Kamloops momma issue 19 online by Kamloops Momma Magazine

June/July 2013

You Are Good Enough! Building your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of self-worth

Easy Steps to Clean Up Your Picnic Basket

Bring on

summer! Activities and events for the whole family

Happy

3rd

Birthday to Us!!

The Father of All Days

very year Father’s Day seems to creep up on our family. Are we the only ones? You see, June is just such a busy month! Between dance recitals, field trips, summer planning, and birthdays galore, it kind of gets lost. (Ooh! And the 3rd Birthday of Kamloops Momma!!) And my husband doesn’t make a big deal of the occasion. Last year he even suggested moving the date because he was so busy with a construction project! Of course, we forgot. Instead, we casually left the birdhouse we’d made for him on the counter a few weeks later and called that our Father’s Day celebration! And then there’s the fact that he’s worked out of Letter from a town more Father’s Days than he’s been here… Kamloops Don’t get me wrong; our disregard for the occasion certainly Momma is not because we don’t care. My daughters are blessed with an extremely hardworking dad who will take any opportunity he can to bring them joy. Maybe we just don’t worry too much because my kiddos show him how much they care every single day. My oldest shrieks with joy each time her dad picks her up from school and requests that he tucks her in every night. My youngest insists he “buckles her out” of her car seat and will snuggle him endlessly after a hard day’s work. Plus, the phrase ‘I love you’ is said almost as much as ‘no’ in our household! Perhaps we really celebrate Father’s Day (almost) every day. We don’t need a special day to celebrate kids because every day is about them, right? Every day is an opportunity to show them just how much we care. So, just like there is no ‘Children’s Day,’ maybe our family doesn’t need a Father’s Day? Shouldn’t we show how much we love him all of the time, rather than saving it up for one special day? Or do I simply need to convince myself (and my children!) that it’s fine my husband will be out of town for yet another Father’s Day this year... To all of the dads out there, I hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day this year but, more importantly, I hope your children don’t need a special occasion to show you how much you are loved. Every day should be Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Children’s Day! Okay…I might not be quite ready to give up Mother’s Day festivities! -- Courtney Charlton, editor

To share your ideas and comments, contact us at info@kamloopsmomma.com or find us on Facebook!

On the Cover: Sisters Courtney and Carly are stunning young ladies. It was an absolute joy for Kathleen Ferguson to capture their beauty at such an important age for women. This session, like all her others, was geared towards ‘loving yourself’ and building confidence in young women. It was an exploration of the things that they love to do, and discovery of why they are uniquely beautiful. Kathleen LOVES these sessions with youth. They are so special and so much fun! www.kathleenfergusonphotography.ca

A Look Inside Kamloops Momma...

Joshua, Samuel, and dad, Jody

Cora and dad, Sean

Luca and dad, Jason

Where’s Mitchel?

You are Good Enough!

One mom’s take on imaginary friends Building your child’s sense of self-worth

Beyond RESPs

The Jar of Summer Fun

Bring on Summer!

Making Swim Babies

Pregnancy Tips

Exposure: A Place for Photography

Clean Up Your Picnic Basket

Options to help what you’re saving match what you’ll need How to remedy boredom this summer Activities and events for the whole family Nurturing a child’s love of water An osteopathic perspective Life Unfolding Photography 6 simple steps

Dalila and dad, Neil

Resources:

Carson and dad, Patrick

17 Things We Love 20 Birthday Party Directory 24 Dear Aunty 27 Notes from a Boho Momma 28 Community Resource Directory 30 Community Events Calendar

Kamloops Momma is the fun, reliable publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. We provide information about regional events, resources and businesses, as well as articles intended to inspire, enlighten and empower parents and caregivers. As a local resource, we want our community to get involved. We encourage and accept submissions from any person, business, or organization sharing our goal to strengthen our parenting community. Kamloops Momma is published every 2 months and available for free at businesses and resource centres throughout our region. Readers can also download the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered right to their door. 6

Kamloops Momma Magazine

Published by Courtney Charlton, editor Contact: info@kamloopsmomma.com 778.472.0020 Sales Contact: Yvonne Dmyterko 250.320.9709 ads.kamloopsmomma@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the contributors/writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced, except brief quotations in articles or reviews, without permission from the editor and individual authors.

www.kamloopsmomma.com

Where’s Mitchel? “I don’t mind that my son has imaginary friends. They don’t eat much, never talk back and make minimal messes.” By Lou Maze

nyone with kids knows that reality isn’t all it is cracked up to be and learning to play pretend can make parenting a lot more fun. I don’t mind that my son has imaginary friends. They don’t eat much, never talk back and make minimal messes. But being such a good sport about the imaginary friends has backfired. Now that I have agreed to their existence, I am required to keep track of their whereabouts. Which puts a whole new mind bending twist on the expression “watching the kids.” It started so innocently. We were at the park, riding a pretend train through an imaginary drive-thru and munching on invisible hamburgers and the world’s first no-calorie French fries, when he asked me if I had seen Mitchel. Now of course I’ve never seen Mitchel. Technically, neither has my son. Techni-

cally, no one has ever seen Mitchel. I’m sure that somewhere in this wide and wonderful universe there is a real body and blood Mitchel, but this particular Mitchel exists only in within the confines of my son’s cranium. We could go metaphysical and argue that perhaps Mitchel is a spirit that my innocent child sees because his little soul is not corrupted by the world. But I can’t go down that road given the sleep deprivation that comes with parenting. That could be a one way trip to the land of psychosis. Which is where I thought I may have gone, when I pointed to an empty space and Sunny looked at me oddly and said, “There’s nobody there?” I stared into that empty space. Now, I’ve had some frustrating moments in parenting, but this one piqued at my nerves in a fresh and sinister fashion.

So I stabbed at the empty air in another direction. “There he is,” I said through grinding teeth I hoped looked like a smile. “Who is that?” he asked. At this point I’m pretty sure I growled. It was the only safe response.“Mommy,” he said with marked impatience, “Mitchel’s over there.” “Well, if you knew where he was,” I snapped, grateful to be back in familiar territory, “why did you ask me?” There was a long silence between us. Reality wavered like hot air over a searing desert and Mitchel gave me the finger, I returned it. Truth is, I never did like that kid. I mean, really, who spells a name like that with only one “l”? www.loumaze.com

You Are Good Enough: Building your child’s sense of self-worth

By Janet Whitehead

needed to write an article. “Perhaps something about building self-esteem in girls,” suggested the editor. Shortly after, I stood up in front of my granddaughters when I noticed they were watching an ad for Barbie and said, “Hey, do you know that if Barbie were a real person, she’d fall on her face?” They looked at me curiously as I explained (with full-on actions!) that Barbie is all out of proportion: her feet are too tiny to support her body and her breasts are so large that she’d just fall, smack on her face. “Really?” one asked as they both laughed. “Really!” I answered. I’m hoping the antics of it all will help them remember. I certainly don’t want my granddaughters striving for the Barbielook. Yes, it’s a great topic; self –esteem. In a world so media-hyped, ‘photoshopped,’ and overwhelmed with technology, now, more than ever, we need to rethink new ways to support our children to have a strong sense of self-worth. I began planning the article by asking the hard questions. In a world where comparison runs rampant and every magazine in the grocery store screams, “You are not good enough

and, by the way, if you’re a movie or music star and have a pimple or a touch of cellulite, we’re going to shame you on the front cover;” and in a world where “image has been altered” is not required when a real person has been altered into some non-existent pretense of beauty, how do we help our girls feel comfortable in their own bodies? In a world where school test scores can directly correlate to how much funding a school will get, we need to find ways to ensure our children understand that who they are is so much more than test scores. How do we help them find wonder at the power of their minds, their imagination, their ideas, and all of their strengths that are not tied to test scores? In a world where even our politicians, the very people running our country, model that shaming, bullying, and lying are acceptable ways to get where you want to be, it’s no easy task to empower our children with a sense of compassion, less judgment, and knowing that it’s okay to make mistakes, both for self and others. In a world that is scarcity-driven (I don’t have enough money, I don’t have a good enough job, I don’t have the newest

technology, I don’t have the brand name clothes) and scarcity-thinking gets worse with ‘I am not good enough, I am not perfect enough,’ how do we help our children know they are enough, they are more than enough and, in fact, they rock? People everywhere hide their vulnerability, their emotions, and what really matters to them, as they try to ‘fit in’ (to what? I ask). This results in a deluge of less than kind voices in our heads further reinforcing that we are not good enough. How do we nurture those precious unique souls to share what’s in their hearts? How do we keep them from being controlled by their own negative self-talk? (Yeah, you know what I’m talking about) We are all, by nature, curious and creative beings… children know this, but in an attempt to protect them from being hurt, it can be us, the parents, who encourage them to fit in. Yet these are the very qualities that help them to discover their uniqueness, their strengths, their gifts, and their way of having faith in themselves, who they are, and their worth. How do we support them in being their curious and creative selves? This is no tiny topic, I thought. Not a simple task to tuck tips and tools on

