Kids Biz Spring Break #2

KIDS

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It’s family time at Big White Ski Resort

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Visit Britannia Mine Museum for a trip back in time

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Learn new skills at Blues sports camps

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Spring Break Activities and More!

A special feature of the

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A22 - North Shore News - Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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Family time at Big White Deana Lancaster dlancaster@nsnews.com

SINCE I first practised linking big, sloping turns on my original snowboard back in the ’90s, I have loved Big White, the ski resort tucked an hour southeast of Kelowna between the Monashee Mountains and the Okanagan Valley.

The snow is dry, like berry sugar — unequalled powder if you get it on the right day, but never a frozen sheet of ice if you don’t.

It’s always a soft place to land. On the east side, the mountain has a

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lacy network of green and blue runs, twisting and dropping down the gentle grade. Even if you do suddenly find yourself at the top of some ferocious looking vertical, there’s always a relatively easy green route that will lead you safely to the bottom. Plus, I was in my 20s — I liked hitting Snowshoe Sam’s for late-night fun with my pals.

When I met my future husband though, he wasn’t quite as enamoured. More skilled on his board than I, he likes steep, fast slopes and challenging terrain; and favoured other resorts above it.

He has changed his tune now though, since our visit this season to Big White with our boys, aged seven and four. Without question, it was the best family trip we’ve taken yet. The four-year-old (who cried a bucketful of tears when it was time to leave) is plotting his upcoming education so he can grow up to be a ski instructor at Big White; and as a family we are already planning our return in 2012, likely for Spring Break.

Herewith, our top 10 reasons why we think Big White is an ideal family getaway.

1. The snow. It bears repeating: This fluffy stuff is nothing like our heavy wet coast concrete. It’s fun to learn on, and even more fun to challenge yourself with once you gain some skills. Glades at Big White offer the perfect amount of space between trees, the west side of the mountain has lots of “steep and deep,” and a noticeable dearth of lift line-ups makes it a worthy destination for any level of skier or rider.

2. Ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Since buying the resort in 1986, the Schumann family of Australia has made good on their vision to create a family-friendly ski-in/ski-out resort. Our own suite at Stonebridge Lodge gave us a slopeside view of green run Easy Street — and a quick schuss to the Village Centre — while our balcony hot tub was tucked away on a more private side of the building. Though we could see the lodge’s swimming pool from our living room, we never had a chance to use it . . . there was just too much to try and fit into our three-day visit. Next year we’re staying longer.

3. Ski school. Over lunch, Josh Foster, director of Snowsports at the Kid’s Centre in the Village, explained that when hiring instructors he looks for ski and snowboard pros who genuinely love kids. It shows. Past experiences with all-day ski schools have been hit-andmiss for our family — there’s nothing worse for a child than being stuck with teacher who is “putting in their time” with the little kids to get plum coaching positions later. At Big White, both of our boys were eager and excited to get to their ski lessons in the morning, and both improved one to two levels during our trip.

4. The staff. Hiring throughout the resort seems to be exceptionally

NEWS photo Deana Lancaster

ADAM Maros, 4, and dad Jason, get in some ice time on Big White’s sizeable rink. well-considered. From Guest Services to restaurant servers and pizza delivery staff, the largely Australian contingent is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

5. The ice rink. My seven-year-old might rate this No. 1. For a hockey-mad kid who has only skated on indoor rinks, the massive ice surface at Big White was a dream come true. He’ll likely never forget his first night on it, when he had the rink almost entirely to himself for fast laps and shooting practice with his dad for close to two hours.

6. Mega Snow Coaster, Mini Z Snowmobiles, Ice Climbing Tower.

There is no getting bored at Big White. The Club PenguinSee Parents page 23

Something for everyone…

SPRING BREAK CAMPS Mar. 14-18 or Mar. 21-25 HOCKEY CAMPS (with Tennis) Ages 6-12 New hockey skills development combined with an excellent tennis program. Racquet & lunch will be provided.

CURLING CAMP Ages 10-18 Basic instruction and skill building for new curlers and in depth skills and drills for experienced curlers.

Wed Mar 16 & 23 1pm-3pm

TENNIS ADULT CAMPS Adults need a break too! This is the ultimate camp to burn a lot of calories with some fun match play!

