopping
Do you like to party old school, like my family does? Recently my son had a superhero themed birthday party. Our guests were welcomed at the door with friendly paste up pictures of Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, and Superman. We played games from the same era—when cakes had secret coins baked inside, all you wanted was your own Sea Monkey kingdom, and musical chairs was an anticipated party favourite.
The great thing about classic party games is that they’ve stood the test of time for good reason. They’re easy to organize, simple to play, and kids love them because they’re tons of fun! I’ve rounded up some of the best for your next birthday party.
Remember this slumber party favourite? A phrase is whispered in the ear of the first player, who whispers what she thinks she heard to the next person, on and on, around the circle. When the final phrase is said out loud, it will have lost enough in translation to reliably inspire a fit of giggles. Brainstorm a batch of silly phrases in advance or let the players’ imaginations run wild.
Who’s Knocking At My Door?
Preschoolers and school-aged kids alike love this playful guessing game of disguised identities. All you need is a chair, a blindfold, and a grown up to guide the game. Start by blindfolding a player, who sits in a chair while the rest of the kids sit quietly in a circle. Point to a child sitting in the circle. She’ll approach the chair from behind, knock, and wait to be asked by the blindfolded player, “Who’s knocking at my door?” The knocker then disguises her voice as she says, “It’s me!”, then sits back down. The child in the chair gets three chances to guess who knocked at the door. You’ll be amazed by how long most groups want to keep playing!
Wink Murder
Suitable for kids aged seven and up, this guessing game includes a variety of fun roles to play: the “selector,” who chooses the bad guy with one shoulder tap, and the detective who is chosen with two taps as the rest of the group sits in a circle with their eyes closed. The selector starts the game, then observes quietly as the detective gets three chances to guess who is eliminating the players by winking at them. While kids love this game, adults often have just as much fun watching the kids ham it up when they catch a wink.
What Time Is It Mr. Wolf?
This chase game is ideal for the warmer months when you can take the party outside. It’s also the perfect antidote to post-cake sugar rush and that lull at the end of the party when the kids wait for pick up. Play with just a handful of players or a large group. Kids of all ages love shouting
“What time is it Mr. Wolf?” and the element of surprise when the Wolf finally declares “Dinner time!” The best part? There are no unhappy losers, as whoever is tagged gets to take the next turn as Mr. or Ms. Wolf.
Balloon Games
I’ll never forget how amazed I was at the first kids’ party I attended as a parent. Just a few balloons kept the entire group happy while we waited for the last guests to arrive. Teenage boys ditched their video games to play with the little ones. Elderly grandparents got in on the fun from the comfort of the couch. Play pass, balloon tag or just keep ‘em up in the air. You can never go wrong with balloons at a birthday party!
Nicole Breit is a freelance writer and mom of two, who blogs about her creative writing projects at www. nicolebreit.com.
our best memories birthday parties
Bike Riding on Barnston Island
The party that goes down in the books as our favourite is definitely when we took our daughter and five of her friends to Barnston Island for her seventh birthday. We piled everyone and their bikes into three vehicles and spent the afternoon on a leisurely ride around the car-free island. About halfway around the roughly eight kilometre bike route is a waterfront park where we set up our snacks, cake, and a piñata on the beach. Having everyone out in the fresh air, getting exercise and taking in the idyllic setting of the little island was such a great way to avoid the chaos of many birthday parties. At the end, it felt good to be exhausted from the bike ride and not from being in a cramped room somewhere with a gaggle of excited party-goers.
Krysta Furioso, Art Director
Bowling Birthday
Growing up, my family did low-key birthday barbecues, which suited my sister and I just fine. But the year I turned ten, my sister and I each invited a few friends (our birthdays are just days apart) to the local bowling alley and played a few games. It was still as relaxed as our previous birthdays, but doing something unique made it feel that much more special, and my sister and I had the chance to bring all our friends together to lob a few balls down the lanes. We all played horribly but had tons of fun, and afterwards, my mom handed out some goodie bags that remained lengendary for weeks.
Kelly S. Thompson, Assistant Editor
Relaxed Outdoor Park
One of the best birthday parties my daughter has been to was at a small local community park. The kids were invited to come with their play clothes on, ready for an afternoon of playground adventures, tree climbing, tag games, and pure, simple outdoor fun. It was a rare opportunity for all these friends to be together for a couple of hours of free play outside in the fresh air, and there was nothing but laughter, squeals, and smiles. When the time came, the birthday cake came out along with some other snacks, quickly followed by more play that burned off the sugar highs before the kids had to leave for home. It was so simple, and so perfect.
Andrea Vance, Publisher
Mt. Seymour
Having a January birthday means you have limited options for party venues....no pony-riding parties, much to my daughter’s annoyance. On the flip side, it also means you have some “cool” options like sledding at Mt. Seymour! Why not throw a party on the mountain, complete with yurt shelter, barbecue, and hot chocolate? Our party was a huge success and great bang for the buck. In lieu of typical goody bags, we offered a toque filled with hand warmers and a winter craft we found deeply discounted after Christmas at our local craft store. This is a great party for all ages and will have the whole family engaged. Book early, as they tend to fill up fast!