building a child’s self-esteem into a short article. I dug into research, resources, and what I already know, and then I hit a wall: My own thoughts. Suddenly, I had a lot of ‘must get to’s.’ I needed to check email, pop in on Facebook, cut the grass, work on a canvas, go get groceries… anything to avoid where I was clearly heading. I’m the mom of two women and grandmother to three girls. Immersed in theories and research, I found myself beating myself up for all I might have done ‘wrong’ raising my daughters. As I explored this topic and its challenges, I had a moment’s crazy thought, “Oh, thank God I do not have to play that role nowadays.” It was a brief crazy thought. A self-defense denial sort of thing. It was a direct result of all the research and too much noticing everything that goes on in our society and in our own lives that contradicts raising a child to have confi

first efforts at practicing compassion and gentleness for myself failed as I tried to get out of writing the article. “No, I need the article!” the editor said. Oy. My next effort was to practice my coaching tools to stop the not so nice self-talk and authentically be kinder to myself. That took a while… sometimes it’s hard being a mom, isn’t it? And here’s what it comes down to. Besides sharing my own vulnerability, I’m sharing three excellent resources for parents (and grandparents, apparently) to further explore how to build our children’s sense of self-worth. I’m putting them in categories, but do know that each crosses over into the other areas. BODY: Dove.ca: Their mission: “To encourage all women and girls to develop a positive relationship with beauty, helping to raise their self-esteem, and thereby enabling them to realize their full potential.” You’ll find excellent practical guides under ‘Social Mission’ to help parents support their daughters. MIND: Strengths finder test: www.gallupstrengthscenter. com/Purchase. This long link gets you directly to the page. Pay $9.99, take the test and not only will you receive brilliant insights into your strengths (which can be your basis for your best way to increase Carly Sisters Courtney and self-esteem for both you and your y ph gra oto Ph n so Photos: Kathleen Fergu children), you will build your understanding of strengths that aren’t tested dence, bravery, and good self-esteem. in schools, but that matter in life. But, of course, I play a role. And, looking SOUL / EMOTIONS: back to my early parenting years, I’m Daring Greatly – How the Courage to Be not so sure ‘winging it’ and ‘doing what I Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, thought best at the time’ was enough. Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown. I wanted to run from the article and This current research is thought provokwhere my thoughts were taking me. My ing and, fair warning, may trigger doubts

Best Friends Olivia an d Lexi Photos: Kathleen Fergu son Ph

otography

and overwhelm. But the concepts are valuable and affirming that we, as parents, can be the safe place for children to explore, be vulnerable, know they are loved, and have the sense of belonging that they need to develop their selfesteem. I’ll leave you with one tip from that book: When your child walks into the room, does your face light up at the joy of seeing them before going straight into “Where’s your shoes?” “Did you brush your teeth?” etc? That small simple gesture not only feeds your sense of gratitude, but helps our children, who are so inundated by contradictory messages in this world, consistently feel loved and supported. In the end, the wisest insight of all came from my 5 year old granddaughter: “We feel braver when we find our talent,” she said as she curled up beside me in the tent, “and then we can fly.” Out of the blue, out of the mouths of babes. Janet L. Whitehead is a Professional Life Coach, helping others to live inspired lives with less guilt and more happy. www.musingsandmud.com

Beyond RESP’s:

Options to help what you’re saving match what you’ll need Provided by Rick Jackson

ou want the best for your child – and, for plenty of powerful reasons, a college or university education is one of the best things you can do to give your child a great start in life. There’s the increased earning potential, of course – the average university graduate earns almost twice as much as someone with a high school diploma. Over a 30 year career, that could add up to $1.2 million of additional income1. There’s the increased opportunity for employment – seven out of ten jobs now require a post-secondary education and having a degree or diploma is bound to become even more important in the future2. And there are the valuable life lessons and relationships that are an essential part of the post-secondary experience.

u On average, undergraduate tuition fees have almost tripled since 1990-913. A student attending a full-time college or university program today can expect to pay an average of $4,500 a year in tuition alone2. u Add books, supplies, transportation, and other living expenses and university students living at home spend an average of $4,500 on ‘non educational’ items, while students living away from home spend an average of $8,160 on ‘non educational’ items4. u The cost of mandatory supplies and equipment for college and trade schools varies widely and can be between $50 and $5,0002. u Schools are increasing fees for programs that may offer a larger financial payback upon graduation, such as law, mediRESPs are the first choice cine, engineering and dentistry2. But you already know all that – which is why you contribute u Nearly 50 per cent of Canadian college and university to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. After all, for the vast majority of Canadians, an RESP is the most graduates leave school owing money for their education – with college graduates owing about $13,000 and university gradueffective way to create an education fund that grows to offset ates almost $20,0005. the future cost of education. However, when was the last time u It is estimated that by 2025, the total cost of four years of you checked to see how much of the total education bill your undergraduate education away from home may be between RESP will actually cover? Here are some sobering facts about the dramatically escalat- $75,000 and $100,0002. ing cost of a post-secondary education: Beyond RESPs – further tax-efficient saving strategies All this means is you need every advantage you can get when saving to help your children pay for a post- secondary education – to avoid burdening them with huge student loans or the extra stress of a part-time job during the school year. Consider the following investment strategies that can deliver important savings beyond RESPs. Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) – TFSAs are very versatile. You can accumulate funds within your TFSA on a taxsheltered basis, and when your child goes to school, you can withdraw the funds (plus any subsequent growth) on a tax-free basis to help finance your child’s education. Moreover, the amount you withdraw in a given year will be added to your TFSA contribution limit for the following year. Insurance – Most people think of life insurance as basic financial protection for loved ones but a universal life insurance policy can also help fund your child’s education. A universal life insurance policy is a blend of life insurance protection and investment accounts. As the owner, you select a face amount of the life insurance, the type of coverage needed, and the name of the insured – your child, in this case. You pay the insurance premiums, which are usually quite low for a minor, and within certain limits you can make additional payments. Those additional dollars are then invested in a variety of investment funds to grow over the life of the policy on a tax1. 2001 Census Data – Statistics Canada. Average earnings for a High School graduate: $34,631; for a University graduate: $61,156. Assuming an average annual inflation rate of 2.69% (following the historical period of 1986-2005). The difference over 30 working years will total $1,259,248. 2. Statistics Canada, The Daily, October 18, 2007 3. Statistics Canada, The Daily, September 1, 2005 4. Statistics Canada, The Daily, September 10, 2003 5. Statistics Canada, The Daily, April 26, 2004

deferred basis – making this accumulation the policy’s primary benefit. At any point after your child turns 18, you can choose to suspend further premium payments and transfer ownership of the policy to the child. This is a tax-deferred transfer that gives the child the ability to draw on the policy’s cash values to pay university costs. And, since the policy is now owned by the child, the taxable portion of any cash withdrawals is taxed at the usually lower marginal tax rate of the child. Tax-advantaged mutual funds – This unique mutual fund structure gives you the freedom to rebalance the investments in your non-registered portfolio, without triggering capital gains and incurring an immediate tax liability as a result of the switch. You enjoy the substantial benefits of compound, taxdeferred fund growth and the ability to choose a date to utilize the tax efficient withdrawals that can be used to supplement your child’s education budget. Monthly Income Portfolios – This mutual fund option allows you to create a stable, tax-efficient, monthly cash flow that can be used to support your child. A portion of the monthly payout is treated as a return of capital and is not taxed in the year that it is paid out. This tax deferral feature can reduce the amount of tax that you would pay compared to withdrawing funds from other types of investment vehicles. Age 40 trust – If you are planning to put away a large sum of money, a properly structured age 40 trust can be an effective means of accumulating capital for education. It provides income-splitting opportunities so that capital appreciation may be taxed in the beneficiary’s hands, typically at a lower rate than you would pay. And when funded with a loan, you can retain access to the principal, giving you the flexibility to decide how trust funds should be used, regardless of whether the ben-

eficiary pursues a post secondary education. When the time comes, you want your children to be able to afford the college or university program of their choice, to follow the career they want and to obtain the earning power they desire. We can help you make the best RESP and beyond RESP investment choices for your life and theirs. Insurance products and services offered through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. (in Québec, a financial services firm). Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company (outside of Québec). TMTrademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. “Beyond RESPs: Options to help what you’re saving match what you’ll need” ©2010 Investors Group Inc.