Beginner 9am-10:30am Intermediate/Advanced 10:30am-12pm

TENNIS JUNIOR CAMPS (with Karate) Development Camps including technical, physical and tactical components of the game. Some camps will include a karate session with Nicole Poirer, a high level black belt Karate Team BC coach.

Playball Ages 3-5 Mini Tennis Ages 5-7 Futures Tennis Ages 7-12 (Half or Full day camps available)

TENNIS JUNIOR PERFORMANCE CAMPS Ages 10-17 Performance Camps for the serious tournament players who want to work on their skills. Camps include lunch.

3 levels to choose from.

Camps are supervised in the safe environment of our club

North Shore Winter Club For more info:

604-985-4135 Ext. ‘0’ info@nswc.ca 1325 East Keith Road North Vancouver Registration is now available online.

www.nswc.ca

Springbreak Camps Springbreak Gecko Camp March 15, 16 and 17 ($109.50 + HST) Springbreak Basic Spider Camp March 15, 16 and 17 ($138.10 + HST)

“To train and prepare children for their future roles in life, whatever those may be”

Springbreak Advanced Spider Camp March 15, 16 and 17th ($138.10 + HST)

y parties!

We do birthdaup on and Bring in this co bs for free!” birthday child clim

604.984.9080 #2-1485 Welch St., North Van www.edgeclimbing.com

DANCE SINGING DRAMA Now enrolling for Spring Semester and Summer Camps

BC’S BIGGEST MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN

www.stagecraft.ca 604-267-SCTS • 604-762-2491 A Canadian Family-run Business

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - North Shore News - A23

NEWS photo Deana Lancaster

SMALL kid-to-instructor ratios, and pros who genuinely like children make for successful learning days on the slopes.

Parents get a time-out too From page 22 sponsored tube park is one of the best we’ve screamed down, with slow lanes that allow group sliding, and super fast lanes that don’t. Kids’ snowmobiles offer a safe

and entertaining circuit for kids to cruise around, and the ice tower — though we were too chicken to try it — is an impressive addition for more adventurous types.

7. The Happy Valley Gondola. The bright yellow cable cars that ferry passengers from

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the Village Centre down to the Happy Valley Day Lodge were an attraction in themselves. Our youngest son let out a whoop every time he learned we would take another ride on it.

8. Nightly family events. On the off-chance that aprés, or simply relaxing in a hot tub after a day on the hill won’t be enough for your brood, the resort has lots to keep you busy. Check out Carnival Night in the Village Centre Mall, the weekly talent show in the Happy Valley Day Lodge, or if you haven’t had enough time on the hill, get back up in the largest night skiing area in Western Canada. Here’s a tip: On Friday nights it’s just $5.

9. The After Dark Program. If you need kid-free time, the Kids’ Centre evening programs let parents get out to a restaurant or lounge. Supervised programming includes: dinner and tubing at the Mega Snow Coaster; hot chocolate and skating; and, dinner and activities night with board games and movies. “We try to make it easy for parents too,” explained Blair Ireland, director of guest services.

10. Good eats. From hot chocolate and waffles by the ice rink to winemaker’s dinners at the Kettle Valley Steakhouse, there’s no shortage of ways to fuel up.

Kids ski and stay free at Big White during Spring Break. Get more information at www.bigwhite.com.

the place to play

Deep Cove Music and DCM Studios

SPRING BREAK CAMPS INFO & BROCHURE AVAILABLE @ www.deepcovemusic.com

ROCK STAR CAMP

$300

Learn how to play in a rock band!

Write, record, mix and master your own songs in our professional studio, DCM Studios! Create a 3-song demo on CD complete with a cover!

DCM IDOL

$200

Learn to sing songs with our in-house professional vocal coach and record your own CD complete with cover in our professional studio, DCM Studios!

ACTING FOR FILM & TV

$250

Learn and develop your acting skills for Film & TV through on camera scene work, improvisation and various drama games and exercises! This will not only help your acting skills but increase your self confidence too! Students will prepare an audition for a professional talent agent on the last day!

REGISTER NOW!

BIKE + ADVENTURE

SPRING BREAK CAMPS MARCH 14-18TH OR MARCH 21-24TH *Single Days available

Break the Shore Adventure Camp M-F * 9am-3pm, 5-13 yr olds. *Groups divided by age. $ Snowshoeing, ice skating, mountain biking & indoor climbing!