Jodi Iverson, Sales Manager
Party Guide
Planning a party? Take a look at these party people and places for great ideas. There’s even more at www.westcoastfamilies.com
PARTY VENUES
BC Sports Hall of Fame
Vancouver 604.687.5520 www.bcsportshalloffame.com
Birthday Parties at Fort Langley Fort Langley
604.513.4777 www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangley
Burnaby Village Museum
Burnaby 604.297.4565 www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Canlan Sports
Multiple locations
604.291.0626 | www.icesports.com
Evergreen Cultural Centre
Coquitlam
604.927.6555 www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Circus West
Vancouver
604.252.3679 | www.circuswest.com
Glow Tween Spa
Steveston, Richmond
604.370.4569 | www.glowtweenspa.com
Jump! Gymnastics
Vancouver
604.568.9690 | www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Phoenix Gymnastics Club
Vancouver
604.737.7693 www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Playland
Vancouver
604.252.3663 | www.pne.ca
Place des Arts
Coquitlam
604.664.1636 | www.placedesarts.ca
Rocky Mountain Flatbread
Vancouver – 3 locations www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
Science World Vancouver
604.443.7500 | www.scienceworld.ca
The Little Gym Langley
604.539.2543 www.tlglangleybc.com
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver
604.659.3552 | www.vanaqua.org
Watermania
Richmond
604.448.5353 | www.richmond.ca
UBC Farm
Vancouver
604.822.8092 | www.ubcfarm.ubc.ca
YMCA
Vancouver & Surrey www.vanymca.org
ENTERTAINERS & PACKAGES
Lime Girl Home Spa
604.460.1289 | www.limegirl.ca
Living Magic
604.653.7773
www.livingmagicentertainment.com
Party Arts
604.318.1261 | www.partyarts.ca
Vancouver Tumblebus
604.726.0856 www.vancouvertumblebus.com
Kids in Performing Arts
Which Arts Class is Best for Your Child?
by Heather van Mil
whether your child is dreaming of bright lights, or you are simply looking for a fun program for them to express their creativity, performing arts classes are great options for kids of all ages and abilities. Defined as “any form of creative activity performed in front of an audience,” this encompasses such a broad range of programs, from traditional offerings to more unique options, that parents are left wondering what exactly is out there for their wunderkind-in-waiting.
Dance
As one of the more physical branches of performing arts, dance classes are a great outlet for energetic kids, as they involve significant range of motion, coordination, strength, and endurance. Repetitive movements that are a key part of choreography can improve posture, increase muscle tone, and develop balance and coordination. Aside from the physical aspect, these programs offer the opportunity to develop social-emotional awareness by providing a safe outlet for children to express feelings through dance, as well as an understanding of themselves as part of a larger picture within a collaborative and cooperative group setting. With so many different styles to choose from, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, ethnic (Celtic, African, Latin,
Bollywood) there is bound to be one your child loves and boredom won’t be a problem!
Music
Music classes are a great option to get into at an early age. Many programs start as early as six months, as study after study reveals the amazing benefits of a head start in musical education. Developing musical literacy exercises language comprehension skills and expands vocabulary. Through exploration of beat, rhythm, and scales, children subconsciously understand division, fractions, special-temporal reasoning, and pattern recognition. Music is also often a child’s first introduction to other cultures and languages, which cultivates acceptance and curiosity of customs and traditions beyond the familiar. For
very young children, programs typically involve introducing foundational building blocks, such as tempo and dynamics, rhythm and pitch, meter and timbre. As the child gets older, you can narrow the focus to vocal lessons or instruments—violin and piano being the most popular “starter” classes.
Theatre
If it seems like your child is often in their own little world, then a theatre class might be the perfect place for them! Beyond the obvious benefits of learning practical public speaking skills like voice projection, pacing, dramatic/comedic timing, and memorization, children are subtly building the confidence to advocate for themselves and assume leadership roles, learning who they are and what their voice is. Paul Moniz de Sá, the
Artistic Director of Theatre and Music for Arts Umbrella, says that one of the most important benefits of the theatre program, especially in older children and teens, is that “creativity and imagination are extended and encouraged beyond the early years when it often otherwise gets shut down.” He suggests looking for a theatre program that provides a holistic, well-rounded approach involving all aspects of production, including sound set up, set and costume design, directing, lighting and props, writing, and more.
Triple Threat
Triple threat classes are a combination of all three disciplines listed above; singing, dancing, and acting, as many of the skills and learning outcomes are intertwined and applicable to all branches. Most triple threat programs tend to be best suited for older children, or ones who have had previous experience in one or more of the fields individually. Jordan Thomson, director of Brightstars Performing Arts, cautions parents to always follow the child’s lead (when choosing the right program), and not to try and live vicariously through them!
Circus
For those looking for a more modern type of performing arts, look no further then circus classes! From the general introduction classes, to more specifically focused programs such as trapeze, aerial silks, and clowning, the benefits are outstanding. Juggling will improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, while core stability and balance are key to acrobatics, trapeze, and unicycle. All aspects of circus arts improve physical strength and flexibility, body awareness, spatial orientation, and depth perception.
For an even more unique experience, some theatre groups and community centers offer more specialized classes in puppetry, miming, and stage combat (swordplay). Magic and illusion programs are another lesser known art form, which offers many benefits, most notably practicing verbal and nonverbal communication, and developing a sensitivity to group dynamics by reading a crowd. Many sports also offer performance arts based areas that are worth exploring, including rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, and even parkour.
So with more incredible options than ever before, how do you decide which program is best for your petite performer?
Decide on Desired Outcomes. Performing arts programs are not solely about developing a set of specific skills outlined in a curriculum. Some would argue that is a secondary outcome. Hilary Wight, Stagecoach principal, puts it this way, “Performing arts are not about perfection on stage. The life skills each child develops are so much more important.” Ask yourself, why do you want your child to join a performing arts program? Do you see specific abilities you want to foster? Do they desire a future in the field? Do you want them to have fun with a new experience? These answers will guide you to the program that is the best fit for you and your child.
Do Your Research. Once you know your desired outcome, doing a bit of research on the different program options will go a long way. Is it a recreational or professional focus? What background do the instructors have? What reviews and referrals do they have?