The Jar of Summer

Fun! T

he two months of summer vacation can seem very very long and, chances are, you’ll hear, “I’m Bored” on more than one occasion! So, this summer, be prepared to remedy any boredom with activities on-hand to keep your kids entertained! At the beginning the summer holiday, sit down with your kids and ask what they want to do this summer (a summer ‘bucket list’). Do they want to learn to swim, make s’mores, have a backyard camp-out, or visit a relative in another city? Maybe they’d like to do science experiments, paint their room, or learn how to play an instrument. Write down your kids suggestions and add a bunch of your own. Have fun with this part! Choose a range of activities: some that your kids can do alone, some with friends, and some with family. But be sure not to include anything that you don’t really want to do because you could be stuck doing it! Choose some age-appropriate science experiments like flubber or invisible ink (lemon juice). Indulge in an at-home spa day, a board game marathon, or a pyjama day. Include treats like home-made popsicles, ice cream in a bag, and do-it-yourself pizza. Don’t forget craft projects, like rock creatures and key wind chimes. And a lot of outdoor activities are a must, like planting gardens, sponge ball water fights, and bubble wands! Include some learning-based activities, too: write a story, learn a new word, research another country etc. And don’t forget the summertime favourite: a lemon-aid stand! (Don’t worry - as long as the stand is on your private property, it’s allowed...we checked!) When you’re finished, cut the list into individual strips of paper and put them into jars. You can create whatever jar categories you like, such as “go, make, eat,” “by myself, with friends, as a family” or simply one jar: “Mom, I’m Bored!” If you have a tween, why not let them create their own personal jar of activities? If they protest, just explain that you’ll fill the jar with activities if they don’t! Summer is a great time for tweens to develop their confidence and independence. Volunteering is a fantastic option. Check out Volunteer Kamloops for ideas! If your tween is entrepreneurial-minded, they could try dog walking, lawn mowing, or car washing. Sug-

gest including new recipes to make, books to read, and places to go. They could even redecorate their bedroom! The jars will be your kids’ ‘go to’ whenever they complain about being bored this summer...plan ahead by having the necessary stuff on-hand so you don’t spend the activity day shopping and preparing instead of doing! 12

! r e m m u s n o g n i Br & Activities

Celebrate!

A Day in Wonderland

A magical family event for with princesses, pirates, singing, dancing, a mad tea party, and more! July 7, 10:30 - 2:30 Westsyde Centennial Park www.kamloopsprincessparties.com

Alpine Blossom Festival

The whole family can enjoy hiking, kids activities and entertainment during one of the most beautiful times of the year. Festivities take place August 2 - 5 at Sun Peaks Resort. www.sunpeaksresort.com

BC Bears Day

Celebrate Grizzly Cub’s 2nd birthday with special events everyone can enjoy! August 5. www.bczoo.org

Event

Canada Day

On July 1, celebrate our national holiday at Riverside Park. Festivities begin at 7 am with a Lions pancake breakfast and end with fireworks. There will be entertainment, art, food, and cultural activities. www.kamloops.ca/event/canadaday

Ribfest 2013

Professional ribbers bring their tasty rib recipes to Kamloops August 9-11. In conjunction with Hot Nite in the City, this free event includes a rib cook-off, music, entertainment, a children’s area, and more! www.kamloopsribfest.com

Logan Lake Day

mily

le Fa o h W e h t s for

Travel just 30 minutes from Kamloops for a full day of family-friendly events! Best of all, it’s free. August 4, all day. www.loganlakeday.com

Summer Kick-Off Weekend

A weekend of activities for all ages: The West Coast Lumberjack Show, Mountain of Beer & Chili Cook-Off, rock climbing wall,bouncy castle, live music, and more. June 28 - 30. www.sunpeaksresort.com

The Summer Kick-Off

On July 6, kick off summer with the award-winning singing duo Bobs and Lolo at the BC Wildlife Park. www.bczoo.org

Teddy Bear Picnic and Mother Goose Celebration Pack up your teddy bear and a picnic lunch and head to this free event. Enjoy games, races, face painting, crafts, gymnastics, music and more at Prince Charles Park on June 20 from 11 - 1 pm. www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Summer Activities & Events

Create!

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Every second Saturday of the month, kids ages 4-12 can participate in these free workshops. Every child receives their very own Home Depot apron, a certificate, a pin, and an awesome project to take home. 10 am - 12 pm. 250. 371.4300.

CAMP: 4Cats Art Studio

Bring out the artist in your child with camps exploring artists like Monet, Matisse, and Carr, or themes like magical creatures mixed media camp and stop motion animation. 6-275 Seymour St. kamloops@4cats.com 778.471.6335 4cats.com/kamloops

Make and Take Art Projects

Kids 3 and over can make a fun selection of crafts every Thursday in July and August. There are 2 sessions a day at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre: 11:30 and 1 pm. Get creative with print making, weaving, image transfers and more! 250.828.3500.

Chapters Craft and Story time

Enjoy a story and craft for free at Chapter’s Bookstore every Saturday at 11 am. 250.377.8468

Explore!

Farmers’ Markets

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Wednesdays, 8 - 2 / Saturdays, 8 -12

North Shore Farmers’ Market Fridays, 4 - 8

Tranquille Farm Fresh tranquillefarmfresh.ca

For a complete list of farmers’ markets in BC, visit www.bcfarmersmarket.org.

Kamloops Children’s Museum

In the lower level of the Kamloops Museum and Archives is a world of discovery for kids. The Children’s Museum features interactive displays, such as a puppet theatre, dress-up area, space station reading room, steamship station, water table, games, models, and more. Admission is by donation. 207 Seymour Street 250-828-3576

Secwepmc Museum and Heritage Park

Discover the rich history of the Secwepemc people when you explore the museum’s cultural displays, the 5 hectare Heritage Park, and the unique Ethnobotanical Gardens. www.secwepmicmuseum.com.

YMCA Child Interactive Centre

Visit the Southwest Y’s drop-in playgroup Monday to Friday from 9 - 12pm. Circle time, crafts, and a huge selection of toys and activities are available for children ages 0-6. Unit E, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr 250-372-7791

Learn!

CAMP: BIG Little Science Centre BLSC makes science fun with more than 140 hands-on stations and entertaining demonstrations. In addition to summer drop-in (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am 4pm), BLSC offers Super Science and Robotics summer camps. 985 Holt Street 250.319.0689 www.blscs.org

Summer Activities & Events CAMP: Eureka Science Camp

Discover ‘Crazy Chemistry,’ ‘unBelieveable Biology,’ ‘Exciting Engineering,’ and ‘Funky Physics’ at these week long science camps held at TRU. Camps run from July 2 to August 23 and are for ages 7 - 14. Visit www.tru.ca/eureka for more info or call 250.371.5534.

Family Fun with Literacy

These free Friday night events are fun for the whole family. Games, storytelling, crafts and more, plus every family goes home with a free book. Literacy nights are held monthly at Riverside Park and McDonald Park. www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Summer Reading

The TNRD offers free themed summer reading programs with incentives to keep kids reading all summer long. Registration opens mid-June and the program starts at the beginning of July. Younger children can participate in the Read-to-Me club. www.tnrdlib.ca 250.372.5145

Listen!

Music in the Park Riverside Park

Free nightly musical entertainment at Riverside Park Bandshell from 7- 8:30 pm all July and August, weather permitting.

McDonald Park

Every Friday night in July and August, enjoy free musical performances at the from 7- 8:00 pm, weather permitting.

Burton Cummings

Enjoy one of Canada’s original rock super stars, Burton Cummings, in this free outdoor concert event. July 13. www.sunpeaksresort.com

Move!

CAMP: Academy of Dance

From July 15-19, kids ages 3 - 8 can enjoy dancing, arts and crafts, and various community activities. Children will also put on a recital for parents to attend. www.theacademyofdance.ca

CAMP: Junior Golf Camp

These 2 day camps for ages 6 - 18 are a great introduction to the game of golf, or an chance to improve your skills. www.sunpeaksresort.com

Kids of Steel Triathlon

On June 16, swim, bike, and run to the finish line of this fun event for ages 5 and up. Registration required. Brock Arena. 250.828.3500

Lil’ Monkey’s Treehouse

Get out of the summer heat (or rain!), with this indoor play place. It has a multi-level jungle gym, digital interactive games, water table, and yummy food! 250.377.PLAY City View Shopping Centre www.lilmonkeystreehouse.com

CAMP: Recreational Summer Day Camps

Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops offers camps all summer long for ages 5 -12. Swimming, hiking, water parks, crafts, dancing, sports, crafts, and more! www.bgckamloops.com

Summer Activities & Events CAMP: Summer Horse Camp

McDonald Pool

Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Associa262 King Street 250.554.2254 tion offers week-long camps that include riding lessons, horse care, safety, mainte- Water Parks nance, crafts, games and more! 100% of Riverside Park (Downtown) the proceeds fund the Kamloops theraMcDonald Park (North Shore) peutic riding programs. Albert McGowan Park (Uptown) 250.554.3811 ktrainstructor@gmail.com For a complete list of parks and www.ktrahome.ca locations, check out www.kamloops.ca/ Sweaty Summer Fun Skate parks/cityparks.shtml. Escape the heat with free indoor skating. CAMP: Summer Swim Camps Brock Arena. July 6 from 11-1 pm. Kamloops Classic Swimming offers summer swim camps for ages 5 and over. Camps are taught by experienced competitive swimmers and include Indoor Pools activities both in and out of the water. Canada Games Pool 250.828.3660 www.swimkamloops.com 910 McGill Road 250.828.3655

Splash!