280

Spring Break

225

DAYCAMPS

Little Rippers M-F * 10am-2pm, 5-7 yr olds Two-wheels, brakes, gears and mini-ramps!

$

Extreme Riders M-F * 9am-3pm, 8-15 yr olds. Ride the trails that have made the North Shore the place to ride!

604.929.COVE (2683) www.deepcovemusic.com

www.dcmstudios.cam

1046 Deep Cove Rd. North Vancouver

$

280

All programs and levels will have a strong focus on safety. All riders will be required to wear full face helmets and leg & arm armour.

Rental equipment and before & after camp care available.

604.307.BIKE www.escadventures.com

CanadaWest Academy programs designed with you in mind

Bilingual Preschool

* Spanish * French * Japanese * 30 months to 5 years

SUMMER CAMPS Aug 8-12 “Once upon a time..”Half Day Camp for Girls and Boys 3-6yrs 9-1pm Camp involves crafts and creative movement based on various fairytales

Aug 15-19 Junior Summer Sampler Girls & Boys 6-12yrs 10-3pm An excellent opportunity to try various styles of dance Aug 22-26 Senior Summer School 9-3pm

For more information or to register visit www.seymourdance.com

808 Lytton Road, North Vancouver Located near Ron Andrews Rec Centre 604 929 6060 • FREE PARKING BALLET • JAZZ • LYRICAL • HIP HOP •TAP • IRISH • MUSICAL THEATRE • MODERN

March 14 – 25 fun-filled spaces going fast Active fun for active kids!

Swimming, arts & crafts, group games, out-trips and more!

Register today!

After School Programs

* Tutoring (one to one) * SSAT Prep. * Math and Science Prep. * The Edge Program

Spring Break Programs

* SSAT Prep. L&U * Creative Writing * Cooking in French or Spanish * Multi-Media Art Classes * * * *

Bring the kids swimming Check our website for extra public swims during Spring Break.

Harry Jerome Pool is back open!

Small class sizes.

Qualified professional teachers.

Official SSAT Test Centre.

Serving the North Shore since 2000.

www.CanadaWest.net E-Mail: Info@canadawest.net 1520 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C.

604.980.4681

northvanrec.com 604 987 PLAY (7529)

CANLAN

SPRING BREAK HOCKEY CAMPS MARCH 14-18 & MARCH 21-25 MARCH 14 – 18 POWERSKATING & HOCKEY SKILLS CAMP 8:30AM – 4:30PM DAILY AGES: 6-8 & 9-12 • $269.00 + HST

KIDS

A24 - North Shore News - Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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Spring camps strike a balance Manisha Krishnan mkrishnan@nsnews.com

HOCKEY TIPS FOR TOTS

(HALF DAY)

9:00AM-12:00PM DAILY AGES: 4-6 • $147.00 + HST

MARCH 21 – 25 POWERSKATING & HOCKEY SKILLS CAMP 8:30AM – 4:30PM DAILY AGES: 6-8 & 9-12 • $269.00 + HST

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND LOTS OF FUN – ALL IN A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT

MARCH 22 - 25 SKATING, SHOOTING & SCORING CAMP

(HALF DAY)

9:00AM -12:00PM DAILY AGES: 8-10 • $118.00

SKATING, SHOOTING & SCORING CAMP

(HALF DAY)

1:00PM - 4:00PM DAILY AGES: 11-14 • $118.00 + HST

Ice Sports - North Shore

604-924-0828

WWW.ICESPORTS.COM 2411 Mount Seymour Pkwy, North Van

tell your community about your upcoming events

email editor@nsnews.com

SOMETIMES it can be hard to make learning fun, but Jellico Station Spring Break camps find just the right balance.

The events company, which specializes in children’s birthday parties and day camps, opened its doors in North Vancouver last summer. This month, it will be hosting two unique themed camps for kids aged five to 12, who will be separated into older and younger groups.

“We’re really trying to put out camps that engage the children in ways where we give out the skeleton of the information and they get so excited that they fill in the bones and go home and come back with an eagerness to learn,” says Neil StevensonMoore, chief engineer of Jellico Station.

The first camp, Storytelling Through a Digital Lens, takes place March 14-18 and gives kids a good idea of how to take an effective photograph.