Drop In. No matter how fabulous the program is, if your child doesn’t connect well with the instructor, or the class format isn’t a good fit, it won’t be an enjoyable learning experience for them. Do a trial or drop in class, if the center offers that option, to be sure that you’ve chosen the right program before investing the time and money in it!
No matter which one (or two or three) you choose, above all, make sure your child has fun!
A child who develops a love and a passion for performing arts is more likely to continue and achieve. Performing arts programs are valuable to children for many reasons so I believe the most important thing is that the child enjoys what they are doing. Ask if you can visit the school or studio to get a sense of if you think your child will enjoy the program.
Hilary
Wight, StageCoach Theatre Arts
advertiser advice choosing performance arts classes
Make sure the school or studio offers a combination of skill building classes and performance opportunities, as children and teens in the performing arts need first and foremost to build skills. Teachers should be adept at teaching proper technique and ensuring each student is progressing at the appropriate pace for their age. Performances give students a goal to work toward and look forward to, but should not be the main focus of the program.
Kate Lancaster, Place des Arts
When choosing a dance studio for a young child, look for it to have a teacher that specializes in teaching children of that age. A teacher that is passionate about instilling a love of dance to students, with a strong purpose to improve the children’s confidence while learning the elements of dance. Somebody that is patient, kind and that knows how to bring smiles to the young faces.
Gabriela Moutal, Gabriela’s
Movement Studio
Here are just some of the amazing local
Arts Umbrella
Vancouver (Granville Island, and Quebec @ 7th) & South Surrey
www.artsumbrella.com
604-681-5268 | 604-535-1127
Circus West
Vancouver www.circuswest.com
604.252.3679
Jump Gymnastics
Vancouver www.jumpgymnastics.ca
604.568.9690
Phoenix Gymnastics
Vancouver
www.phoenixgymnastics.com 604.737.7693
StageCoach Theatre Arts School Langley
www.stagecoachschools.ca 778.240.5915
Gabriela’s Movement Studio Richmond
www.movementstudio.ca 604-272-0607
Music for Young Children
Maple Ridge | Pitt Meadows www.myc.com/teacher/kbartel
604-463-2151
Place des Arts - Arts Centre & Music School Coquitlam www.placedesarts.ca 604.664.1636
Tom Lee Music
Vancouver www.tomleemusic.ca 604.685.8471
summer learning
Learning Loss
How to Retain Children’s Education Throughout Summer
by Tory Scholz
summer break is an opportunity for students to take a hiatus from the daily grind and breathe. As adults, we can sometimes forget the stresses of school life and how exhausting being a student is. Their school days are often tightly packed, and students should be congratulated for the completion of the school year.
Recently, studies have shown the negative effects of school breaks, resulting in “learning loss.” Learning loss refers to any specific or general loss of knowledge and skills or to reversals in academic progress, most commonly
due to extended gaps or discontinuities in a student’s education. Whether your child is in kindergarten or grade 12, any consistent amount of time away from academics can result in learning loss. Time away from structured learning can hinder development and learning at any age.
But how can parents ensure that their child does not experience learning loss during the school break? The good news is that learning does not have to be an “all or nothing” approach. Breaks are necessary for everyone—adults and children. Having the tools to incorporate learning into a variety of environments can alter the negative effects of learning loss.
Unstructured learning is essential to child’s development. More educational models are moving towards inquiry and experiential-based learning. Using these approaches outside of the classroom can help counteract learning loss during school breaks. Make summer vacation count, and counteract learning loss through inquiry-based learning. Here’s a list of how parents can facilitate inquiry when structured learning takes a backseat.
1. Let it go. Letting go of structured learning can mean opportunities for a whole new kind of learning. It can also have the potential to unlock your child’s passion. If possible, give them some control and choice over how they spend their days of leisure. Celebrate the successes of your child’s report cards and prepare a clean slate for next year.
2. Ask questions. Model your own curiosity about the world, which can encourage children to question the world around them. Use what teachers call a “student-centered approach.” Make inquiry-based learning a part of your day by modeling a genuine curiosity about the world. Ask thoughtful and open-ended questions about everyday experiences. For example,
• Emphasize the unknown – “I wonder if….”
• Suggest alternative viewpoints when solving a problem.
• Model seeing the world from different perspectives.
3. Find teachable moments. Being aware of the teachable moments can help counteract the potential learning losses during the breaks. Be genuinely curious in your child’s interests and passions. Find excuses to constantly engage with your children in insightful conversations.
• Ask your child about characters’ perspectives in the book they’re reading.
• Read a newspaper article together about a current political issue, and ask them what they think.
• Have conversations about where the food comes from during a meal and why supporting local agriculture is beneficial.
4. Make Connections. Try to deepen their understanding in everyday experiences. Challenge your child and help them make meaningful connections about the world around them. Learning is meaning. Encourage your child to arrive at a variety of solutions when problem solving. For example, encourage them to understand their sibling’s position in a disagreement.
No matter what your plans are for summer vacation, there are always opportunities for learning.
Tory Scholz is a BC Certified teacher in the Metro Vancouver area. She also offers private teaching and academic consultation for students and families. If you would like more suggestions or advice on your child’s learning, please contact Tory Scholz – Tory.Scholz@gmail.com
summer learning
Incorporating Learning into Summer Fun
With some creativity, parents can make year-round learning fun for their children.
For children, learning is an ongoing process, one that continues even after the last bell of the school year. Just because families are gearing up for fun, sun and relaxation, doesn’t mean educational activities can’t be incorporated into vacation plans. Educators remind parents that time off from school shouldn’t mean a vacation from learning. Research shows that the pre-frontal cortex of the brain is growing during the first 20 years of a child’s life and so the child should always be nurturing, fueling, and exercising his or her brain.