Westsyde Centennial 859 Bebek Road 250.579.8121

YMCA Kamloops

400 Battle Street 250.372.7725

Outdoor Pools

Brocklehurst Pool 2470 Fleetwood Avenue 250.554.1747

Watch!

Kamloopa Pow Wow

This 3 day celebration of First Nations’ culture features storytelling, songs, and dance in traditional regalia. August 2 - 4 250.828.9782 www.tkemlups.ca

Children’s Outdoor Theatre

Enjoy free theatre productions at a Riverside Park this July and August. Check out www.kamloopsarts.com for dates and times. 250.372.7323

Interior Savings Moonlight Movie Tour

Bring your blankets and pj’s and watch a movie under the stars at Riverside Park. By donation, with all proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters Kamloops. August 12, 7 pm. www.bgckamloops.com

Project X-Fest Theatre

This year’s outdoor theatre festival features 2 family favourites: The Fantastic Mr. Fox and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Mon- Sat, July 24 - August 10. Prince Charles Park www.projectxtheatre.ca www.kamloopslive.ca

Things We Love... {Summer Fun!}

Teal Tot Dress by Madeleine Effie

Why do we love it?

Looking for the perfect dress for a special occasion this summer? Madeleine Effie creates high quality, durable dresses that are not only beautiful, they comfortable. Best of all, each dress is lovingly made in Kamloops. Madeleine Effie also creates custom women’s dresses and maternity garments. Madeleine Effie, www.madeleineeffie.com

Hape Sand Toys

Why do we love them?

It might be hard to believe, but inexpensive, high-quality sand toys really do exist! (They even come with a 5 year guarantee!) There are so many creative toys, like an ice cream shop, sea creatures, baker, and a master bricklayer kits. There’s even the Taj Mahal and the Mayan and Egyptian Pyramids! Of course, Hape makes shovels, hand diggers, and buckets too. Tumbleweed Toys, www.TumbleweedToys.com

Squooshies

Why do we love them?

Need a mess-free way to feed your baby? Tired of spilled yogurt and applesauce for your older kids? Want a fun way to feed your kids smoothies or oatmeal? Looking for a way to feed kids on the go? Squooshies are reusable food pouches that can be filled with any squishy food. They have a sturdy ziplock style seal located on the bottom and a chokeproof cap. And, best of all, they come in adorable animal designs that help make healthy food fun! Snug-Glee Bumz Diaper Service, www.snuggleebumz.com

{ } Do you make or sell something we’ll love? Contact us at info@kamloopsmomma.com to find out how your product could be featured here!

m i Sw Making Babies

By Glen Cheetham

hen my wife cheerfully announced that our first born had been with us for 100 days I can still remember quietly thinking, “wow…that means we’ve given him a 100 baths.” And despite those awkward early baths (is it a ‘new dad thing’ to stress about manoeuvring a tiny, fragile, slippery baby in a risky, watery environment?), I have come to really enjoy the bath time ritual; good thing as between our two boys we’ve now ‘enjoyed’ over 2,000 baths! I have also discovered how naturally soothing and enjoyable water really is for babies. Which brings me to the point of this article, and a lesson learned from a 25-year career in aquatics: a child’s love and respect for water starts at home. As the Aquatic Program Supervisor for the City of Kamloops, a smile still comes to my face every time I see our latest batch of ‘parent & tots’ participating in our Starfish or Duck program. And, although I’ve been around pools for most of my life and have taught many preschool programs in my time, I only now – as a father – can really appreciate both the great challenges and the rewards of encouraging young children to swim. I hope the following tips are helpful to prepare new parents to get their young children swimming. • When to start? As I suggested above, it really starts at home in the bath. Make it fun but also make it safe. Constant supervision is a must to ensure safety and to prevent a ‘near miss’ which may instill a fear of water. Unless otherwise directed by your physician, it is generally accepted that babies can start swimming at 4 months. • What to wear? There is no shortage of baby swim attire options designed for a variety of weather and water condi-

tions (e.g. UV swim shirts/suits, etc). Most important, though, is a properly fitted swim diaper. Not only do swim diapers (along with frequent checks/bathroom breaks) prevent accidental ‘discharges’ and subsequent pool closures, they will not become over-saturated with water like regular diapers and become a dangerous ‘anchor.’ Swim diapers are available for purchase at most retail stores and at your local swimming pool. • What to expect? Try to go at a quieter time (e.g. mid-morning/afternoon weekdays) and avoid busy swims. If possible, bring someone to assist with the transition into/out of the pool, which can be trying. Consider putting the baby’s swim gear on at home. And don’t forget a healthy recovery snack for both baby and parent! • How to learn? For young swimmers, enjoying safe, comfortable water experiences is the first priority. Parents play an important role in modelling safe behaviour and providing learning opportunities through songs and games. Enrolling in a preschool learn-to-swim program designed for children and their parents/caregivers is a great way to meet other parents and to learn basic methods to encourage your child to learn the fundamentals of swimming. Given the multitude of fantastic options to enjoy water recreation in our community, parents should get an early start in actively promoting their child’s love of the water. For more information about swimming in Kamloops, visit kamloops.ca/ swim - there you will find an article by the Canadian Red Cross with more helpful information on how to safely enjoy the water with your own precious water baby.

Birthday Party Directory

Play Therapy: Telling the story of a child’s internal world through play By Rachel Pasemko

t times, children experience very difficult things; such as the death of a loved one, a traumatizing event, or the divorce of their parents. Fortunately, children can be resilient, bounce back from adversity and carry on in difficult circumstances but some are able to do so more fully than others. Children experience stress, emotional pain, anger and sadness much in the same way as adults but because of their developmental levels they are unable to put their feelings into words. Strong emotions can be confusing to a young person. You want the best for your child – and for plenty of powerful reasons, a college or university education is one of the best things you can do to give your child a great start in life. There’s the increased earning potential, of course – the average university graduate earns almost twice as much as someone with a high school diploma. Over a 30 year career, that could add up to $1.2 million of additional income1. There’s the increased opportunity for employment – seven out of ten jobs now require a post-secondary education and having a degree or diploma is bound to become even more important in the future2. And there are the valuable life lessons and relationships that are an essential part of the post-secondary experience. RESPs are the first choice But you already know all that – which is why you contribute to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child. After all, for the vast majority of Canadians, an RESP is the most effective way to create an education fund that grows to offset the future cost of education. However, when was the last time you checked to see how much of the total education bill your RESP will actually cover? Here are some sobering facts about the dramatically escalating cost of a post-secondary education: 3 On average, undergraduate tuition fees have almost tripled since 1990-913. A student attending a full-time college or university program today can expect to pay an average of $4,500 a year in tuition alone2. 3 Add books, supplies, transportation, and other living expenses and university students living at home spend an average of $4,500 on ‘non educational’ items, while students living away from home spend an average of $8,160 on ‘non educational’ items4. 3 The cost of mandatory supplies and equipment for college and trade schools varies widely and can be between $50 and $5,0002. 3 Schools are increasing fees for programs that may offer a larger financial payback upon graduation, such as law, medicine, engineering and dentistry2. 3 Nearly 50 per cent of Canadian college and university graduates leave school owing money for their education – with college graduates owing about $13,000 and university gradu-

ates almost $20,0005. 3 It is estimated that by 2025, the total cost of four years of undergraduate education away from home may be between $75,000 and $100,0002. Beyond RESPs – further tax-efficient saving strategies All this means is you need every advantage you can get when saving to help your children pay for a post- secondary education – to avoid burdening them with huge student loans or the extra stress of a part-time job during the school year. Consider the following investment strategies that can deliver important savings beyond RESPs. Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) – TFSAs are very versatile. You can accumulate funds within your TFSA on a tax-sheltered basis, and when your child goes to school, you can withdraw the funds (plus any subsequent growth) on a tax-free basis to help finance your child’s education. Moreover, the amount you withdraw in a given year will be added to your TFSA contribution limit for the following year. Insurance – Most people think of life insurance as basic financial protection for loved ones but a universal life insurance policy can also help fund your child’s education. A universal life insurance policy is a blend of life insurance protection and investment accounts. As the owner, you select a face amount of the life insurance, the type of coverage needed, and the name of the insured – your child, in this case. You pay the insurance premiums, which are usually quite low for a minor, and within continued on next page Comprehensive Education Planning Solutions continued from previous page 1. 2001 Census Data – Statistics Canada. Average earnings for a High School graduate: $34,631; for a University graduate: $61,156. As- suming an average annual inflation rate of 2.69% (following the historical period of 1986-2005). The difference over 30 working years will total $1,259,248. 2. Statistics Canada, The Daily, October 18, 2007 3. Statistics Canada, The Daily, September 1, 2005 4. Statistics Canada, The Daily, September 10, 2003 5. Statistics Canada, The Daily, April 26, 2004 Insurance products and services offered through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. (in Québec, a financial services firm). Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company (outside of Québec). TMTrademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. “Beyond RESPs: Options to help what you’re saving match what you’ll need” ©2010 Investors Group Inc. (05/2010) MP1363 certain limits you can make additional payments. Those additional dollars are then invested in a variety of investment funds to grow over the life of the policy on a tax-deferred basis

Pregnancy Tips:

An Osteopathic Perspective By Imogen Wood, M. Ost

ociety tells us that pregnancy is a beautiful and wonderful experience. Our friends might even tell us about their magical textbook pregnancy. However, some of us are not quite as blessed. The following tips are designed to help those ladies who just need a push in the right direction to make their pregnancy a fairy-tale experience.

to encourage diaphragmatic movement. Your diaphragm will naturally massage your organs as you breathe in encouraging healthy digestion. 5. Avoid fizzy drinks and caffeine. If you love your coffee too much, try switching to green tea.