“Far too much in today’s world, children just snap away with digital cameras.

They don’t really learn how to create a nice picture, how to use composition or rule of thirds.” In addition to learning photography basics, the camp will cover the main elements of a story, including plot, characters, rising action and climax.

At the end of the camp, the kids will put their knowledge to use, planning out shots and a storyline.

“Over the five days they create this

photo submitted

PARTICIPANTS in Jellico Station’s Spring Break camps may find themselves getting right into their subject matter. book, and they go home with a pretty cool-looking book with their photographs and story,” says Stevenson-Moore.

Camp No. 2 — Greek Week: Mythology and Food, March 21-25, includes a cooking class and mythology and history lessons.

“They all kind of tie together. We’ve picked some dishes that tie in with the history and some myths that tie in with the history,” says Stevenson-Moore. “We try to pick subjects that kids can really

sink their teeth into. We only have them for a week so clearly we’re not going to be able to teach them everything about something, but . . . we can give them elements and building blocks that they’ll remember.”

A healthy lunch and snack are provided every day. The cost for a week of camp is $285; drop-in rates are available.

Visit www.jellicostation.com or call 604-982-1111. Jellico Station is located at 238 Fell Ave., North Vancouver.

Capilano University presents

BLUES SPORTS

CAMPS Spring Break 2011

Shoes for trendy kids

March 14-18 and 21-25

BASKETBALL CAMPS Gender

Age

Date

Time

Cost

Boys

Grades 5-7

March 14-18

9:30-12:30

$160

Boys

Grade 8-10

March 14-18

1:00-4:00

$160

Girls

Grades 5-7

March 21-25

9:30-12:30

$160

Girls

Grade 8-10

March 21-25

1:00-4:00

$160

VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Gender

Age

Date

Time

Cost

Girls

Grades 6-7

March 21-25

9:30-12:30

$160

Girls

Grades 8-9

March 21-25

1:00-4:00

$160

Get a SPRING in your step with

To Register for Blues Sports Camps or for more info: Visit: www.capilanou.ca/blues Call: 604-990-7805 Email: blues@capilanou.ca

Avoid disappointment and register today!

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Blues Spring Basketball Academy, Blues Club Basketball Teams, Summer Sports Camps

Capilano University Department of Athletics and Recreation 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver

www.capilanou.ca/blues

Spring Collections available at:

Chic Angels Shoes 2020 Park Royal South, West Vancouver (old Kiddie Kobbler location)

778.279.2970 • www.chicangels.ca

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011 - North Shore News - A25

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A trip through time at the mine SPRING Break is almost here; it’s a perfect time to go underground.

The recently transformed Britannia Mine Museum offers family-friendly activities like the underground mine train and gold panning area.

Throughout the break, the museum will have various activities and exhibits including Minerals Rock Days, Social History Days and Rhymin’ Minin’ Poetry Days.

Special interpreter-led programs will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day during spring break.

Located 10 minutes south of Squamish on the picturesque Sea-to-Sky highway, the reinvented museum was recently transformed from a mining legacy site into a vibrant destination, thanks to contributions from the mining industry, the provincial and federal governments and private donations.

The museum celebrates the contributions of mining and minerals to society, the history of the storied Britannia Beach community and the ideas and practises of

environmental renewal and sustainability.

Visitor attractions include: ■ The new Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre, which houses several theatrical mining and mineral exhibits including a unique “mining tornado” structure filled with everyday items that mining has influenced, new theatre space, gift shop and the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

■ The new Britannia AZ Exhibit Hall: A restored heritage building where visitors can step back in time and learn about the more than 60,000 people from over 50 countries who lived and worked in Britannia between 1904 to 1974.

■ The awe-inspiring 20-storey mill building, a National Historic Site and one of the last remaining gravity-fed concentrator mills in North America. Restored in 2007, each of the 14,416 panes of glass was hand-puttied into the frames to maintain its heritage.

■ The ever-popular underground train ride through the Britannia mine tunnel where visitors can experience firsthand what life was like for miners.

2011 Summer Enrichment PROGRAMS

■ The family favourite gold panning area.

In addition, throughout the month of March, families can sign up for a year-long membership to the Britannia Mine Museum at the discounted rate of $68 (for a family of five; two parents and three children — normal family membership is $89).