A lack of learning activities during the summer months could result in lost stimulation during a critical development period. “It is just as important for children to participate in learning activities that exercise their growing minds as it is to be involved in physical activities that keep their bodies healthy and strong,” says Vernon Gonsalves, Brand Communications Manager at Kumon Math and Reading Centres in Canada. Vernon recommends the following activities that incorporate learning and engage a child’s brain:
Reading and Writing
• Encourage your child to read aloud to a family member each day
• Write letters together and send to grandparents or friends
• Visit the library weekly, inquire about special events
Math
• Build a kite with your child, cut and measure shapes. Take it out for a test flight
• Teach your child to keep score. Review batting averages or other statistics from the sports pages
Science
• Help your child plant some flower or vegetable seeds and chart their growth
• Take walks in the neighborhood or a park, learn about native plants and animals
History
• Share stories about your family history, and work together to draw a family tree
• Research the founders of your town, and visit historical sites
Art
• Tour an art museum or art exhibit at a county fair
• Encourage your child to draw a picture and give it to a neighbor or friend
Music
• Provide children with household items and let them make their own instruments
• Help them write a song and perform it together
No matter what you do, always find something genuinely positive to say to your child every day.
Help Your Child Build A Strong Foundation in Reading
Learning to read and write are among the most important skills your child will ever learn. These skills are the foundation on which all other academic achievement is built. Starting early in a child’s development is the key to fostering a child’s love of reading and learning.
“Believe in your child and give him or her every opportunity to excel,” says Vernon Gonsalves, Brand Communications Manager of Kumon Math & Reading Centres. “Each child has enormous, untapped potential. Regardless of their background or current ability, with a little extra support, a child can gain life skills such as confidence, perseverance and motivation.”
Some literacy skills, however, should be taught long before a child enters the classroom for the first time. As the child’s first teacher, it is important for parents to begin exposing them to books at a young age. From this point children should develop the following skills:
Book Knowledge – Children should understand how to hold a book, where the story begins and ends, that words are read from left to right, that stories are read front to back and that pages are turned one at a time.
Print Awareness – Children should understand that the words seen in print and the words heard and said are related and that there’s a difference between pictures and words.
Phonemic Awareness – Children need to be able to identify the separate, small sounds called phonemes that make words and to associate the sounds with the written words. For example, the word “cat” is made up of three sounds /c/, /a/, /t/. Children who have phonemic awareness can take spoken words apart sound by sound and put together sounds to make words. This skill is required for learning to read.
Three of the ways parents can help children establish a strong foundation for learning to read include:
Reading aloud to your child. Reading aloud is the single best way to support literacy development. It exposes children to language, teaches them about books and helps them start identifying words and their sounds.
Make reading fun. Point to words, animate your voice and ask children to predict what will happen next. If your child is interested, it aids in their understanding of the story.
Be a reading role model. Set an example by letting your child see you read. Children who are exposed to active and enthusiastic readers are likely to model this behavior themselves.
For information or to schedule a free placement test with Kumon Math and Reading Centres, call 1-800-ABC-MATH or visit www.kumon.ca. Today more than four million children in 48 countries and regions around the world are currently studying in Kumon.
>> Sustainable Living Leadership Program
The Rivershed Society of BC operates the Sustainable Living Leadership Program, which is a 25-day trip down the Fraser River in which adventurers hone their leadership skills in a remote part of BC while canoeing, rafting, and hiking through unique terrain. Travellers are sure to learn about the environment and develop a new appreciation for all that makes our province beautiful, while simultaneously building confidence in themselves through activity and interaction with community leaders. Learning from local leaders will enhance your understanding of our unique provincial environment on an adventure you won’t forget! The trip hovers near Valemount, BC, 1400 kilometres away from Vancouver. Apply soon to take part in this amazing trip from July 31st – August 24th, for an experience that will educate and amaze!
>> Seniors Mentor Children in Richmond
Recently, the Conservative government has started a program in which seniors serve as mentors to school children by sharing their life stories and through other interactive programs. Minoru Place Seniors Society has received $20,000 from the government, which will go towards funding the New Horizons for Seniors Program, giving local seniors a chance at community outreach with children. Seniors will explore mentoring children through art, cooking, life skills sharing and simply sharing the details of their lives, in hopes that the communication gap between generations can bridged. Kids will also have the chance to learn about generations other than their own, deepening understanding of their community. “This grant will enhance the connection between seniors and children to encourage the development of community volunteer programs aligning with Council Term Goals. This project will utilize the talents and life skills of older adults while providing positive and meaningful interactions between the generations,” says Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond. The program also provides opportunities for seniors to be engaged and interactive, as they are involved in all the planning, preparation and execution of the mentorship program.
www.rivershed.com/sustainable-living-leadership-program/aboutthe-sllp
www.richmond.ca/newsevents/city/ HarperGovernmentHelpsSeniorsMentorYouthInRichmondBC.htm
>> Field Dinners with Urban Zucchini
Curious about where your food comes from and what it takes to grow and create sustainable, healthy meals? Urban Zucchini seeks to educate our community and allow them to reconnect with land and their food, by utilizing the UBC farm to host outdoor meals that will delight and educate at the same time. Dinners are hosted under stunning tents right in the UBC farm fields, allowing diners to explore the farm through informative tours while simultaneously tasting local and fresh produce grown right underneath their feet. The night won’t just be tasty but it will also be full of interesting tips and tricks to hone your green thumb and be more food aware. The next dinner is on June 21st, so be sure to check out the Urban Zucchini website to sign up before it sells out!
www.urbanzucchini.com
>> Perinatal Services BC Stool Colour Card
Having a child can be an exciting and yet scary experience, as parents often have to decipher when their child is ill or needs special care and attention.