Headaches

vertebrae, causing inflammation and pain. This is often intensified by the extraordinary hormone, Relaxin. When you are pregnant, your body releases relaxin to prepare your body for birth. This leads to the ligaments in a woman’s body to become lax, making you very flexible during pregnancy. However, in order to protect your joints, your muscles sometimes tighten leading to widespread muscle pain and aches. Pelvic pain is often caused by the increase of relaxin. One of the most common parts of the pelvis to become painful is the pubic symphysis. The increase in relaxin leads to a shearing effect on the joint causing walking to be extremely painful.

Due to the changes pregnancy cause Gastro-oesophageal to a woman’s body, headaches can be a common symptom experience. Reflux and Heartburn Why does this happen? Whilst it can When the first trimester of pregnancy ends, we hope that the reflux and feeling be due to an increase in blood pressure, sick will go away with it. However, some- it is also possibly due to changes in the curves of the spine. As we get further into times it sticks around. a pregnancy, a woman’s cervical lordosis How does this happen? It can be caused by an increased abdominal pres- (curvature) often increases. This shortens sure. In order to make room for the baby, the muscles at the base of our skull called How can I help myself? a woman’s organs will move up and back the suboccipital muscles, leading to ten1. Joining a prenatal yoga class can protowards the spine, which leaves less room sion headaches or cervicogenic headvide the relief from pain that you need. for the stomach and the diaphragm. Our aches. 2. Contrast bathing. When our joints How can I help myself? diaphragm forms a sphincter for the top and muscles are inflamed, it feels good to 1. Stand against a wall with your back of our stomach, so when we are pregnant, cool down our joints, and great to warm our diaphragm gets stuck and so acid can flat against it. Practice elongating the up our muscles. So put ice wrapped in a leak back up our oesophagus, leading to back of your neck and giving yourself a double chin, and repeat. You should feel a tea-towel on the painful joint for 5 minsymptoms of reflux and/or heartburn. stretch at the base of your skull. Perform utes, then immediately afterwards place a How can I help myself? 1. Reduce acidic foods in your diet. For this exercise twice a day for 30 seconds. hot water bottle over the area for another 5 minutes. You will contrast five times in 2. Neck stretches. Start and end your example peel off the skin of cucumber. total: cold, hot, cold, hot, cold. This will 2. The less time food is in your stomach, day with a healthy stretching regime. flush the area with fresh blood and help 3. Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety the easier it is to digest and the less acid drain away any metabolites and waste by attending prenatal yoga classes. is produced to break it down. Thereproducts. Pelvic pain and low back pain fore make sure all foods are thoroughly 3. Pelvic tilts work wonders for pelvic Low back pain is very common in cooked i.e. steam your vegetables. pregnancy due to the increased anterior and low back pain. 3. Do not sit down after eating a meal. With any of the problems mentioned load (your wonderful little bump). This Get up and do the washing up. This will above, you could always contact your loaid digestion and help maintain space for will increase the curve (lordosis) in the cal Osteopathic Manual Practitioner for lumbar spine, which can in turn shorten your stomach and diaphragm. advice. the distances between the joints in our 4. Practice deep breathing exercises

Life Unfolding:

Exposure By Sara Schreiner, Life Unfolding Photography

rywall crumbled at my feet. I felt like superwoman tearing it apart and revealing a brick wall behind it - the wall that will create a meeting corner for photographers and their clients. Life Unfolding is getting a new home! Together, with photographer Kathryn Learie of Owen Imaging, we are creating a space we only imagined working from. A space that celebrates the rich and diverse work of Kamloops photographers. We imagined going to work everyday in a lively space. A gallery with traffic walking back and forth as students at-

tended classes. Photographers meeting to collaborate and share each others work. A place to go everyday and be inspired. It sounds like a big dream. It is. It’s a scary one. But if it wasn’t scary, it wouldn’t be nearly as exciting. Kamloops is full of talented photographers shooting with different styles, techniques and skills. We need a space that brings us all together. A space to showcase work, collaborate and teach others. Often it’s the people who aren’t professionals but just love to shoot who bring

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the greatest energy. People who love photography can come take classes, purchase photographic art and fun photography related items. Kathryn and I want to go to work everyday in a space we imagine wanting to visit ourselves, so we decided to take the plunge and create it - a space we can all share and be excited about. Come by 351 Victoria street and wave at us through the window! We will be the ladies covered in sweat working towards a dream.

Dear Aunty...

Answering questions about you and your child’s health

love camping! I’m positively giddy that it’s once again time to pack up the ol’ RV and head out with the kids to check out BC’s amazing provincial parks. That being said, generally our camping excursions go something like this: Drive hours to a beautiful park miles away from the nearest town. Set up camp, settle the kids on their bikes, start a campfire, pour a drink, sit down and... WHAMMO! Something nasty happens. Usually it’s one of the three B’s: blood, burns or bumps, but we’ve managed to chuck in a few others for good measure: croup, earaches and stings (to name a few). Happily, I tend to travel with an Emergency Physician. If you aren’t quite as lucky, read on to help decide whether it’s time to pack up or simply dig into that well-stocked first aid kit. Aunty’s first aid kit always includes the following: Emla cream (topical numbing agent), Auralgan (for earaches), antibiotic ointment, really good tweezers, elastic bandages, calamine lotion, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Benadryl, and a wide variety of shapes/sizes/colours of Band-Aids. Special thanks to my awesome hubby, Dr. Ian Mitchell, for providing the general medical advice, and remember, if you’re worried, if things seem to be getting worse, or your mommy-radar is screaming, it’s always best to have your child checked out.

LACERATIONS AND PUNCTURE WOUNDS

Generally, tetanus is very serious, but very rare. If your little one has stepped on something and you’ve been able to remove all of the debris and wash the wound well, some antibiotic ointment and a bandage should be fine – no need to rush in for a tetanus shot. However, if you can’t seem to get the wound clean, you may need to consider a trip to the emergency department. The best medical literature suggests that plenty of clean water is as good as sterile saline in cleaning a wound, so run clean tap water over the injured area, and use your tweezers to get any bits that may be stuck a bit deeper in. When it comes to deep or wide wounds, usually doctors will stitch up head wounds even a day after they occur (but the sooner the better). For bad lacerations on other parts of the body, less than six hours from injury to stitches is ideal. In the meantime, keep the area as clean as possible. Tylenol is never a bad idea, and if you have some Emla in your kit (which I think is a first aid kit essential!), you can always apply some (although check the package insert to be sure you don’t leave the patch on for too long).

BUG BITES AND STINGS

No one likes a mosquito bite, but it isn’t the bite itself that causes infection, it’s the bacteria from dirty hands scratching into an itchy bite. To prevent infection, keep fingernails clean and clipped and apply Calamine lotion to help with the BURNS itching. Generally, it takes about a day or two for infection to Sunburn: When it comes to sunburn (the kind where the skin develop. Signs of infection are redness, heat, and pain. If this is red and painful without blistering), generally you can handle happens, seek medical attention, as antibiotics may be needed. this one with the first aid kit. Recent studies have shown that With stings, use a credit card or piece of cardboard to “brush giving an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen (as soon as you no- out” the stinger. I’ve applied Emla to my son’s sting to take tice your child has had too much sun – don’t wait until the pain away some of the pain, then applied ice and gave him an antistarts) can help reduce the severity of the burn. Aloe/moistur- inflammatory to help with the swelling and redness. You can izing lotion will also feel soothing, and help with the peeling also consider an antihistamine such as Benadryl (give 1mg per skin. Grandma was wrong about applying butter to the burn kilogram – check the bottle for dosage instructions). Watch for (yikes!) but right about cold compresses providing some relief. signs of infection, but generally, you should be able to handle Blistering Burns: If your child has blisters, either from sunthese with your handy first aid kit. burn, the campfire, or hot tea/steam, things are more serious. RASH/HIVES You’ll likely have to pack up and head to the local emergency We’ve experienced this one after the kids have been swimdepartment because the pain will likely be severe. More than ming in the lake. Some kids will also get hives from certain a few blisters can lead to some nasty complications, such as kinds of pollen, or a contact dermatitis (a skin reaction from infection and dehydration. If you see a blister, don’t pop it. touching an allergen). Generally the first step is to clean the Antibiotic ointment can be applied to open sores. Keep them skin well with soap and water, then give an antihistamine such clean, and seek help.