The membership gives the family free admission for the full year, a free guest pass, discounts at the museum’s store, plus additional benefits with partner organizations.

Note that the discounted March family membership rate is cheaper than regular family admissions pricing.

The Britannia Mine Museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and offers guided tours. Visit www.britanniaminemuseum. ca for more information.

About the Britannia Mine Museum: The Britannia Mine Museum is a non-profit organization that promotes mining awareness through fun experiential education programs.

It’s governed by the Britannia Beach Historical Society.

THE Britannia Mine Museum is both a National Historic Site and a B.C. Historic Landmark. photo submitted

Artists for Kids After School Art Spring classes begin April 11, 2011 Classes for Young Artists ages 5-18 Taught by Terrific Teachers in a North Shore school near you Course registration forms available in all school offices and online.

www.artists4kids.com For more information please call 604-903-3798

April 4SPRING PROGRAMS Adult & Youth Sport Conditioning June 26 Early Bird Registration: Register by March 21 to receive a FREE 1-on-1 session

Where Learning Never Stops

Over 100 enrichment programs for ages 6 – 17.

Programs start July 4.

1-on-1 Training

Register online TODAY www.sd45.bc.ca

Team Training

Youth Sport Programs

Adult Fitness Programs

“Everyday is My Day to Get Better” Cutting Edge Training System • Passionate, Knowledgeable Coaches • Challenging, Inspiring Environment

Spring Break Camps March 14-18 & March 21-25

(Speed, Quickness & Agility Camp, Soccer Camp, Hockey Camp, Field Hockey Camp)

Voted #1 on the North Shore

www.sd45.bc.ca

#12-1225 East Keith Rd., North Vancouver www.twistconditioning.com | 604-904-6556

KIDS

A26 - North Shore News - Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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Young athletes learn and have fun CAPILANO University is expanding its popular Spring and Summer Break sports camps for young athletes.

According to camps director Ryan Lenarduzzi, this spring,

the facility will be launching Blues Club Basketball Teams and Blues Basketball Academy for teens and students in Grades 6 and 7.

Blues Club team tryouts will be in late march and Blues basketball academies will begin

in early April.

The aim is that Capilano University Athletics will become a centre for sport for the North Shore community, said Lenarduzzi in an email, not just at the inter-collegiate level but from the grassroots level up.

“We have great coaches who are committed to this mandate,” he said. The academies will provide elementary school players the opportunity to learn proper fundamentals in a fun and challenging environment, while

the club teams will help high school athletes develop their skills while training in a team environment, and competing in tournaments locally and in the United States.

“Simply put, we are trying to provide local athletes with a path to achieve the most out of their potential,” says Lenarduzzi.

For specific information, go to www.capilanou.ca and click on the “Blues club basketball teams/blues basketball academy” link.

Let us take care of your family’s dental needs • Free Consultations • Pediatrics & Adult Oral Sedation • Gentle & friendly team • Ample parking/convenient hours • 24/7 Emergency line • We even do house calls

Special Tooth Whitening $99 with complete exam & hygiene appointment

FA M I LY & C O S M E T I C D E N T I S T R Y DR. JAN KHANANSHO

#218-3650 Mount Seymour Parkway, North Vancouver

604-929-1228

PLAY BALL! with West Van Little League Co-ed Baseball – space still left for 5-10 year olds Register today at www.westvanll.ca

PROUD TO BE A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY.

NEWS photo Paul McGrath

New beginnings MAPLEWOOD Farm’s first lambs of the season were triplets born on Feb. 26. Farmer Pam and the triplets’ mom Little Star inspect the newborns.

Kids get ready to Break the Shore

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INTREPID tykes and teenagers will love the line-up at Escape Adventures’ Spring Break camps.

The North Vancouverbased company has added a new camp this year that combines bike riding instruction with outdoor winter fun.

Break the Shore, for five to 15-year-olds, includes days of riding and bike instruction with skating and snowshoeing on Grouse Mountain, plus climbing at The Edge.

Camps are suitable for children and teens who love the outdoors.

They get to ride their bikes, explore the rainforests in North Vancouver, go indoor rock climbing and make new friends.

All levels are welcome, and Escape Adventures staff can help interested parents figure out if they have the gear that’s needed.

Find out more at www. escadventures.com