Perinatal Services BC is now giving away a free stool colour card (available in 11 languages) to all new moms, to help them detect the liver disease, Biliary atresia, in their child. “BC is the first province in Canada to implement this unique type of home screening program. There are no blood tests or samples to collect, and it is family-centered—done at home by parents or other family members. Parents can feel empowered—they are taking a proactive role in identifying a life-threatening disease and improving the health of their newborns,” says Kim Williams, Provincial Executive Director, Perinatal Services BC. If not treated, the disease can be fatal and it affects children often in their first month of life. Chalky-coloured stool is often the main means to diagnose Biliary atresia, and so this stool card has the potential to save lives! www.perinatalservicesbc.ca
>> SelfDesign High
For many children, traditional high school programs do not enhance their learning style and therefore, impede moving forward academically. SelfDesign High develops a special high school program for your teen, catered to personalizing their learning experience. The program is free and students can be full or part time, and parents need not worry as SelfDesign High is fully accredited, so your child will graduate with a full high school diploma! SelfDesign wants their students to experience a supportive learning atmosphere by offering courses that engage and interact each child according to their specific learning needs. They have more than 2500 enrolled learners who have their personal interests met through their own unique program, catered to their needs! All students are also provided a Guiding Mentor who assists them in creating their own high school plan. This is a great program for students who need to have special accommodations or adjustments to allow for different schedules and learning requirements.
www.selfdesignhigh.org
dads westcoast
Late in Life Military Dad Shawn Preston
By Kelly S. Thompson |
when Shawn Preston talks about his wife and daughter, his entire face lights up and it quickly becomes clear that his family is his passion. For the Shawn, family didn’t come into the picture until later in life, after he had already served in the military for several years. But these days, as father to Emily-Rose, 19 months, and a son, Thomas, due any day, Shawn is reveling in life as a dad and husband while living at Jericho Military Garrison, Vancouver.
Shawn met his wife, Sandra, in Cuba during a pre-deployment leave vacation, just three weeks before he left for Afghanistan. Their romance sparked instantly and as he deployed, they promised to remain loyal to each other, despite his nine-month tour overseas. During that time, they saw each other only once for a three-week holiday and when Shawn returned home, the couple then had to work out the logistics of his life in Victoria and hers in Quebec City. Sandra decided to move out to be with Shawn and start a family with him. “On my arrival back to Canada, Sandra was waiting for me at the Quebec City airport ready to move out west,” Shawn said. They married and later became pregnant with Emily-Rose, who is now the joy of their lives.
As a parent later in life, Shawn appreciates the benefits of waiting to have children. “I feel as an older Dad, I have more patience than when I was in my twenties,” he says. “Watching my peers’ parenting, good and bad, has prepared me for all kinds of scenarios that arise while bringing up your children.” Shawn is an active parent, always seen pushing his daughter’s stroller on long walks and playing with her any chance he gets.
But life in the Canadian Forces isn’t always rosy and it comes with a special set of complications. For one, military families often move every few years, making it difficult to set down roots and make new friends. Also, without the support network of immediate family nearby, those in the Forces need to rely on their military tribe instead. “Military family is just that; a family that would do anything at any time for you...They can understand you more than your own family because they have been in the same situation in their career,” says Shawn. Luckily, the Military Family Resource Centre, just a block from Shawn’s home, offers lots of fun programming and activities for the Prestons to take part in, allowing them to interact with other military people in the same situation.
For Shawn, being a WestCoast Dad is only temporary, as next year, the Prestons will be posted to a new location, where they will adapt and adjust, just as they did when they moved to Vancouver. “We are expecting to move next year and some anxiety has already started, from leaving friends here to what kind of neighbourhood we will live in and employment for my wife,” says Shawn. The Prestons will miss being able to be outdoors and active year round as they can on the west coast, but undoubtedly, their tight-knit family will unite and thrive no matter where they move. Even though they may be leaving Vancouver behind them, for Shawn, being a parent means relishing those special moments with his daughter when he returns home from work each day. “When she gives me a hug and taps me on the back with her little hand, it’s like she’s saying, ‘It’s all good Daddy.’”
Photographed by Dylan Doubt
Farm Fresh Family Cooking Ned Bell
By Kelly S.
the life of a chef is full of more than just meat and potatoes. Long hours and a dedicated work ethic means Ned Bell, Executive Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel, tirelessly strives to maintain a positive work and family life balance. Ned is also father to two boys, Fin, 15, and Max, four. Together with his wife Kate, Ned takes his farm to table food philosophy and extends that to how he feeds his family. “It doesn’t get any better than being a chef and a passionate local food lover!” Ned exlaims.
Ned began cooking when he was 12 and from there, his passion grew into several restaurant positions before his post at the Four Seasons. Ned’s zeal for locally sourced food began when he grew up in the interior of British Columbia and later, as he honed his skills closer to the coast. “I was born on a farm and raised on the coast. Summers in the Okanagan were full of peaches, cherries, apricots, and fresh veggies! The coast was fishing and outdoor sports and activities.” He calls his food philosophy “Globally Inspired and Locally Created,” as he cares deeply about using local and seasonal ingredients and then enhancing their flavour. “I pride myself on farm, lake, ocean, and river to table!” he insists.
His passion for cooking often extends to his joy with his family, where his children often get involved in the kitchen. “My boys love cooking with me. It’s a really special time,” he says. With time together being so precious, Ned and Kate have to ensure that their family experiences are
prioritized and cherished. “We live a very hectic lifestyle, busy careers, busy kids, busy lives. We try our best to carve out time for the family, but it is very tough,” Ned says.