as Benadryl. However, if the allergic reaction involves the head, pass to us when we pet them. Therefore, if you know Fido has neck or throat or there are any signs of breathing difficulties, been playing near poison ivy, don some gloves and give him it’s critical to get help as soon as possible. a bath. Now... If that ship has sailed and blisters/rash have already formed, you’re in for a long and itchy road. Once the rash LEECHES My daughter was the lucky leech-getter. We totally removed has developed, treatment will be directed at helping to control your child’s itching, and may involve steroids, oral antihistathat one the wrong way – with salt (salt in a wound? Ouch!). Here is the right way to remove a leech (note: leeches do have mines like Benadryl, and/or topical medications. You may get lucky and get to finish your camping trip before the blisters apbacteria growing in them and you can get a nasty infection if pear, since it takes a bit of time for a newbie’s immune system they’re removed improperly). Find the head-end of the leech to kick into overdrive, but once they do, you’re likely heading (the narrow end). Push it sideways until it releases suction. home since your child will likely be feeling pretty darn awful. Then find the back end (the wider end). Again, push it sideways (don’t pull!) until it releases suction. You’re free to chuck The rash itself is not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about catching poison ivy by taking care of your child. When the leech back in the lake. Wash the wound with lots of clean you’re home, seek medical attention to get the best tips on how water, then apply a Band-Aid (the leech will inject an anticoagulant into the wound, so expect a bit of blood). Your little one to keep your child comfortable while waiting out the week or should be fine, and have an awesome story to tell their friends. two it will take to heal. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT CAMPING TIP: Again, remember to watch for signs of infection. Ian and the other Trauma Room doctors will tell you that the WEIRD ANIMAL BITES absolute *worst* injuries they see over the summer months My kids love animals. If yours are the same, they might be come when folks decide to have a couple drinks and then go tempted to try to pet that deer/squirrel/bat, and as a result, for a quick ATV’ing excursion. Horrific things happen. Shatmight get bitten. Rabies is the big concern here, and the only tered spines, brain injuries, death...and it happens every single animal you need to be worried about carrying rabies in the Interior is a bat. So if your little guy gets nipped by a bird or a year. Almost nothing is as dangerous, and as deadly, as mixing squirrel, tend to the wound the way you would any other lacera- ATV’ing with alcohol. Please, keep your kids safe. Keep yourtion – clean it, bandage it, and watch out for signs of infection. self safe. Never EVER combine ATV’ing and alcohol. It’s just not However, if you think your little one may have been bitten by a worth the risk. “Aunty” Erin Mitchell is a proud nurse, momma, and owner of bat, it’s time to head into town and get a Rabies booster shot. Aunty’s House Registered Family Daycare. She is currently workSWIMMER’S EAR ing on a degree in child and adolescent psychology through TRU. Otitis externa, also known as an “outer ear infection” or “swimmer’s ear” is usually pretty easy to spot: pain/itchiness, heat, redness, swelling and goo coming out of the ear. It may or may not be accompanied by hearing loss and jaw pain. Kids usually get this one from bacteria growing in wet ear canals. It can take a couple of days after a swim in the lake for it to develop. If you can get to a pharmacy, try some over the counter antibiotic ear drops, such as Polysporin eye/ear drops, plus Tylenol for pain. I’ve also used Auralgan numbing drops for my daughter’s outer ear pain, and it’s helped numb the aching enough for her to fall asleep. If the pain is severe or the infection seems to get worse, seek medical attention, as your little one might need a prescription for oral antibiotics.

Do you have a question for ‘Aunty’ Erin? Contact her at cdnnurse1995@yahoo.ca.

POISON IVY/OAK

We all remember “leaves of three, let it be,” right? Totally true. Both are three-leaved vine-y plants, and both are found in BC. If you’re camping in the mountains, you’re probably safe since these plants don’t tend to grow well above 4000 ft. They don’t like growing in deserts either, but can be found near lakes, ponds and streams in dry climates. If you know your little one has touched the plant: 1) Break out the first aid kit and clean the area with rubbing alcohol. 2) Rinse with water. 3) Wash those areas of the skin with soap and water. 4) Prevent re-contamination by washing/tossing out anything your child might have been wearing when they touched the plants (shirts/ shoes/etc). Remember, the goal is to remove the sticky sap/oil that causes the allergic reaction without spreading it around to other areas of the body. If you can do this very quickly, sometimes the allergic reaction can be completely avoided. Unfortunately, by the 30 minute mark most of the plant’s oil will be absorbed by the skin. To remove the oily sap, remember: don’t scrub, just wash (you don’t want to irritate the skin more), use cool water (hot water will just open your pores and let the oil in) and remember to get under the fingernails. It’s also important to note that dogs can’t get a rash from Poison Ivy/Oak, but they can get the sap on their fur, which would

Simple Steps to

Clean Up Your Picnic Basket

By Jessica Martel hen you are from the coast, the Kamloops heat can really be hard to take some days, especially with our two sons who love to dig in the sand. When Hubby suggested we take our picnic up to Paul Lake because it was around 10 degrees cooler, we happily loaded our sand toys, beach umbrellas, sunscreen...okay, our car was pack full of “essentials” to the point where hubby could barely see out the back window. But we felt the trip was worth it as it was much cooler, and the beach was very family friendly. As we set up our picnic, I was left to wander around with our 16 month old son, who loves to say hello and check out everyone’s picnics. As we wandered from family to family saying ‘hi’ and making small talk, I couldn’t help but notice the amounts of junk that everyone was packing. Now I am not judging, not one bit, but I would love to share some ideas of how you can pack nutritious choices this summer. It can be easy and fun to clean up those picnic baskets!

1. Ditch the Chips. That’s right. They are full of chemicals, preservatives, artificial colours, flavors, etc, but you KNOW that, don’t you! It’s just that the kids love them, and hubby wants them and you like the occasional handful too, right? Did you ever think of replacing chips with other kinds of finger food? Cut up veggies, fruit, meat or cheese. If you want to have that fast and easy food, then try some cheese flavored rice crackers (gluten-free), some mini sandwiches or even pre-cooked popcorn is a fun beach favorite at our house! 2. Ditch the Soda, the Coloured Drinks, Powdered Juice Crystals.

Children need to keep hydrated in the heat, and soda is not going to do the trick. Sugary juices and coloured drinks are just not healthful for them or YOU. There are so many fun and better options, especially for summer! Coconut water. Rich in potassium and electrolytes, this is the perfect hydrator and it’s completely natural! Homemade lemonade with stevia instead of sugar or a bit of honey for sweetener is a great natural treat as well! Take a trip to the natural foods store or section in your grocery store and find some other soda substitutes that are fruit juice sweetened if you really need to wean yourself and children off of soda-ike drinks.

3. Filler Foods that we could all do without.

The nuts and bolts, the cookies, the crackers, the bread items. These are the ones that are really going to have mama and daddy packing on the pounds if you are just sitting all day and watching your children play. These sort of “empty” calories are easy to keep popping in your mouth all day long, as you never really be satisfied from them. Try to pack some food like left over dinner, or maybe some mini wraps, yogurt or cottage cheese cups…if you are going to eat, then eat REAL food. What about making a gluten-free banana bread or muffins the night before and packing them instead? Our family has come to love gluten free flours as everyone feels less bloated .

4. Buy a decent cooler or make one!

As you can tell, we pack a lot of REAL food when we go to the beach, so since our food will not keep for 100 plus years, we do pack a lot of ice packs, frozen fruit, or frozen gluten free cookies and we try to eat the perishable foods first or store the cooler in some shade.

5. Forget the Candy, or other vices that you really CAN live without.

If you don’t have it on hand then you are not going to eat it! Leave the candies and really nonessentials that just cause cavities, or extra pounds that nobody needs. Too many sugary sweets actually make us CRAVE more of them. It’s a primal response we get to an immediate energy source, so ditch the really obvious sugary snacks, eat real food, hydrate and have

FUN!!!

6. Plan ahead.

Yes, it does seem like a lot of work to eat this way, but I promise you, that it really does not take that much time if you get in the habit of planning ahead and cooking in bigger batches. I do this for our regular meals and snacks for at home as well. For example, I cook enough chicken breasts for dinner and lunch the next day, I always have boiled eggs in the fridge to grab and go, I buy boxes of salad mix and I pre-cut veggies every few days to have on hand. Cut up the whole watermelon, or make up a few overnight oatmeal cups so you can grab and go! I also try to keep our picnic toys and fresh towels in the trunk at all times so I only have to worry about packing the food part! The feeling you have when you fuel your body with real and healthful foods is worth the extra planning.

Homemade Lemon Aid 5 or 6 medium lemons, juiced 4 Tbsp. of real honey (make sure it is not just liquid sugar) or stevia packets or drops to taste 2 small handfuls of fresh mint 10-12 cups of water Combine ingredients, stir, and pour into individual water bottles for easy grab and go healthy hydration for the whole family.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread 2 cups gluten free flour (we like Bob’s Red Mill Brand) 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 Tbsp. pure cocoa powder 1 dash Himalayan salt 1 Tbsp. baking soda 1 cup coconut sugar Combine ingredients and set aside when mixed. Continue on to wet ingredients. 3 mashed bananas 2 eggs (beaten) 3 Tbsp. grape seed oil ½ cup milk or almond milk Mix together and then add to dry ingredients Bake for 35-45 min at 350 degrees or until you can poke it with a fork and the fork comes out clean. Jessica Martel is an Independent BeachBody fitness and wellness coach. Freelance health and wellness writer/blogger on all topics mommy and wellness related. www.jessicamartelfitness.com

Notes from a

Boho Momma By Amanda Barker

ello Mommas! I hope you are thoroughly enjoying the weather and if you are one of the many expecting mother’s in Kamloops this summer, this article will hopefully add a new idea to your birth plan! One of the pieces of advice I am always giving excited pregnant women is to try to ignore early labour for as long as possible...it could go on for days, in a start and stop like pattern. It will usually start at night since oxytocin and melatonin are friends, and when the sun rises your labour may stop. Even though I tell them to sleep and not text everyone they know to announce their labours, they usually don’t listen to me! Asking a woman with a newly contracting uterus to sleep is kind of like asking a child to sleep in on Christmas morning, it just won’t happen! So I now suggest that the mother plans a labour project, something she can put her energy into that will honour her birth experience. Some of these projects could include planting some flowers in your garden, writing to your child about your labour experience in a journal, or making some birth art that you will treasure forever. My favorite project is cake making, and since this is THE birth day, I think cake is always appropriate! In fact, there is a Groanin’ Cake recipe in one of my favorite books, written by Ami McKay, called ‘The Birth House.’ I really like chocolate zucchini cake though and if I happen to be your doula, I will gladly make this cake with you!

{ } Birthin’ Cake (gluten free)

3 eggs 2 cups brown sugar 3/4 cup milk 3/4 cup coconut oil 2 cups zucchini, peeled and grated 1 tsp sea salt 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend 1/2 tsp xanthum gum 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup cocoa 1 tablespoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients together and bake in a 9 x 13 in cake pan for 25-35 minutes at 350 degrees or until toothpick comes out clean. I suggest cream cheese icing! Amanda Barker is a herbalist, doula, CBE, and owner of Ovio Organico skin care and Boho Birth. abarker54@gmail.com.

Community Resource Directory Activities & Events

Construction

* See Birthday Party Directory on P. 20

Oswell Construction Ltd.

He could do it..but wouldn’t it be nicer A magical event with princesses, pirates, to spend the weekend with you and the kids? Call for all your home renovation singing, dancing, a mad tea party, and needs! 250.819.1979 more! Sunday, July 7, 10:30 - 2:30 oswellconstruction@gmail.com www.kamloopsprincessparties.com

A Day in Wonderland

Lil Monkey’s Treehouse

Play and Discovery Centre 701-1801 Princeton HWY 250.377.PLAY www.lilmonkeystreehouse.com

Logan Lake Day

Family Resources

Big Brothers Big Sisters

821 Seymour St 250.374.6134

Child Care Subsidy Program Assistance with day care costs 1.888.338.6622

Free fun for the whole family, just 30 minInterior Community Services utes from Kamloops! 250.554.3134 August 4, all day. Ministry of Children & Family www.loganlakeday.com Services 250.371.3600

Sun Peaks Resort

Family festivals all summer long! 1 800 807 3257 www.SunPeaksResort.com

XFest 2013

Kamloops’ favourite outdoor theatre festival feat.The Fantastic Mr. Fox and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown July 24th - Aug 10 www.kamloopslive.ca www.projectxtheatre.com

Parent Helpline

Food and Beverage Nature’s Fare Markets

Organic and Natural Foods Grocer 5-1350 Summit Drive 250.314.9560 www.naturesfare.com

Specifically Tea

Loose leaf tea and tea accessories. 925-C Laval Crescent (Corner of The Wine Shoppe) Kamloops Child Development Society Safe and inclusive child care and www.specificallytea.ca 250.851.0604 early learning programs Health & Wellness www.cdckamloops.com 250.376.2233

Lizzie Bits Baby Co.

Cloth diapers, unique children’s items, high quality children’s consignment 205-450 Lansdowne 250.374.8706 www.lizziebaby.ca

Tumbleweed Toys

Safe, Sustainable & Inspired toys, games, puzzles and more. Sahali Mall 250.372.3500 www.TumbleweedToys.ca

The Pilates Tree

New clients can enjoy our unlimited monthly mat package for only $99! 101-409 Seymour St. 250.320.BODY (2639) info@thepilatestree.com

Yoga Loft

Yoga for You.Yoga for Your Family.Your Yoga Community. 201- 409 Seymour Street 250.828.6206 250.319.8583 info@youryogaloft.com www.youryogaloft.com

Home-based Sales and Services Discovery Toys, Alison Gregory Discovery Toys Team Leader 250.851.2270 aligregory@telus.net discoverytoys.com/aligregory

Madeleine Effie

1.888.603.9100

Childcare and Preschool

Children’s Retail

coach janet@musingsandmud.com 250.376.8402 www.musingsandmud.com

Jessica Martel Fitness

Locally designed & handmade dresses for all ages, shapes & sizes...we all deserve to feel beautiful! www.madeleineeffie.com amy@madeleineeffie.com

McSew

Jane McMillan, Seamstress & Knitter. Specializing in sleepsacks, infant accessories, knitted/felted accessories and alterations. Tel: 250.828.2309 Mobile: 250.319.8808 McKnit@hotmail.com

Music Kamloops Symphony Music School

Group classes and private instruction for Online workout support and motivaall ages and levels. 250.372.5000 tional 60 day challenges. Brazil Butt Lift, Station Plaza #3-510 Lorne St. Chalean Extreme, P90X, and Insanity workouts. www.jessicamartelfitness.com Medical Services Healthlink BC 811 Kix for Chix Ladies non-competitive kickboxing for Royal Inland Hospital 250.374.5111 EVERY woman! Walk-in Clinics: 250.819.4121 www.kix4chixkamloops.ca Northshore Treatment Centre 3 - 953 Laval Crescent 700 Tranquille Rd 250.554.4265

Lighthouse Child & Family Therapy

Specialising in play and expressive therapy for children Rachel Pasemko 250.318.0652

Summit Medical Clinic

5 - 1380 Summit Drive 250.374.9800

Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic

#4 - 910 Columbia Street 250-371-4905

Online Resources rachel@lighthousechildandfamilytherapy. Access Kamloops com A regularly updated directory connect-

Musings and Mud ing people with a variety of not-for-profit resources. www.accesskamloops.org Coaching Studio Workshops, workKamloopsParents.com books, personal coaching with a creative twist. Janet L. Whitehead, certified professional

The online resource to all things familyfriendly in Kamloops. www.kamloopsparents.com elizabeth@kamloopsparents.com

Community Resource Directory MakeChildrenFirst.ca

Map of Family & Breastfeeding-friendly businesses in Kamloops 250.554.3134 www.makechildrenfirst.ca

Parent-Child Groups Attachment Parenting

2/month - days and locations vary 250-376-4723

Family Tree Drop-in

Mon and Wed 9-4 283 West Victoria St. 250.377.6890

Healthy Beginnings

Tues 9:45-11:45 / Thurs 10:30-12:30 Interior Indian Friendship Society 2355 Parkcrest Ave. 250.554.3134

Kamloops Connexions

Fri 9:30-11:30, 700 Hugh Allen Drive S.W. Community Church 250.828.1114 coffee-connexions@hotmail.com

Kamloops Wiggles and Giggles Adoption Playgroup

Monthly, Deanna, jones_A@telus.net

Next Steps

Fri, 1-2:20, Kamloops Public Health Unit 519 Columbia St. 250.851.7300

StrongStart Programs (during school year)

Bumblebees

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8:30-11:30 Wed, 12-2:30 Arthur Hatton Elem. 315 Chestnut Ave., 250.376.7217

Dragon Flies

Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30 Marion Schilling Elem., 2200 Park Dr. 250.376.2027

Eagles’ Nest

Mon-Fri, 8:45-11:15 South Sahali Elem., 1585 Summit Dr. 250.374.2451

YMCA Child Interactive Centre Mon-Fri 9-12 Southwest Y/CCRR Unit E, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr 250-372-7791