Ned says he likes to make cooking part of family bonding, as they always make space in the schedule to attend weekly farmers markets. “It is in our blood! And our bellies,” he says of these markets. “We are so blessed to be surrounded by incredible farmers, fisherman, artisans, and purveyors.” In this way, his farm-to-table philosophy goes beyond the workplace and to his family as well. Because of these food adventures, Ned prides himself on educating his children about the necessity and joys of good quality food. “My boys know exactly where their food is from, and sometimes even who caught it, grew it, or made it by hand,” he says.
Surrounded by great local farmers and food, Ned and his family also take the time to explore the region, appreciating all the nooks and crannies of the Lower Mainland. “We live in the best city in the world, in the best province and country in the world!” Ned says. “Good food is all about health and wellness; good for the family, the community and good for the soul!”
With chefs like Ned Bell at the helm, Vancouver-based families can ensure they’re getting the same nourishing meals at the Four Seasons as they can from local farmers, making the most of all the great food this fantastic area has to offer.
Thompson | Photographed by Shingo Kido
Super Champion Dad Jamie Hooper
By Kelly S. Thompson | Photographed by Dylan Doubt
on any given day in East Van, your chances are high of running into Jamie Hooper on his bike, chauffering around his one-year-old son, Samwise. Not only is the bicycle his main form of transportation, but Jamie also co-owns Super Champion bike shop at Main & Cordova, where he spends his days in sales and repairs. “It’s a great job that is both fun and challenging and allows me the flexibility to spend a large amount of time doing dad stuff,” Jamie says. But when he isn’t behind the counter at Super Champion, he’s busy singing in local hardcore band, Erosion. This WestCoast Dad truly is a man who brings new meaning to the word balance !
Jamie’s partner, Jackie-Rae, is one of the owners of Bandidas Taqueria, and although they are incredibly busy, both parents strive to make family time and quality time synonymous with one another. They do their best to coincide their schedules so that one of them can always be with their son. “I work four days a week and my girlfriend works three, so we both get a decent amount of quality time with Sam and that way, one of us is always at home,” Jamie says. Trying to balance fatherhood with work and extracurricular activities has proved to be challenging, but Jamie’s passion for playing music encourages him to make time for practice and playing with his band, which is easier since other band members have children as well. “The drummer, Danny, is also a parent, so we have to sneak in band practices after the little monsters have gone to sleep,” Jamie says. Jamie and Jackie also bring their son to musical events (with ear protectors on!) so that he can be a part of what his father loves. Bringing Sam along, and integrating him to his father’s experiences makes Jamie sure that Sam will grow into a well-balanced human being.
As far as his parenting style, Jamie insists that Sam is a kid without a particular schedule, and both him and Jackie pride themselves
on taking Sam everywhere, exposing him to all that the city has to offer. “There’s no real schedule happening; eat when you’re hungry and sleep when you’re tired. This allows us to be more flexible than a lot of parents with little ones, and Sam is a very agreeable guy so he doesn’t really keep us from doing the things we would normally do,” Jamie says. Sam can often be found at work with either him or Jackie, although Jamie says, “I tried building a wheel one day with him in the Snugli and it took much longer than it should have, so he’s been demoted from mechanic to front of house.”
When talking with Jamie, you can’t help but feel that he has this fatherhood thing down pat. He approaches raising his child with a flexibility and patience, and embraces the challenges of meeting the demands of parenting, running a business, and being in a band. “Being a father means raising my child in a loving, safe environment while teaching him the skills he will need for all of the situations he will encounter in life. I want to create an environment where he will have unlimited opportunities as well as the knowledge base and support to make any of those opportunities a reality,” Jamie says. It’s an approach that is both admirable and obviously effective, given his happy and healthy child.
When the family isn’t at work or listening to a band play, they can be found at the skate park, lazing at the beach or exploring the camping options in the Lower Mainland. “It’s wonderful to be able to get out of the city so easily, to show Sam the natural world. Vancouver in particular is great because there are beaches, mountains, islands, and snow all within close proximity. Lots to explore with inquisitive kids,” Jamie says.
So the next time you see a couple toting a toddler on a bicycle, let it be a reminder that we should all take the time to relax, explore, and allow our children to explore with us. That’s what parenting is all about!
barber shops classic
By Alex Iverson
snazzy snips for the suave man
The barbershop is a long-standing institution of style. Not only are the hairstyles of the “gentleman’s era” making a return, but so are the other services of the classic barbershop, such as hot towel shaves, scalp massages, and how-to lessons on hair and beard care. Better yet, these services are usually packaged together. These barbershops are all over the city; you just need to know where to look! Here are a few notable establishments.
Sorrento Barbers 2417 Hastings Street E
If you’re looking for old school, this is the place to go. The spinning barber pole over the entrance and the barbers themselves are a testament to the classic barbershop days. You will be greeted with a warm welcome and a wide smile. Sorrento is a great spot for the dad and the son to get side by side cuts while watching soccer and listening to the banter of the wise barbers working on their fresh styles.
Price range: $15-20 for a cut, additional charges for other services.
Man Cave Barber Shop 4700 Kingsway
A relative newcomer on the barber scene, Man Cave is offering up the latest styles at a low rate. The staff are friendly and the ambiance is nouvelle cool. Between each chair is a screen, either playing the sports highlights du jour or fixed on the racing channel. The house playlist offers something for everyone while the cuts speak for themselves in style. They also carry a wide variety of straight razor shave kits and high-end sculpting products if you’re looking to take your grooming routine to the next level.
Price range: $20 for a cut and style, $60 for a hot towel shave, shampoo, scalp massage, and a cut.
Killjoy Barbers 106-1120 Hamilton
Located in the heart of Yaletown, Killjoy Barbers offers three chairs dedicated to serving you the freshest styles available from some of the most talented barbers in the city. They say it themselves, “We treat it as an art, not a routine.” As they are part of Vancouver’s Donnelly Group, Killjoy Barbers is a great spot for the urban father who enjoys specialty crafted cocktails with his haircut and shave. The barbers at Killjoy pride themselves on working with hairstyles that incorporate a fade, saying they give the best fades in Vancouver.