Prenatal and Postpartum Care Birth Matters - Jodi Anderson

Doula and Childbirth Educator birthmatters.doula.prenatal@gmail.com 250.372.3733 250.819.2099

Boho Birth

Doula services & prenatal education Amanda Barker 250.376.8331 bohobirth@gmail.com

Breastfeeding Centre

Drop in breastfeeding info and help Kamloops Health Unit 519 Columbia St 250.851.7300 Mon 1- 4, Thurs 9 - 12

CBWellness.Com Pregnacy Programs

Yamilka Zienowicz

Mighty Oak Midwifery

Summer Camps

Brighter solutions to protect your plans *Aqua Prenatal * Watsu * Prenatal Journey Sun Life Financial 250.374.5308 ext. 208 * Pregnant Pauses www.sunlife.ca/yamilka.zienowicz Free Consultation ph: 250 374 7383 Personal, professional, woman-centered maternity care. 250.377.8611 www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca

Pregnancy Care Centre

4Cats Arts Studio

The Best, Most Fun Art Studio Ever! Register now for summer camps 778.471.6335 kamloops@4cats.com 4cats.com/kamloops

A faith based charity that offers support and education for all people impacted by Academy of Dance a crisis pregnancy. 200-535 Tranquille Rd. Dance, crafts, and outings for ages 3-8 www.mypregnancychoices.ca July 15-19 250.314.9974 info@mypregnancychoices.ca www.theacademyofdance.ca

Tiny Blessings Prenatal

Big Little Science Centre

Prenatal education focusing on late pregBLSC teaches kids how fun science can nancy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, & be with Super Science and Robotics sumnewborn care. 250-819-0510 mer camps. 985 Holt Street www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com 250.319.0689 www.blscs.org

Welcome to the Babyhood

Your resource for child passenger safety and cloth diaper education. Jennifer Harbaruk 250.572.1717 www.welcometothebabyhood.com

Photography

Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops Recreational Summer Day camps July 8 - August 30, Ages 5-12 www.bgckamloops.com

Eureka!

Modern-vintage photography for the whole family www.annwphotography.ifp3.com

Week long science summer camps Ages 7-14, July 2 - Aug 23 www.tru.ca/eureka 250.371.5534 www.factionskatepark.com www.swimkamloops.com

Captured Memories Photography

Kamloops Classic Swimming

Ann Weninger Photography

www.captured-memories.ca hrsayers@gmail.com 250.320.6558

Summer swim camps Ages 5+, 5 sessions in July Canada Games Pool 250.828.3660 Life Unfolding Photography Photography for all your little wild things www.swimkamloops.com Moms with Camera’s facilitator Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Assoc. www.lifeunfolding.ca Summer Horse Camp Riding lessons, horse care, safety, and Milk & Honey Photography maintenance. July 15-19/ July 22-26 Lisa DiGeso 250.554.3811 ktrainstructor@gmail.com milkandhoney@mail.com www.ktrahome.ca www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca

Real Estate and Investments Karen Lanoue

Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School Calvary Community Church July 15 - 17, 8:45 to 12:00 noon Free of Cost 1205 Rogers Way 250.374.2888

Canadian Scholarship Trust Boost your post-secondary education savings by $7200 karen.lanoue@cstresp.com 250.573.2299 Vacation Bible School Kamloops Christadelphians Ken Featherstone, Realtor July 22 - 26, 1:30 to 4:30 Royal LePage Westwin Realty Free! Parkview Activity Centre Personal Real Estate Corp. 250.374.1461 250.554.7378 kenfeathetone@royallepage.ca vbs@kamloopsbiblestudy.info 250.828.7829

Rick Jackson

Invest in your child’s future! Investor’s Group 250.372.2955 Rick.Jackson@investorsgroup.com

www.investorsgroup/en/rick.jackson/home

Community Events Calendar

presented by:

Visit www.KamloopsParents.com for a complete, up-to-date calendar of family-friendly events! June 1: Capital One Race for Kids McArthur Island Youth Club www.raceforkids.ca June 1: Youth Fundraiser Garage Sale Calvary Community Church, 1205 Rogers Way June 1, 250.374.2888 June 1(Cont): Saturday Kamloops Farmers Market 200 Block of St Paul Street. 8-12pm June 1: Grand Opening of Tranquille Farm Fresh 4600 Tranquille Road. 9-4pm June 1(Cont): BIG Little Science Centre Tues-Sat 104pm June 1: Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life Riverside Park. 10am

June 1 (Cont): Shambhala Buddhist Meditation Sat 9:30am, Mon + Thurs 7:00pm, 433b Lansdowne St. kamloopsshambhala.org

June 9: Walk to Cure Juvenile breakfast, Art in the Park, Diabetes McDonald Park. 9am Cultural Celebrations, June 9: Gutsy Walk for Crohns fireworks, Riverside Park. and Colitis McArthur Island Park 9am 250.376.4080

June 6(Cont): Kamloops June 9: Kamloops Young Art Gallery Free Thursday Naturalist’s Club Pond Study Admission 465 Victoria Street. 250.573.3127 10-9pm June 11: Kamloops Celiac June 6: Catch the Fun at Chapter Meetings Above Edith Lake! Edith Lake. 6-8pm Living Kitchens, 1361 McGill (250.828.3500) Road. 7pm-8:30pm June 7 (Cont): Connexions June 14: Cactus Classic Southwest Community Church, Nationals-Kamloops BMX Fridays 9:30-11:30am McArthur Island Park June 7: Mighty Oak - Mom’s June 15: Make-your-own-kite Morning Out Heritage House, Day BIG Little Science Centre. 100 Lorne Street. 11-1pm 10-4pm ($6/adult, $3/child 6-15 yrs, $15/family) June 7: Scott Woods Show Swingin’ Fiddles Calvary June 16: Kids of Steel Community Church. 7pm Triathlon Brocklehurst Pool.

June 2: YMCA/YWCA Healthy June 14/ July 12: Home Depot 6:30-1pm Kids Day Downtown Y 10am – Kids Workshop 10am – 12pm June 16: The North Face Dirty 2pm (free) 250.371.4300 (free) Feet 6 hour Enduro Race June 3: Tiny Tunes North Kenna Cartwright Park. 10June 8: Dufferin Elementary Kamloops Library. 10:15School Spring Craft Fair 1880 6pm 10:45am Hillside Dr. June 16: Father’s Day June 3: Tiny Tunes Kamloops Library. 10:15-10:45am

June 3: Strawberry Shortcake Sagebrush Theatre. 6pm June 5 (Cont): Wednesday Kamloops Farmers Market 400 Block Victoria Street. 8-2pm

Celebration BC Wildlife Park. June 8: Family Fun Run – Under the Same Sun McArthur 9:30-5pm Island Parkway. 9-11am June 20: Teddy Bear Picnic June 8: Torch Run for Special and Parent Child Mother Goose® Celebration Prince Olympics Riverside Park. Charles Park. 11-1pm (free) 10am June 8 & 9: Yoga for Runners Workshop Yoga Loft, 201-409 Seymour Street. 1-3:45pm

July 2: Toonie Day at Sun Peaks Sun Peaks 250.578.5542

July 4(Cont): Kamloops Art Gallery Free Thursday Admission 465 Victoria Street. 10-9pm July 5: Mighty Oak - Mom’s Morning Out Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street. 11-1pm July 6: Sweaty Summer Fun Skate Brock Arena. 11-1pm (free) July 7: A Day in Wonderland Westsyde Centennial Park. 10-2:30pm ($25/person) (778.471.5767) July 7 (Cont): Sun Peaks and Region Farmers’ Market Sun Peaks Resort 9:30-1:30pm July 9: Kamloops Celiac Chapter Meetings Above Living Kitchens, 1361 McGill Road. 7pm-8:30pm July 13: Kamloops Highland Games Hal Rogers Centre. 7am-5pm July 13: Burton Cummings Free Outdoor Concert Sun Peaks Resort.

June 21-23: Kamloops THRiVE July 21: The North Face Dirty Festival http://kamloopsthrive. Feet Mountain Bike Marathon eventbrite.ca www.dirtyfeet.ca, Sun Peaks Resort. June 22: Free Timbit Golf Day Sun Rivers Golf Course. 250.571.7888 June 24: St Jean Baptiste Celebration Riverside Park. 6pm June 28-30: Summer Kick-off Weekend at Sun Peaks Sun Peaks Resort June 30: Sun Peaks and Region Farmers’ Market Sun Peaks Resort. 9:30-1:30pm July 1: Canada Day Celebrations Lions pancake

Have an e vent? Tell us abo ut it and w e’ll put it in our Co mmunity E vents Calendar for FREE! info@kamlo opsmomm a.com Find us on Facebook !

July 24-August 10: Project X Theatre Production – X Fest Prince Charles Park, July 27 & 28: Kamloops Marathon http://www. kamloopsmarathon.ca/run. html

July 28: Farm2Chefs Annual Fundraiser 5pm, Sun Rivers Organics * See p. 13 for more events and activities this summer!