Price range: $35 for a cut, additional costs depending on services chosen.
Jefferson’s Barber 1949 Commercial Drive
For the hip father, Jefferson’s is a friendly shop with an edge. Their walls are adorned with old vinyl and the shop has a decidedly rock and roll feel to it. The cuts offered are fresh and stylish with the same flair that they have burning in their shop. All shaves are done by one barber, while all cuts are divvied up between the staff. This is definitely a spot where you can kick back and shoot the breeze with the staff, as it is a very friendly establishment that will kick the rock feeling into gear. They also have a separate pricing for the little ones, so feel free to pair up with your boy and get a new ‘do and rock out. Appointments are preferred and all shaves should be booked with Scot.
Price range: $35 for adults, $25 for kids. Additional charges for other services.
Miniature Train Rides
Confederation Park, Burnaby
Ongoing until October 15, 11am-5pm
weekends & holidays
Come ride the rails and see 1/8” scale Live Steam, diesel, & electric trains in action! Book your birthday parties & private functions now. Over 2 km of track.
www.bcsme.org
www.fvhrs.org
www.wcra.org
Vikings
Royal BC Museum, Victoria
Ongoing until November
Insights into Viking domestic life, death rituals, the significance of their craft, the power of mythology and the symbolism of their ships are explored in this interactive exhibition. See hundreds of rare artefacts–jewellery, swords, axes, and clothing–some rare, and many of which have never been shown outside Scandinavia. www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
City of Bhangra Festival
111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver Until June 7
Featuring a form of folk music & dance from the Punjab regions of India & Pakistan, delivered with the excitement of the 21st century. More than 17 events, 300 performers & 15,000 local & international attendees in Vancouver & Surrey will celebrate this year’s theme Bhangra Love. www.vibc.org
ArtStarts
River Market at Westminster Quay, New Westminster
June 1, 11am & 1pm
You’ve never heard a story told like this, and a simple shoelace will never look the same! Free 45-minute workshops, ideal for kids four and up, but all are welcome!
www.artstarts.com/weekend
community
Retro and Relevant Toy Show
Heritage Hall, Vancouver
June 1, 12pm
You will be able to find such items as Transformers, Star Wars, GI Joe, LEGO, He-man, My Little Pony, POP Figures, DC and Marvel, Spawn, Ninja Turtles, and much more! Early Bird entry is $10. General admission starts at 12pm at $4 per person. Kids 10 and under are free.
www.retroandrelevant.com
Healthy Kids Preschool Fair
Bonsor Complex, Burnaby
June 5, 9:30am-12noon
Visit a health nurse, play at the indoor playground and take part in activities and crafts. Community agencies are on hand to answer questions. Admission is free.
www.burnaby.ca
Aurora’s AwakeningAn Adaptation of Sleeping Beauty
The Vancouver Playhouse
June 6-7
Goh Ballet’s Senior professional students, along with select junior students, are featured in Aurora’s Awakening. This classic tale, full of stunning variations, pas de deuxs, and original choreography of the Goh Ballet’s renowned faculty is sure to make you believe that there truly is a Happily Ever After. Tickets available on: www.vancouverplayhouse.com www.ticketstonight.ca
11th Annual in the House Festival
Various houses around Napier & Victoria
June 6-8
Music, dance, magic, comedy, burlesque, and of course, a circus will regale your senses for three days. 13 houses open up their doors and their yards to spectacular performances that will make you think twice about the purported “No Fun City” that plagues Vancouver’s reputation. There’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out on this fabulous community building event! Tickets start at $10. 604.874.9325 | www.inthehousefestival.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.
Thomas the Train Engine West Coast Railway Heritage Park June 7-8 & June 14-15
A day of fun for all of Thomas’ friends–starting with a 25-minute train ride with Thomas, bouncy castles, crafts, Sir Toppam Hat, musicians, magicians, and lots of fun for the whole family. www.wcra.org
Doors Open Richmond 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond June 7-8
Doors Open 2014 is Richmond’s seventh annual arts, culture, & heritage festival. This free event allows visitors of all ages to explore Richmond’s arts, culture & heritage at up to fifty partner sites through the use of a Doors Open colour brochure guide.
604.247.8300 | www.richmond.ca
2014 MEC Bikefest North Shore 1301 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver June 7-8
Come join the fun and try out gear, test ride a new bike, browse exhibitors’ booths, score deals at the MEC Bikeswap, or learn skills at a bike clinic. There’ll also be bike races, performers, entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, and activities for kids.
604.990.4417 | www.events.mec.ca
Sapperton Day Street Festival East Columbia Street, New Westminster June 8, 11am-5pm
Come celebrate the deep history of the community. There will be live street performers, musical groups, bouncy castles, clowns, games, mini-donuts, pancake breakfast, rock climbing wall, market place vendors, and more!
604.341.1496 | www.shopsapperton.com
Coquitlam’s Grand Parade & Teddy Bear Picnic Town Centre Park, Coquitlam June 8, 9:45-11am
Gather up your teddy bears to watch as the parade marches West on Burlington Dr to Pacific St., North on Pacific to Guildford, East on Guildford to Town Centre Blvd, Town Centre Blvd to Pinetree Way and North on Pinetree to the Teddy Bear Picnic at Town Centre Park! Picnic, $3. Children three years and under are free.
www.festivalcoquitlam.ca/events/coquitlamgrande-parade
calendar
World Oceans Day
Throughout Vancouver
June 8
Join people across Canada and around the world to celebrate the body of water that connects us all! Help bring attention to the important issues facing our oceans by attending an event or hosting your own, big or small. www.davidsuzuki.org
Vancouver International Storytelling Festival Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
June 8-9
This festival takes the form of a series of concerts, workshops, daytime performances, kids stage & storytelling through dance. There is a strong commitment to multiculturalism & service to the storytelling community.
604.876.2272 www.vancouverstorytelling.org
FIVE: Top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger Celebration
This year’s celebration, FIVE, is happening June 12, 2014 from 7-9:30pm at Jacqueline Conoir’s flagship store in Vancouver. Three keywords for this year’s party are chocolate, champagne and fashion. www.vancouvermom.ca
The Sound of Music
The Cinematheque, Vancouver
June 15
The Sound of Music tells the tale of Maria, a young nun sent to care for the seven children of widowed Captain von Trapp at the onset of the Nazi era in 1930s Austria.
604.688.8202 | www.thecinematheque.ca/ cinema-sunday/the-sound-of-music
Point Grey Fiesta
Trimble Park, Vancouver
June 20-22
Starting with a Saturday parade on West 10th avenue, the celebration continues with stage performances, activities, exhibitors, and a carnival. With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, Fiesta entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge. www.pointgreyfiesta.org
Summer Lovin’: Dances for a Small Stage
Shadbolt Centre, Burnaby
June 20-21, 8pm
This show features a series of pieces inspired by the emotion that has touched us all; love. Tickets are $15. www.burnaby.ca
Surrey Doors Open
June 21, 11am-4pm
Doors Open is a chance to be a tourist in your own city. Forty-eight sites will offer free activities including behind-the-scenes guided tours, children’s activities, entertainment, food, and more! Free hop-on, hop-off transportation makes exploring a variety of Doors Open sites easy and fun. www.doorsopen.ca
26th Annual Canadian Festival of Chili & Barbecue
Langley Cascades Casino Resort
June 21-22, 10:30am-3pm
This is a family-friendly outdoor festival and samples of the teams’ delicious BBQ are available to the public. Entrance is by donation and all monies raised are donated to the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund. New additions this year are kids activities & two huge family door prizes. www.ccbbqs.com
Multicultural Festival
Bonser Complex, Burnaby
June 21, 11am-4pm
Celebrate the cultural diversity of South Burnaby with entertainment, children’s arts and crafts, and a variety of tasty treats. www.burnaby.ca
Soulshine
PNE Amphitheatre, Vancouver
June 26, 6pm
Bands, fans, DJs, and yoga all mixed into one ridiculously awesome jam! Tickets start at $59. www.soulshine.com
Ships to Shore
Steveston Village
June 29-July 1
Relive the days when Richmond was a major port-of-call for sailing ship fleets. Parlay with pirates, board tall ships, and search for treasure as historic Steveston Village comes alive with free events and activities for the whole family.
www.richmond.ca/shipstoshore
Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay
Swangard Stadium, Burnaby
June 14-15
Runners and walkers, friends and families, companies and community groups are invited to create a team and join the fun. Make plans to camp out and run around Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium in Central Park… and help send a kid to camp. www.24hourrelay.com
We can deliver WestCoast Families magazine free to your event! Email us at admin@westcoastfamilies.com or call 604-249-2866
celebrate get out there and celebrate the Canuck in you!
Granville Island, Vancouver
8am–Midnight
Pancake breakfast, live music, cultural extravaganza with a South Asian flair. www.granvilleisland.com
Canada Place, Vancouver 10am-6pm
Headline music performers, dancers, lumberjack show, Army, Navy & Air Force displays, exhibitors, and sports zone. Parade at 7pm on Georgia Street and fireworks at 10:30pm. www.canadaday.canadaplace.ca
Chalmers Park, Delta Children’s crafts, games & activities, live music, BBQ food, light refreshments. Fireworks at 10pm. www.delta.ca
Diefenbaker Park, Tsawwassen 10am-1pm Kids activities, hotdog BBQ by the Lion’s Club. Cake cutting at 1pm. www.tbblions.ca/canada-day-celebrations
Delta Museum, Ladner 9am-12pm
Pancake breakfast, live music, kids activities, cake. www.deltamuseum.ca
Burnaby Village Museum 11am-4:30pm Heritage games, entertainers, parade, birthday cake. Also, photo ops with RCMP in Red Serge uniforms. www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Edmonds Park, Burnaby 11am-2:30pm Games, multicultural entertainment, activities, and food. www.burnaby.ca/Things-To-Do/Festivals-and-Events
Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre, Surrey 10am-10:30pm
Largest celebration in Western Canada. World class entertainment, great food, games, amusement rides, bouncy castles. Fireworks at 10:15pm www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation
Steveston Village, Richmond 6:30am-5pm
Salmon Festival includes parade, craft shows, cultural events, salmon BBQ. www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca
Abbotsford Exhibition Park, Abbotsford 11am-10pm
Festival, parade, art market, family activities. Fireworks at 10pm. www.abbotsford.ca
Waterfront Park, North Vancouver 12-4pm
Craft market, performances, family activities, bouncy castle, entertainment, community displays. www.northvancanadaday.com
John Lawson Park, West Vancouver 4:30-10:30pm
Live entertainment, family activities, BBQ food. Fireworks at 10:30pm. www.westvancouver.ca/arts-culture/festivals
Willoughby Community Park, Langley 11am-11pm
Family activities, rides, mini golf, live entertainment, marketplace, car show, ethnic foods, dog show, pony rides. Fireworks at 10:30pm. www.langleycanadaday.ca
Memorial Peace Park, Maple Ridge 10am-4pm Family activities, entertainment, community displays. www.mrpmparksandleisure.ca
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